UAP Post (Fiscal Year 2016-2017) | Page 3

MESSAGES EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the complete script of the Inaugural Speech delivered by UAP National President Arch. Guillermo Hisancha on the occasion of the Inaugural Ceremonies at Iloilo City, June 30, 2016. At the start of my term last July 1st 2016, I have executed some of the fundamental functions of my office and one is to induct the new set of leaders of our district and chapters and to deliver the top priority plans, programs and activities this administration has initiated, started and hopefully to achieve during for this fiscal year. So far, it has been more work and less play, less time with family and have missed my architectural office and staff, and continuously work with persistence and passion. Now is the time to reflect on UAP's future. Now is also the time to visualize a prime organization of Filipino architects building on the rich legacy and accomplishments of our past National Presidents. However, as National President, I have also made a solemn vow and pledge and that is to rise up to the occasion, to meet and hopefully live up to your big expectations. There are immense challenges confronting our profession, and it is my intention to lead our organization, in achieving the best we can do, and make every UAP officer and member truly proud of. In pursuing this objective, I will be guided by the main goals, mission and vision of the UAP, especially to unite all registered and licensed architects in the country, to promote the architectural profession and to advance the architectural standards of the continuing professional development of Filipino architects. This administration have set out a theme anchored on these missions and visions: for UNITY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE. I also believe in continuity. Hence, I will serve not to compete with my predecessors, but rather, to continue on their unfinished business and vowed to work harder even more. I want to build on a solid foundation of proven leadership and enhance it. Let us not allow anything, and anybody, to put up walls of division in this organization. The organization and the profession must remain solid and strong in unity. national president’s page UNITY This brings me to start with UNITY. While there will be time enough to debate our continuing differences, now is the time to recognize that what which UNITES US IS GREATER, THAN THAT WHICH DIVIDES US. clients, since I started my term as your 25th UAP National President. In very hectic schedules, we have been doing inductions and chartering of new chapters all over the country and abroad. Well, sometimes with all of these, I admit that it’s slowly taking its toll on my bodies physically, but, with the warm reception and kind hospitality that we have received from our colleagues, their expressions of good wishes and meaningful words full of inspiration, encouragements, support and kind appreciations which instantly relieves and motivate us to work for more, all for the love of service and sake of our beloved profession and UAP organization. I really deeply felt humbled, delighted, so thankful and grateful to the general membership for giving me this rare opportunity and probably a chance of a lifetime to serve and lead this prestigious organization of Filipino architects. Now, as the National President of the UAP, I have fulfilled not only a dream and a fantasy of reaching the pinnacle of our distinguished organization, but with great joy, excitement, hope and humility to be granted the stewardship to lead this venerable institution; as I am so grateful for the trust of the general membership and optimistic for the success of our shared future. As I carry the torch of this new administration, we mark new beginnings by again gathering in solidarity; as we commit ourselves once again to UAP and all that it represents, in a new chapter of its distinguished rich history. My dear colleagues, our organization is in excellent shape, however, we are confronted too by lots challenges that we are facing each day. We need to sustain its state I’m also inspired by the pledge of support coming from the National Board of Directors in all the plans and programs we have initiated and started. I know this is quite a tough mission bringing people with different views, outlooks and idealism together. But still I am confident that with their initial interest and expression of support in this longtime wish and worthy endeavor to finally have the unity we wanted for the sake of the profession and architects of the future generation. How I really wanted this matter come to fruition and I encourage all of you to help and support me in this “Unity of Purpose” which might be the turning point of total harmonious unity and cooperation among Filipino architects regardless of professional affiliations. Indeed, a dream come true. We must remember that we must be united, and the outpouring of generosity and compassion reminded us that in times of challenges, we UAP Members shall move forward together, as one community and should serve as a catalyst of unity among Filipino architects. We must work together to achieve common goals through selflessness, collaboration, trust, mutual respect and all out support. With my 15 years’ experience in the government – as an elected official, 6 years as municipal councilor and 9 years completing my 3 terms then as vice mayor – I have learned that no obstacle is too great when there is consensus building and everybody on the team has to set their eyes on our common goals and objectives. Perhaps this is what defines my presidency in the UAP: consensus building an