The Architecture profession in the Philippines has made its 100th year since recognition and will be observed in a year-long celebration of United Architects of the Philippines (UAP).
In an article published in The Manila Times by UAP President Ar. Renato A. Heray, he recalled that century ago, no one can find a school offering architecture in the country. "The closest one can get is to undertake studies to be a Maestro de Obra — then considered as builders," Heray wrote. According to him, Maestro de Obras and surveyors established the first architecture organization despite absence of architecture schools. In 1921, a law was passed to separate board of examiners for Civil Engineers and Architects which also made Maestro de Obras be automatically registered as the latter.
Meanwhile, UAP held an online conference last February 23 to launch the year-long celebration of 100 years of architecture profession in the Philippines.
This year's celebration is in the theme “Isang Siglo ng Propesyon: Pagyamanin ang Arkitekturang Pilipino.” which was attended physically and virtually by leaders of various architecture groups in the country and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) representatives.
Morning of the conference day, attendees firstly had an historical tour to sites inside Intramuros who played a huge role in the architecture profession namely Ayuntamiento, Intendencia, and Mapua University.
On the conference, UAP National President and Architecture Centennial Coordinating Committee (ACCC) Chairman Ar. Heray, opened the celebration with remarks of commemorating the past of architecture which led to where architecture has reached right now. He said that the goal of Filipino architects is to enrich our culture and tradition according to the sworn duty of an architect.
"Ang ating naging layunin bilang mga arkitektong Pilipino saan mang panig sa mundo ay ang pagyamanin ang ating kultura at tradisyon alinsunod sa ating sinumpaang propesyon," Heray said.
According to Heray, Filipino architects should stand as protectors and guardians of our architectural heritage with care and love. He also urged architects to be hand-in-hand in enriching and raising the architecture profession in the country with integrity, responsibility, and according to the needs of the present time.
"Kayo po ay aking inaanyayahan na tulong-tulong po tayo na pagyamanin ang propesyong arkitektura sa ating bansa at sama-sama natin itong i-angat nang may integridad, responsibilidad, at alinsunod sa pangangailangan ng ating panahon," He said.
PRC Commissioner Yolanda David-Reyes, who attended virtually, also delivered a message to congratulate the architecture profession in reaching this milestone. The commissioner said that she was happy in the inclusivity of architectural groups that was very welcoming. She also commended the UAP leaders for being hardworking in the past years emphasizing their work for commitment and not for titles. Commissioner Reyes then encourages young architects to never stop learning and developing in this field.
"I would like the young people to be... to not to stop learning, not to stop developing themselves and being active in what will actually develop not only to themselves but to the profession," She said.
Also, Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture Chairman Robert S. Sac, delivered a message virtually to extend his laud the profession on its 100th year. In his speech, he said that the celebration of century old regulation of architecture profession should really highlight the role of architecture in our communities. Chairman Sac also said that he looks forward to architects being sought as leaders for community developments.
"We look forward to the day, really, when architects are always the professional that are sought when they need leaders for the development of their communities," Sac said as he congratulate the launch of the year-long celebration.
Other attending architecture leaders namely, Philippine Institute of Architects, President Ar. Isabelita L. Israel (represented by Ar. Jeniffer Sanchez), Architecture Advocacy Federation, President Ar. Glenn J. Openiano, Bangsamoro Architects, Ar. Murad B. Tuttuh, (represented by Ar. Alkhadah Amilhasa), Society of Moro Architects, Ar. Mohammadsarfraz A. Uttoh, also delivered their messages for the celebration.
On the other hand, UAP organized a logo-making contest which was won by an architecture graduate Harold Haber. The winning logo will also serve as the official logo for the year-long celebration.
Published in The Freehand's Vol. 5, second issue (January 2021 - March 2021)
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