First UAP Pres from Mindanao is a Dabawenyo
SEEMS like Dabawenyos’ stint of leading the country’s biggest groups and organizations have not come to an end yet as another one assumed as president of the Philippine’s largest architects group recently.
Davao architect Benjamin Kimpo Panganiban, Jr. was installed National President of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) during symbolic rites, dubbed “Kalig-on: The 2018 Inaugural,” held at the Grand Regal Hotel last June 30, 2018.
The event had Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III as Guest of Honor, who inducted Panganiban and the rest of the National Board of Directors into office. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio also graced the occasion and addressed the architects in the venue.
In his message, the new UAP national head stressed the importance of leadership and commitment and reminded all Filipino architects “that everything you do has an impact to the profession, the professional, the professional organization and the professional product.” He further challenged all UAP members to promote and protect the profession. Taking this challenge can make one “become more of a professional,” he added.
Panganiban’s ascendancy to the top post of the country’s accredited professional organization of architects came after emerging victorious during elections conducted last April during the annual UAP National Convention at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. He becomes the 26th National President of the UAP and the first and only Mindanaoan to hold such position in the 43 years of existence of the organization.
Born and reared in Davao City, Benjie, as he is fondly called by his friends and colleagues, is the third son of Dr. Benjamin Sr. and Thelma Panganiban. He studied Bachelor of Science in Architecture in the University of Mindanao and Masters in Business Administration in Ateneo de Davao University Graduate School.
Through his architectural firm, BKPanganiban Architects & Associates, Architect Benjie has been in the practice of architecture for more than 30 years specializing in Design-Build Services and has completed numerous projects nationwide and in some neighboring countries. Lately, his firm has engaged into importation of architectural finishing materials.
On his path towards the National Presidency of the UAP, he served the organization in various capacities. He was President of UAP Davao Chapter in 19921993, District D1 Director in 2012-2014, Executive Director of the Commission on Professional Practice in 2016-2017 and National Executive Vice President in 2017-2018. He is also a charter member of UAP Kadayawan Dabaw Chapter.
For his notable and outstanding contributions to the architecture profession and community and exceptional service to the UAP, he was conferred the title Fellow UAP in 2012. He became an ASEAN Architect and APEC Architect in 2014 and 2015, respectively. He is among the first 40 ASEAN Architects in the country.
The new UAP National President was instrumental in bringing the Architecture Licensure Examination to Mindanao, specifically to Davao City. Previously, the board exam was only conducted in Manila, Cebu, Legaspi and the Middle East. But because of Panganiban’s hard work and dedication, aspiring architects from Mindanao would not have to travel far to be able to the take the examination.