The Filipino Times Watchlist 2025 is set to shine a spotlight on Filipino excellence in engineering, architecture, and healthcare with its first-ever country-level celebration in Qatar and Kuwait, happening on November 21, 2025, at the Hilton Doha West Bay. This landmark event will honor Filipino professionals whose innovation, leadership, and dedication have significantly shaped their industries and uplifted the Filipino community across the Middle East.
The awards are guided by a distinguished panel of judges—respected leaders and experts who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields. With decades of experience, numerous achievements, and a strong commitment to professional excellence, they bring credibility and insight to the selection process.
These judges are not only highly skilled in their professions but also deeply involved in supporting and mentoring the Filipino community in the Middle East, helping to shape a culture of innovation, leadership, and service among their peers.
Judges for the TFT Watchlist: Top Filipino Engineers and Architects
Dr. Mario S. Oligo
Dr. Mario S. Oligo is an award-winning licensed Sanitary Engineer, Civil Engineer, and Environmental Planner, currently serving as Senior Drainage Engineer at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) in Qatar. With over 19 years of experience in the Middle East, he has advanced major drainage and infrastructure projects in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He was honored as the 2025 Most Outstanding Professional of the Year in Sanitary Engineering by the PRC and serves as President of PICE Qatar Chapter and Founding President of PSSE-MENA.
Arch. Marvin M. Tejada
Ar. Marvin Macuja Tejada is a Licensed Architect, Environmental Planner, and a Registered Master Plumber in the Philippines, with 25 years of diversified architectural experience, including 18 years of working in Qatar. A proud BS Architecture graduate from Tarlac State University, he is completing his MSc in Architecture, major in Sustainable Architecture from the Mapua University, and have successfully completed his Certified Heritage Sites and Building Conservation Specialist credentials from the University of Santo Tomas. He works as an Architect–Specifications Writer at Arab Engineering Bureau in the State of Qatar for almost eight years now. A former President of UAP Qatar (2021–2022) and a former Chairman of PPO-Qatar (2023), he has significantly contributed to successful completion of landmark transport, hospitality, heritage, and urban development projects across Qatar and the Middle East.
Dr. Arlan P. Beltran
Dr. Arlan P. Beltran is an Accredited Energy Practitioner, APEC Engineer, ASEAN Engineer, and multi-Chartered Professional Engineer in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada. He currently serves as Senior Manager – Facility Management at Navigation Q.P.S.C. (Milaha) and champions sustainable power solutions while actively promoting Filipino engineers globally through leadership roles in professional organizations. With over 20 years of expertise in energy, facilities, and project management, he holds doctoral, post-doctoral, and master’s degrees in engineering and management.
Dr. Elvin D. Fajutagana
Dr. Elvin Fajutagana is a Project Management and Construction Engineering Specialist, a Registered Professional Civil Engineer in the Philippines and Qatar, and an APEC and ASEAN Engineer. He holds a PhD in Business Management, and is pursuing a Post-Doctorate in Strategic Management and Leadership. A certified Project Management Professional and Fellow of the Association for Project Management, he has held leadership roles in the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Qatar Chapter and other professional organizations.
Engr. Roel L. Galceran
Engr. Roel Galceran is a Specialist Consultant for ICT Infrastructure & Special Airport Systems in Qatar and an ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer with over 21 years of experience. He led the ICT and operational systems for Kuwait International Airport Terminal 2 and contributed to major airport projects across the Middle East. His expertise spans Special Airport Systems, ELV services, and systems integration, with extensive experience in project management, design, and site supervision, upholding engineering excellence in complex aviation infrastructure.
Judges for the TFT Watchlist: Top Filipino Healthcare Professionals
Dr. Christian Marvin A. Dela Cruz
Dr. Christian Marvin A. Dela Cruz is a graduate of Centro Escolar University with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and Proficiency in Clinical Orthodontics, currently working at Qatar University Health Center. He served as the President of the FDOQ for three terms, spearheading initiatives including the SPLE in Dentistry and outreach programs. His commitment earned him the PPO-Qatar Chairman’s Citation in 2023, recognition as a Top Filipino Healthcare Professional in the Middle East in 2024, and the Marist of Champagnat Award of Excellence for outstanding Alumni in 2025. Dr. Dela Cruz continues his humanitarian work with the Grand Majestic Eagles Club and The Fraternal Order of Eagles-Philippine Eagles Inc.
Leah B. Sarsonas
Leah Bernardo Sarsonas is a visionary nurse leader with over 30 years of international experience. She has held senior leadership roles in the Middle East, including Director of Nursing, and is a consultant, educator, community health advocate, and Doctoral Candidate at the University of the Philippines. She continues to elevate Filipino nursing on the global stage. Her honors include the “Gawad Karunungan” ng mga Pantas ng Pamantasan as Outstanding Alumna by PLM, Outstanding Filipino Nightingale in Qatar 2024, and Top Filipino Healthcare Professional in the Middle East 2024.
Melody P. Sarmiento
Melody Parpados-Sarmiento is the Head Nurse at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar with 31 years of clinical experience in the Philippines and abroad. She serves as President of the Association of Nursing Service Administrators, Qatar Chapter and Treasurer of the Global Society for Philippine Nurse Researchers, and has also taught as a clinical instructor in various private universities in the Philippines. A former Nurse IV and Training Officer at Ospital ng Maynila, she is currently pursuing her PhD in Nursing and was honored as an Outstanding Filipino Nightingale in Qatar and Top Healthcare Professionals awardee.
Dr. Rosanna M. Barrera
Dr. Rosanna Millar Barrera is a distinguished dentist, educator, and performing artist based in Qatar. She served as President of the Filipino Dentist Organization Qatar in 2023–2024 and currently serves as President of Pilipino Sa Qatar and National Director of I Sing World – Qatar. A graduate of CEU-Manila, she also pursued advanced orthodontic training and is completing an MBA in Healthcare Management in England. Recognized globally for her contributions to health, arts, and community service, Dr. Barrera has earned multiple international awards and performed on world stages, leaving a lasting impact on Filipinos worldwide.
Dr. Jane Cecille Q. Cadag
Dr. Jane Cecille Cadag, an optometrist at East Optics, has been a licensed practitioner in Qatar since 2007. She served as President of the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists – Qatar Chapter (2016–2022) and spearheaded the country’s first Qatar Optometry Conference in 2019. A passionate advocate for healthcare awareness, she has played an active role in numerous medical outreach programs and community initiatives through PPO–Qatar and Las Damas de Rizal – Doha, where she is a founding member. In 2024, Dr. Cadag received the PFPA Distinction Awardand was named a TFT Watchlist Awardee.
With their extensive expertise, leadership, and commitment to professional excellence, these esteemed judges ensure that the first-ever TFT Watchlist in Qatar and Kuwait recognizes the most deserving Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals. Their guidance guarantees that the awards not only celebrate current achievements but also inspire the next generation of Filipino talent to continue raising the bar and making a global impact.
