Engineered for excellence

CEBU, Philippines - As the head of an independent private engineering consulting firm with multi-level specialization and expertise, Engr. Apollo Enriquez leads a group of over 100 energetic, experienced and highly qualified individuals handling big projects like the land development of SM Seaside Complex at the South Road Properties, and the Avida buildings of Ayala.

Last January 15, he graced the grand launch of AppleOne Banawa Heights, one of his pet projects, which seeks to provide eclectic and zesty life to homeowners. For this project, he shares how his being a Visayanian proves to have inspired the building of dedicated amenities and distinctly themed gated subdivision expected to truly change the face of metropolitan living in Cebu.

The FREEMAN (TF): How has your being a Visayanian reflected in the mission-vision of the local consulting firm you’ve founded?

Engr. Apollo S. Enriquez (EASE): It is of tremendous help to be guided by a forward-looking vision. Our company can readily respond to issues and concerns, initiate project proposals and studies, plan and formulate investment programs and fund sourcing alternatives for projects as a guide to policymakers. Besides, being Visayanian is about hard work, since many students there really come from poor families. I mean, it’s a fact that we really earned our diplomas the hard way. That’s why the company I started (AS Enriquez Engineering Consultancy) observes unwavering dedication to core values, to value engineering.

The FREEMAN: I take pride that a Cebuano like you has conquered imperial Manila. What are some of the secrets of your success?

EASE: I made sure this company will be run by Filipino engineers, planners and managers who are specialists in their own fields. For each commissioned work, ASEEC arrays its experienced, highly motivated key and support staff for the realization of clients’ desired outputs. The engineering operations and special studies operations are complemented by our multi-skilled administrative staff and finance support. Most key staff and our pool of consultants have master’s degree with international training and experience relevant to their field of specialization. They have work experience outside the Philippines such as Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan and Singapore and have worked with diverse nationals such as American, German, Swiss, Austrian, Japanese, Singaporean, Chinese, Malaysian, and Filipino engineers and managers.

TF: So for the AppleOne Banawa Heights (of AppleOne Properties, Inc.), what is the turnover sked?

EASE: We are into the land development right now. When you say land development that means concreting of roads, setting drainage systems in place, line boundaries. Tower 1 of three towers (12-storey buildings), four of 10 walk-up villas (four storeys), and two of six mansionettes (three storeys) will be built first and carry an 18 to 24 months target schedule of delivery.

TF: What makes this project special? What factors did you have to consider in bringing out ASEEC’s best in this project?

EASE: This introduces the concept of living like you’re in the San Francisco Bay area. It sprawls on a 2.8-hectare development in Good Shepherd Road, Banawa, where three residential concepts are available to match every client’s exclusive taste. The mansionettes, villas and towers are divided into private clusters such that on each floor, one will only have two to five neighbors. Unlike other projects, 70 percent of the space will be dedicated to open spaces to provide more generous and expansive landscapes. I admire AppleOne for introducing the concept of this project here in Cebu. From our end, we have to make sure that despite various ideas being poured into this project, we still have control over it.

TF: Pardon me for my ignorance, but it just won’t sink in me as to why this certain condo in Manila stands on a pipeline of gas/oil that puts the unwitting residents in deep trouble?

EASE: Ah! To tell you, honestly, it is a fault in engineering; cases like that reflect the core values of a company. A project plan has to reflect exactly and accurately how a project will be executed. A project plan cannot be executed, per se. This is because modifications would be done later by either the owners or the designers, and other people working on a building. That’s where an as-built plan comes in. It’s a drawing which covers property boundaries, streets bordering the site and building layouts that provide accurate scale. As-built plans are about revisions. A revised set of drawing would be submitted by a contractor. This shows how the project was completed or how the job was carried out, reflecting changes in the specs and working drawings during the process of construction process, so if naay mausab sa kadtong previous plan, changes in dimensions and location of all elements of the work completed under the contract, should be reflected on the as-built plan.

TF: So case as such is really of the engineering firm’s negligence?

EASE: It is. That’s why value engineering is at the core of our work ethics. Pasalamat ko nga there was that long, tough struggle to get an engineering diploma. Tanang paningkamot gipatud-an gyod og singot because on top of our technical expertise, appropriate new technologies and information, there is always that desire to offer our best. Not just our second best! There is always that desire to provide strict quality and cost effective project, to our clients, at a scheduled time. Making it to the top the hardest way makes you value more the fruits of your labor. (FREEMAN)