As the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) begins its fiscal year 2024-2025, it celebrates its 50th founding anniversary and Golden Jubilee as the only Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects (IAPOA) in the Philippines.
Bestowed as the first accredited professional organization of architects by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the UAP has consistently been recognized as an outstanding professional organization, earning accolades both nationally and internationally for its professionalism and contributions to the field of architecture.
This year, as the UAP prepares for its FY 2024-2025 inaugural on June 22, 2024, at Gallio Narra Events Hall, ASEANA, Parañaque City, Arch. Donato B. Magcale, FUAP, SFRIA, ASEAN Arch., APEC Arch., will be inducted as the 30th National President. Born and raised in Olongapo City and now practicing in Metro Manila, Arch. Magcale is a Fellow of the UAP, a Senior Fellow of the Royal Institute of Architects Singapore, an APEC Architect, and an ASEAN Architect.
A passionate and humble servant-leader, Arch. Magcale has progressively advanced through the “Ladder of Key Positions in the UAP.” His journey includes roles such as Chapter President of Nova Central Chapter, Chairperson of several UAP Standing and Special Committees, Executive Director of the Commission on Professional Practice (CPP), Member of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the 2024 Architectural Code of the Philippines (ACP), UAP representative to the PRC Board of Architecture, Chairperson for the PRC-TWG for Architecture Design-Build Services Specialization, Member of the PRC-PRBArch TWG for Legislation and Codes, RA 9266, and Sub-Committee Chair of the ACP, Area A Vice President, and UAP National Executive Vice-President for FY 2023-2024, among others.
After being elected as the incoming 30th UAP National President during the April 2024 National Convention of Architects held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, he comes well-prepared to lead the organization.
In his previous appearances and during the Pre-planning and Corporate Session held on June 15, 2024, at the UAP National Headquarters, Arch. Magcale emphasized his UAP Corporate Theme for FY 2024-2025: FuturePROGRESSIVE – One STRONG UAP. The acronym STRONG stands for Sustainable, Thriving, Resilient, Operational, and Growing. His FuturePROGRESSIVE thrust is derived from liberalized ideas and unceasing actions that are “evolving for improvement, continuity, and growth,” aiming for a more progressive future direction for the UAP.
Addressing the incoming appointed and elected leaders of the organization, Arch. Magcale stated, “To be a strong servant leader, one should serve first, and the conscious choice brings the aspiration to lead and serve.” He emphasized that good coordination and teamwork among members foster a strong working relationship.
Arch. Magcale also assured that under his leadership, together with the UAP National Board, they will strive to add more value to the UAP through sustainability, inclusivity, and improved organizational resiliency by transforming programs for the UAP. With the “Right People to Do the Job and Get the Job Done” and guided by a “Top-Down Approach,” the UAP will address any internal and external challenges to the architectural profession.
The incoming UAP 30th National President will further elucidate his UAP Corporate theme “FuturePROGRESSIVE – One STRONG UAP” and his leadership directions on June 22, 2024, at the UAP Inaugurals 2024. In attendance will be UAP’s Guest of Honor, former Senator Richard “Dick” Juico Gordon, all past National Presidents of the UAP, his National Board of Directors, all incoming chapter presidents of the 198 chapters worldwide, his Executive Directors, committee chairpersons, and industry partners who have supported the UAP throughout the years. With a clear goal and direction to safeguard the value of the architectural profession, the architects, and the organization’s corporate value and brand, these endeavors will surely thrive and leave a mark for the next generation of UAP leaders and towards a FuturePROGRESSIVE – One STRONG UAP.
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Arch. Benjamin K. Panganiban, Jr. is the past national president of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) and the first national president from Mindanao. He has been in the private practice for more than 36 years and is a fellow of the UAP. He is also the first Asean and APEC architect from Davao City. He is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Mindanao, a doctor fellow of the Royal Institute of Architects Singapore and a recipient of the European Business Assembly.
