The year that was 2016

by Ethel Clemente-Fernandez

	Our new web site
	Mar 2016 Annual General Meeting
	Philippine Heritage Week, June 2016
	Donation to Winnipeg Harvest, December 2016
	Fundraising Christmas Party, December 2016

The year 2016 saw the election of new set of executive officers comprised of eight members (President, VP-Technical, VP-Communications, VP-Finance and four board members) for the Filipino Members Chapter-Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (FMC). I was trusted to lead the chapter as President and with the help of the new set of officers, volunteers, supporters and members, we were able to maintain the chapter’s objectives, while also accomplishing new things.

Here’s a roundup of what had transpired over the past year:

The year started off with the Annual General Meeting and Technical Presentations, which also included the presentation of the newly elected officers.

In June, we participated in Philippine Heritage Week organized by the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba (PHCM). Our members commemorated and appreciated Philippine’s independence and culture through various activities. This also allowed our chapter to be introduced and interact with other organizations.

In the summer, a combination of a family picnic and a golf tournament were held for members, families and friends to get out in the sun, network, and enjoy a round of golf.

In late October, the chapter engaged in community service by helping out at Winnipeg Harvest. And in this same month, we launched our own website, where the public can get to know us better. Visit us at www.fmc-egm.ca.

In early November, the first Engineering Credential Recognition Process Orientation was organized, for the benefit of Filipino newcomers with an engineering background and those who have yet to undergo the credential recognition process. There were almost 200 participants at the event.

In early December, our annual holiday party included a fundraising event not only for our bursary program but also to be able to give back to the community by handing over the rest of the proceeds to a chosen charity. At this event, we awarded four bursaries to our student members and recognized our new engineering interns and professional engineers.

To cap off the year, the executive officers headed over to Winnipeg Harvest to hand over the remaining proceeds from the fundraising event.

It was indeed a busy year for the chapter, but with the selfless dedication of time, muscles and brains of all officers and volunteers, each event was deemed a success.

I have no crystal ball to foresee what this year will bring, but I am optimistic that greater things are yet to come for the chapter.

Ethel Clemente-Fernandez is a professional engineer registered in the province of Manitoba. She is an active member of the Filipino Members Chapter - Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba (FMC-APEGM). www.fmc-egm.ca