The Philippine Association of the Professional Regulatory Board Members (PAPRB) and United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) organized the 2nd ASEAN Architect Congress last 11-12 April 2018 at the Marriot Hotel Manila and the Philippine International Convention Center, respectively. It was a two-day event that served as an opportunity for ASEAN Architects to appreciate the value of gaining trust among colleagues, both here in the country and overseas, through involvement in dialogues and similar activities.

The theme of the event “Building on ASEAN Connection” highlighted the importance of establishing partnerships among Architects, organizations and stakeholders to strengthen information and knowledge exchange, as well as the promotion and adoption of the best practice on architectural education and professional practice.

Attendees of the Congress included the Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture, Hon. Robert S. Sac, Member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture, Hon. Robert M. Mirafuente, the Chairman of the ASEAN Architects Council from Vietnam, Ar. Pham Khanh Toan and the National President of the United Architects of the Philippines, Ar. Guillermo H. Hisancha.

Various guest speakers were invited to speak regarding topics essential in the development of the profession. One of them is the past Chairman of the ASEAN Architects Council from Indonesia, Ar. Tateng K. Djajasudarma who discussed “Possible Initiatives for Future Enhancement on Borderless Practice among ASEAN Members States and Eventually Global”.

The International Affairs Office of the Professional Regulation Commission presented the Collaboration Agreement Template, which served as a pattern or sample instrument which the ASEAN Architects could use to formalize the collaboration between the Filipino ASEAN Architect and the Foreign ASEAN architect as required by MRA.

The Professional Regulation Commission’s Chairman Teofilo S. Pilando, Jr. expressed the Commission’s support and appreciation to the organizers for spearheading an event that served as a ground for the exchange of brilliant and innovative ideas that continuously shape and inspire architects to go beyond the confines of the local landscape. He emphasized on the opportunities and advantages brought by the interlocking relationship with colleagues here and abroad that will lead into the enhancement of the professional’s capacities and capabilities through networking, the exchange of the best practices and the support of initiatives that deepen and develop not just their technical knowledge but their ethical conduct as well. He also mentioned that the Commission is looking forward to more partnerships like this in the future that are pursuant to professional excellence and development.

LEFT to RIGHT– Congress Director, Ar. Alfred Geoffrey Carandang, Member, PRB of Accountancy, Hon. Gerard B. Sanvictores, National President, United Architects of the Philippines, Ar. Guillermo S. Hisancha, Ar. Edric Marco C. Florentino, Member, PRB of Architecture, Hon. Robert M. Mirafuente, Immediate Past Chairman of the ASEAN Architects Council (AAC) from Indonesia, Ar. Tateng K. Djajasudarma, Chairman, Professional Regulation Commission, Hon. Teofilo S. Pilando, Jr., Present Chairman of the ASEAN Architects Council (AAC) from Vietnam, Ar. Pham Khanh Toan, Chairman, PRB of Architecture, Hon. Robert S. Sac, Deputy Congress Director, Ar. Cecil Cayman-Gamana, Other foreign delegates from Malaysia and Lao PDR, Members of the ASEAN Architects of the Philippines, Filipino Architects delegates, and dignitaries from the Organizational Committee of the Congress.

The 2nd Day of the event was attended by the various dignitaries among the ASEAN Members States (Malaysia, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Indonesia).