NEWS

Their stories are woven with threads of hardship and triumph, of sleepless nights and groundbreaking achievements. Each one built not only systems that carry water, but values that carry forward. Together, they form a living pipeline of leadership—one that stretches across decades and continues to nourish the profession today.

MP ALBERTO CABAEL

President: 2022 – Present

Keeping the Pipes Clean to Success

 

Born to a humble farming family in Western Samar, MP Abet Cabael’s journey proves that plumbing is not just a livelihood, but a lifelong calling. While studying Business Administration at the University of the East, he worked as a plumber’s helper in Manila hotels to support himself—an experience that would shape his destiny. What began as a stepping stone became his passion: “If you would slice my veins open, you’d see plumbing come out of them.”

Through decades of practice, he became one of the country’s most respected Master Plumbers. His expertise was recognized when he co-authored the TESDA Training Regulation for Plumbing NC I, II, and III, which institutionalized plumbing education across technical schools and senior high schools nationwide.

In April 2020—at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—he assumed the presidency of the Philippines Society of Plumbing Engineers (PSPE). Despite restrictions, he led the Society into the digital era, raising funds and sustaining operations through online conferences and trainings. Under his leadership, PSPE also strengthened its social mission, building sanitary toilets for calamity-stricken communities and offering free plumbing lectures and services where they were most needed.

Beyond titles, Sir Abet is a man of service. He once served as barangay chairman in Manila and later founded AAA Plumbing Services, Inc., named after his three daughters. His family is his inspiration, though he carries the deep sorrow of losing his only son, Lawrence Albert, in 2015. Through faith and resilience, he turned grief into strength, continuing to serve others with humility and heart.

For Sir Abet, plumbing is more than pipes—it is health, dignity, and life itself. His story reminds us that true success is not found in wealth or position, but in the clean water that sustains families, the toilets that protect communities, and the lives uplifted by service freely given.

ENGR. REYNALD ILAGAN

President: 2019 – 2020

A Legacy in the Making

Some leaders inherit a path; others carve their own. Engr. Reynald Ilagan belongs to the latter. A proud graduate of National University in Mechanical Engineering, he pursued excellence relentlessly—becoming not only a Registered Master Plumber but also a DOLE-accredited health and safety consultant, a DENR pollution control consultant, and the third Filipino Mechanical Engineer certified by the ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineering Coordinating Committee.

His journey began humbly as a surveyor at North Harbor, then as project controller at CIGC, and inspector at Caltex. By 1992, he entered government service, which opened doors to work across countries such as Kuwait, India, and Japan. Alongside consultancy roles, he later founded Safeline Consultancy, Inc., driven by a mission to raise safety standards and mentor engineers across industries.

 

But his life is not defined by titles alone. A devoted advocate, he has served as a national officer of the Philippines Society of Mechanical Engineers and continues to inspire through lectures, safety training, and mentorship. Beyond engineering, he nurtures his passions—farming, hospitality, and winemaking—through the Classique Pan Oriental Hotel and Resort in Batangas, a family retreat that combines leisure with sustainability.

For Engr. Ilagan, Mechanical Engineering is more than a profession—it is versatility, service, and opportunity. His message to the next generation is simple but profound: “Mechanical Engineering is the best. You can put yourself in any situation.”

Indeed, his legacy is still in motion—built not only in systems and structures, but in people he inspires to dream bigger and aim higher.

 

ENGR. ABNER PAHILANGA (Deceased)

President 2016 – 2019

The Humble Visionary

From the quiet fields of Negros Occidental to the national stage of the Philippines Society of Plumbing Engineers (PSPE), Engr. Abner Pahilanga’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and purpose. A licensed Mechanical and Electrical Engineer, topnotcher in the Master Electrician and Professional Electrical Engineer exams, and an MBA graduate, he built his career with both technical brilliance and business acumen.

His early years saw him teaching at De La Salle Bacolod, where his passion for plumbing education took root. He believed that raising awareness of plumbing as a distinct and vital discipline was as important as building systems themselves. His talent soon brought him to the Elizalde Group of Companies, where he worked in mining operations and even traveled to the United States to assess materials. Later, alongside his late wife Nelia, a Civil Engineer, he ventured into construction and eventually established his own company.

But his greatest turning point came not in business, but in faith. After an illness forced him to step back, he returned to his province, where he found renewal in the Word of God. There, he and his wife dedicated themselves to community service—building schools, providing livelihood, and founding The Revealed Church of Christ, Inc. His story became not only about success in engineering, but also about service to people.

A member of PSPE since 1995, Engr. Pahilanga has been a tireless advocate of plumbing education through lectures and trainings. When serving as PSPE President, he envisioned a future where plumbing engineering is fully recognized as a profession that safeguards health, dignity, and progress.

For Engr. Abner, plumbing is not just a career—it is a mission. His life reminds us that greatness is not measured only by what we build, but by how we uplift others along the way.

 

ENGR. JASON MAGOS

President 2012 – 2015

The Bridge-Builder

Engr. Jason Magos never planned to lead a professional revolution—but destiny had its own blueprint. After failing the Civil Engineering board exam in 1990, he didn’t give up. He rerouted his journey through the field of Master Plumbing, passed the exam in 1992, and laid the foundation for a life marked by resilience, reinvention, and remarkable leadership.

What makes Engr. Magos unforgettable is not merely the titles he earned, but the bridges he built between professions, between people, and between possibility and reality. As a registered Sanitary Engineer and Master Plumber, he stood at the intersection of two disciplines often divided by politics and pride. When he was called to lead the Philippines Society of Plumbing Engineers (PSPE), he answered not just as a technician, but as a visionary peacemaker. His presidency became a campaign for unity, dignity, and public trust.

Under his term from 2012 to 2015, PSPE took its most ambitious leaps: establishing monthly Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs, initiating social partnerships with contractors, pursuing PCAB certifications, and planting the seeds to become the first Asian chapter of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. He dared to dream of a dedicated PSPE headquarters and to push forward the long-awaited Philippines Plumbing Engineering Law. His administration brought focus, energy, and a young leader’s sense of mission.

But beyond policies and papers, Engr. Magos led with heart. When workers walked off site, he rolled up his sleeves. When his first business failed, he started again. And when asked to lead a profession in transition, he stepped up with humility and grit.

For every young engineer who ever doubted their path, Engr. Magos is proof that setbacks are not dead ends—they’re detours toward something greater. His legacy flows not only in pipes, but in people—empowered, united, and proud to call themselves Plumbing Engineers.

 

ENGR. FORTUNATO AMOSCO (Deceased)

President 2009-2011

The Relentless Educator

There are leaders who manage, and there are leaders who mold. Engr. Fortunato Amosco was the latter—a man whose pursuit of knowledge shaped the foundation of the Philippine Society of Plumbing Engineers (PSPE).

With licenses in Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering, he had many paths open to him. Yet, he chose plumbing—a field he believed demanded humility, adaptability, and constant learning.

He saw the profession’s future in global knowledge. Joining the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) and other international organizations, he studied best practices in sanitation and design, bringing that wisdom back to uplift the local industry.

His true legacy lies not in systems built but in minds shaped. Through lectures, seminars, and symposiums, he mentored countless engineers—instilling not just technical skill, but a commitment to excellence and service.

 

For Engr. Amosco, plumbing was not just a profession; it was a calling. He dedicated himself to raising its standards and status in the engineering world. His efforts made PSPE a platform for global learning and innovation in environmental sanitation and public health.

Though he has passed on, his influence endures—in classrooms, in pipelines that deliver clean water, and in every engineer inspired by his passion. He was more than a president—he was a visionary who reminded us that, like water, knowledge must always keep flowing.

 

ENGR. ALBERTO AZARCON, JR. (Deceased)

(President 2007 – 2008)

From Poverty to Purpose

Engr. Alberto Azarcon Jr. was not born into privilege, but into purpose. From sleeping in bus stops to walking the streets of Manila with an empty stomach, his life began with struggle—but never surrendered. He knew early on that education was the key to rise above poverty. And he did, becoming a Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Registered Master Plumber, Sanitary Engineer, and Environmental Planner, with two master’s degrees in Public Administration and Sanitary Engineering.

His heart found its true calling in plumbing—an art he deemed more fulfilling than his other engineering pursuits. To him, plumbing was not just about water systems. It was about life, dignity, and nation-building. His passion was evident as he served as PSPE President from 2007–2008 and became Chairman of the Board of Examiners for Master Plumbers (1989–1995), contributing to the improvement of national licensure systems. He trained others, designed facilities, and helped develop national sanitation strategies with fierce devotion.

What made him extraordinary was not just his brilliance—it was his humanity. His journey was scarred by hardship, even losing vision in one eye due to a job site accident. Yet, he never gave up. With a heart anchored in perseverance and a faith strengthened by trials, he continued to teach, farm, build, and serve. His life’s message to the next generation was simple: “Aim high and set your goal.”

Engr. Azarcon’s story is one that proves greatness is not about where you start—but how fiercely you rise. He built his life like he built his plumbing systems: with integrity, strength, and flow. He passed on not only his knowledge, but his spirit—a quiet but unbreakable will to succeed for the good of others.

 

 

Re-launching the Plumbing Journal Magazine

The PSMPE Technoforum 2025 was a remarkable success, attended predominantly by new members eager to expand their expertise in plumbing. Their enthusiasm and dedication were evident as they actively engaged in the lectures delivered by our esteemed officers.

With the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field, our organization remains committed to equipping members with cutting-edge knowledge and advancements in plumbing. Through continuous learning and innovation, we strive to elevate industry standards and empower our professionals for the future.

With innovation and progress at the forefront of our mission, we are excited to announce the re-launch of the Plumbing Journal Magazine after more than five years on the shelf.

The revamped magazine will introduce exciting new sections, including:
Plumbing and Fire – Exploring advancements in plumbing and fire protection systems.
Home Living – Showcasing modern plumbing solutions for residential spaces.
Spotlight – Featuring outstanding PSMPE members and their contributions.
PSMPE News – Updates on organizational milestones and activities.
Business Insight – Providing professional and entrepreneurial perspectives in the industry.
…and much more!

This expanded edition is set for release in time for the 21st PSMPE Founding Anniversary and National Convention in September 2025. Stay tuned for more details as we bring fresh perspectives and knowledge to the plumbing community!