Top Filipino engineers and architects in the Middle East 2025 revealed
126 Filipino engineers and architects were honored for their exceptional contributions in the Middle East The winners were trimmed down from 1,031 nominations from 5 countries and 6 disciplines The awards highlighted the significant role of Filipino professionals in sustainable infrastructure and urban development across five Middle East countries
The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East 2025 celebrated the accomplishments of 126 exceptional Filipino professionals in a prestigious awards ceremony and summit held in Dubai, UAE. Organized by New Perspective Media Group (NPM), the event honors the outstanding contributions of Filipino engineers and architects in the region, highlighting their vital roles in shaping the region's infrastructure and development. Recipients of the TFT Watchlist Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East Awards 2025
The awardees include architects, civil engineers, chemical engineers, electronics engineers, electrical engineers, and mechanical engineers from Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The event shines a light on the extraordinary influence Filipino professionals have in the region, particularly in driving sustainable urban development.
H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, said: 'Platforms that recognize the achievements and significant contributions of Filipinos, such as The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Filipino Engineers and Architects in the Middle East, support and further encourage our kabayan to excel in whichever field they may be. Beyond honoring their work, these are also celebrations of their individual contributions in reinforcing the immense goodwill of our community in this region, their enduring legacies borne from sheer dedication and hard work of which we Filipinos are well-known for.'
H.E. Raul S. Hernandez, Philippine Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, said: 'I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year's outstanding Filipino engineers and architects recognized at the Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Filipino Engineers and Architects in the Middle East Summit 2025. Their achievements reflect not only technical expertise but also the Filipino commitment to integrity, professionalism, resilience, and innovation. From groundbreaking designs to engineering feats that shape skylines and transform cities, their work is a source of pride for our nation, proving that Filipinos' talent and expertise shine on the global stage.'
Here is the full list of awardees of The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East 2025 in order of their last name by discipline: TFT Watchlist honors the Architect awardees 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 TFT Watchlist honors the Civil Engineer awardees TFT Watchlist honors the Civil Engineer awardees TFT Watchlist honors the Civil Engineer awardees 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 TFT Watchlist honors the Chemical Engineer awardees Chemical Engineering Deauna, Jowy Palma
Dela Cruz, Jolivette Rapadas
Lopez, Florencio Jr.
Soriano, Patrick Luis
Yamson, Rodolfo Jr. TFT Watchlist honors the Electronics Engineer awardees 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 TFT Watchlist honors the Electrical Engineer awardees 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 TFT Watchlist honors the Mechanical Engineer awardees 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, the publisher of The Filipino Times and organizer of TFT Watchlist, during her welcome remarks at the awards ceremony
Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and Founder of New Perspective Media Group and Publisher of The Filipino Times, said: 'The Filipino Times is committed to empowering Filipinos worldwide, and this event is a testament to their invaluable contributions. 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.'
Hon. Consul General Marford M. Angeles, Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, said: ' Initiatives like The Filipino Times Watchlist are crucial in recognizing and amplifying the impact of overseas Filipinos who excel in their respective fields. By celebrating the achievements of our engineers and architects, we not only acknowledge their hard work but also encourage others to push the boundaries of their capabilities.'
Atty. John Rio A. Bautista, Labor Attaché of the Migrant Workers Office – Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said: '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. We also commend The Filipino Times for consistently championing Filipino professionals and providing a platform to celebrate their accomplishments.'
Vince Ang, COO of New Perspective Media Group and GM of The Filipino Times, said: 'These professionals are true trailblazers, pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in the Middle East. Their exceptional work continues to transform the region, and we are thrilled to recognize their achievements, which inspire others to follow in their footsteps.' TFT Watchlist judges receive well-deserved recognition
Judges who helped determine the awardees included: Sheryl G. De La Peña; immediate Past Chapter President of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers-UAE and Sr. Quantity Surveyor and Contracts Administrator at Distance Studio Consultants
Marlon B. Hipolito, 2025 Chapter President of the Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers of the Philippines-UAE and Project Manager at Watermaster LLC
Rafael Lontoc, Chairman of the Philippine Professional Organization-UAE, Adviser to the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines-UAE Chapter, and Regional Support Manager at Cyviz AS
Florencio C. Lopez Jr., 2024 Chapter President of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers-UAE and Senior Process Engineering Specialist/Chief Engineer at ADNOC Borouge
Woderick M. Pareja, past Chapter President and Adviser to United Architects of the Philippines-Abu Dhabi and Project Management Consultant/Technical Advisor at Obermeyer Middle East GmBH
Leif Marvin Valeros, Chapter President of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines-UAE and Technical Support Engineer at Keri Systems Middle East FZCO
The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East 2025 Awards and Summit is supported by RLC Residences, Kings Medical Center, and Elite Retreats Tourism as Support Sponsors, and is powered by The Filipino Times, the largest international Filipino news media and marketing agency globally.
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