Manila, Philippines – The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), through the Professional Regulatory Board of Landscape Architecture (PRBOLA) in collaboration with the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA) recently took part in the 2024 International Federation of Landscape Architects Asia-Pacific Region (IFLA APR) Talk & Share, entitled: The Status of Landscape Architecture Profession in the IFLA Asia Pacific Region last October 26, 2024 via hybrid modality.

The Talk & Share session aims to provide insights on the status of Landscape Architecture in the Asia Pacific Region focusing mainly on the countries of Malaysia, New Zealand, and the Phillipines, discuss current trends and challenges as well as significant advancements in the practice of Landscape Architecture while bringing together industry experts, thought leaders, and policymakers from across the Asia-Pacific region.

The event was joined by distinguished experts in Landscape Architecture: L. Ar. Sulochi Walisinghe, Team Leader for Public Space at Kingston City Council; Dr. Nor Atiah Binti Ismail, President of the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM); and L. Ar. Debbie Tikao, President of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora (NZILA). The discussions focused on the collective goal of creating a more unified, resilient, and sustainable landscape architecture profession across the Asia-Pacific region.

Representing the PRC was Hon. Cecilia Herras-Tence, a member of the PRBOLA. Hon. Herras-Tence shared the current state of Landscape Architecture in the country and the efforts and initiatives of the PRC and the PRBOLA to strengthen the LA practice, including collaborations with IFLA APR Member countries.  Highlighted also was the PRBOLA Leadership in Education and Practice (LEAP), a DFA ICF program, and the Certificate of Acknowledgement conferred by the IFLA APR EAA to PRBOLA for its role in the accreditation and recognition process of the Higher Institutions (HEIs) with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Following the IFLA-APR Talk and Share 2024, a Professional Practice and Policy Forum was held at M Hotel, Singapore on November 14, 2024. Hon. Herras-Tence served as a panelist during the second session, sharing her valuable insights on the landscape architecture practice in the country and contributing to the ongoing dialogue on global best practices and professional development. Hon Herras-Tence brought to the fore the IFLA APR Charter of 2015 as a viable means to facilitate the Mutual Recognition of Professional requirements to implement the MRPQ or MRA - the importance of maintaining rigorous laws and standards, ethical standards, respect for culture and religious practices, and subscription to professional liability insurance while fostering international collaboration and cooperation to strengthen the global landscape architecture community.

With myriad environmental changes and challenges that have pushed landscape architects to the forefront, Hon Herras-Tence pointed out the timely recognition and development of landscape architecture fields of specialization to better equip the landscape architects, finding resilient solutions in attaining sustainable and future-proof practice of landscape architecture.  Relatively, Hon. Herras-Tence presented the Career Progression & Specialization Program – Credit Accumulation Transfer System (CPSP-CATS), a flagship program of the PRC towards professional development for regulated professions.  

Through these events, the PRC, with the efforts of the PRBOLA, seeks to promote international dialogue and collaboration, enhancing the role of landscape architecture in shaping sustainable and resilient urban environments throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

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