Engr. Lea Gabawa, a faculty member and Gender and Development (GAD) focal person at West Visayas State University’s College of Information and Communications Technology, was sworn in as the inaugural president of the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines – Western Visayas Chapter (MRSP-WV).
The oath-taking and induction ceremony was held on April 11, 2025, at the Iloilo City Hall Penthouse and attended by key figures in science, education, and governance.
𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩
Dr. Joel De Castro opened the event by commending the leadership and dedication of the newly inducted officers, expressing confidence that their efforts would elevate the region’s position in robotics and technology.
National President Dr. Arvin Dela Cruz outlined his goals of strengthening partnerships, enhancing workforce readiness, advancing research and development, and upholding ethical practices in the field.
Engr. Rowen Gelonga, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology Region VI, emphasized the role of collaboration and urgency in addressing national challenges. He encouraged stronger ties between academia, industry, and local government.
𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed his full support for the initiatives of the new chapter, citing their alignment with the city’s smart city agenda. He described the vision as a fusion of innovation, sustainability, and public service enhancement through technology.
Treñas also administered the oath of commitment to the officers, formally recognizing their mandate.
Other officials from the WVSU system also formed the MRSP Western Visayas pioneer team, including Prof. Rosie Jane Siosan of WVSU Pototan Campus as Secretary and Prof. Rose May Cora Lagon of WVSU Calinog Campus as Auditor.
𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙈
As part of her acceptance speech, Gabawa laid out a roadmap for the chapter’s development, with goals focused on capacity-building, ethical leadership, and inclusivity.
An advocate of gender equality in science and technology, Gabawa underscored the need to empower women and girls in STEM.
“I hope my leadership will inspire other women and girls in Western Visayas to pursue their passions in STEM without hesitation, contributing to a more balanced and representative workforce that benefits the entire nation,” she said.
𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮
The Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines is a professional organization that promotes technological advancement in mechatronics and robotics through research, innovation, and the exchange of expertise. The formation of its Western Visayas chapter marks a significant step toward regional development in these fields.
Text and photos by JA Temelo, PAMCO
