Mr. Victorino Z. Sianghio, Jr., president of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers, has asserted that mechanical engineers are qualified to evaluate the safety features of the Bataan Nuclear Plant because "they have taken subjects of nuclear power in the fifth year of their engineering course" (We Forum, Feb. 15).

Mr. Sianghio’s definition of what constitutes adequate qualifications has made me realize that I am far, far more competent that I had thought myself to be. Following Mr. Sianghio’s reasoning:

1. My one-semester course in computer science qualifies me to evaluate the adequacy of the National Computer Center;

2. My four semesters in English language and composition qualify me to assess the operations of the National Media Production Center;

3. My four semesters in ROTC qualify me to be a consultant on the government’s military procurement system;

4. The week it took me to finish a course at a Quiapo driving school qualifies me to pontificate on the merits and demerits of the Light Rail Transit system.

The thousands of recent engineering graduates who have not found jobs should ask Mr. Sianghio for letters of recommendation. Given Mr. Sianghio’s standards, even a dumb, dim-witted, tongue-tied moron would receive a recommendation suggesting sufficient competence to replace Minister Geronimo Z. Velaszo.

RUBEN N. MUEGO