UAP Marikina Valley Chapter History

  The UAP Marikina Valley Chapter, which was then known as Marikina Chapter, was formally organized in November of 1985. Its formation was made possible through the guidance of Corazon F. Tandoc, who was then the UAP Commissioner for the Chapter Organization. The National President then was Arch. Cesar Canchela. The original roster of members was taken from the National Directory of architects whose home addresses were in the municipality of Marikina. Each member listed in this directory was visited by the core of organizing members and each was convinced to join the new chapter. The Chapter was duly recognized with the approval of its charter on December 5, 1985. Officially, it became the 43rd chapter to be established within the UAP. The Charter Board of Directors were Rico Jose G. Santiago – Charter President, Wilfredo V. Arriola - VP for Operations, Romeo G. Marcelo - VP for Programs and Developments, Estela DG. Lopez - Secretary, Virgilio M. Balderosa - Treasurer, Gilbert A. Pioquito - Director and Alberto G. Feria Director. The first set of officers was inducted on February 21, 1986 at the Agustin Building in Pasig. The ceremonies then were interrupted by the historic EDSA Revolution. The chapter at that time had limited registered membership and even much fewer active members. After two years of existence, in 1988 the Chapter President migrated to the United States with no official turnover and the chapter became inactive. With the need for re-activation, on September 17, 1989, the Marikina Chapter had its first reorganizational meeting, presided over by then UAP National President Angel Lazaro. The Marikina Chapter was then composed of a handful of original members and many new “recruits”. Estela DG. Lopez was elected Chapter President of the re-vitalized Marikina Chapter. Through her 2year term, the Chapter was recognized by National Organization as the Chapter to watch. Because of her efforts, September 17 has been recognized as   the new founding day and is celebrated as its Chapter Anniversary.       In 1991, Enrique O. Olonan became the Chapter President and during his term, the Chapter undertook various civic projects: donation of relief goods to the victims of Mt. Pinatubo eruption, installation of additional traffic signs in Marikina – Cainta and a Christmas gift-giving program to the needy of Olandes, Marikina. To this day, the Chapter has continued these socio-civic projects. It was during his term that the bond of fellowship among its members was established. Regular General Membership Meetings (GMM) were held every first Friday of the month. He had laid the foundation of things to come. In 1992, the Chapter elected Allan V. Garcia, fuap as President. On May 28, 1992 during the 18th Convention in Cebu, a resolution was approved to change the Chapter’s name from the former “Marikina” to “Marikina Valley” or “Marvalley” for short. In the same year, the chapter co-hosted with the La Union Chapter, the first National Conference of Architects (NCA). On February 19, 1993, the Chapter was accredited as a non-governmental organization (NGO) by Marikina. On April 18, 1993, the Chapter was recognized as the “Best UAP Chapter” during the 19th National Convention at the PICC in Manila. In 2004 – 2005 served as UAP Area 5 Regional District Director. He was also the 1st Elected UAP National Vice President for Area A of The Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects (IAPOA) in 2005 – 2006. In 1993, Angel A. Doria became the Chapter President, with the Chapter’s Theme, “Professionalism, Geared for a Brighter Tomorrow”. The Chapter held numerous civic works, gift-giving programs, art contests, fun walkathon, Balangkasan, and the first “Know your UAP President” forum-debate on the upcoming UAP presidential elections, For these achievements, the Marvalley Chapter was awarded the “Best UAP Chapter for Special Projects”, given on April 16, 1994 during the 20th National Convention held in Baguio City. In 1994, Danilo C. Ibay, the Chapter President and his officers put their efforts on “Continuing Professional Education (CPE)” which was required by the Professional Regulatory Commission for the renewal of PRC licenses. With the year’s theme “Professionalism Follow Through; Focus on the Chapter Service Beyond,” several