BRANDING OF ASEAN ENGINEER

AS STRUCTURAL ENGINEER FOR GLOBAL MOBILITY

Antonio C. Acupan, Jr., MSCE, MM,APEC/ASEAN Eng, ACPE

ABSTRACT: ASEAN's strength is the abundance of natural resources and adaptable workers. These
workers are ready to be trained and can absorb relevant technologies quickly. As good engineers,
leveraging on this strength should not be difficult for ASEAN Engineer, as Structural Engineer.

“In this endeavour, ASEAN Engineer needs to bear in mind the competition in the market place. The
enhanced branding of ASEAN engineering profession must convey innovation, quality and cost-
effectiveness. In doing so, the training and skills of ASEAN engineers are critical. Standards must be
constantly upgraded and harmonised.” Source: H.E. Ong Keng Yong, Secretary-General of ASEAN at the
24th Conference of ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO), Bandar Sunway,
Selangor, Malaysia, 30 November 2006

The ASEAN integration in 2015 will locally impact demand for shelter development and infrastructure as
well. Opportunities are 1) Stronger demand for shelter, 2) Emergence of new growth areas like Cagayan
de Oro, and c) More and better construction projects.

To reap the benefits of the ASEAN integration, the Philippines must continue to pursue relevant market
reforms in order to remain competitive. With the upcoming ASEAN integration, shelter development
players should work together to unlock strategic approaches to keep the domestic shelter sector afloat as
multinational players enter the already stiff competition in the Philippines’ shelter development market.

Filipino Structural Engineers with deep appreciation of Code of Ethics and Social Accountability,
coupled with cutting edge technology to counter climate change and risk, is expected to anchor the shelter
development in the Philippines.

Propagate the tagline for Filipino Structural Engineer: “it is your work that will teach you innovation,
quality and cost-effectiveness”.

Keywords. ASEAN, Geohazards, Mobility, Shelter, Accountability

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MAIN BODY OF THE PAPER

I. ISSUE

1. Branding of ASEAN Engineer, as Structural Engineer, for Global Mobility.Applied to Shelter

Development at West Uptown Expansion Area2, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

II. FACTS

1. Philippine Outlook of Shelter Development 2013

a. There is a need to permanently sustain a centralized home financing program for the Philippines to
eliminate the current 5.5 million shelter backlog and supply the housing demand of the growing
middle class within the next 20 years. Places other than Metro Manila and Cebu may need to be
tapped to meet the demand for business and residential space, leading to the emergence of new
economic hot spots. Among the possible growth areas is Cagayan de Oro. (CREBA, 2013)

2. Cagayan de Oro Outlook of Shelter Development 2013

a. Considering the deliverables for shelter development, Cagayan de oro opted for the establishment
of expansion areas in the concept of Climate Smart Township Development. The physical
attributes of Cagayan de Oro emphasize the need for linear development along the major highway.
This terrain necessitates an integrative solution to road water and shelter within the framework of
sustainable development of infrastructure. (CLUP Cagayan de Oro 2013)

Figure A
3. Land Use for Shelter Development

a. The shelter development in Cagayan de Oro needs of area of 1,218.60 hectares for the
construction of 65,709 housing units from 2012 until 2022 or at the development rate of 6,570.90
housing units per year. The West Uptown Expansion Area 2 is a location some of the shelter
can be developed. The area covers Barangays Carmen, Canitoan, Lumbia and Pagatpat. This will
be a medium to high-density, mixed-use pedestrian friendly center with high end, low-density type

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 of development for residential and commercial uses. This area will decongest the present major
urban center/city core and shall provide more opportunities for socio-economic activities.
(Acupan, 2012)

Figure B

4. Case Study for Shelter Development

a. The Uptown Township is a mixed use development covering an area of 360 hectares. It is located
in West Uptown Expansion Area 2. The project was started in 1997 and planned for completion in
2007. However, in 2008 collateral developments were initiated in deviation from the Development
Master Plan. There are constraints in the development of new expansion areas, namely; a) Shelter
development is highly regulated by several local and regional agencies, b) The local water district
is not capable of supplying water, c) The road alignment design of Civil Engineers does not match
with the technical description of Geodetic Engineers plan and this resulted in erroneous boundary
description of land. During the final stages of the development, there is a pressing need to
maintain the income stream of development firm resulting in the development of areas classified
as risk or reserve areas in their environmental master plan. (Acupan, 2013)

Figure B

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 Figure D

5. Geohazards of Shelter Development

a. The Geohazards caused by extreme weather events area) Flood by Tropical Cyclone Sendong in
December 2011, b) Magnitude 7.2 during Bohol Earthquake in October 2013, c) Wind Speed
caused by Tropical cyclone Yolanda in November 2013. The Geohazards prevailing in the area
caused by shift in weather pattern are: a) Increasing occurrence of rainfall higher than 12mm/hr
monthly average, during the months of October to January, and b) Increasing occurrence of
landslide resulting from heavy rainfall.

Figure E

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 Figure F

Figure G

6. Structural Engineering Intervention

a. To neutralize the geohazards, intervention by ASEAN Engineer in the field of structural

engineering are; a) Performance-Based Design For Earthquake Engineering, b) Wind Engineering,
and c ) Engineered Grading and Slope Stability, National Structural Code of the Philippines 2010
Section 109.5.2. The design criteria for Shelter Development consistent with the brand of ASEAN
Engineer, as Structural Engineer, being innovative, quality and cost-effective, are presented. This
technical paper is inspired byH.E. Ong Keng Yong, Secretary-General of ASEANv2006

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 Figure H

7. Filipino Structural Engineer, Alfredo L. Juinio

a. “As I always say: In the end, it is your work that will teach you, not any one person. And if you do
not love your work, you will not understand it.” D. M Consunji, 2012

Figure J

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 Pages 141-142

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III. ASSUMPTIONS

1. THEAPECENGINEER. A Model for the Mobility of Engineers. ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC

COOPERATION. HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP
2. ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL MOBILITY AND FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS. FEDERICO
A. MONSADA, MEng, ASEAN Eng’ President Philippine Technological Council
3. What happens to professionals during ASEAN integration? PRC chair says registration needed.
InterAksyon.com
4. Cagayan de Oro. At Risk But Livable, Dexter Lo, Xavier University Engineering Resource Center,
2015
5. Project Development Land Use for Civil Engineers. Applied CCA/DRR for Cagayan de Oro/
Antonio C Acupan Jr. Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Misor/Cdo chapter 2012
6. Project Development of Road, Water and Shelter for Cagayan de Oro. Antonio C. Acupan Jr/. 33rd
Conference of ASEAN Engineering Organizations CAFEO. Myanmar 2014
7. Disaster Risk Assessment (DRA) Report of Cagayan de Oro. City Planning and Development Office.
Cagayan de Oro 2012
8. Enhancement measures/safety nets — ASEAN mutual recognition arrangements on engineering
services.STAR SCIENCE By Angel L. Lazaro III, Ph.D. Academician, National Academy of Science
and Technology (The Philippine Star)

IV. DISCUSSION

1. Intent of the Paper, Branding of ASEAN Engineers, as Structural Engineers for Global Practice
a. Craft a brand identity for Filipino Structural Engineer consistent with ASEAN Mutual
Recognition Agreement MRA;
b. Initiate upgrading of the design standard stated in BP 220 and PD 957 for geohazard resilient
shelter development; and
c. Create an entry strategy for structural engineering firm within the cross border framework of
commercial presence.

2. ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreement MRA (Lazaro,2014)

The ASEAN economic integration will be implemented in 2015. Mutual recognition agreements (MRAs)
affecting seven professions, including engineering services, have been agreed. MRAs could be an opportunity
or a curse. The purpose of this paper is to recommend enhancement measures/safety nets to optimize benefits to
the Philippines.

The MRAs will be implemented by the ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer Coordinating Committee
(ACPECC) through monitoring committees (MCs) in each ASEAN country. The ACPECC will be comprised
of one representative from the MCs of ASEAN member-countries. The Philippine MC is composed of the
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Commission for Higher Education (CHED) and Philippine
Technological Council (PTC). An ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineers Register will be developed,
processed and maintained by each MC.

The Philippines will be in a very disadvantageous position if it looks upon the MRA primarily as a vehicle for
practice by individuals. The real competition is professional practice through companies/firms. Optimization of
benefits is not in “cross-border supply,” “consumption abroad” or “natural persons” but in “commercial
presence.” In this paper, the term “professionals” refers to both individuals and companies/firms, unless
otherwise stated.

Implementation is a two-way process. The first is outgoing: Filipinos practicing in other ASEAN countries. The
second is incoming: Citizens of other ASEAN countries practicing in the Philippines. The outgoing process
starts with conferment of the title ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer (ACPE) to qualified Filipino
professionals followed by application to and authorization by the Professional Regulation Commission.

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3. ASEAN Professional (Mansala 2014)

What happens to licensed Civil Engineers during the creation of an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)?
Licensed Civil Engineers need to register as “ASEAN professionals.” MRA will facilitate freer movement of
professionals in ASEAN as their education, license, and experience of professionals from their country of origin
shall be recognized in other ASEAN member states. Profession recognized under MRA is Civil Engineering
with specialization in Structural Engineering.

MRA is in line with the ASEAN Economic Community that seeks to create a single market and production base
by 2015 through the free flow of goods, services, investment, capital, and skilled labor. MRA will not reduce, or
eliminate the rights, power, and authority of each ASEAN member state as it only seeks to recognize education,
training, licenses, and experiences of professionals. Thus, there is no need to change our domestic regulations.
A professional who registered in his own country wants to work in the Philippines, he or she still needs to get a
temporary permit from the PRC to practice.

4. Brand Identity of Filipino Civil and Structural Engineer (Consunji, 2012)

a. Engr Alfredo L. Juinio according to Engr David M. Consunji.

i. On page 7, Engr Consunji narrated the contribution of Engr Juinio in the development of
3,000 psi concrete mix and its effect to construction industry.
ii. Engr Juinio was an academician at UP College of Engineering, where brilliant Structural
Engineers was educated.
iii. Engr Juinio was an innovator as evidenced by his design mix of 3,000 psi concrete using
8 bags of cement when 2,000 psi concrete uses 10 bags.
iv. Engr Juinio was a brilliant visionary but have a practical bent – a rare combination.
v. Engr Juinio was a designer having design the UP Chapel, a dome structure that was only
buildable using 3,000 psi concrete.

5. Application to Philippine Setting, West Uptown

Expansion Area 2, Cagayan de Oro

Case Study of Uptown Township.

The Environmental Compliance Certificate was violated by

a. Increasing its allocated land use for residential
by building community at the convergence at lowland area of drainage outfall, Tagmatay Creek
and Calaanan Creek. Hydraulic structures must be constructed to mitigate the vulnerability to
flood.
b. The lowland area between Calaanan Creek and
loose gravel steep slope. Geotechnical structures must be constructed to mitigate the vulnerability
to landslide.
c. Converting the land use allocated for Waste
Water Facility into a residential community resulting to increase in runoff and loss of recycled
water. The residential community increases the demand for potable water. The source of potable
water is deep well at lowland area. Heavy drawing of water from acquifer resulted into ground
subsidence and structure settlement.

Amendments to theRules and Regulations BP 220 and PD 957, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board
2001
a. After the occurrence of Tropical Storm
Sendong in December 2010, HLURB initiated the preparation of Comprehensive Land Use Planning
for 2012-22. The CLUP integrates the provision for Climate Change Adaptability and Disaster Risk
Reduction CCA/DRR provisions.

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 b. Table B in the Annex is the proposed
amendment to BP 220 and PD 957 incorporating the current need for engineering intervention for
earthquake, wind, flood and landslide.

Future development at West Uptown Expansion Area 2, CLUP 2012-22, Cagayan de Oro
a. Cagayan de Oro is one the growth area and
emerging economic hotspot where shelter development is a main component. However, the terrain of
Cagayan de Oro is vulnerable to flash flood, strong wind, earthquake and landslide (Dexter Lo, XU
ERC, 2014)

b. West Uptown Expansion Area 2 is flood free

portion since located in a plateau.

V. RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

The main points are

a. In Mid 1950s, the concern for Filipino Structural Engineer was improvement in materials for construction.
Engr Juinio focused on the strength improvement of a material (concrete mix) to attain the practicality the dome
shaped structure.
b. In current CCA/DRR era, the concern of Filipino Structural Engineer is the environment by providing structures
that withstand the geohazards prevalent in the area. The Author focused on Code of Ethics and Social
Accountability, as well as, initiates the amendments to Table B of HLURB BP 220 and PD 957.

Based on the information presented, Branding of ASEAN Engineer, as Structural Engineer for Global Mobility, is
……..

“In this endeavour, ASEAN Engineer needs to bear in mind the competition in the market place. The enhanced
branding of ASEAN engineering profession must convey innovation, quality and cost-effectiveness. In doing
so, the training and skills of ASEAN engineers are critical. Standards must be constantly upgraded and
harmonised.” Source: H.E. Ong Keng Yong, Secretary-General of ASEAN at the 24th Conference of ASEAN
Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO), Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia, 30 November 2006

“As I always say: In the end, it is your work that will teach you, not any one person. And if you do not love
your work, you will not understand it.” D. M Consunji, 2012

VI. ACTION PLAN

Based on the intent of the paper:

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 a. Craft a brand identity for Filipino Structural Engineer consistent with ASEAN Mutual Recognition
Agreement MRA;
a. Propagate the tagline for Filipino Structural Engineer : “ it is your work that will teach you
innovation, quality and cost-effectiveness”

b. Initiate upgrading of the design standard stated in BP 220 and PD 957 for geohazard resilient shelter
development; and
a. Upgrade the design standards for shelter development by amending the Table B of HLURB BP
220 and PD 957.
i. Work for the approval at the level of City Council of Cagayan de Oro.
b. Implement Engineered Grading and Slope Stability, National Structural Code of the Philippines
2010 Section 109.5.2.

c. Create an entry strategy for structural engineering firm within the cross border framework of commercial
presence.
a. This technical paper is the entry strategy of a structural engineering firm based in Cagayan de Oro
for the shelter development of West Uptown Expansion Area 2.

REFERENCES

1. Manual of Professional Practice for Civil Engineers. Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. 2011
2. National Structural code of the Philippines, 6 th Edition. Association of Structural Engineers of the
Philippines, 2010
3. Passion To Build. A memoir of David M. Consunji. Second Printing 2012.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Engr Antonio C. Acupan, Jr is an international Professional Engineer with specialization in Structural Engineering
and Project Development. Hegraduated Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Structures) from University of the
Philippines, Diliman and Master inManagement from Asian Institute of Management, Makati. He is registered as
ASEAN Engineer AER 484, APEC Engineer AERP CE-00060-14 and ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer
ACPER-01204/PH. He is an Accredited Program Evaluatorfor Civil Engineering by Philippine Technological
Council. He may be contacted at Dove-Lovebirds St., Morning Mist Village, Pueblo Township, Upper Carmen,
Cagayan de Oro or through mobile phone 0917 951 4726 and email acacupan|@yahoo.com.

Annex

Table B HLURB PD 857 and HB 220

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