MANILA, Philippines — In this time of disasters and calamities, an extra hand of support is always welcomed and appreciated.

Public Works Undersecretary Romeo Momo has challenged civil engineers in the country “to be more responsive and relevant” as he rallied them to get out of their comfort zone and reignite their sense of community.

Speaking before the induction of new officers of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) over the weekend, Momo reminded Filipino engineers of their social obligation to help communities that have been ravaged by natural calamities.

Momo, who was inducted as PICE’s new president, stressed that civil engineers, whether those in the public or private sector, have a binding social contract and social responsibility to the community when they chose and practiced their profession.

Momo said PICE itself was founded on collective altruism, with the purpose of helping society.

He recalled that in 1975, “our organization participated in the first international convention of civil engineers held in Manila with the theme: “Civil Engineering In Disaster Prevention Control.”

“Thirty-six years since that convention, that theme remains relevant and as crucial as this time,” he said.

Momo said Filipino civil engineers can extend help in both small and grand ways as a means of giving back to society.

This could involve “drawing up plans for disaster preparedness, extending our knowledge, and experience and lending our time, to improve urban and countryside development, respecting the sacredness of the environment.”

Or “we could offer to review plans and development, propose short-term and long-term solutions, whether in cities or in municipalities, especially those that are prone disasters and natural calamities, and make it attuned to the natural environment,” he said.

In calamity-stricken areas, civil engineers can come in “the areas of public works and sanitation, to prevent the spread of diseases.”

PICE counts about 62,000 civil engineers, practicing in both the private and the public sector, as members. Some of them are practicing in specialized fields like structural engineering.

As the premier and only civil engineering group in the country, PICE maintains regional chapters and offices.

Momo said in disaster-affected areas, PICE’s regional chapters can serve as jump off points in extending relief and assistance to the victims.

At the same time, Momo unveiled his plan to strengthen the organization, by courting back members who have lost interest or the simply truant ones and inviting new members.

He said PICE, in its four-decade of existence, has proven its pivotal role in professionalizing the industry.

PICE has been engaged in disaster response and mitigation in its various chapters nationwide. Recently, the group entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Office of the Civil Defense,-Disaster Quick Management Response Program to help in disaster mitigation.

PICE has 95 chapters scattered all over the country.