In the virtual 82nd Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers National Convention with the theme “AcChElerating Collaboration: Chemical Engineers in the Forefront of Post COVID-19 Pandemic”, Engr. Charmaigne Luz D. Jamandre, ASEAN Engr., FPIChE and Engr. Felicidad N. Altalaguire, FPIChE, Ph.D. seized victory last September 15 to 17.

Jamandre, the convention chairman for the event hosted by the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE)’s Davao Chapter, was awarded the highest title as Internationally Recognized Chemical Engineer on day two of the convention and took an oath as New National President PIChE for 2021 to 2023 on day three.

“As a convention chairman, I am to lead the process of organizing the national convention,” shared Jamandre.

USA Chemical Engineering Student Society (ChESS) President Lorenz Inri Banabatac shared his feedback of the event.

“Despite being online, the committee-in-charge made all efforts to minimize technical problems, which resulted to a smooth flow of events. The troubleshooting was top notch and the communication between the teachers and student was greatly established,” said Banabatac.

Meanwhile, Engr. Altalaguire was awarded as Senior Specialist Chemical Engineer which requires a minimum of seven years of experience within a specific specialization.

“As a former dean, Doc. Altalaguire is liable for the activities in the COT department. She is very hands-on in every academic or curricular activity, and together with Engr. Jamandre, as a current PIChE president, this event became possible with great leadership and skills,” Reynee Shaira Matulac, former president of USA ChESS, shared in an interview with The Augustinian.

Moreover, Jamandre and Altalaguire work as educators, particularly Altalaguire being the former dean of the College of Technology’s Chemical Engineering department which prompted students to share their insight.

“Their efforts to the event motivated me to do well in my studies inspite of the current online set up. Seeing the faculties giving their all at the National Convention stirred my drive for the chemical engineering course to overcome the obstacles we face during online classes,” Banabatac remarked.

Additionally, Jamandre after reflecting on the joy and hard work to these successes, she imparts her encouraging words for students and aspiring chemical engineers.

“For my students and aspiring chemical engineers, continue to follow your dream of being a chemical engineer, be a catalyst of change and aspire for more learnings and remember always that chemical engineering touches everything,” Jamandre concluded in the interview.