Digital news portal The Filipino Times recognized the outstanding contributions of 126 Filipino engineers and architects to the Middle East’s development at the Watchlist: Top Filipino Engineers and Architects in the Middle East 2025 awards ceremony held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 14.
The event, organized by New Perspective Media Group (NPM Group), highlighted the significant role these professionals play in shaping the region’s infrastructure and advancing sustainable urban growth.
Awardees came from a variety of fields, including architecture, civil engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, and mechanical engineering, with representatives from Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Below is the complete list of awardees, organized by their last name and field of expertise:
ARCHITECTURE
Bahala, Rhona
Dicipulo, Antonio
Gaela, Carmelita
Gavino, Jeffrey Carlo
Lago, Cherylliz Anne
Pabalan, Fernando
Pareja, Woderick
Pigao, Bernadette
Quiogue, Kriz Samed
Reyes, Franz Felea
Rigor, Paul Peter Son Rico
Santos, Kenneth Mark
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Abad, Charles Concordio
Aldaya, Marichelle
Animas, Jay
Apduhan, Blesil
Bañadera, Joey
Bayot, Erwin
Betita, Alfonso Belito
Borreros, Kristoffer Arnie
Buenconsejo, Glenn John
Cabardo, Jonathan
Castañeda, Jaime Jr.
Castillon, Ronald
Cayaga, Alden
Cayog, John Carlo
Chavez, Anngela
Cocjin, Randy Piniera
Dalupang, Leonides
Dela Peña, Sheryl
De Sesto, Michelle
De Vera, Fredel
Dela Cruz, Pablismer
Delos Santos, Cedrich Joshua Yllana
Diestro, Leonester Villar
Dolozon, John Nielsen
Famorcan, Joeper
Francia, Michael Jeanios
Galeon, Julie Galve
Idos, Paquito
Isla, Romaline
Juntilla, Ace
Labarda, Ahmer
Leaño, Roland
Legaste, Jay-ar
Lopez, Asuncion
Magnaye, Percival
Malaluan, Vanessa Angela
Malayao, Leonel Joseph
Malubay, Raleigh
Manglicmot, Gerry
Mangubat, Williamson
Manqueria, Vener
Marcial, Nathalie
Molbog, Joevince
Navarro, Lorena
Nicdao, Melvin Kieth
Nuque, Sharon
Oligo, Mario
Ortiguerra, Meliza
Pigao, Engersol
Ramos, Raymund Ralph
Rentutar, Rafael Jr.
Ricohermoso, Juanito
Sanchez, Marites
Tampipi, Alberto Jr.
Tan, Dana Lynn
Tejedo, Jundee Mar
Utram, Jojo
Victorio, Vic Allen
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Deauna, Jowy Palma
Dela Cruz, Jolivette Rapadas
Lopez, Florencio Jr.
Soriano, Patrick Luis
Yamson, Rodolfo Jr.
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
Agnes, Genesis
Batoon, Heherson
Capuno, Maricarl
Gasangue, Mark Nhel
Garcia, Garry
Lao, Leo Vincent
Lontoc, Rafael
Maglaque-Arcega, Ma. Elisa
Perez, Jeejay Al
Valeros, Leif Marvin
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Cabalse, Manny Boy
Casao, Elmer
Castulo, Rodrigo Jr.
Cupido, Leo
Diaz, Aruel
Genove, Elmer
Guillermo, Alfie
Hipolito, Marlon
Laguerta, Venerando
Lingcaso, Norberto Jr.
Oyao, Jalan Nicolas
Paloma, Victor
Perez, Ken Anthony
Pineda, Lesley Ariel
Rances, Melanie
Recto, Roanne Joy
Saragpon- Guillermo, Rocil May
Sayaman, Ian Waldy
Tangcogo, Jose
Vergosa, Enrie Andy
Villa, Eryl
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Aguado, Leonardo
Basario, Kristian
Beltran, Arlan
Calingasan, Clyde Bienson
Calma, Sonny
Defensor, Pasciano
Delgado, Domingo Jr.
Ingal, Juanito Jr.
Malagapo, Eduardo
Mamayog, Shayed
Orticio, Felizardo Jr.
Parubrub, Cipriano
Perpetua, Jed Gregorio
Pineda, Lloyd Christian
Ramos, Reynald
Regalado, Henry
Reyes, Jaime III
Rosete, Francis Louie
Serben, Michael
Valero, Jeffrey
Zamora, Jayson
Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and founder of NPM Group and publisher of The Filipino Times, highlighted the publication’s commitment to empowering Filipinos worldwide. “This event is a testament to their invaluable contributions,” she said.
She further emphasized the significant impact Filipino professionals have had on the engineering and architecture sectors in the Middle East.
“The engineering and architecture sectors in the Middle East have greatly benefited from the talent, resilience, and expertise of Filipino professionals. We are proud to provide a platform that fosters peer-to-peer recognition and celebrates work excellence, leadership, professional success, resilience, and community service,” Remo added.
“Through your efforts, you have raised the bar for what Filipinos can achieve globally, and we are incredibly proud of all that you have accomplished. Your success not only uplifts the standing of Filipino professionals in the Middle East but also inspires others to follow in your footsteps,” John Rio Bautista, labor attaché of the Migrant Workers Office – Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said.
The Watchlist also featured a panel of professional judges, including Sheryl De La Peña, immediate past chapter president of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – UAE; Marlon Hipolito, 2025 chapter president of the Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers of the Philippines – UAE; and Rafael Lontoc, chair of the Philippine Professional Organization – UAE.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac addressed the gathering as a guest speaker.