UAP charters Cabalen-Pampanga Chapter
THE UNITED ARCHITECTS OF THE PHILIPPINES (UAP) formally welcomed a new chapter under its fold, the UAP Cabalen-Pampanga Chapter, through “Suli” (Pagsibol) Chartering and Induction Ceremonies held at The Orchid Gardens, City of San Fernando.
The momentous gathering, witnessed by UAP national and regional directors, local government officials, and other notable guests, was highlighted by the ceremonial lighting of the UAP candle and presentation of the new chapter’s pioneering charter members.
A total of 53 licensed Fernandino architects were inducted as part of the UAP Cabalen-Pampanga Chapter— now one of the three UAP groups in the city whose members were previously part of the UAP San FernandoPampanga Chapter (Mother Chapter) which has grown its membership to more than 180.
UAP Cabalen-Pampanga Chapter President Hermel Gulapa said that their group is committed to move forward and actively promote their advocacies and the ideals of UAP anchored on unity, accountability, and professional excellence.
“As one of our first initiatives as a group, we are tying up with our city government and our city tourism office, to help preserve our heritage sites by way of providing architectural plans and blueprints. We want to focus on this endeavor which is one of our many corporate social responsibility programs for the community,” he said.
He furthered that another significant activity of the chapter to be launched soon is their regular “Archi-Talk,” a monthly meeting which aims to put spotlight on their member’s experiences in the industry, as well as new trends and best practices in architecture.
UAP Director for Government and External Affairs Oliver Gadia shared that their chapter will work together to bring growth and progress to the city and province, as they contribute their own expertise and vision to raise the living standards of the community.
“We will continue to uphold the mission and vision of UAP which is to promote the aesthetic, scientific, and business practice of architecture, advance architectural standards of education, training and practice, and most importantly, build lasting relationships among our clients, the construction industry, local government and of of course, our architects,” he noted.
As a long-time member of UAP for the last 18 years, Gadia added that the chapter is proud to welcome and embrace its new breed of young and driven architects, whom he believes will bring more vibrancy to the group.
City of San Fernando Senior Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan, for her part, extended her congratulatory remarks to the UAP CabalenPampanga Chapter.
“We are very happy to welcome another chapter of UAP, who has always been our partner in preserving not only our culture and heritage but also the environment. We look forward to this newest addition of professional organizations in the city and at the same time, we are so excited to collaborate with them in various projects that will help uplift our tourism sector,” she relayed.
The UAP is the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects (IAPAO) in the Philippines formed in 1975. To date, it boasts of over 38,000 members or 100 percent of total registered architects of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
In Central Luzon, the UAP District A2B consists of nine chapters including UAP AlayaAngeles Chapter, Balanga-Bataan Chapter, San FernandoPampanga Chapter, Tarlac Chapter, Clark Chapter, SinukwanPampanga Chapter, ZambalesOlongapo Chapter, and now the Cabalen-Pampanga Chapter.
— Erika Mariel Gines