The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) – Palawan Chapter celebrated its 24th anniversary on Sunday, March 12, with the theme; “Future Proofed: Elevating Palaweño Architects,” which was kicked off with a motorcade led by Palaweño architects and joined by architectural students from Palawan State University (PSU).
Various vehicles adorned with green balloons filled the streets of downtown Puerto Princesa on Sunday afternoon for the motorcade followed by a short program at the PSU Amphitheatre featuring educational talks from the UAP present and former officials as well as PSU President Dr. Ramon Docto.
Architect Benjamin Panganiban, UAP’s former president, delivered a talk focusing on building permits to enrich the knowledge of the architecture students of PSU.
Architect Medeliano Roldan Jr. focused on the highlights of Republic Act 9266 otherwise known as, “An Act Providing For A More Responsive And Comprehensive Regulation for the Registration, Licensing, and Practice of Architecture.” He stressed the importance of the measure and the vital role it plays on the part of aspiring architects and those in professional practice.
Roldan said that the legislation was created to raise the level of Philippine architecture to establish a built environment that is resilient, sustainable, and well-planned, which are factors in promoting the country as a center for business, culture, and tourist destinations.
“Hindi ito para sa amin, para ito sa inyong mga aspiring architects. Kaya napakahalaga na maunawaan natin kung gaano ka-importante ang batas na ito. Kasi mayroon tayong kanya-kanyang expertise. When it comes to building and designing, tayo ‘yan, but we must also understand na we are all one with other branches of engineering at lahat tayo we would all fall under sa RA 9266,” Roldan said.
Roldan further said that even as a former UAP president now, he remains keen on elevating the culture of architecture in the Philippines and wants to continuously protect its members by remaining active on various legal matters concerning UAP.
“During my days as president of UAP, I am proud to say na ni isang sentimo hindi ako humingi ng fund diyan. Lahat ‘yan shouldered by my own pocket, para lang malaganap ang kahalagahan ng batas na ‘yan at upang maprotektahan kayo bilang mga arkitekto,” Roldan said.
Architect Alfred Carandang, present general secretary of UAP, on the other hand, discussed tips on how aspiring architects and those who are already professional, can discover various ways how they can transition into being “Archipreneurs,” specifically focusing on how an architect can make money by doing his profession and recognizing business and marketing opportunities.
“I was an employee before, pero I had my vision. And I turned that vision into reality by recognizing opportunities or stepping stones that paved my way to where I am now at present. Ang daming setback na naganap sa akin at sa company when it comes to business, pero what matters most is, hindi ka nag-quit,” Carandang said.
The short program was followed by a fellowship night joined by UAP officials namely; Architects Richard Garcia, Cesar Aljama, Delfin Mirabete Jr., Yolanda David Reyes, and Corazon Fabia Tandoc.