Hon. Maricris C. Vines, ASEAN Eng., Chair of the Chemical Engineering Professional Regulatory Board (ChE PRB), accompanied by Engr. Chamaigne Luz Jamandre, ASEAN Eng., former PIChE National President, visited the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) School of Technology (SOTECH) on April 29, 2025 to discuss recent developments in the field and address key concerns.
Hon. Vines engaged in a productive discussion with the Chemical Engineering faculty members and Dean Johannes M. Magpusao, focusing on the upcoming Computer-Based Licensure Examination (CBLE) in May 2025 and the initial amendments to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 9297, also known as the Chemical Engineering Law. She provided valuable insights and clarifications on these updates, which aim to enhance the licensure process and the practice of chemical engineering.
As part of her visit, Hon. Vines awarded the Certificate of Compliance (COC) to SOTECH, recognizing the institution's adherence to the standards set forth by the Chemical Engineering Law. Notably, UPV is one of the only two (2) institutions out of 33 HEIs offering the chemical engineering program to receive this certificate. The COC award is a testament to SOTECH's commitment to delivering high-quality education and producing competent chemical engineers.
Hon. Vines also met with chemical engineering students for a question-and-answer session, providing guidance and support in preparation for the licensure examinations.
The visit underscores the ChE PRB's commitment to collaborating with academic institutions and ensuring the quality of chemical engineering education in the country.
