FRUITFUL AND ENJOYABLE

VISAYAS CHAPTER PRESIDENT’S CONFERENCE

& DISTRICT C4 ASSEMBLY IN

BORACAY .

The United Architects of the Philippines Area C has successfully held the Visayas Chapter President’s Conference joined with District C4 Assembly at La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel Convention Center, Boracay, Malay, Aklan last March 12-14, 2010.

By

Arch. GUILLERMO H. HISANCHA, fuap

NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT FOR AREA C

This event was made possible under the able and energetic leadership of National Vice President for Area C Arch. Guillermo Hisancha, fuap with full support from C4 District Director Arch. Ramon Francisco Teruel, uap, Area C District Directors and Chapter Presidents.

Once again, architects within the area showed unceasing support and cooperation which made the event another astounding success.

The theme of the event is Visayan Architects: Visionaries and Transformers of the Built Environment.

DAY 1

Arrival of Delegates

Arrival of the delegates in the beautiful island considered and regarded as “One of the Most Beautiful Beaches in the World” and one of the Philippines’ prime tourist destinations started in the morning to afternoon of March 12.

Delegates Registration

Upon arrival they took time strolling in the cool, powder like, long stretch of Boracay’s white sand beach, while others took a respite and breather from long trips in either by land, air and sea coming from various areas in the Visayas.

Registration of delegates opened from 1:00-3:00 in the afternoon at the Executive Function Hall with Arch. Christine Narido, Marikudo Chapter president and Arch. Ma. Regina Falconite, Hamili Chapter president and Arch. Tess Austria taking charge with the assistance of UAPSA.

District C4 Chapter President’s and Officers Meeting

District C4 Chapter’s President’s and Officers meeting was presided by DD Arch. Teruel from 3:00-5:00 pm still at the Executive Function Hall. With the chapter presidents and C4 Deputy District Director Arch. Rony de Juan they tackled and reviewed the proceeding activities. As host district, all things in consideration with the event were organized for the purpose of making it a successful and memorable one. Vice Pres. for Area C Arch. Hisancha was also present to give necessary suggestions and advice.

Welcome Dinner

The Welcome Dinner was an exciting and enjoyable one. This was held in the Resort’s beach frontage, just a few meters away from the sea water. Master of ceremonies was Arch. Ramon Duena of Aklan Chapter. Indeed, an entertaining full packed dinner and drinking affair.

The delegates were welcomed by Area C VP Arch. Hisancha and expressed appreciation for the delegate’s presence and untiring cooperation, which was evident in all of the areas programs and activities which helped advocating the practice of architecture. He encouraged delegates to always give full support to the UAP organization and participate in all of its activities.

Sumptuous meal was served with two Tanduay girl’s serving Tanduay mixed juice afterwards which the delegates enjoyed. Arch. Alan Choa chuy, District C1 District Director, who did the acknowledgement of chapters and sponsors, with District C1 president’s who roam around late in the afternoon exploring the island and doing “bird watching”, enjoyed much and have fun taking lots of beautiful pictures, his passion.

A product presentation was presented by Lepanto, which was followed by a fire dance to the excitement and delight of the delegates.

District Directors and Chapter President’s all reported and delivered the highlight of their districts and chapter’s accomplishments to the delight of Area C VP as everybody is doing his job for the overall success of the UAP in their respective areas.

DAY 2

Visayas Chapter President’s Breakfast Meeting

Delegates woke up that morning of March 13 feeling relaxed and energized from an enjoyable Boracay nightlife and have breakfast at the Resort’s Main Dining, while at 7:00 am, Visayas Chapter’s Presidents Breakfast Meeting also started at the Convention Center. The Chapter President’s Conference was well attended which also have the presence of District Directors.

Instant guest speaker was the Vice Mayor of the host municipality Malay, Aklan Hon. John Yap who graciously and gladly accepted the verbal invitation an hour before the program, as he warmly welcomed delegates and expressed kind hospitality and pride of their jewel island, which brought them substantial tourism income. He was introduced by fellow Vice Mayor and VP Area C Arch. Hisancha who after the speech, with c4 DD Arch. Teruel presented a Certificate of Appreciation.

It was the intention of the ORCOM to make it just a short program, so after the closing remarks of C4 DD Arc. Teruel, the delegates spend time enjoying the unique night life in Boracay strolling, singing, dancing and bar hopping.

The arrival and valuable presence of Immediate Past National President Medeliano “Boy” Roldan. Jr. inspired the Chapter Presidents and District Directors. He later delivered a message which concerns with UAP and still, his continuing fight for the full implementation of RA 9266 in the country among others. It was his passion serving the UAP and his presence was well appreciated by the delegates.

Resolutions

Resolutions were discussed, passed and approved.

One is “A Resolution requesting the UAP National Board to Conduct FALAR and Other CPE Seminars in Various Area C Districts for the Convenience of Architects in the Area”. This was due to the fact that going to Manila would be very costly for Visayan architects.

Another resolution in line with that which came out is “A Resolution Requesting the UAP National to Formulate Policies and Considerations to Architects with Handicaps, Incapacitated and Other Special Cases of the Like in Attending CPE Seminars as Requirements in the Renewal of Professional Licenses”. This was brought up by an architect who finds it hard for him to attend such seminars because of being handicapped.

“A Resolution Requesting the UAP National thru Task Force RA 9266 to Formulate Guidelines on How to Track Down and Sue Illegal Practitioners in the Country”. This was discussed due to alarming reports of unbecoming conduct of some persons illegally practicing architecture as provided for in the law RA 9266. With this, chapters would like to be cleared and be guided on what will be the necessary steps in pursuing moves to eradicate such practice.

Last Resolution passed was “A Resolution Requesting UAP National to Make Representation with PRCBoa to reconsider the Manner of Giving Architects Board Licensure Examination in the Architectural Design Subject”. This caused for alarm and concern of the delegates and has doubts and questions on some who passed thru an automated and blackening computerized system in the design subject.

So, that was indeed a very productive District Directors and Chapter Presidents meeting, which resolutions they wished will be taken in consideration by the UAP National Board.

With Arch. Hisancha presiding, various issues and concerns were raised and important and vital resolutions were passed, resolved and approved.

Beach Fun / Parlour Games

While Chapter Presidents and District Directors were having a meeting, other delegates were at the beach with some fun and parlour games. Participants enjoyed to the thrill of showing their ability and of course the act of sportsmanship. This was planned and organized by Arch. Harold Tating, Antique Chapter President.

District C4 General Assembly and Business Meeting

After lunch was served, District C4 General Assembly and Business Meeting followed. Presided by C4 DD Arch. Teruel, who called the meeting to order. Arch. Christine Narido, Marikudo Chapter President made the roll call.

Various issues and concerns were raised and discussed, also with the approval of various resolutions and followed by an open forum. The meeting lasted until 5:00 pm.

Arch. Roldan was called to deliver a message, once again focusing mainly on RA 9266, as an ultimate dream to all Filipino Architects should this law be fully implemented. A Certificate of Appreciation was given by the Area C VP Arch. Hisancha and C4 District Director Teruel, who also later delivered the District Director’s Report.

Invited guest and resource speaker from the Bureau of Fire Protection Fo1 De Guia, an officer from Boracay BFP, made the meeting educational and interesting by explaining and giving the overview of the Fire and Life Safety Assessment Report (FALAR) as one of the requirements added when applying for building permits in some cases. The C4 delegates were cleared and thankful for having that as one of the topics.

Closing Ceremonies and Fellowship

As an expression of award for excellent service and dedication, Arch. Hisancha gave “Citations of Service Excellence” to all District Directors and Chapter Presidents for a job well done in their respective areas which contributed to the overall success of the UAP organization in the area.

At 7:00 pm the Closing Ceremonies began with opening remarks from C4 DD Arch. Teruel. Guest Speaker IPP Arch. Boy Roldan representing the UAP National Board once again inspired the delegates.

A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Boysen Paints being the Major Sponsor. Giving the certificate were Arch. Hisancha assisted by district directors and all chapter presidents of Area C.

Aklan chapter who came in full force and were all in either all white or black attire got the “Most Organize Chapter” as a special award. With that, they were given a “Gallon of Carlo Rossi” as the prize, which made them to exit ahead and disappeared.

Informative product presentations from APO Floors, AMICI and BOYSEN Paints were also presented.

Fellowship

Rediscovered rare talents were unveiled. Arch. Kendel Esperas, fast rising vocalist of a famous band from Leyte awed everyone that even Arnel Pineda would perhaps be amazed and shy, as he rendered “Faithfully” full of expressions and emotions. Arch. Maribeth Ebcas, Leyte West Chapter president was applauded in her fantastic performance in a daring and revealing song and dance number. Dumaguete Chapter president Arch. Alex Udjaji, also an aspiring singer whose much awaited break is yet to come, reached falsetto for the first time. Unbelievable.

DAY 3

Lots of raffle prizes were given away coming from the generous and loyal sponsors and special thanks to Boysen Paints as the Major Sponsor.

Of course, C4 balladeer and Antique Chapter president Arch. Harold Aurelio Tating showed everyone a class act by rendering love songs. He also was a front act when he sang the “Lupang Hinirang” in the start of the program which the National Historical Institute perhaps would agree and to refer him to sing in Manny Pacquiao’s next fight without controversy.

Indeed a night to remember, and as everyone left the hall, Marikudo Chapter members took charge and grabbed the chance singing, drinking and stayed up to 3 am uninterrupted in an extension program.

Delegates were bound to leave the island. Some delegates went ahead but some remained to witness the Pacquiao-Clottey fight in La Carmela Convention Center. It was a full packed live coverage which one again brought us to our feet how Pacquiao masterfully shut down Clottey even with a shell like defense but only seemingly content that he was up on his feet when the final bell sounded before 51,000 fans at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Nevertheless, Pacquiao once again made us Filipinos proud and proven he was still pound for pound king.

After the fight, all delegates hurriedly leave the venue and the island going back home.

Indeed, another successful and memorable UAP event in the Visayas.