28 February 2024, Seoul. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Senior Undersecretary and Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. (PICE) National President Emik K. Sadain signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Korean Society of Civil Engineers represented by its President Mr. Choong-ki Chung.

Senior Undersecretary Sadain highlighted that the signing of the MOU marks the beginning of the Philippines and Korea's immense potential for cooperation and advancement in the field of civil engineering. The Undersecretary said, "By formalizing this partnership between KSCE and PICE we are laying a foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship built on shared goals, values, expertise and resources." Through the tireless effort and commitment of the PICE and KSCE leadership, both organizations can contribute not just to the advancement of the civil engineering profession but also to the fostering of stronger relations between the people of the Philippines and Korea. "The timing of this MOU signing could have been any better as we are celebrating the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations of the PH-ROK this year," he also added.

KSCE President Chung welcomed the PICE delegation and shared that the signing of the MOU will not only lead to more collaboration between the two organizations but also to greater cooperation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea in both the civil engineering industry and academia. He cited the Philippines increasing demand for infrastructure development and the growing interest of Korean companies to participate in infrastructure projects as further impetus to expand cooperation in many aspects.

The signing ceremony was held on 26 February 2024 at the KSCE Headquarters in Seoul and participated by Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council (ACECC) Chair Jae-Woo Park, KSCE Secretary General Dae-Jin Hwang, and KSCE Vice Chair of International Construction Project Committee Jeong-Hwan Kim. DPWH officials who are in the Republic of Korea for a technology transfer program also attended the meeting and MOU signing namely: Undersecretaries and PICE Past National Presidents Eugenio R. Pipo Jr. and Ador G. Canlas; Undersecretaries Roberto R. Bernardo, Carlos G. Mutuc, and Eric D. Ayapana; OIC-Undersecretary Marichu A. Palafox; Assistant Secretary Joy Manginsay; and Project Director and PICE Convention Committee member Ramon A. Arriola III. The Political and Economic Section of the Philippine Embassy headed by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha L. Olavario were present to witness the event.

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul looks forward to stronger people-to-people engagement in the field of civil engineering under the signed MOU and congratulates PICE and KSCE members for all its initiatives to further professionalize the specialized and highly technical field of civil engineering. END