Vice President Sara Duterte was the keynote speaker at the 49th Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) National Convention in Davao City.

Following the Magnitude 6.8 earthquake that recently hit the provinces of Saranggani and Davao Occidental, the Vice President urged the civil engineers to fortify communities against environmental destruction and disasters, emphasizing the immediate need for seismic preparedness and robust infrastructure.

As the Secretary of Education, she also encouraged PICE members to assist the department in developing and designing climate-resilient schools. This initiative stems from the fact that many classrooms are prone to damage due to landslides, typhoons, floods, and armed conflicts, hindering the delivery of quality education to Filipino youth.

The Vice President also urged PICE members to seek continuous training and opportunities to enhance their knowledge of technologies and innovations, particularly in creating infrastructure designs that are resilient to disasters.

She also called on PICE to provide feedback on the ongoing curriculum review for K-11 and K-12. Acknowledging their significant role in society, she emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to build a strong and resilient nation.