MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC/Commission), together with the Professional Regulatory Board of Geodetic Engineering (PRBGE), successfully led the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications on Surveying in the ASEAN Region (The Continuation of the International Conference in Support of The ASEAN Qualification Reference Framework on Surveying) on August 11 – 14, 2024 at the Sheraton Manila Hotel and via online platform.

The ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) enables comparisons of education qualifications across participating ASEAN Member States (AMS). Additionally, the conference aims to encourage the development of qualifications frameworks of Geodetic Engineering and the Referencing Report, which are crucial in promoting and supporting the mobility of Surveying professionals.

During the opening of the conference, Hon. Epifanio D. Lopez, the PRBGE Chairperson, warmly presented the foreign delegates and speakers from different participating AMS and organizations such as Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia (Virtual), Indonesia, Lao PDR (Virtual), Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), ASEAN Federation of Land Surveying and Geomatics (AFLAG), ASEAN Secretariat, Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines (GEP), Land Registration Administration (LRA), Office of the City Mayor, Pasig City, PRBGE, and  PRC.

Hon. Commissioner Erwin M. Enad warmly welcomed all participants and delivered his encouraging message. Likewise, PRBGE Member, Hon. Concordio D. Zuñiga showed the participants a glimpse of the October 2023 International Conference and Plenary Session, a blast from the past as they say. In her Keynote Address, PRC’s Hon. Chairperson Charito A. Zamora challenged every professional to be at their feet, to be actively engaged, and to build a more harmonized mutual recognition of professional qualifications on surveying across the ASEAN Region. This was followed by the presentation of the conference’s overview and objectives presented by the Director IV of PRC – International Affairs Office (IAO), Atty. Melisa Jane C. Yeachana.

During the afternoon session, Hon. Commissioner Jose Y. Cueto, Jr., then led a critical discussion on the Harmonization of Education within ASEAN and emphasized that the AQRF functions as a translation tool, enabling the comparison of qualifications across ASEAN member states. Further, Dr. Christopher Ryan Keenan, Chairman of FIG Commission 5 on Positioning and Measurement, keenly eyed and presented the crucial role of FIG in promoting professional standards and practices globally, which underscored the global influence of FIG’s work and its relevance to the ASEAN context, particularly in setting standards and advancing professional practices in surveying. 

For the first plenary group discussion, the core presentation and open forum were centered on embracing comparability and substantial equivalence in ASEAN surveying education. The PRBGE Chairperson, Hon. Epifanio D. Lopez, spearheaded this and provided insights virtually and in person. Meanwhile, the second plenary group discussion centered on the adoption and promotion of best practices, standards, and qualifications in surveying services. Among the foreign discussants during both plenary group discussions were Dr. Keenan, Dr. Wicha Jiwalai (Thailand), Ady Saptadi Ruchiatan (Indonesia), Said Abdullah Abri (Indonesia), Ilham Perintis (Indonesia), Mohd Riduan (Malaysia), Noorbin Ahmad (Malaysia), and Pg Matusin Matasan (Brunei), and GEP National President Raymund Arnold S. Alberto of the Philippines.

Highlighting the conference is the signing of the Special Recognition, wherein the Commission, through the PRBGE, recognizes the FIG as the premier international organization representing the interests of surveyors worldwide, as well as the key guiding principle in the professional practice of surveying in the Philippines. These initiatives aim to elevate and advance the standards of the surveying profession in the Philippines, ensuring practitioners are equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet international benchmarks.

Overall, PRBGE Member Hon. Randolf S. Vicente’s synthesis encapsulated the conference’s focus on collaboration, the need for structural and policy reforms, and the importance of ongoing professional development. It served as a strategic guide for the continued advancement of geodetic engineering and surveying within the ASEAN region.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Lopez emphasized the importance of the discussions held during the conference and the collective steps that need to be taken as the profession moves forward. His honor likewise advocated for the promotion of platforms for joint workshops, seminars, and conferences, where best practices and innovations in surveying could be shared. More importantly, he called for the strengthening of partnerships between educational institutions, professional organizations, and government bodies to ensure a unified approach to education and professional standards.

Significantly, this conference is a testimony and a momentous feat towards the continuous improvement of the implementation of the ASEAN MRAs and Framework Arrangement for the professionals within the ASEAN region. As deliverables are identified, acknowledged, and put through, the notable and persistent participation of PRC and PRBs in the ASEAN activities and conferences will safeguard the Filipino professionals’ strive for excellent, consistent, and professional services that are globally recognized and comparable.        

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