Celebrating the 52nd National Architecture Week
WITH the theme “Sigaw ng Alon,” the recently concluded National Architecture Week-Philippine Architecture Festival (NAW-PAF) reflected on the architects’ response to the ever-changing landscape of architecture, the built environment industry, and society.
In addition, the weeklong celebration took place in several public spaces in Baguio to establish significant engagement with the immediate community and promote awareness of the architects’ significance to the people.
Led by the UAP Baguio Chapter’s Ar. Arven Lac-amen, the NAW-PAF became a more engaging opportunity for convergence among the architecture students and graduates from the UAP Student Auxillary (UAPSA) and UAP Graduate Auxillary (UAPGA). Many of them had traveled from various parts of the country to celebrate and learn from the industry’s well-esteemed speakers and lecturers.
One of the highlights of the festivities was the exhibition of architectural works and infographics called Sirib Arki at SM City Baguio. The UAP officers, together with the mall officials, motivational speaker Coach Lyqa Maravilla, and architect-vlogger Llyan Austria, attended the event with architecture students and graduates aspiring to become registered and licensed architects.
The festivities were graced by Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, who expressed his support for the architects and detailed his plans for the city. A cultural performance reflected the city’s warm welcome to the architects.
Before the Baguio festivities, various chapters and districts from the UAP, UAPSA, and UAPGA held their respective versions of NAW-PAF in their communities. Colleagues from the UAP Manila Sta. Mesa Chapter, led by Chapter President Ar. Paul Eugene Ong, initiated a mural painting along P. Sanchez Street (Shaw Boulevard) in Manila; it featured the iconic structures in Sta. Mesa and a soup kitchen for children.
UAP Pasig Chapter, led by Chapter President Ar. Mary Rolyn Ara Torrecampo Angeles, conducted a river cleanup and adopted a creek along Barangay Pineda in Pasig City.
UAP Tarlac Chapter, led by Chapter President Ar. Sherwin Bryan Si, launched their mall exhibit called “Agwahe” and conducted school caravans for an information drive about the architectural career for students aspiring to become architects someday. These chapter-level activities were all recognized by the NAW-PAF Organizing Committee during the last day of the Baguio festivities.
A week after the NAW-PAF festivities, the Baguio City Council approved a proposed ordinance that institutionalizes the city-wide NAW celebration every second week of December: Presidential Proclamation 934, Series of 1971, on its third and final reading.
The same city council also approved the proposed measure that mandates their City Building and Architecture Office (CBAO) and City Human Resource Management Office (CHRMO) to strictly implement the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9266 or the “Architecture Act of 2004” on its first reading, as published on Baguio City PIO’s Facebook page last Dec. 1, 2023.
At the start of 2024, other LGUs like Panabo City in Davao del Norte, Batangas City, and Tanauan in Batangas have started requiring their constituents to have their architectural permits and plans signed and sealed by registered and licensed architects.
These recent policies by the local government units are steps that recognize the significance of Filipino architects and the architecture industry in the built environment matters that require safety measures in construction.
The waves made by the 52nd NAW and the 2nd PAF had a significant impact on every Filipino architect and the communities that came together to embrace the importance of the architectural profession and its industry. They collectively build a resilient and inclusive society rooted in a deep appreciation of craftsmanship in architecture and with respect for everyone. Congratulations and cheers to everyone who participated in NAW-PAF from my architectural colleagues, industry partners to the community!
“Sabay-sabay tayong tutugon sa sigaw ng alon ng pagkakataon!”
“Saludo ako sa bawat arkitektong Pilipino! Mabuhay!”