MESSAGES
Rey S. Gabitan, uap
National Executive Vice-President
It is with great honor and privilege that I extend my warmest gratitude to the delegates, exhibitors, speakers
and guests of the PRC’s five (5) times Most Outstanding Professional Organization in the Philippines – the United
Architects of the Philippines, as we undertake the 37th National Convention of Architects and Convention Exhibits at
the SMX Convention Center from April 16-18, 2015.
This year marks a new era in the ASEAN region, the start of the ASEAN economic integration which is a prelude
to the GATS 2020 implementation of cross-border practice. Indeed, the theme of this years’ convention “UAP
Beyond Borders: Empowering Architects Towards ASEAN Integration” is very timely as we continue and enhance
the programs and strategies aimed at equipping Filipino architects with the appropriate tools in view of a larger
community of practicing professionals. Filipino professionals, including architects, would now have to develop their
competencies to meet higher levels of expertise in various fields of specialized practice as a result of more diversified
and complex services. This can be achieved through formal education by taking masters and doctorate degrees or
through professional practice and continuing education in focused areas of practice.
The United Architects of the Philippines, as the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects
(IAPOA), is committed to provide the needed support and training to develop Filipino architects to be competitive
to the demands of the global market. The current administration has initiated a scholarship and thesis assistance
program in order to attract more member architects to complete their higher levels of education. On the other hand,
the creation of Specialty Councils in different fields of practice are being finalized to institutionalize the recognition
of specialists or experts in various fields and formulate their respective non-formal mode of education or trainings
that would be made available to those aspiring to be accredited as specialists.
Let me extend my congratulations to the UAP 2015 National Convention Organizing Committee for choosing a
very timely and relevant theme, and setting a line-up of seminars and activities that will bring forth the ideals of
Filipino architects in the global scenario. It will indeed be a very successful event once again for this organization.
Mabuhay ang UAP bilang IAPOA!
Mabuhay ang Pang-Global na Arkitektong Filipino!
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