THIRD District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. and City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago on Saturday night, September 22, expressed appreciation for the local engineering community and cited their role in nation-building and economic development.
Both officials were the keynote speakers during the ABM Convention 2018 at Kingsborough International Convention Center.
The Abe Kapampangan Engineering Society of Mapua Institute of Technology, better known as ABM, 40 years ago, is the association of Kapampangan alumni of the Mapua Institute of Technology in different engineering courses. The convention carried the theme, "Palabungan ing Pamisanmetung king ABM."
Gonzales said that ABM members, who are now well entrenched members of the engineering community in various capacities both in government and the community have contributed in the development and progress of the engineering practice.
“I am grateful that I have been a member of ABM. The values it had taught me has kept me going all these years as an engineer,” Gonzales added. Gonzales said that ABM engineers contribute to nation building through sound engineering practices, proper work ethics and the jobs they create through their businesses and engineering works.
Gonzales also lauded ABM for contributing to his success as an engineer and politician adding that his experience with ABM during his college days have greatly contributed to what he is today. He also urged the current ABM leadership to keep the organization active for the years to come.
ABM members present in different chapter organizations like in the Lion City and other countries of South East Asia, the Down Under, New Zealand, the cold fronts of Canada, the Silicon Valley of California, the various states of the USA, the hot sands of the Middle East, the Melting Pot of Tarlac, the Central Luzon core of Pampanga and other places where they have shown their expertise.
Santiago, meanwhile, completed a mechanical engineering course at Mapua. He is considered a noteworthy supporter of the group and its cause to help the local engineering community and its members.
Santiago said that ABM engineers have been active in building San Fernando into what it is today. Many ABM members who have chosen to practice their profession in Pampanga have built the structures that dot the city’s skyline today.
Santiago added that ABM engineers are also present in professional positions in government and other private businesses in Pampanga and the City of San Fernando. He added that the robust activities and businesses of ABM engineers are providing jobs to many locals.
Santiago also urged the ABM to continue developing its organization and focus on other worthwhile causes for its members and its immediate community.