Global Impact, Local Roots: NDMU Celebrates Engr. Jay-Ar Padernal Legaste

Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) proudly honors one of its distinguished alumni, Engr. Jay-Ar Padernal Legaste, a graduate of the Civil Engineering program, for his outstanding achievements and exemplary service in the global engineering community.

With over 15 years of structural design experience, Engr. Legaste has built an impressive career in the Middle East, leading major oil and gas projects for Saudi Aramco. His expertise and leadership have earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards: Top Filipino Engineers and Architects in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain 2025. This marks his third consecutive year of being included in the prestigious list.

A licensed professional in the Philippines, USA (Nevada), ASEAN, and APEC, Engr. Legaste holds multiple international credentials and continues to represent Filipino excellence on the world stage. His leadership in professional organizations is equally commendable. As president of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Eastern Province Saudi Arabia (PICE-EPSA), he was recognized in 2021 as Most Outstanding International Chapter President, leading PICE-EPSA to also receive the Most Outstanding Chapter award.

Beyond engineering, Engr. Legaste is a strong advocate for social development. He spearheaded the construction and donation of a DepEd-standard classroom in Sitio Tinapakan, a remote and previously conflict-affected area in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. This initiative has benefited 87 Manobo students, providing them access to safe, quality education. For this and his broader contributions to the community, he has received several honors.

Notably, in 2025, Engr. Legaste was conferred the Outstanding Migrant Worker Award by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Migrant Workers Office – Eastern Region Operation (MWO-ERO) during the 127th Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Al-Khobar. He was previously honored in 2023 with the Outstanding OFW in Community Service Award during the 9th OFW Congress and was also named Most Outstanding Professional of the Year by the Philippine Professional Organization – Saudi Arabia (PPO-SA).

In recognition of his exceptional accomplishments and inspiring leadership, NDMU previously honored Engr. Legaste as one of the Alumni Achievement Awardees during its 75th Foundation Anniversary in 2021.

Engr. Jay-Ar Padernal Legaste continues to be a shining example of what NDMU graduates can achieve—demonstrating not only technical excellence but also a heart for service and nation-building. His story serves as an inspiration to young engineers and a source of pride for the NDMU community.