FELINO A. PALAFOX, JR.

Principal Architect-Urban Planner, Palafox Associates President, Palafox Architecture Group, Inc.

His name has been top- of- mind in the Philippine architecture industry for 43 years, but internationally acclaimed architect Felino “Jun” Palafox, Jr. is far from done in designing and developing plans that would make the nation a better and safer place to live in.

Nowadays, Palafox is putting much of his energy and brilliance in a very significant and relevant cause — disaster preparedness. Bringing to the table his education, expertise, and many years of experience both as an architect and urban planner, Palafox has championed disaster-preparedness in many ways: as a resource person for media, forum speaker, newspaper columnist, and a government consultant.

Apart from these efforts, he has also involved his own organization to forward his advocacy by setting an example or template that other organizations can follow. He spearheaded the creation of an Emergency Preparedness and Response Team (EPRT) for Palafox Associates and Palafox Architecture Group, Inc. The group has published disaster preparation manuals, conducts regular trainings, drills, and equipment inspections. Their companies also provide employees with whistle and flashlight, both of which may be helpful during disasters such as fire, flood, and earthquake.

He has also partnered with volunteer organizations to plan, design, and rebuild homes in disaster-stricken areas in countries like Iran, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. The houses they built were not only strong and spacious, but also gender sensitive, allowing the occupants to live in comfort and with dignity.

A natural communicator, Palafox has been able to articulate his ideas and disseminate pertinent information well, both to his people and to the public. But it is his sincere concern for humanity and brilliance in planning that have really made him a credible voice in both architecture and urban planning.