The ASHRAE Philippines Chapter officially welcomed the 2026–2027 Society Year through its Induction and Turnover Ceremony, marking not only the transition of leadership but also the beginning of a new chapter of service, collaboration, and growth.
The ceremony brought together ASHRAE members, officers, volunteers, industry partners, and guests to celebrate the accomplishments of the previous Society Year and welcome the new leadership team as it takes on the responsibility of guiding the Chapter forward.
The ceremony honored the contributions of the outgoing leadership under Immediate Past President Benedicto S. Buenaventura, whose term saw the Chapter deliver a wide range of professional, technical, community, and leadership initiatives.
Among the highlights of the past Society Year were the 13-Phase HVAC Design Boot Camp Seminar Series, Scholarship Program, TESDA partnership, and the “What’s in it for Me” Programme, alongside other initiatives that strengthened the Chapter's engagement with professionals, students, and the wider industry.
In his message, Immediate Past President Buenaventura expressed his appreciation to the members, volunteers, partners, and supporters who contributed to the Chapter's accomplishments throughout the past Society Year.
“Thank you for your support this past Society Year.”
— Immediate Past President Benedicto S. Buenaventura
The turnover therefore represented more than the conclusion of a Society Year. It recognized the collective effort behind the Chapter's programs and the foundation that the outgoing leadership leaves for the team that follows.
The new Society Year now begins under the leadership of President Mark Lester Salvador, who emphasized that assuming office represents more than simply taking on a new position. It is a commitment to continue the work of previous leaders while finding new ways to serve the Chapter and its members.
As ASHRAE Region XIII Director Regional Chair Ong Ching Loon reminded the Chapter during the ceremony:
“It is not so much about the ceremony itself, but the beginning of taking over the responsibilities of the previous officers.”
The message underscored the continuity of leadership within ASHRAE, where each Society Year builds upon the work, relationships, and initiatives established by those who came before.
President-Elect Mildred Tuazon likewise highlighted the Chapter's commitment to collaboration and impact, calling on the organization to:
“Strengthen partnerships and truly change the game by building a healthier and more sustainable, resilient Philippines.”
Her message reflects the Chapter's continued focus on building stronger relationships with industry, government, academia, and the broader professional community.
The new leadership enters Society Year 2026–2027 under the Society theme “Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience.” The theme provides a timely direction for the Chapter as the built environment continues to respond to changing environmental conditions, technological developments, and increasing demands for energy efficiency and resilience.
For ASHRAE Philippines, the new Society Year will focus on several key priorities, including strengthening membership and YEA, advancing technical excellence, deepening government and industry partnerships, building financial sustainability, expanding regional and global visibility, and strengthening governance and leadership continuity.
These priorities aim to further develop the Chapter as a platform for technical learning, professional growth, industry engagement, and meaningful service.
For President Salvador, the new Society Year is ultimately about creating something that will continue beyond the current leadership term.
“Our goal this year is not to simply have a successful term. Our goal is to leave behind a stronger ASHRAE Philippines than the one we inherited, because that is how great organizations endure.”
— President Mark Lester Salvador
The statement captures the broader responsibility of Chapter leadership: to not only deliver programs during a single Society Year, but to strengthen the organization for future officers, members, and generations of ASHRAE professionals.
Through continued technical education, professional development, membership engagement, industry collaboration, and leadership development, the Chapter seeks to create programs and opportunities that have a lasting impact.
The Induction and Turnover Ceremony served not simply as a celebration of leadership, but as a reminder of the continuity at the heart of ASHRAE.
Every Society Year builds upon the work of those who came before and lays the foundation for those who follow. As the ASHRAE Philippines Chapter begins 2026–2027, the new leadership carries forward the accomplishments of the previous administration while embracing new opportunities to serve, collaborate, and innovate.
Guided by “Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience,” the Chapter looks forward to a Society Year defined by stronger partnerships, greater technical engagement, meaningful professional opportunities, and continued commitment to a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient Philippines.
