The Philippine Association of Safety Engineers (PHASE) Qatar, a local and purely Filipino safety organisation based in Qatar and a Corporate Member of IIRSM, celebrated its tenth year of existence in December 2016 at the Plaza Inn Hotel, Doha, Qatar.

The event, which coincided with the Annual Business Meeting and Election of Officers for Fiscal Year 2017, was attended by more than 100 active members. A ceremonial toast, slicing of anniversary cake and musical entertainment by a local Filipino band was part of the evening event by PHASE.

Delivering the keynote message, the guest of honour was Vice Consul Benjamin Celedio from the Philippine Embassy Doha, Qatar. Also present was Mark Stephen, chairman of IIRSM’s Qatar Branch; Bruce Bester and Dr Ihab Fouad, both from Lusail Project Management; Joao Canas and Mishrym Maulion; and President of Foundation for Family and Life-Qatar, who all delivered their congratulatory message to PHASE for reaching ten years of dedication to health and safety.

Outgoing President Leo Dote delivered his welcome message and testimonial having been a part of PHASE since 2008. During his presidency he held numerous positions – from Committee Member, becoming the President in 2012 and 2016, and as Adviser from 2013 to 2015. Also present were past Presidents Francis Tan and Jemar Latonio, who also gave their testimonials.

As outgoing President, Leo presented the annual report during the business meeting. This was followed by the Election of Officers in which a new set of officers are to serve from January until December 2017. He also expressed his gratitude to the support of his team comprised of elected officers and various committee members, who, through them, PHASE was able to achieve its goals and success for the fiscal year.

The incoming set of elected officers will be led by Jemar Latonio, who will run the organisation during 2017 while Leo Dote and Francis Tan will serve as advisers.

PHASE has helped hundreds of Filipinos in Qatar, shifting professional discipline to health and safety, predominantly in the construction industry. Its various educational programmes have helped develop quality Filipino safety practitioners in Qatar and other parts of the world.

The success of the organisation since its inception in 2006 is attributed to the dedication and professionalism of the people running the organisation while employed by various industries in Qatar. Their shared experience in various fields are combined in order to produce a health and safety educational programme tailored to fit the demands and requirements of industries.

The IIRSM Corporate Membership has also added value to the integrity and professionalism of the group. PHASE actively participates in various Filipino community programmes, serving as advocates of health and safety at the workplace and beyond.

As part of its members’ professional growth, a number of them are full members of IIRSM and actively participate in the local Branch’s regular monthly meetings.

PHASE is fully supported by the Philippine Embassy Doha and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Qatar. For more information, visit www.phaseqatar.org