CLARK FREEPORT—Clark welcomed more than 1,200 ASEAN engineers on Tuesday, affirming its rise as Asia’s leading destination for meetings and conferences.
The 43rd Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (CAFEO), held from October 28 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center Clark, opened with a welcome dinner that set the tone for regional collaboration, professional advancement, and continuing education.
In her welcome remarks, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera underscored the vital role engineers play in driving national progress and regional integration.
“There can be no development in any country without infrastructure, and that’s how vital your profession is,” Atty. Devanadera said.
The CDC chief also acknowledged the engineering sector’s role in Clark’s transformation from a former U.S. airbase into a thriving economic zone after the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
“We have risen from the ashes and are now leading economic growth in this part of our country. The poverty rate in Pampanga is now just one percent. Our recovery would not have been possible without the engineers,” she emphasized.
Themed “ASEAN Engineers: Beacons of Prosperity, Inclusivity, Equity, Resilience, and Sustainability,” CAFEO 43 highlighted Clark’s strategic role in the North Luzon Economic Corridor and its commitment to infrastructure-led development.
“Clark is now recognized as the gateway to the North Luzon Economic Corridor, and none of this transformation would be possible without the brilliance of our engineers,” she added.
Atty. Devanadera also cited Clark’s recent recognition as Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination for 2025 by the World Travel Awards, attributing the honor to the area’s world-class infrastructure and professional excellence.
“You don’t just analyze problems, you propose solutions. That’s what the world needs now,” she said, lauding the ASEAN engineering community for pursuing continuing education and raising professional standards through the ASEAN Engineer title.
“We start with engineers, we end with engineers, and we are able to sustain our growth because of you—the engineers who have done a very good professional work. My salute to your profession,” Atty. Devanadera said.
The welcome dinner featured cultural performances, a ceremonial toast, and networking opportunities. CAFEO 43 continues through October 30 with technical sessions, country reports, and the conferment of ASEAN Engineer titles, further strengthening regional cooperation.
CAFEO recognizes 13 engineering disciplines under the ASEAN Engineer Register: civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, mining, industrial, environmental, geodetic, electronics, marine, metallurgical, agricultural, and information and communications technology (ICT).
Delegates represent ASEAN member states, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.
For more information, visit https://cafeo43.com.
