Being a child often entails fervently believing that Superman will swoop down from the sky the moment Smallville is imperiled by a villain's destructive rampage. Reflecting on those innocent years, it's challenging to dispute the palpable reality those fantasies held for each of us during our childhood. While some may dismiss superhumans as mere tales for children, the Department of Architecture at College of Architecture, Design, and the Built Environment has recently acquired one of its own – a new chairperson, an inspiring architect, and, above all, a nurturing mother.
According to several blogs and articles, architecture tops the list when ranking the most challenging programs in tertiary education. Enrolling in this field can feel like surrendering your soul to the program's infamous sleep-deprived routine, enduring harsh criticisms from both peers and professors, and navigating through seemingly endless revisions that stretch over a grueling five-year period. While this narrative often positions the architecture profession as the toughest job, debunking it doesn't require lengthy and tiresome arguments – especially once you step into the realm of motherhood, an experience Ar. Marie Angeli Bilbao-Velasquez has personally undergone. Not only has she navigated its challenges with her own children, but she now embarks on a new chapter, where she will also guide the hundreds of students in the department, navigating challenges much like those she faced with her own children.
Amidst an air of anticipation and excitement, the Department of Architecture ushered in a new era as it warmly embraced its recently appointed chairperson, Ar. Marie Angeli B. Velasquez, on November 28, 2023. Ar. Velasquez, a familiar figure in the college, boasts a proud legacy as an alumna and a member of the historic first batch of architecture students at PUP – Sta. Mesa.
"Actually, fine arts ang gusto ko (but) Ar. Mallari suggested pursuing architecture instead since walang fine arts ang PUP," Ar. Velasquez shared as she recalls the beginning of her architecture journey at the university. May it not be what she initially dreamed of, but the destination of the unfamiliar roads she fearlessly took back then leads to where she is at present – at the helm of an esteemed institution, steering the course for aspiring architects. Ar. Velasquez's journey from a wide-eyed graduate of PUP - Sta. Mesa to now overseeing the very college that shaped her professional identity is a testament to her unwavering dedication and tenacity.
After a grueling journey lasting more than five years through the undergraduate program, Ar. Velasquez stood at a pivotal crossroads. Instead of forging ahead with plans to build structures and dream houses for others, she made a decision – to embark on the creation of her own haven, not in bricks and mortar, but within the embrace of her own family. This juncture marked more than a career shift; it was a transformative moment when she chose to momentarily set aside her hard-earned degree and yield to the innate call of motherhood.
Later down the road when her desire to instill knowledge sparked again, the year 2011 marked the beginning of her teaching profession. "As much as possible, I teach in a nanay style of teaching nang sa gayon ay hindi sila matakot and mas matuto pa," Ar. Velasquez emphasized. She firmly believed in the importance of a fear-free learning environment for students because education must be compassionate, and so should educators themselves. In 2018, she successfully completed her master's degree in education. It wasn't until 2020 that she decided to take the licensure exam for the architecture profession, and without a doubt, she passed. This achievement not only filled Ar. Velasquez with pride and joy but also paved the way for her return to her alma mater, providing an opportunity to contribute as a professor.
Her journey unfolded further as she embraced the role of a regular faculty member in the college in 2022. To her surprise and delight, a groundbreaking initiative led by Dr. Ibylou B. Golla, PIEP, the new college Dean of CADBE, offered her the chance to ascend to a new role. She was also given warm support by Ar. Jocelyn A. Rivera-Lutap, former college Dean of CADBE, who told her that without a doubt, she can do it. This year, Ar. Velasquez finds herself assuming the position of the department's new chairperson, a testament to her dedication, expertise, and the recognition of her leadership within the academic community.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Accepting the role as the new chairperson is challenging, but through Him, I know I can handle it," she added with conviction.
Being a chairperson may not seem entirely new to Ar. Velasquez, even with the relatively short time she has spent in the college. Her experience as a devoted and nurturing mother to her family should be sufficient. After all, the qualities of empathy, understanding, and the ability to provide support are universal, whether it's within the familial setting or in the academic domain.
Much like a mother who provides a comforting haven for her children, Ar. Velasquez envisions the department under her guidance as a place where individuals can find solace, encouragement, and the tools they need to flourish. Ar. Velasquez's leadership style, influenced by her maternal instincts, paints a picture of an inclusive and supportive community, where everyone is encouraged to thrive.
In this unique blend of architecture and maternal care, Ar. Velasquez is not merely leading a department; she is a guiding force, akin to the superheroes of our childhood fantasies and she is nurturing a community—one that mirrors the familial bonds she holds dear.