Natcon Directory | Page 23

35th UAP National Convention The Power of Architecture DR EAM • C R EAT E • T R ANSF OR M UNITED ARCHITECTS OF THE PHILIPPINES Benchmarking Excellence: A Legacy Synonymous to the Roldan Administration’s Brand of Selfless Acts of Service ‘To benchmark is to set a standard, to set excellence as a standard is creating a tradition.’ I have always been one with the dream of the United Architects of the Philippines more than thirty years ago: simply to fulfill its founding fathers’ “all-consuming goal to bring about the unification of Filipino architects.” Five years ago today, The Architecture Act of 2004 altered that age-old landscape of indifference among fellow architects. The rest of course is history that continues to unravel before the eyes of many in the building industry. Though the Filipino Architect is still embattled today he remains resilient and focused on his direction to glory. Countless but significant years have passed since 1975 and how time flies indeed! Nowadays, the country’s emerging crop of architects can be found not only in the concrete and steel jungle of corporate Philippines but in countless growth and emerging areas spreading around the Asian, European and American continents. These are new breeds of movers and shakers, industry players that constantly strive to discover innovative agenda to strengthen the profession’s hold in today’s very complex development collaborations. With the advent of Republic Act 9266, specifically Article V Section 40, this profession has closed-in on ultimate but productive integration coupled with sincere cooperation. It has also been able to develop mutual instruments of harmony and goodwill within and outside the organization. These have been extended as instruments of change by the UAP’s network of selfless workers to trusted industry partners and allies. The Office of the Secretary General is very optimistic that the 35th UAP Annual National Convention and Business Meeting will be able to provide a great canvas to showcase the great, life-changing achievements of the organization. I have seen this administration bring many of us to the threshold of a unique development where we are given every chance to grow and to relish the value of genuine public service. The theme “The Power of Architecture – Dream, Create, and Transform" is a fitting tribute to an endless quest to better our lives. There is a larger fundamental responsibility for us architects that should always be put to light. These are the drive to do better over what happened in the recent past, and the belief in one’s ability to change them in one’s lifetime. My best wishes and inspirations go to the great men and women of the organizing committee headed by the very dynamic Convention Director Richard Garcia and ably guided by a great worker, in the person of Honorary Chair Medeliano ’Boy’ Roldan, Jr. The organization will forever be grateful to you. Mabuhay ang UAP! Mabuhay ang Arkitektong Filipino! GIL C. EVASCO, uap UAP Secretary General 21