VALUES IN THE ENGINEERING PROFESSION

Engr. Paul N. Javier

Civil Engineering Program Chair
College of Engineering
Angeles University Foundation
Angeles City
Presented during the 5th PICE Region IV-A and IV-B Students Summit on October 22, 2004,Laguna
College, San Pablo City.

Engineering is a profession in which knowledge of the mathematical and natural

sciences, gained by study, experience, and practice is applied to the efficient use of
materials and the forces of nature (Encarta 99).
That is Technology. Technology is of Greek origin techne that means to flow with.
Technology is relating scientific knowledge to human needs or desire, to practical end.
Persons like you and us as our colleagues in the near future do the same. We relate to
everything and everybody related to our chosen career and us. We relate to everything in
our work in the course of the efficient use of materials and the forces of nature. We relate
to everything related to our profession. Apparently, we work for the whole gamut of
nature, not to gain wealth, but to be a worthy man. What then should our attitude be in
this relationship with nature, and our relationship with others?
Of Nature. Technology as applied in engineering calls for the efficient use of materials
and the forces of nature for the betterment of mans living condition. It is because
engineering must maintain these materials and these forces for sustainable development.
It is engineerings work, when an activity projects and transcends what nature provides
for man. Man, therefore, is the steward of nature.
Of Man. God made man as His most cherished invention because man was created to His
likeness. He was created on the last day of creation when the universe is in order. He is
the center of construction of the universe. Thus, according to Chardin, by expediency no
less than by necessity, all sciences must be referred back to man. Man as social being is
committed to his profession.
Of Profession. In order to project what nature provides to mankind, man considers work
as the conscious, serious, intentional use of the bodily and mental facilities of man for the
proper realization of values that serve not only the divine-willed fulfillment of the
individual and of society, but for the greater glory of God. The significance of work for
man is as much as

Work is necessity.
Work is a means of self-expression.
Work is the formulation of the mastery of the world.
Work is service.
Work is penance.
Work is atonement.

 Work is glorifying God.

And profession is part of the greater concept of human work. Social service is one
characteristic of profession.
The engineer in the practice of his profession relates to his colleagues and society in
general, in social service through justice, particularly social justice and charity.
Justice is the principle of being fair to others. Why do we have to be fair and just?
Because we relate with others! And since we relate with others, we respect them in their
otherness.
Charity is the bond of perfection in society. Why is this so? Because we relate with
others, and when we relate, we share! We share our time, talent and treasure. And sharing
is the minimum experience of charity.
Justice and charity are only two values of our profession. They may be more!
Of the Code of Ethics. A profession involves relatively long and specialized preparation
on the level of higher education and governed by its code of ethics. It requires a
specialized knowledge that can only be gained after intensive preparation characterized
by
A body of erudite knowledge that is applied for the service of society
A standard of success measured by accomplishments in serving the needs of
society rather than purely serving personal gains

A system control over the professional practice, which regulates the education of
its new members and maintains both a code of ethics and the enactment of sanctions.

The need need for a code of ethics across all professions for two main reasons:
1.

We have to conform to international standards of professional practice especially

that many of our professionals find their work place abroad. We have to benchmark
our practice with the best practices of other countries.

2.

There is crying need to ensure the ethical conduct of professionals, from

compliance with established rules and regulations to the preservation of professional
integrity.

The enactment of the Code of Ethics for Civil Engineers is a concrete manifestation of
the profession. The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers adopted a code of ethics for the
profession identifying the following principles and canons
Fundamental Principles
Civil engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of the civil
engineering profession by:

1.

Using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare and the
environment;

2.

Being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the public, their
employers/employees and clients;

3.

Striving to increase the competence and prestige of the civil engineering

profession; and

4.

Supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.

Fundamental Canons
1. Civil Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and
shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable development in the
performance of their duties.
2. Civil Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.
3. Civil Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
4. Civil Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as
faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest.
5. Civil Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services
and shall not compete unfairly with others.
6. Civil Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor,
integrity, and dignity of the civil engineering profession.
7. Civil Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their
careers, and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those
civil engineers under their supervision.
Adopted in September 2001 as part of the Manual of Professional Practice for Civil Engineers published
by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers

The Challenge. Engineering, including education, has acquired a philosophical base, a

base that must be the genesis of all technical and past resistances to change. These
changes are already embedded in our attitudes. Attitude formation has now become a
significant part of engineering education (David Thorn, World Federation of Engineering
Organization, AEESEAP, 1997). And so are you! The value of work was derived principally
from the dignity of your humanhood. Your future profession as engineers has value
because you are human persons and because you will become better persons in your
profession. Genuine success can only be achieved through moral integrity.
In the paper Innovative Approaches in Integrating Ethics in Teaching Engineering
Professional Subjects, which was presented during the First PATE Conference in
Engineering Education, the authors concluded: In as much as ethics in business is no

longer a luxury and it is now a necessity, industries will be more discriminating in hiring
their staff, engineers included. Technical competence will no longer be the most
important criterion in the recruitment process. Equally important is the character of the
prospective employee which is formed through proper education and training. It is
imperative, therefore, that engineering ethics education, as a component of a total
engineering education should not be taken for granted but rather made effective. (Belino,
et. al., 1996).

My dear future colleagues, the engineering profession has bright future. It is a great
profession and will become greater as you re-engineer it to face the challenges and
demands of today and the futurewith moral integrity. Let this be a call...a challenge
because our profession is noble and high.