UAP Cebu celebrates 50 years of shaping architectural profession in PH

CEBU CITY -- The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)-Cebu Chapter celebrates its 50 years of shaping and pioneering the architectural profession in the Philippines though still facing the challenge of the stigma being an “invisible profession.” 

"We, architects are still facing the challenge of not being taken seriously as a legitimate profession, we are invisible within the construction and engineering industry in the country," said Architect Jose Mari Cañizarez, who had been a licensed practicing architect all his life and a Likha Gold Medal Awardee in his profession.

Cañizares said that people ask why should architects be paid when their designs are just drawings, or that they are not engineers. "Such gross misconception," he added.

UAP-Cebu Chapter marks its golden jubilee this January 2026 with the theme "Road to 50 Strong Years" to honor the past and designing the future.  It emphasizes the journey of elevating the profession in the various regions.in the country, said Arch. Johannesburg Frances Dy, Golden Anniversary Chairperson during the media launch on Monday, January 5.

 

Dy said, the theme is not just about celebrating a number but recognizing five decades of Skylines, communities shaped, and the integrity of Filipino architects. She emphasized the importance of architectural design in promoting community wellness, particularly through housing solutions for the poor to mitigate flood risks.

Canizares on the other hand highlighted the need for civic participation and community safety, suggesting that architects can help by reducing planning and stopping unconscious upland development.  He defined the architectural profession's readiness to respond in various capacities to community needs by outlining their commitment to training and ensuring structural stability, aiming to create sustainable environments for the people they serve.

According to Dy, the lineup of events begins on January 20 with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Redemptorist Church marking a moment of gratitude and reflection for the chapter. This will be followed by a Chapter Fellowship providing members an opportunity to reconnect and strengthen professional ties.

On January 23, the UAP Cebu Chapter formally opens its Exhibit at G Mall from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The exhibit aims to showcase architectural works, ideas, and initiatives that highlight the role of architects in nation-building and community development.

Continuing the festivities, UAP Cebu Chapter Family Day will be on January 24, designed to foster camaraderie among members and their families through fun and inclusive activities.  The week-long celebration culminates in a Gala Night on January 25 at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, that will would gather members and distinguished guests for a night of recognition, fellowship, and celebration of the chapter’s achievements.

Challenges facing the architectural profession, construction industry

Ar. Melva Java,FUAP. Past UAP Cebu Chapter President, Former Dean, Univ. of San Carlos, Heritage Architect and one of the pillars of the chapter talked about the negative effects of development projects, including mining, on indigenous communities, leading to displacement and environmental damage.

“Homesteads are being destroyed, with houses floating in rivers due to improper planning and uncontrolled development.  I support Cebu City’s upland development moratorium until more studies are conducted and alternatives are explored. The construction industry is a significant contributor to climate change due to the materials used, such as glass, paints, steel, and concrete,” Java said.

There is need for architects and engineers to find sustainable construction materials that are closer to nature, like bamboo and trees. The Philippines' traditional construction methods used bamboo and trees, which respected nature and did not harm the environment, Java then called for a reduction in the carbon footprint caused by the construction industry, which is responsible for 40% of pollution.

“It is important to repair, restore and recycle instead of demolishing and constructing new buildings to mitigate pollution.  There is also challenge to preserve heritage structures in Cebu and in the country. Architects have a responsibility to keep these memories alive for future generations,” she added.

Ar. Zianne Nicah Amarga, current UAP-Cebu Chapter president mentioned that only lawyers and doctors are easily understood by the public, while architects are often mistakenly called engineers.  She explained that architects serve clients and must interpret their wishes, often involving collaboration with other professionals like structural and electrical engineers.

Clients often complain about the cost of architectural services, which attributes to the clients' lack of understanding of the value provided, Arch. Johannesburg Frances Dy said, “architects shape buildings and environment, which in turn shape society. They interpret clients/ dreams and we work with other professionals.”

Ar. Armund Claro, deputy chair for Task Force RA-9266 for UAP-Visayas told Manila Standard that there is a bigger challenge in the vision of implementing RA-9266 in every city and province in the country.  “This act mandates that only registered and licensed architects can practice architecture, protecting both the profession and the community, it is easier said than done,” he added.

Claro emphasized the importance of professional practice and the role of architects in ensuring environmental protection. The act also includes provisions for educating the public and schools about professional practice standards. He also said that the country lacks the political will in implementing the act, mentioning that some NGOs have already started the advocacy process.

“The act is easier to implement in Manila and provinces compared to other areas in the Visayas and Mindanao as he mentioned the personal and practice experience of millennials in the field of architecture. The act aims to protect the professional practice of architects and ensure that only qualified individuals can practice,” Claro added.

Ar. Amarga and Ar. Dy acknowledged the public’s lack of respect for the profession, emphasizing that their work goes beyond aesthetics and serves a purpose. They mentioned the importance of collaboration with architects, particularly with the government, but notes that often, their inputs are not taken seriously.

“Architects design with a specific purpose, not just to make things look beautiful, but to serve a functional and practical need. It is therefore important to check with the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) identification and the importance of professional registration and licensing in ensuring quality and safety in design and legal practice,” Dy said.