Message of EVP Convention Chair

My Dear Fellow Chemical Engineers,

On behalf of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers, I welcome all of you to the 73rd PIChE National Convention. This is the first time a professional convention of national in scope will be held in Surigao City popularly known as the City of Island Adventure. This made it challenging for this year host PIChE Surigao Chapter in organizing this event amidst the recent environmental catastrophe that affected its neighboring provinces. We are moving heaven and earth to make this event a wonderful experience to all our convention delegates.

With the theme ''Advancing and Harnessing Chemical Engineering for Humanity'', various topics on climate change, environmental issues, role of chemical engineering in the local community, mining economy and other industries, education and professional development are lined up for the three days convention.

Together with the host Surigao Chapter, we promise you a fruitful, memorable and adventurous stay in Surigao.

Salamat Karajao sa ijo Pag-abot.

(Sgd.)Ferdinand C. Zapanta

EVP Convention Chair

Message of PIChE President

Fellow chemical engineers, delegates, resource persons, sponsors and organizers of the 73rd Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) National Convention,

Welcome to the City of Island Adventures of Surigao!

The theme, Advancing and Harnessing Chemical Engineering for Humanity, is very appropriate in these trying times of economic globalization and climate change. We may have lost some of our industrial base to other countries but this does not stop us from becoming the chemical engineers of industries operating in other countries. But still opportunities for the practice of our profession in the country abound. Within the next few years, we shall see the opening of new major chemicals manufacturing and food processing in the country. Even the police force demands to have chemical engineers in their ranks. However, by 2015, the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreement shall be in force. Some may see this as a threat to Filipino chemical engineers but let us view it as another avenue for us to practice in the ASEAN Region.

The horrors of global warming recently brought about the many sad stories in Mindanao, particularly to our brothers and sisters in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. It is still fresh in my mind the unfortunate misfortune the 85 children that our Iligan Bay Chapter treated a Christmas feast just hours before their young and innocent lives were sucked out by typhoon Sendong.

Humanity will truly benefit if we not only harness but also advance the chemical engineering profession. Renewable energy, environmental protection, food and nutrition, biotechnology, nanotechnology are just some of the areas where we are the vanguard and continue to lead in addressing the challenges of sustainable development and globalization.

Let me also take the opportunity to thank the hard working host PIChE Surigao and national convention chairman and PIChE Executive Vice President Ferdinand C. Zapanta, the participation of the various chapters through the current PIChE National Board of Directors, and resource persons and sponsors who unselfishly shared their time and resources to ensure that we continue to succeed in our National Convention.

(Sgd.)Engr. Reynaldo L. Esguerra

PIChE President

Message of PIChE Surigao - President

Greetings from PIChE Surigao!

The Surigao del Norte Chapter of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE)

It is indeed a challenge for PIChE Surigao to make such an event of this magnitude possible considering the recent natural calamities like Typhoon Sendong which wrought havoc in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro and the strong earthquake which hit Cebu and the Negros provinces. Yet we came through, and PIChE members coming from different corners in the country and abroad are gathered here in Surigao.

This year's Theme, "Advancing and Harnessing Chemical Engineering for Humanity" is not just appropriate but also timely as we address the many important and relevant issues on climate change, the environment, mining, solid waste management and new technologies that impact on our daily lives. But I am confident that we, who are gathered here today, are able and willing to work with other sectors of society such as the local governments and other institutions. Together, we can make a difference by doing our share in improving the quality of life through the pursuit of sustainable growth and development, particularly in the rural communities.

Of course, Surigao is blessed with numerous, internationally-known eco-tourism destinations that you should visit. Feel free to experience the city's many island adventures, the surf in Siargao; or bask around the many white sand coastal resorts, or the unique pebble beach in Mabua.

On behalf of PIChE Surigao, welcome to the province of Surigao del Norte and the City of Surigao.

Marajaw na pag-istar dinhi sa Surigao. Salamat karajaw sa ijo pag kanhi.

(Sgd.)Engr. Proserfina Matugas-Coro

PIChE Surigao, President

73rd National PIChE Convention Registration

Theme :	"Advancing and Harnessing Chemical Engineering for Humanity"
Venue :	Tavern Hotel, Surigao City
Dates :	February 15-17, 2012
Host :	Surigao Chapter

REGISTRATION FEES Registrant Early Bird Regular Industry P 3,500.00 P 4,000.00 Academe P 3,000.00 P 3,500.00 Government P 3,000.00 P 3,500.00 Student P 2,500.00 P 3,000.00 Foreign Participant $ 300.00 $ 350.00 Please make checks payable to: PIChE or deposit payment to PIChE UCPB Savings Account No. = 113-113972-3 An official receipt will be issued upon payment.