By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The media launch for the 50th National Convention of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) on April 7-12, 2025 was held at the UAP Headquarters here on Friday (Nov. 22).
50 notable architects and architectures will be featured and 50 startup firms to celebrate with the UAP to introduce and promote their respective products.
8,500 architects have registered in the 49th Natcon and the UAP targets to double that number in the Natcon50 next year.
Arch. Antonio A. Valdez, executive director of CCAE (Commission on Conventions, Assemblies & Exhibits), said that it is the 50th Anniversary of the UAP.
The CONEX 2025 is just part of the 50th National Convention which is a borderless ideas.
The 50th Media Launch was preceded by the 49th National Convention.
The National Convention will be held on April 7-12, 2025 where each day will have a different theme.
The 50th Anniversary of UAP will be celebrated in March 2025.
“Mabuhay ang UAP. Mabuhay ang Arkitektong Pilipino ” he said.
“We are currently 60,000-strong and 30,000 are active,” Arch. Valdez said.
Arch. Donato Magcale, UAP National President, said the National Convention is a platform for UAP to exchange ideas.
It is a series of shows and exhibits such as in Cebu and Davao.
The golden jubilee of the UAP will be held on March 26, 2025.
It is said that the architects are the problem solvers for the environment.
“Come and celebrate with us on the 50th Anniversary of the UAP,” Arch. Remark C. Gardiola, Natcon50 Director, said.
The UAP would like to erase the misnomer that Architecture is just for the rich people.
The UAP has 22 international chapters, including Singapore.
The Natcon50 will have diverse speakers from around the world.
There will be a six-day tour and building tours from Laguna to Taal, Batangas to BGC Makati to Barasoain Bulacan to Binondo to UAP Headquarters where architects were invited to join the tours, including eating the the culinary foods and delicacies in each tour area.
Arch. Richard Garcia, UAP Past National President, said that about 5,000 individuals have become architects and not all of them have registered with the UAP as members.
“Not all architects are hired and only some become successful,” Garcia said.
Garcia added that they will create an awareness that Architecture has a big impact on environmental sustainability using materials that are environment-friendly as well to accommodate “Amihan” and “Habagat”.
