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National President ... from Page 21
Aristotle , A Greek Philosopher said that , “ Excellence is never an accident . It is always the result of high intention , sincere effort , and intelligent execution . It represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice , not by chance , determines our destiny .”
As architects , we need to continuously search for PRO- FESSIONAL EXCELLENCE .
We have to look after the professional growth and development of our colleagues . This can effectively be done through the Continuing Professional Development program and the conduct of CPE Seminars , Balangkasan , Fora , and other venues accessible to all architects all over the country and even abroad . Since the start of my term , countless chapters and districts have already conducted educational lecture series , balangkasans for the benefit of our members across the country . Our Commissions and Committees have done successful efforts bring down our programs to the chapter levels . We will make sure members from Luzon , Visayas and Mindanao , as well as those in abroad will have access to equal opportunities for professional skills upgrading and development .
For architectural education , I have tasked the Commission on Education Executive Director Ar . Wilfredo Gacutan to make a representation with CHED and PRC to discuss and make a study , report and recommendation upgrading as to the level of standards of architectural education in the country as well to upgrade our curriculum to keep abreast with our neighbors and foreign counterparts around the globe .
Philippine Congress recently approved into law the Continuing Professional Development or the CPD Law mandating not only architects but all professional to undergo continuing professional education as a way of upgrading and to be exposed the current trends of practice which affects every profession .
We have also forged partnerships in some sections and agencies thru design competitions as a way of developing the talents and skills of our professionals . The UAP and Supreme Court had a pact for the ongoing International Conceptual Design Competition of their proposed complex . Same with Nippon Paint for Asia Young Designers Award , HCG ArchiNext Competition and MetroBank Architectural Design Excellence . These exposures for sure would enhance our architect ’ s talents and skills competitively .
As architects , we design not only homes and buildings . In essence , we design our communities , our nation . Much is asked of us . And much is given to us as a profession . Along this line , the UAP have and will always be actively engaged in more corporate social responsibility ( CSR ) activities as our way of giving back to the people , especially the disadvantaged and the less fortunate brothers and sisters we have in our communities .
I would like to commend our Chapters , Districts , and even some of our individual members who have already done countless CSR projects around the country . As a way of expressing back the favor , that would indeed be a noble endeavor sharing our blessings to others , as it may return a hundredfold .
I would like to encourage Chapters all over the country to extend assistance to the needy , poor but deserving students by sponsoring a UAPSA scholarship grant . I would like to commend NEVP Ar . Nina Arce for this advocacy .
Our brand of service isn ’ t just confined only to the drawing boards . It extends to helping those in need , those , in dire needs . To further enhance the role of Filipino architects in the growing economic landscape in the APEC and ASEAN , I will urge to promote and encourage accreditation among UAP members . This way , Filipino architects will enjoy and take the limitless opportunities through global practice . Globalization and the inevitable sharing of expertise across borders have long been practiced and happening in the field of architecture .
“ As we move forward , UAP must remain as a reputable institution for Filipino architects and its stakeholders , but above all , UAP should always be celebrated for our commitment to UNITY , AC- COUNTABILITY AND PRO- FESSIONAL EXCELLENCE . ”
Foreign architectural firms have nothing but praises and admiration for the design skills and knowhow of Filipinos , including architecture . Our members must be richer , deeper , more fulfilled and more productive professionals . We must unleash our imaginations , and we must harness the power of our dreams . I also want to institutionalize awards and recognition of the exemplary work of UAP members and chapters around the country and abroad .
The UAP is a national organization , not just limited to the national capital region , and everybody , even those in the remote parts of the country , and those working from abroad , participation in our activities should not be confined just to officers . All members should be given a chance to contribute to the attainment of our common goals and aspirations and everybody should be eligible for deserving awards and proper recognition .
I also want to see the establishments of UAP Area offices to provide members with better access to the organization ’ s programs and projects . The UAP can only attract wider participation among members , if they feel closer to its operations . In order to promote and further enhance the image , credibility and integrity of our profession , I have tasked former Miss Universe 3rd runner up and Architecture board topnotcher Ar . Shamcey Supsup Lee , to serve as UAP ’ s spokesperson and “ Ambassadress of Goodwill ” of our profession .
More importantly , we need to assert that the UAP is a respected professional organization , a defender for
Filipino architects and a tower of strength of the architectural profession . Much is needed to be done . What I have outlined are only a small portion of the mission ahead of us . We should strive and will be devoted in accomplishing those goals and objectives .
As we move forward , UAP must remain as a reputable institution for Filipino architects and its stakeholders , but above all , UAP should always be celebrated for our commitment to UNITY , ACCOUNTABILITY AND PRO- FESSIONAL EXCELLENCE .
There are so many things to do , and so much to build on .
To all UAP colleague , I enjoin you to persist with your commitments to this beloved organization , because for as long as we approach our plans and programs without suspicion , mistrust , apprehensions and without fear of contradiction , we will proceed leading with understanding , confidence and courage which flow from conviction , we shall never fail . The chapters should help us implement the plans and programs we have crafted and developed , and to monitor if these projects were being implemented in your respective areas as you strive for excellence in all aspects of our fundamental thrusts .
We want to see the UAP Organization , where every officer is empowered by compassion ; where officers and members are united by understanding and volunteerism , and where the grandeur of unity and camaraderie is the backdrop of all its accomplishments and achievements .
We in the National Board believe and expect that the officers and members will show the much needed hard work and utmost dedication to make a big difference in serving our organization . We are the architects of our organization ’ s fate and destiny and it is a responsibility which we cannot relinquish . It is a challenge to each one of us , especially you , the leaders that we should welcome and adhere to .
Further , I look forward for the continued support of the entire UAP community to this administration , and to maintain the landmark momentum we have achieved in the past years and may this fiscal year bring luminous and everlasting hope to spark faith in each and every one ’ s hearts .
Therefore , let us continue to serve as the vanguard of the Architectural Profession in the country . Let us continue to empower Filipino Architects and to serve as the catalyst of dynamism and unity among Filipino architects under the letter and in spirit of RA 9266 .
Let us pursue and promote the highest ethical conduct , discipline , responsibility and values beneficial to our clients and the built environs of our professional mandate .
LET US THEN CONTINUE ON OUR CHARTERED COURSE SO THAT WE MAY FULFILL THE DESTI- NY FOR OUR BELOVED ORGANIZATION .
Lastly , thank you for this wonderful opportunity and privilege , and for the great honor which you have conferred upon me .
Rest assured that I shall bear this distinction with great honor and pride .
Mabuhay ang Arkitektong Filipino ! May the Greatest Architect in heaven guide and bless us all . GOD BLESS UAP !
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The UAP Post • Vol . 42 Issue 01 • July — September 2016