Top Filipino Engineers, Architects And Healthcare Professionals In Qatar And Kuwait Honored At The Filipino Times Awards 2025
DOHA, Qatar—A total of 50 outstanding Filipino professionals from Qatar and Kuwait were honored for their exceptional contributions to healthcare, engineering, and architecture at The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards 2025.
Of the over 500 nominations, 50 have made it to the roster and were awarded for their significant industry impact, professional excellence, leadership in driving innovation across the Gulf, and their vital role in uplifting the reputation of the Philippines on the global stage.
The awards ceremony was held on Nov. 21, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel Doha, West Bay. Organized by New Perspective Media Group, publisher of The Filipino Times, the largest international Filipino news media and marketing agency, the TFT Watchlist Awards continues to stand as a beacon of pride and inspiration, celebrating the excellence, resilience, and impact of Filipinos worldwide.
Awardees represented a wide range of fields, including nursing, medicine, engineering, architecture, infrastructure design, biotechnology, healthcare management, and technical sciences, underscoring the diverse sectors where Filipinos excel internationally.
His Excellency Ambassador Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar during his Welcome Message at the TFT Watchlist Awards in Qatar and Kuwait 2025
Philippine Ambassador to Qatar H.E. Mardomel Celo D. Melicor congratulated the honorees and the organizers, saying: “Awarding ceremonies such as this highlight the exemplary achievements of Filipino professionals in the Gulf and affirm their vital role in shaping the professional landscape of their host countries.”
He added: “As we celebrate the successes of Filipino workers in the Gulf, may we also not forget the reason why we are working overseas—our families at home. May this recognition by The Filipino Times inspire more kababayan to contribute to building a stronger, more progressive Bagong Pilipinas.”
Recipients of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards: Top Filipino Healthcare Professionals in Qatar and Kuwait 2025
Top Filipino Healthcare Professionals in Qatar
Haydee Lyn G. Bamba
Dr. Rosanna M. Barrera
Dr. Jane Cecille Q. Cadag
Alnie Catherine B. Cayanan- Rillo
Dr. Dianne Kristine Joy H. Closa-Bonsol
Dr. Christian Marvin A. Dela Cruz
Dita I. Domingo
Joanna Marie A. Elizalde
Edison T. Gabin
Brian Jade M. Gica
Sitti Winona G. Laja
Dr. Aliman D. Lucman
Raissa J. Puddao
Melody P. Sarmiento
Leah B. Sarsonas
Dr. Ryan A. Vicente
Recipients of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards: Top Filipino Engineers & Architects in Qatar and Kuwait 2025
Top Filipino Engineers and Architects in Qatar
Engr. Liza Lorena F. Abinal
Engr. Aushford O. Acera
Dr. Arlan P. Beltran
Ar. Aldrin C. Castillo
Engr. Gesilo P. Cimagala, Jr.
Engr. Leo Christo R. Dela Rosa
Engr. Edmedio R. Ebarle III
Ar. Artemio V. Esic
Engr. Sheryl Diane D. Eusebio-Mejia
Dr. Elvin D. Fajutagana
Engr. Jaeger M. Gaorano
Engr. Hadji Rajiv G. Gumaga
Ar. Josephine M. Hernandez
Engr. Precious M. Hernandez
Engr. Maria Carmela C. Isidro-Santos
Engr. Lorebel G. Izon
Engr. Marlon L. Manantan
Engr. Aristotle L. Medina
Engr. Jester P. Nungay
Dr. Mario S. Oligo
Engr. Erwin S. Peniones
Engr. Orlando C. Pernites
Engr. Leodegario H. Porral Jr.
Engr. Richard L. Rillo
Engr. Arnaldo A. Riparip
Engr. Maria Cecilia M. Rosales-Baião
Engr. Ross Neil C. Salazar
Engr. Florencio P. Sumilang
Ar. Marvin M. Tejada
Engr. Teofilo F. Tongson Jr.
Engr. Roberto A. Velasquez
Engr. Raymundo Y. Zapanta Jr.
Top Filipino Engineers and Architects in Kuwait
Engr. Roel L. Galceran
Engr. Leopoldo A. Robles
Judges of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards: Top Filipino Engineers & Architects in Qatar and Kuwait 2025 together with His Excellency Ambassador Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar and Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and Founder of New Perspective Media Group
The awardees were selected through a rigorous evaluation process by an esteemed panel of judges:
Dr. Rosanna Millar Barrera – Dentist and Educator; President, Pilipino sa Qatar
Dr. Jane Cecille Cadag – Optometrist, East Optics; Former President, Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists – Qatar Chapter
Dr. Christian Marvin A. Dela Cruz – Dentist, Qatar University Health Center; Former President, Filipino Dentists Organization Qatar
Leah Bernardo Sarsonas – Nurse Leader and Consultant
Melody Parpados-Sarmiento – Head Nurse, Hamad Medical Corporation; President, Association of Nursing Service Administrators – Qatar Chapter
Dr. Arlan P. Beltran – Senior Manager, Facility Management, Navigation Q.P.S.C. (Milaha)
Dr. Elvin Fajutagana – Project Management and Construction Engineering Specialist
Engr. Roel L. Galceran – Specialist Consultant, ICT Infrastructure & Special Airport Systems
Dr. Mario S. Oligo – Senior Drainage Engineer, Public Works Authority (Ashghal); President, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Qatar Chapter
Ar. Marvin Macuja Tejada – Architect – Specifications Writer, Arab Engineering Bureau; Former President, United Architects of the Philippines – Qatar Chapter
Judges of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards: Top Filipino Healthcare Professionals in Qatar and Kuwait 2025 together with His Excellency Ambassador Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar and Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and Founder of New Perspective Media Group
Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and Founder of New Perspective Media Group, publisher of The Filipino Times, said: “This platform recognizes Filipinos who make a difference not only through professional excellence but also through leadership, innovation, and service to the Filipino community abroad. Each honoree represents the true spirit of the modern Filipino—talented, dedicated, and globally respected.”
Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and Founder of New Perspective Media Group during her Opening Remarks at the TFT Watchlist Awards in Qatar and Kuwait 2025
Vince Ang, COO of New Perspective Media Group and General Manager of The Filipino Times, added: “Every year, The Filipino Times Watchlist grows stronger because of the inspiring stories of Filipinos anywhere in the world. We’ve seen Filipino professionals break barriers and raise the standard of excellence in their fields and this recognition celebrates that shared success.”
For the past 12 years, The Filipino Times has been honoring top Filipino professionals around the world, spotlighting their contributions to their industries, their host countries, and the Philippines they proudly represent.
This year’s awards were made possible through the support of Silver Sponsors Ayala Land and DMCI Homes, and Support Sponsor Philippine Airlines.
About The Filipino Times Watchlist
The Filipino Times Awards is an internationally recognized platform celebrating distinguished Filipino professionals and brands that Filipinos love. Since its inception in 2014, it has evolved into The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards, highlighting the achievements of top Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals in the region.
In addition to the awards, The Filipino Times Watchlist Summit stands as the largest multidisciplinary gathering of overseas Filipino professionals, fostering collaboration, innovation, and leadership.
Organized by New Perspective Media Group and powered by The Filipino Times, this initiative continues to elevate Filipino excellence on the global stage.
For more details, visit: www.thefilipinotimesawards.com/TFTwatchlist
About New Perspective Media Group
New Perspective Media Group (NPM Group) is a leading international integrated marketing and communications agency headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with offices across the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
NPM Group has built a strong reputation among global corporations and governments, including over 60 Philippine companies, brands, and government agencies. Through its expertise in content creation, multimedia distribution, AI, social media, digital marketing, and events marketing, NPM Group has facilitated billion-dollar investments and sales for its partners.
More than just numbers, NPM Group is driven by purpose, influencing movements, empowering businesses, and enabling governments to build nations. The company harnesses the power of storytelling to build reputations and create impact.
