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.

 

 

Special Feature: Young architects in Cebu advocate for “Pulido Arkitekto” to build resilient, affordable homes for Filipinos

CEBU CITY— Four young architects from Cebu are advocating for “Pulido Arkitekto” to build better, efficient, resilient and affordable homes for all Filipinos, especially those belonging to the low and mid-range income groups.

“We observe that families in barangays and in many small communities in the country are building homes without the advice or planning from an architect. We see tiny homes sprouting along riverbanks, in hilly lands overnight and we know that these are not resilient homes,” Architect Ana Karmela Po, former president of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)-Cebu Chapter told this writer.

Po with Architects Edmund Samson, Robert Malayao and Nhheil Crisostomo observed that people believe that getting a license architect to design and plan their homes is very expensive and people at the countryside and even at the urban centers would rather personally design and build their homes with local pandays (carpenters) and other builders in the area without an architect’s design and plan.

These four architects, who are members of the UAP-Cebu Chapter realized that the advocacy to build better homes especially for low and mid-range income groups must begin from conversations and listening to architects talking about how crucial home designs and plans are for long lasting homes.

Thus, they succumb to the “call to action” to make known that architects and their services are solid parts of building that dream house.  Karmela, Edmund, Robert and Nheil thought that what better channel to listen to conversations about designing, planning and everything about building a home be than in radio!

It was a light bulb moment for these four architects to come up with a one-hour advocacy program on radio with them as hosts, talking on anything and everything about building resilient but affordable houses, from designing to planning to buying construction materials and all other nitty-gritty in building that dream house.

                             The birth of “Pulido Arkitekto, Tambagi Ko” 

“Pulido Arkitekto, Tambagi Ko” was born.  A weekly radio program aired at 8:00-9:00 a.m every Saturday over a local DYLA-AM 909 kHZ station located at the 2^nd Floor, JSU-PSU Mariner’s Court-Cebu, ALU-VIMCONTU Welfare Center, Pier 1, Cebu City.

According to the architects the radio program, “Pulido Arkitekto” was conceptualized after typhoon Odette that hit Central Visayas in 2021 with massive destructions of houses among the low and mid-range income family groups in Cebu and in other provinces in Central Visayas.

“We were then inspired to advocate for “Pulido Arkitekto” (solid or polished architecture) for homes that can withstand heavy rains and typhoons because the Philippines is often visited with more than 20 typhoons a year, according to our local weather bureau,” the architects said.

Arch. Edmund said that the “Pulido Arkitekto” radio program was designed to provide assistance to the public as they rebuild after the typhoon. It was packed with a wide range of topics from building materials, construction methods, up to financing options, in an easy-going like conversations and advises with the hosts and listeners.

According to Arch. Robert that Season 1 of “Pulido Arkitekto…” seemed to just flew by as the program gained some good grounds in listenership from the Visayas and Mindanao areas evidenced by the letters and calls they received from its listeners.

Season 2 followed after to cover more issues revolving around building maintenance and troubleshooting to construction tips and sustainable building options. Applying vernacular principles to improve user comfort.

One of the notable strengths of the program is providing access to professional assistance that is free of charge on a radio platform. Experts from the building industry were pooled into the program as co-anchors and aired from April to September 2024.   As the year ends, the program continued to push for more collaborations with people, organizations and communities that have similar advocacies as these architects have.

“The most fulfilling aspect of the “Pulido Arkitekto” radio program for me is the direct impact I have on listeners through problem-solving and providing practical advice. This sense of fulfillment likely comes from seeing my guidance effectively address listeners questions and improve their situations,” Arch. Edmund Samson shared.

The program resonates with the audience because it offers valuable, actionable insights and solutions tailored to their needs.  Engaging content, practical advice and personal touch make the program relevant and relatable fostering a strong connection with the listeners, Samson added.

Architect Robert Malayao on the other hand, bared that “Pulido Arkitekto” has grown to not just a regular radio program but a chance for the architects to showcase that their knowledge is not only limited to the production of design but also extends to the construction methods and other methodologies.

“It feels great to be able to slowly educate the Filipinos of the services of the architects and the other professionals in the built environment, and the importance of hiring them for the specific job that they need to perform,” Arch. Robert said.

He feels that the efforts planted at Seasons 1 and 2 of “Pulido Arkitekto” are slowly bearing fruits as the architects are already receiving massive positive feedbacks from its listeners and how the advises have helped them in their renovation and repairs, both planned and current.

“Pulido Arkitekto, Tambagi Ko” is the first and only radio program in the Philippines that gives advises regarding construction related issues to the general public.  This radio program won the ‘Best Radio Educational Program’ at the 20th Cebu Archdiocesan Mass Media Awards (CAMMA).

“It is a privilege to be able to make a difference, to help the community and to make an impact in educating and bringing forward the Architectural profession. It fills our heart with so much gratitude that the knowledge we shared and the efforts that we did, made a positive mark,” Arch. Ana Karmela said.

What some listeners say about “Pulido Arkitekto”

Atomz Ybañez, a listener from Tubigon, Bohol: “From Pulido, I learned that building an affordable house is possible. I started tuning in to the Pulido radio program because I have always been a listener of the radio station (DYLA).  I was encouraged with the tips provided because I also wanted to build a small but durable house. I have a sibling who is a seaman who had a big house but it got easily destroyed by a typhoon, and I do not want that to happen to me.”

An SMS message from Luis Verana from Cebu: “What I can’t forget from the program is the advice the expert gave me for my home, such as how many windows I should have and what roof design I should use. I also learned more about choosing the right materials for your house, how to build a firewall, how to set up proper distances inside your property for your home, and even about solar-powered homes and how they can be built.

Luis said he is now finalizing the plan for his house and inquired on the materials he needs to be able to calculate how much he needs to spend.  Luis is now saving so have enough budget for the construction.

 “What I can’t forget about the Pulido program is the episode that talked about roofing, and how the standard thickness of the roof is important when choosing the right materials. Before, I used 0.24mm for my galvanized iron roofing sheets because they were cheaper, but when typhoon Odette hit us, it tore my roofing sheets to shreds as if they were just made of paper.  Now, it does not matter anymore if the roofing sheets I buy are more expensive as long as they follow the standard thickness so that my roof is built right and will not get easily damaged. Thank you, Pulido,” Luis added.

From Fely Rosales, who asked advice (on-air) from the architect hosts of PULIDO Season 2 and called back to thank them: “I called back here to thank the architects because in the earlier episode (July 20), I called to ask for help on how I can repair my floor tiles so they won’t continue to get cracked. I followed your advice on using liquid nails and choosing the tiles you recommended. That is why I wanted to thank you now because I am no longer having any problems with my tiles anymore after I applied your recommendation.”

“Pulido Arkitekto” collabs with organizations, business establishments, others

The success of “Pulido Arkitekto, Tambagi Ko” has reached the ears of the Cebu Home and Builders Centre (CHBC), a business establishment that sells all kind of construction materials, lights and bathroom fixtures, and more that led to the collaboration of both parties.

According to Arch. Ana Karmela that the collaboration with CHBC was initiated to provide off-season engagement with the program patrons/listeners while preparing for Season 3 of the program and in time with CHBC’s annual year-end sale. The off-season program was held at CHBC’s main branch in Banilad and in its newest branch in Toledo City.

Here, the radio program is aired live at the CHBC outlets with invited clients and program listeners to participate in an animated conversations and live Q & A from both the live audience and the listeners. “Indeed, people are really hungry for information like these,” said one of the live audiences.

Another collaboration was when other programs, especially national TV programs such as IHeartPh, a showed at GMA 7 were enticed to provide a portion of its program solely for the purpose of educating the Filipinos on the importance of building better to make their houses safer and more resilient from typhoons.

Another was in Business Matters of CNN Philippines where the efforts of the architects for this program and their advocacy of capacitating the Filipinos, were highlighted and emphasized.

A recent collaboration was with Solid Panday where the Pulido Anchors took part in giving a seminar/lecture to more than 50 pandays. They talked about the best practices of construction most especially to topics related to foundation, fire safety and waterproofing. 

“Pulido Arkitekto, Tambagi Ko” and Habitat for Humanity’s Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter (HFH-TCIS) collaboration and partnership is focused on providing quality information about proper home construction and repairs to low-income households who otherwise might not have access to such information.

Arch. Ana Karmela bared that the collaboration with the HFH-TCIS has helped not only the creation of the project but most importantly, push and encourage the architects to go beyond the usual service of the profession.

This has opened new doors for the architect-anchors and the profession itself, on how they can bring their services and technical know-how reach those economic groups that typically veer away from hiring architects because of the stereo-types that they have what the architect does and for whom the architect’s services are for, Arch. Karmela concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman/Pulido Arkitekto FB)

 

 

Pulido’s Off-Season Roadshow kicks off at CHBC with yearend deals, free consultations

CEBU CITY— Cebu’s pioneering architectural radio program, Pulido: Arkitekto, Tambagi Ko!, wrapped up its second season and is now taking the show on the road starting November 9 at the Cebu Home and Builders Center, A.S. Fortuna in Mandaue City in anticipation of Season 3. The special off-season roadshow in November aims to empower homeowners with expert architectural advice and practical solutions on repair and maintenance of tiles and bath system. 

Cebu Home and Builders Center (CHBC) is also promoting its Year-End Sale, happening from November 15 to December 15, 2024. As part of the Pulido Roadshow, CHBC will be giving away exclusive prizes that include discount cards, gift certificates, and tote bags. Four lucky winners will be selected from those who participate in the event’s interactive Q&A session by dropping their renovation and construction questions on social media for the chance to win.

Enjoy a morning of meaningful, thought-provoking conversations with the expert Pulido team, including Architects Edmund Samson, Ana Karmela Po, Robert Malayao, and Nheil Crisostomo. With a shared mission to promote accessible, disaster-resilient homes, Pulido has brought critical architectural guidance to the community every Saturday morning on DYLA 909 KHz, helping low-income families create safe, functional, and beautiful living spaces. 

The Pulido Roadshow will continue with another special topic on November 23, 2024, at the Cebu Home and Builders Center Toledo Branch from 9 AM to 12 NN. Ride on this unique opportunity to consult with industry professionals and take home new knowledge and prizes.

Follow Pulido: Arkitekto, Tambagi Ko! on Facebook at @pulidoarkitekto for more event updates and Q&A opportunities. Don’t miss out on the chance to ask, win, and learn. (Photos: MBCNewman)

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