An Ilonggo civil engineer was appointed as one of the four members of the leadership team of the International Road Federation (IRF) Young Professionals (YP) Program.
Engr. Ray Adrian C. Macalalag, currently a senior economic development specialist in the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region VI, was selected by the IRF to be the YP Lead for Southeast Asia and Pacific region.
Holding the term for two years (2021-2022) he will be responsible for coordinating activities of the program and executing the strategies and plans of the IRF. He will be the main contact of his region assignment and will be the public face of the program.
“I know this will not be easy but I know the future of making our roads safe for all road users starts here. I know there is more that we can do for transport and mobility sectors and low-middle income countries will be part of this journey,” said Macalag.
“As I take this new role entrusted to me by the International Road Federation through its young professionals program, I commit myself to ensuring no low-middle income country will be left behind in the ideas and innovations our team will be coming up,” he added.
Macalalag is joined by three other members: Frederic John, mobility and smart city consultant from Belgium (YP Lead for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Americas); Shashank Misra, sustainability professional from India (YP Lead for Asia); and Tendekayi Marapara, World Bank consultant from Zimbabwe (YP Secretary).
The IRF-YP is a platform of next generation of leaders and specialists in the road and mobility sector to propose initiatives, share ideas, and be engaged in the overall activities of the IRF.
Building on its vast network and expertise, the program has as its mission to present the road and mobility sector as a multidisciplinary area for development for young professionals from various backgrounds.
Director-General Susanna Zammataro of the IRF based in Geneva, Switzerland announced and welcomed the team on Twitter on January 13, 2021, and called for colleagues in the various sectors to support them.
Macalalag worked for over five years in the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office VI before transferring to NEDA Region VI. He is a civil engineering graduate of the University of San Agustin and he also earned his master’s degree in engineering from the Western Institute of Technology.
He also represented the Philippines in the 26th World Road Congress held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates last 2019 where he presented his paper focusing on road safety program policy and investment decision making.
