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My warmest greetings to the officers and members of United
Architects of the Philippines (UAP) on the occasion of your 40th
Annual National Convention to be held at the SMX Convention
Center, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on April 9-12, 2014.
As solid organization of professional architects, your
convention theme, “O.N.E.: Organization-movers. Nationbuilders. Earth-keepers.” clearly speaks of your common
aspiration of designing and building safe and sustainable
communities.
I commend your continuing advocacy in considering
aesthetics, functionality including environmental aspects in your
designs whether residential houses or skyscrapers.
I am glad that your organization’s direction is towards saving
the earth from the effects of climate change while designing
environment-friendly or the so-called “green” buildings.
As we have witnessed the wrath of supertyphoon “Yolanda”
and the earthquake that hit the island of Bohol and other parts
of the Visayas last year, it is imperative that builders like you
should take into consideration the weather phenomena or natural
catastrophes when designing structures.
I urge you then, as your National Building Official, to rally
behind the government’s efforts to Build Back Better, Safer and
More structures. Let not these natural catastrophes destroy the
dreams of the people to build their safe communities.
May I also take this opportunity to thank UAP in your
commitment in the strict implementation and enforcement of the
National Building Code especially in areas where there are existing
geological hazards. Continue with your pursuit of building safe,
weather-resistant and sustainable communities.
Congratulations on the continued success of your endeavors.
Mabuhay!
ROGELIO L. SINGSON
Secretary, Department of Public Works and Highways