"Na-experience ko na 'yung gusto kong ma-experience—working outside of the country— it's time for me to share the knowledge that I’ve gained."
This was the new Chairperson of the Department of Architecture, Ar. Reynaldo Ventura Jr.'s reason why he started teaching here at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines last 2017.
Coming from Abu Dhabi, UAE where he had stayed for almost 15 years, Ar. Ventura had worked as a Senior Architect for KEO International Consultants and an Associates for Gensler. He was a trainer in Building Information Modelling Operation and Management. On top of that, he was a chartered member and Board of Directors of the United Architects of the Philippines Abu Dhabi Chapter and part of the team that organizes Reviews for the Philippine-government special licensure exams held outside the country.
“When you learn something, share it” — a principle that Ar. Ventura lives by, not only to his students but even to his colleagues. His broad working experience allowed him to learn a lot in terms of architectural management, and he doesn't intend to keep all of it to himself. "Sabi nga nila, if you want to build a legacy, share your talent,” he stated. Hence, after completing Master of Science in Construction Management in PUP Open University System (OUS) while he is in Abu Dhabi, Ar. Ventura decided to go back to the Philippines for good.
In 2017, he opened up a small firm. At the same time, while he is still processing his MSCM Diploma and other documents, Dr. Muhi, his thesis adviser in completing his Masteral Degree, invited him to teach in the PUP OUS Graduate School. And that is the start of his academic teaching experience.
Since his appointment as a program chair last March 15, he feels that everything was happening too fast. With a lot of things piling up on his plate, one thing that he needs to work on is time management. “Kasi kahit alas dose ng gabi, nagsasagot pa ako ng email,” he shares, “I need to know what are the Highly Important, Important and Less Important for this job.” Aside from that, he is also taking a degree in Doctor in Engineering Management at PUP OUS.
"Eventually, what I want for the students is to understand the real practice in architecture not only locally but also internationally." Ar. Ventura answered when asked what can the students expect now that he is the chairperson of the Department of Architecture of CADBE. As expected from someone who worked abroad, he stated “Filipino time” or “always late” as one of the issues that they need to address. Even so, he is aware that they cannot create change at once but through small, consistent actions.
During our conversation, he repeatedly stated that he is not perfect but, he will try his best to do the job— an act of humility coming from a man who experienced and achieved a lot of things, and yet he chose to venture on to another unfamiliar road due to his passion to influence more people. Ar. Ventura is extremely grateful to Ar. Jocelyn A. Rivera-Lutap, and Ar. Emilie Garcia, the people who he frequently asks for guidance while navigating this, still, novel experience. “Being now the program chairman, I’m not perfect.” he concludes, “I need to familiarize pero I will try my best to do the job.”
With his humility, perseverance, passion to share ideas, and occasional sense of humor, no matter how unfamiliar the job of being a chairperson is, Ar. Reynaldo C. Ventura Jr. will always strive to do it to the best of his ability while contributing knowledge and motivating his loved ones, colleagues, and students.
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