PAGTINDIG: The National Conference of Architects 2021

By: Ar. Ludivico P. Idaño, UAP

Held on October 15-16, 2021 and attended by more than 1,200 delegates-participants, NCA 2021 titled PAGTINDIG, fulfilled intents and goals to inspire, elevate the level of preparedness and further equip the Architects as they face the challenges of the transition. It also featured the nobility of the architecture profession in so many facets of service. The conference’s theme “TINDIG ARKITEKTO: Matikas na Pagharap sa Hamon ng Transisyon” expressed it all. PAGTINDIG in ADVOCACY championing the spirit of “Bayanihan among Architects” amidst the pandemic, and PAGTINDIG in ARCHITECTURE in response to the threats of the pandemic and to the profession.

Yet again, amid global pandemic, NCA 2021 was held via HYBRID format: full virtual for the delegates and in-person attendance for the Organizing Committee (ORGCOM) and Technical Personnel, for a more cohesive program management, coordination and execution.

The activities kicked-off as early as August 2021 via pre-conference CSR activities, strengthening core programs in response to the urgent needs of time, and in fulfillment of CSR as an organization. 27 districts and chapters responded to the call.

Day 0, October 14, 2021, featured chapter president’s assembly national board of directors’ meeting in the afternoon and LIVE ONLINE KUMUSTAHAN with the industry partners in the evening.

Day 1, opening ceremonies, officially welcomed the delegates and laid down expectations for the next two days. Three powerful speakers graced the ceremonies: the Inspirational Speaker UAP National President Ar. Armando Eugene C. De Guzman III, the Motivational Speaker Dr. Carl E. Balita and the Keynote Speaker Bro. Arun Gogna.

The afternoon session featured consultative meeting and general membership assembly, with workshop-discussion on RA 9266, HB 10234 and many other issues and concerns, in line with protecting and strengthening the profession. Past National President and Task Force RA 9266 Chair Ar. Medeliano T. Roldan Jr. presented a comprehensive program containing strategies and approaches.

Day 2, CPD webinar series started the day, with three resource speakers and topics aligned with PAGTINDIG SA TRANSISYON, PAGTINDIG SA ADBOKASIYA and PAGTINDIG SA ARKITEKTURA. NCA 2021 also paid tribute to the first registered Filipino Architect Tomas Mapua featuring his life and legacy.

The afternoon session featured the PAGTINDIG Programs, that inspired architects by fellow architects’ stories of success amidst pandemic. The DAMAYAN: SAGOT KITA ARKI program segment was a success fundraiser, proceeds of which go to the UAP Members’ Welfare Fund (MWF) that provides assistance to COVID-19 afflicted members.

All throughout consultative meeting and CPD webinar series’ hours, CSR and District/ Chapter Reports occupied the online broadcast, including GET AN ARCHITECT advocacy videos.

Finally, the MANCOM reports, conference report, awards and recognition, and the original PAGTINDIG “conference song” presentation, highlighted the closing ceremonies. UAP National President Ar. Armando Eugene C. De Guzman III officially opened and formally closed the conference. The Welcome and Fellowship Nights were also a bang, with the Battle of the Bands highlighting the Davies’ Welcome Night.

Thanks to the industry partners: Davies Paints, Teresa Marble, Emerald Pipes, Kohler Philippines, Nippon Paints, HCG, Bostik, Karatula, Crown Pipes, Rain or Shine, ABC Phil., Landlite Philippines, Crispy Sisig and Pascual Laboratories, for their generosity and support.