Filipino engineer awarded in Australia for public service

MANILA -- A Filipino registered engineer in Queensland was honored in Australia for his outstanding public service, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday.

Guillermo "Bill" Capati was awarded a Public Service Medal by the Governor General of Australia during the 2013 Australia Day celebrations in January.

"The Award is in recognition of Mr. Capati's outstanding public service to the sustainable water future of the Gold Coast and broader South East Queensland region," the DFA said.

Capati is presently working with the Manager Service Sustainability, Gold Coast Water, Gold Coast City Council, Queensland, managing much of the strategic long-term planning for the City's water and wastewater needs, which includes long-term water planning and recycled water release.

His excellent professional achievements and vast experience, combined with dedication and hard work, enabled him to reach greater success in his career.

The Public Service Medal affirmed his earlier recognition as "Public Sector Professional of the Year" by the Institute of Public Administration Australia Queensland in 2009, and the "Eric Brier Memorial Award" by Engineers Australia Queensland Division in 2010, the department said.

He is a fellow of Engineers Australia and the Australian Institute of Management and an Adjunct Professor at the Advanced Water Management Centre of the University of Queensland.

Philippine Ambassador Belen Anota recognized and congratulated Capati and encouraged him to share his insights and best practices with Filipino engineers, in the hope of achieving the same kind of sustainable water planning for the Philippines. (SDR/Sunnex)