Message from the Editor-in-Chief

Optimism and Drive Among UAP Leaders and Members: Identify, Nurture and Sustain

Napoleon M. Ibanez Jr, UAP Editor-in-Chief, UAP POST

Whenthe UAP Post editorial council was tasked to develop themes for the issues of the UAP Post to be released this year, we knew that it has to hinge on the pandemic and how it affects and challenges Architects when it comes to work, family, and even participation within the organization.

The first issue focused on the acceptance of responsibility by servant leaders for the organization, even with the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. For the second issue, even as early as that planning session, we knew, with great optimism that the pandemic’s spread will weaken by the end of the year, and even throughout the first quarter of 2022.

Our theme for this issue is “optimism and drive” since we know that even with the continuing adversity brought about by the pandemic, this optimism and drive of the UAP remain strong, as shown in the list of events and celebrations delivered as found in this issue.

An analogy of this optimism and drive is that of a bicycle rider, who, faced with the difficulty of an uphill route, has no other recourse but to push through and pedal, despite the upward terrain. The reward is the destination, so to speak.

The same goes for the UAP, to continue to push forward and upwards to greater heights.

To further push on with this discussion on optimism and drive, for one’s participation in the organization, some say it is the destination that matters, while some would say it’s the journey.

As one chapter-mate who is a former servant leader herself explained to me, the optimism and drive of members and volunteers to serve the organization should be identified, nurtured, and acknowledged. No matter what the output of a leader or a member is, it is his or her small contribution to the elevation of the organization to greater heights. And no one has the right to impede or criticize one’s optimism and drive.

The development of an Architect’s drive to participate in the organization, and eventually be a leader, varies from one to another. There is no clearcut formula or progression when an individual would take up the mantle of leadership. He or she would first observe, what those current leaders are doing, their actions and statements, and, their relationships with one another. And hopefully, these observers would draw inspiration from the current flock of servant leaders, to eventually participate and become leaders themselves.

The power of the internet, social media, and other means of information dissemination such as the UAP Post should therefore be used positively, to entice future leaders to serve the organization. We should not look at the short term in our quest for improvements and development within the organization, and we should remember that leadership and participation is organic, ever-changing, and needs to be sustained.

The fire of leadership is kindled with optimism and fueled by positivity and a drive to carry on the tradition of camaraderie, excellence, and service. It’s the journey after all, and any destination is just a stepping stone for more adventures and achievements within our organization.

The UAP Headquarters, as the principal office of the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects (IAPOA), stands as one of the symbols that represent the architectural profession in the Philippines. The image conveys optimism and faith in the future. As Architects, we must express our faith in our profession and practice by working with virtuous dedication; in this way, we may build a solid reputation for service quality and transform people’s perceptions of our profession. As UAP Architects, we must give our best and provide the highest professional standards when doing our part in designing and planning our country’s future, thus our desire to contribute should be unwavering, fueled by optimism and drive, no matter what challenge comes our way.