CAPTURING THE STRUCTURAL HEIGHTS

by: Norberto Betita

Engr. Surtalicito Liquido

He is consistently on top of our classes. His diligence in his studies prompted him to daily bring the load of all our reference books. A vibrant young man of well-defined vision; inspired by his Minister father. His academic achievements during those four years of high school evidenced his foresight of a glorious future. No wonder he became our class valedictorian.

SNNHS ‘69er SURTALICITO LIQUIDO, known to many as Surta made it through college at the Mindanao State University as an Engineering scholar. While many feared from Muslim influences, he braved the dangers of the long cultural conflict in the area. By the same definite and sharp vision of a prospective triumphant future, he struggled through thick and thin; burning his midnight candles in diligent study. His sacrifices paid off and he was graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering---Cum Laude, only a few grade points to Magna Cum Laude.

He took and passed the board and worked his way towards added achievements. While employed as an Engineer for the National Irrigation Administration, a government controlled corporation, he caught sight of furthering his vision of becoming a Structural Engineer, and so deferred his love life in favor of a deep and fervent youthful dream. He applied for a scholarship at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Bangkok, Thailand. He successfully passed the examination, but was required to pay the bursary for a round trip to and from Bangkok. His confidence that he would be granted everything for free, gave him the courage to refuse the offer. His persistent attitude and diligence borne from early high school involvements gave him added courage to re-apply. The following year he again qualified and was granted a comfortable free ride and all expenses paid scholarship. It became even more comfortable for he was made a government scholar, and received his salary for the whole of his term at AIT.

He studied at AIT School of Civil Engineering under a program covering Structural Engineering and Construction. He was graduated in 1981 with a degree of Master of Engineering, Structural Engineering and Mechanics. After graduation from AIT, he should have been required to work for two (2) years in the government. He realized, however, that his engineering degree and training at AIT does not match his work at the NIA. He took courage to talk with the Administrator and was granted the most desired liberty. He was required to refund only one year of his salary while on scholarship, a blessing indeed.

His unequivocal quest for knowledge which was long since a part of his high school life, did open grander and bigger doors for success. Since then his career path had been bestowed with magnificent opportunities for growth and progress. He had been accorded seats of different high positions in multi-national construction companies here and abroad. On his list of previous employments are the following:

* Principal Civil/Structural Engineer at Schema Konsult Inc., Ministry of Construction and Housing, DG of Roads, Construction and Housing-Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan (Iraq)

* Sr. Civil/Structural Engineer at Hyundai Engineering & Construction, New National Museum of Qatar

* Sr. Civil/Structural Engineer-Office, New Doha International Airport Project at Bechtel Overseas Incorporated

* Resident Project Engineer at Syrconsult International, Bahrain

* Sr. Civil/Structural Engineer at WS Atkins & Partners Overseas, Bahrain

His last known employment was: Principal Structural Engineer, FDSC (Foresight Development and Surveying Company) Manila, Philippines. Serve as Chief/Sr. Structural Engineer for the Construction Supervision of the LRT (Light Rail Transport)-2 Extension Project from Santolan, Pasig to Masinag, Antipolo

Now he is capturing the structural heights as an Engineering Consultant here and abroad. For many years of his career he had been in the Middle East countries sharing his technical and structural expertise in their infrastructure developements. He is now in the Philippines to maximize his contributions in the field of structural engineering and infrastructure development in the land of his birth and enjoy the grand fulfillment and realization of his youthful dream. The avenues and possibilities which were only in the mind after high school graduation is now open to him in perfect view. As he walks and drives by, and see the heights of his structural masterpieces, he might have in mind exclaimed in awe and wonder, ‘this is the work of Engineer Surtalicito Liquido, how wonderful it is to be a Structural Engineer’. Indeed, how wonderful it is to dream big, to work hard in honesty and integrity, and to see the glorious attainment of your goals long outlined and framed in the borders of a very humble public school---the Surigao del Norte National High School. Since then and now, he started rising high and still meeting the challenges of a continued upward journey, inspired by an ever supportive wife and two (2) good children, by his side.

His success was matched by her daughter---Sher Claranza Ocampo Liquido---for passing the September 2017 Physician Board Examinations. Beyond all the heights of his accomplishments, this attainment of his daughter elevates his stars for such is the very heart and core of all his efforts. 

His story is still in progress as he continues to utilize his most needed engineering skills and expertise even beyond his age of retirement.