ARCHITECT TOMAS B. MAPUA MARKER UNVEILED

By: Ar. Mary Kristine A. Segovia, UAP Chairperson, World Architecture Day

MANILA - A memorial plaque was installed and unveiled last 22 December 2021, at the Mapua Mansion at Taft, Manila to honor the architectural, academic, and heritage legacies of one of the most significant Filipino architects, Architect Tomas Bautista Mapua.

The said activity became more symbolic since it was spearheaded by the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) and the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA) through the initiative of UAP CGEA WAD and NAW 2021 Committees, the UAP Del Pilar- Bulacan Chapter, UAP Manila Nakpil Chapter, and enjoined by other representatives from the various professional organization for architects.

The occasion was graced by various professional architects’ organizations National Executive Officers led by UAP National President Architect Armando Eugene de Guzman, III, FUAP, UAP NEVP Ar. Richard Garcia, PIA COF Chancellor Ar. Joel V. Rico, and Ar. Mohammad Sarfraz Uttoh. Five generations of the Mapua Family also witnessed this momentous event.

The month of December of 2021 was dedicated to Architect Mapua who was born and died in the same month. Aside from the MAPUA Marker installation and unveiling various activities were also made to pay tribute to the remarkable contribution of Ar. Tomas B. Mapua to Philippine Architecture history. Mapua’s architectural masterpieces constructed during the American period were the Cebu Custom House, Pier 7 in Port Area, the PGH Nurses Home, the Dela Salle University Main Building.

The symbolic marker installation and unveiling were made to recognize the significant role played by Ar. Mapua on the remarkable journey of Philippine Architecture and the Architecture profession in the Philippines and for being the first registered architect in the Philippines by the virtue of Act 2985 or the “Engineering and Architecture Law” which was enacted on 23 February 1921. He was the supervising architect for the Bureau of Public Works from 1918 to 1927.

Architect Mapua was considered one of the pioneers and epitome of the superb skills, ingenuity, and craftsmanship of a Filipino Architect. He established the Mapua Institute of Technology in 1925 which became the Philippines’ premier architectural, engineering and Technological school.

Some of the activities conducted that coincide also with the celebration of the National Architecture Week 2021 was the “Brigada Mapua” (A repainting activity of the Mapua Mansion) held last 11 December 2021, the Mapua Original Drafting Table Exhibition which opened last 22 December 2021 at the UAP National Headquarters Lobby, and a book publication which will feature Ar. Mapua as well as other notable Filipino Architects in the country.

The “MAPUA” events were supported by Pacific Paints (Boysen) Philippines, Inc. led by Mr. Ruben Cueto. a

This event is one of the activities in line with the Centennial Anniversary celebration of the Architecture Profession in the Philippines. The Philippine Architecture Centennial celebration culminated last February 2022.