JESUS C. PERLAS, JR. BE’29
Jesus C. Perlas, Sr., a distinguished son of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, exemplified the virtues of dedication and excellence throughout his life. After completing his early education in the public schools of Sta. Barbara, he enrolled in the University of the Philippines College of Engineering in 1930, where he became a scholar and demonstrated exceptional academic prowess.
His professional journey began with the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) in 1930, where he steadily climbed the ranks. By 1947, he had risen to the position of Assistant General Manager, a role that underscored his expertise and leadership. During his tenure at MWD, Perlas honed his skills in Sanitary Engineering at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His career at MWD saw him excel in various roles, including Chief Statistician, Superintendent of Filtration, Chief of the Division of Water Sources, and Chief Engineer.
Perlas’ commitment to education was equally remarkable. When the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) was established, he was appointed Professor of Mathematics and Secretary of the Academic Board, shaping the minds of future leaders. Later in his career, he shared his knowledge in Hydraulic and Sanitary Engineering at the FEU Institute of Technology. As a Major in the Engineer Corps (Reserve) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), he served as the Army’s consultant on Sanitary Engineering, contributing his expertise to national defense.
A trailblazer in his field, Perlas was the first Filipino member of the American Waterworks Association. He was also an active member of the National Research Council of the Philippines, the Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers (PSSE), and the Philippine Association of Technical Engineers (PATE). His leadership extended to the UP Alumni Engineers, which he helped organize in 1947, demonstrating his commitment to fostering a strong community of engineering professionals.
Jesus C. Perlas, Sr. was a man of many firsts and a pioneer in his field. His legacy continues to inspire the engineering community and stands as a testament to the heights that can be achieved through dedication, intellect, and a passion for service.
