A passing of the torch is necessary for all institutions to inspire growth, evolution, and development. Just
a few days away from our country’s own inauguration of the new president-elect, the United Architects of
the Philippines (UAP) Inaugural 2022 program is an event that commemorates the executive board of the UAP Chapter’s current roster as they let go of the reins to a new set of leaders.
Last June 25, 2022, this event was hosted in the Rizal Park Hotel, where many notable names in the industry and respective representatives from different UAP chapters across different regions. While it’s an event that commemorates diverse leaders in their own right, the key position to be passed over is the 29th UAP National President position, to be handed over by outgoing the 28th UAP National President, Ar. Armando Eugene De Guzman III.
Before we get into his new role, it’s important to give a brief background on the next leadership of the UAP. The incoming UAP National President, Ar. Richard Garcia graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in 1993 with a B.S. Architecture degree. He currently holds three professional licenses in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Environmental Planning.
Starting his career straight out of the academe, he worked with G&W Architects until he made his way to becoming the company’s vice president and senior partner. The firm is now known as Visionarch, one of the world’s top 100 architecture firms. In 2018, the University of Santo Tomas recognized his achievements among its Outstanding Alumni. He also earned the title of ASEAN ARCHITECT, specializing in Commercial Mixed-Use Developments.
Besides his professional career, his collaborative contributions to the architecture community is also a compelling portfolio. He was a three-term UAP chapter president, a District Director for Regional District A3, the Vice President of Area A, COF Chancellor, a Jury of the College of Fellows, a UAP Executive Director for Professional Practice up until he took the seat of being the National Executive Vice President of the UAP.
In his Inaugural address speech, Ar. Richard notes the importance of stepping into the frame of responsibility. With the country still recovering from the pandemic, he recognizes that there’s a sense of duty that we must all recognize as a call to action.
He commends how his predecessor had carried the weight of responsibility brought about by lockdowns, cancelled events, and the increasing unemployment in the industry due to the pandemic. Through it all, the community carried on and did not back down. This is where future-proofing UAP and the profession becomes part of his pledge to the organization.
His vision for the future is to develop corporate thrust and to listen to the UAP members’ V.O.I.C.E.S to fortify the group’s strengths and remedy its shortcomings. This is broken down as follows:
V - Vanguards of the Profession
O - Optimize Our Strengths and Resources
I - Inclusive Leadership
C - Cultivate a Culture of Excellence
E - Empower the Regions and members
S - Service Beyond Self
He reiterates that the challenge will truly be a feat, but states that: “We hope and want to maximize the network of UAP and embrace the technology that we have and discover in the upliftment of our Architectural profession. I am deeply honored for the trust and confidence given to me by you all. As at the end of the day, I am able to lead our beloved organization and stand and represent our profession with your help and support as members, the National Board of Directors and Chapters. Together, we can win this game.
Today, come and join us on our journey towards… FUTURE-PROOFING UAP AND THE PROFESSION.”
The 29th Executive Board of the UAP are as follows:
RICHARD M. GARCIA, FUAP, ASEAN ARCH,
PALA, PIEP
National President
JASON S. ANG, UAP, ASEAN ARCH, PIEP
National Executive Vice President
DONATO B. MAGCALE, FUAP, SFRIA, ASEAN Ar.,
APEC AR., Int'l. Assoc. AIA
Area A Vice President
DELFIN M. MIRABETE, JR., FUAP, PIEP, PSPE,
NAMPAP, EAROPH, MS ARCH
Area B Vice President
RAMON FRANCISCO M. TERUEL, UAP
Area C Vice President
ALBERT S. ROSEL, UAP
Area D Vice President
VANESSA L. LEDESMA, UAP
Secretary General
RENE RICHIE A. CORCUERA, FUAP
National Treasurer
ANNIE C. PUGEDA, FUAP, FRIA
National Auditor
ARMANDO EUGENE C. DE GUZMAN III, FUAP
Immediate Past National President
MARIA NINA BAILON-ARCE, FUAP, APEC AR, AA
Chancellor, College of Fellows
WORDS+IMAGES
UAP
Comments