Civil engineering month celeb
Davao City chapter pays tribute to 1st president
“GO to the last mile and enjoy it”. These are words from Engr. Silvino G. Presto Sr, founding/ chapter president of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Davao City Chapter, 1975.
Born in San Quintin, Pangasinan, Engr. Presto finished his education in Matalam Elementary School (Primary), Digos National High School (Secondary) and Mindanao Colleges, now known as University of Mindanao, as a working student until he got his license as civil engineer.
While doing his work in different construction firms, he became a freelance Civil Engineer involving in construction of small buildings, guy tower support erection, steel tank installations and other civil engineering related works.
His highlighted projects include JS Gaisano Gensan, Lawaan Theater Building, San Pedro Church Belfony and Merco Building on Rizal and Bolton Sts. and Sagrex, Davao City.
He is married to Elominda Barlin Guides with children namely Engr. Silvino G. Presto, Jr., Atty. Evangeline G. Presto- Hernaez, Samuel G. Presto and Evelyn G. Presto, CPA.
As a father he always shares his life as a kid of a farmer in Matalam who struggled and made good as a professional. He finished high school and college as a working student.
He was proud as one of the pillars who constructed the tower and school buildings in the Mindanao College, where all of his siblings also graduated. That is why, his children were also inspired to work as hard as he did during his younger years. He is also a civic-minded person, joining Kiwanis Club of Davao City, in which he handled various positions in the club from the lowest rank to becoming the president.
He also organized a charity group in their clan so that his relatives who could not go to school can have a chance for education. He also became the 1st Brgy. Kagawad and later the Barangay Captain of Brgy. Buhangin. Lately, he is an active officer of the city’s senior citizens organization. Though a homebody, he also loves to travel.
As president of the Pice organization, he was known to be very active and solicitous. He always makes his way to visit civil engineers in different offices, local, national agencies and private institutions and was very much visible in most Pice activities, past and present.
As one of the most important pillars of the institute, he sets a good example to civil engineers who share expertise and service commitment as we are about to face the Golden Age of Philippine Infrastructures. To us Pice members, we are always inspired by his presence because even at his age he still manages to give time to the organization either to give advice or to show support. (Engr. Sharon Angelica G. Bonguyan, MPA)