29/06/2024
๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ฒ: ๐๐ ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ก๐ข๐ญ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฑ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐
๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ก๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐๐๐
Written by: Andrea Patrice A. Campo
When the flames of leadership and the spirit of success resonate throughout the entire nation, the United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary brings together individuals bursting with regional colors, invigorating dreams, and awe-inspiring passion for the profession; all with one united goal to celebrate the conclusion of a transformative fiscal year.
The National Congress 2024 embodies this yearโs goal of collective engagement and the continuous progression of the organization. In the spirit of โAlab ng Tagumpay,โ UAPSA illuminates the path to success for every architecture student to overcome challenges, ignite ambitions, and realize the potential for the years to come. Inspired by the culture of the Philippines and the festivals within the nation, the event includes both online and face-to-face activities to accommodate all delegates nationwide.
The online commencement of the National Congress: Alab ng Tagumpay was held last May 11, 2024. Starting with a webinar, esteemed Filipino architects Ar. Joel Rico, FPIA, UAP, and Ar. Lorelei D.C. de Viana, PhD, FUAP, shared their profound knowledge as they guided participants through a journey of recollecting the past and uncovering the valuable stories that highlight the beauty of tracing the origins of architectural history.
Following the webinar, a cooperative battle of wit during the architectural quiz bee was also held to refresh and test the knowledge of the delegates in the field of Architecture, expanding the horizon of proficiency in different aspects of its practice. Subsequently, a Design-making and Rendering Competition was held, allowing participants to showcase their creative talents and technical skills. Tasked with designing climate-resilient housing facilities, delegates applied design thinking principles to tackle real-world challenges such as sustainability, disaster preparedness, and environmental impact. Despite the event being online, architecture students from all chapters also engaged in team-building activities through a national esports showdown. This encouraged teamwork and social interaction while nurturing a dynamic and friendly online gaming culture within the UAPSA community.
To conclude the online National Congress 2024, Chapter Presidents from all affiliated UAPSA chapters nationwide presented the challenges they faced and the successes they achieved during the fiscal year. The day ended in a National Board of Directors Year-End Meeting, where the progress and accomplishments of the fiscal year were outlined, along with recommendations for the future. The success of the online National Congress 2024: Alab ng Tagumpay set a remarkable precedent for the in-person assembly held days after.
Set in the Queen City of the South, Cebu, Architecture students from all over the Philippines gathered last May 31 to June 2, 2024, for the grandest event that concludes the fiscal year 2023-2024: the in-person National Congress. With the theme, โAlab ng Tagumpay,โ NatCon โ24 was a three-day event that brought people together to create a shared experience, through entertainment, education, and celebration. The events took place within the walls of the School of Architecture, Fine Arts, and Design (SAFAD), the MR Hall of the University of San Carlos, and the Pedro Calungsod Convention Hall of the Sacred Heart Center. These venues provided the perfect backdrop for the UAPSA Nation Congress, which proved to be a hug success.
Spearheaded by Mx. Oliver Alngog Jr., the Commissioner on Congress and Assemblies, and Mx. Symon Saenz Abad, the Director for the National Congress, the event included activities that showcased talents, skills, camaraderie, and creativity as one UAPSA community. On the morning of the first day, delegates, dressed in their vibrant area colors, gathered for the first time. Area A wore majestic purples, Area B donned serene blues, Area C showcased bold reds, and Area D displayed energetic oranges. The event commenced with an Opening Ceremony, filled with anticipation and excitement. Following this, delegates proceeded to the ribbon-cutting of the UAPSA EXPO showcasing a variety of architectural merchandise, innovative projects, classic crafts, and an array of gimmicks. Wandering through the stalls, meeting fellow architecture enthusiasts, and enjoying the display of student talent marked the official start of the National Congress 2024.
In the second half of Day 1, donning white and gold formal attire, the dashing delegates attended the Balangkasan, a modified debate-open forum in the traditional UAP context. In this forum, speakers tackled the topic of โEnvironmental Initiatives and Architectural Consciousness: Advocating the Responsible Design in Protected Environments,โ addressing the critical question, โIs conforming to regulatory measures enough in designing an environment-friendly project?โ Delegates learned the importance of going beyond mere compliance with regulations and exploring innovative and proactive stances for sustainable architecture. The discussions provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in creating environmentally responsible designs for architectural projects.
As one of the highlights of Day 1, the National Excellence Awards honored individuals and chapters, supportive roles for faculty, graduates, and professionals in UAPSA for their exemplary work in leadership, collaboration, scholarship, and service. This segment of the National Congress celebrated the dedication and hard work of those who have significantly impacted the organization and their respective chapters.
The minor awards included categories such as Best UAPSA Chapter of each Area, Best UAPSA Membership Campaign, and Best Thesis, among many others. These awards were selected from each area highlighting the unique strengths and achievements of the chapters and individuals within Areas A, B, C, and D. In addition to the minor awards, major awards were also granted, recognizing the exceptional accomplishments on a national level. These major awards included the Overall Best UAPSA Chapter Event, Overall Best UAPSA Chapter President, and Overall Best UAPSA Chapter. These awards show the highest level of leadership excellence and dedication within the UAPSA community, setting the standard for success and leadership on a national scale.
Ending Day 1 of the UAPSA Nation Congress, delegates dressed in pink and black casual, embodying the spirit of Barbie and the Rockers. The organization celebrated exceptional beauty and charm regardless of different perceptions and the ideals of diversity, embracing the uniqueness of every individual through Mx. UAPSA, a gender-neutral pageant event orchestrated by the heart of UAPSA. Infusing the tradition of pageantry and paying homage to the pride of each chapter. Beyond the glamour, each candidate representing their respective areas showcased the richness of the Filipino culture and exemplified beauty inside and out. With talents, intelligence, and advocacy, Mx. UAPSA highlighted the essence of true beauty, demonstrating that it encompasses both external appearance and inner virtues.
The 2nd day of the National Congress started with the Miting de Avance where all candidates from different positions for the National Board of Directors presented their platforms, visions, and plans for the fiscal year 2024-2025. To add a sense of cultural pride to the proceedings, delegates, dressed in traditional Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana. Following the session, the Haligi Publication, the official publication of the United Architects of the Philippines Students Auxiliary held the Haligi Gawad Parangal. This awarding ceremony gives appreciation and recognition to the UAPSA Haligi Publicationsโ efforts to document, share, and write about the achievements and activities of UAPSA and the architecture community as a whole. The Haligi Gawad Parangal awards included categories Best Haligi Blog, Most Outstanding Haligi Director and Deputy of Area Councils, Overall Best Haligi Area Council, Most Outstanding Haligi Publication Officer, and Best UAPSA TV Trailer.
Once the delegates had changed into their sports attire, they participated in team-building activities designed to strengthen camaraderie and teamwork among individuals from various regions. These activities encouraged delegates to work together in groups to complete tasks. Themed after โLaro ng Lahi,โ the games that were modeled after traditional Filipino games, helped establish a sense of cultural preservation in our technologically advanced world.
Concluding Day 2 of the National Congress truly illuminated the flame, as delegates adorned the hall with vibrant neon colors during the Dedication Night. Combining the awards and fellowship into one get-together celebrates the individual and group achievements of the organization and its members. The eveningโs highlight were the heartfelt dedication activities that resonated deeply with every delegate in attendance.
As the National Congress delegates gather around the symbol of lightโthe flame of leadership and the spark of successโ they reflect on their deep connection to the organization. They pack away their fears into boxes, summon courage for the adventure ahead, and draw strength from their peers. In this shared and momentous event, UAPSA embraces the spirit of unity, friendship, and purpose that defines the very essence of the organization.