UAPSA Haligi Publication

24/10/2025

𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗲 '𝟮𝟱: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟯𝟯𝗿𝗱'𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆
Author: Fiona Aggalot

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:

“I’ve learned that leadership is not about being in front; it’s about being present. It’s not about being the most experienced; it is about being the most committed. You don’t need to start loud to make an impact; you just need to start,” an inspiring message of Mx. Joshua A. Baccay, the National President of 33rd UAPSA of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 after sharing their story on how commitment and showing up could drive someone to arrive at their goal.
On August 23-24, 2025, the United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary (UAPSA) convened to take part in Quadripartite 2025 – Soaring Vigor: Passion for a United Ascension at Japanese Garden, Luneta and Palacio de Maynila to acknowledge the people behind the efforts and success of the last fiscal year and to welcome the new era of leadership in shaping the UAPSA for towering possibilities. The program was divided into four sub-events: Team Building, Induction Ceremony, General Assembly and Fellowship Night.


𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱
Construction begins with a foundation. Whereas, this structural element carries the whole weight of the building making sure it is sturdy, long-lasting, and safe to house people like how the incoming officers are being built through challenges.
The first day of the event which was on August 23, 2025 focused on team building at Japanese Garden, Luneta, Metro Manila. The leaders serving as the pillars of their own chapters went through a series of physical activities designed to strengthen connections, build trust, and foster effective communication.
In the same principle, pillars won't be able to stand alone without a foundation constructed beneath them. The team building served as a cornerstone not solely for leaders but to their goal, uniting aspiring architects and delivering service that UAPSA members need and deserve.


𝗔 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀
A tree sheds leaves during fall and a new leaf blooms in spring. As for UAPSA, this is a mark of a new era of growth, progress, and united action—to ascend to legacy.
On August 24, 2025, the defining moment of Quadripartite 2025 happened─ the induction of the 33rd UAPSA Officers at Palacio de Maynila. The National Board of Directors, Standing Committees, and Chapter Presidents took their oath symbolizing the acceptance of responsibility entrusted to them on performing the duty of a leader towards the betterment of the architecture community.
Being in the realm of leadership isn't going to be an easy and steady journey. There will be obstacles after obstacles before reaching the summit; that is why it is important to be humble and resilient. The National Executive Vice President, Mr. Anthony L. Ignacio, gave an emphasis on his speech, “Sa simula ng leadership, tayo ang nasa pinakababa kasi madaling kutyain ang ating mga desisyon. And the people who’ll judge us have the right to do so. So, we have to do good. We have to be resilient and we have to be compassionate. If ever we fumble, always remember the roots of our service, why we serve, or why we even took a step forward.”
After the oath, UAPSA National President, Mx. Baccay quoted in his speech, “To every UAPSA member listening, whether you are an officer or a member, I want you to hear this clearly: There is a flame in you. There is a flame of leadership inside you. You may not see it yet but it's there; and sometimes all you need is a little spark, a chance, a role, a moment to grow into something powerful. Let this year be that moment,” as encouragement for everyone to light up a room using the flame that burns bright inside them.
As the 33rd UAPSA takes off, surely, its light continues to burn—a light fueled by humility and resilient leadership.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟯𝟯𝗿𝗱'𝘀 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁
A vision map, an action plan, dedication and commitment.
The General Assembly served as a platform where the higher-ups laid out the plans and programs that will serve as guiding goals for UAPSA–to strengthen the foundation, stronger collaboration in the unified purpose, and create something lasting as it takes part in the ascending legacy.

To make the event more engaging and interactive, districts, areas, and commissions are acknowledged, allowing them to answer the question, “How would you as a chapter, district, area, and commission encourage uapsa members to be more actively engaged in UAPSA?” for them to present their own plans too.

UAPSA NP Mx. Baccay and UAPSA NEVP Mr. Ignacio presented the calendar of activities and important announcements. First agenda was the unveiling of the new logo, which embodies the unity, creativity, and passion of future architects. The second outline was the opening of the membership drive, which will have two batches in September and October.
Moreover, the celebration of World Architecture Day (WAD) will be in the month of October. In November, activities will include the launching of merchandise and the start of a special membership drive for those who are unable to join the first two batches.
Thesis Clinic will also continue in the purpose of helping more architecture students through workshops or one-on-one consultations with registered architects to help them develop their thesis projects through the support of United Architects of the Philippines (UAP). By the end of January 2026, the guidelines for Thesis Clinic financial aid will be released.
For the Philippine Architecture Festival-National Architecture Month (PAF-NAM) celebration, it is scheduled in December and will also be the month for the continuation of other district assembly celebrations.
Furthermore, in March, there will be a screening for the applicants of the UAPSA National Design Competition (UNDC). This is also where the election for the next set of 34th officers of UAPSA will take place.
The National Congress will be held in May, while the Haligi Publication targets the release of the newsletter and magazine.
All these activities are the highlights of the plans set for the entire tenure of the 33rd UAPSA.


𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆
The event culminated in Fellowship Night, a chance for attendees to connect and celebrate. Activities included a time capsule activity where officers wrote letters to their future selves and public reading of anonymous letters of encouragement. Performances and awards for the team-building winners also took place.

Quadripartite 2025 - Soaring Vigor: Passion for United Ascension is a remarkable starting point of this fiscal year's success. From building one’s trust through foundation and beyond to witnessing a new leaf blooming; to the unveiling of the 33rd’s blueprint ─making its way as the officers embark on a legacy in UAPSA’s history. By standing firm with their vision, remaining grounded, and working hand in hand, UAPSA today is set to take part in the momentous step. As UAPSA transitions from the last fiscal year with "One strong UAPSA," the 33rd era will surely continue what once strongly started with the motto “Prominence UAPSA, Ascend to Legacy,” to foster a stronger organization and leave a powerful, ascending legacy.

22/10/2025

𝗕𝘂𝘄𝗮 ‘𝗬𝗮: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱
Written By: Ma. Kryzanne Fleur C. Gomez
Cartooning By: Michaeiah Richelle B. Gallanosa

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:

In the Philippines, all it takes is just three drops for cities to flood and turn into huge pools of dirt, sickness, and corruption. Being hit by typhoons all throughout the year, one would expect that issues like flooding would already be addressed, but come 2025, the biggest corruption scandal in the recent decade would come from something right under our noses–The Department of Public Works and Highways Flood Control Projects.

Cities like Manila, despite its rise to urbanization and development, continue to suffer from the effects of continuous rain showers during the monsoon season. Its ineffective drainage systems do not aid in alleviating the situation, in fact, according to Ar. Felino “Jun” Palafox, “drainage systems are 75% undersized.” There have been a number of projects that have come up over the years like the Parañaque Spillway aiming to lessen the flooding in Manila by redirecting excess water from the Laguna De Bay to Manila Bay in order to prevent it from affecting the low-lying communities, but 50 years after its initial proposition, the Philippines has yet to see this idea come to action.

The Paranaque Spillway is only one of the many projects gone down the drain due to the incorporation of politics and personal gain in the government. It has never been a question of whether or not we are ready for disasters, it’s about not questioning the people who run this country for accountability in times of crisis. Billions of pesos are allocated for the development of the flood management system in the country over the past three years, and yet the Philippines, especially the marginalized sector remain submerged in agony and desperation for salvation.

Over 15 flood control contractors have amassed more than billions of pesos worth from these projects alone. There have been around 60 suspected “ghost projects” revealed by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee totalling 100 billion pesos from 2023 to 2025, according to Finance Secretary, Senator Ralph Recto highlighting just how deeply this issue runs in the government. How did it manage to reach this level of severity? When the people look at remnants of their homes and lives washed away from the everflowing flood, can we blame them when they resort to the extremes just to get by, if the people responsible for their demise look down on them from the comfort of their high-rise penthouses?

Back in 2020, a similar corruption scandal caused massive outrage after Philhealth’s high-ranking officials allegedly embezzled 15 billion pesos. In the moments where the Philippines is at its most vulnerable, crocodiles will never cease to attack, using national tragedy as a smokescreen for greed and personal gain. Philippine schools continue to suffer from the lack of facilities and educators, directly affecting the students and their capability to learn. Despite having the biggest budget allocation in the country, the Department of Education still somehow lacks so much in terms of providing the best kind of education to its students, and proper compensation to its educators. Cases of graft between DPWH, Philhealth, and DepEd have only been washed to shore just recently but who knows how deep the trench of corruption runs under our seas. And if this is only the beginning, how bad could this possibly get?

The Philippines is an archipelago, often feared to sink underneath the waters due to climate change and global warming. It can be said that time is the only truth teller, but with the state the country is in, has it not sunken already? Those people in power’s constant struggle to stay afloat regardless of its cost to the country and the environment, we have been underwater long before we even realize it. As Palafox said it best, “That is not an act of God but rather a sin of omission of men and women who are running our country.”

14/10/2025

𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘 | 𝘼𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙨𝙪𝙜𝙤𝙙 2.0: 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙂𝙤𝙖𝙡

Beyond the convergence of minds and spirits in the field of design and construction—architecture– is a coalescence of collaboration and unity from different grounds but unified by one goal. As a stepping stone in creating an auspicious journey for this year, the United Architects of the Philippines- Student Auxiliary (UAPSA) Area D successfully concluded their team building entitled “UAPSA AREA D Team Building: Ang Pagsugod 2.0”, with a shared vision– to light a new legacy through dynamic teamwork and memorable moments, held at La Concepcion Resort, Naawan, Misamis Oriental on October 4- 5, 2025.

The team building event brought together all the participants and members of the UAPSA Area D from various school chapters and districts, uniting students and future architects and designers with the same passion in the horizon of design and creativity. With an objective to illuminate path and vibrant connection, this two-day event highlights the collective strengthening of the foundation between the members of UAPSA within Area D for the unified effort to future plans of the organization.

Packed with unending excitement and energy, the Amazing Race activity took place in the afternoon of the first day. Teams composed by different participants from various schools dashed from one station to another—bringing their wit and team work in order to surpass creative and physical challenges. Breaking the shyness of barriers among the participants, loud laughters, cheerful and playful competition filled the ground of the event venue. As the sun set and the night came, the socialization night activity brought a space for everyone to share heartwarming stories, unforgettable laughter, and building of new profound friendships. By the second day, the committees recognize the efforts and spirit of every participant in making the event successful through an awarding of certificates.

The synergies developed in the grounds of the venue were testaments of the fostered camaraderie and unity within. The two-day team building wasn’t just an activity— it was an experience of the built connections and bridges that linked the minds, hearts, and spirits together. The event is a reminder that just like architecture, teamwork and a strong foundation of trust always thrive beyond the walls. As the participants conclude the activity, it’s not only the certificates they are carrying— they carry new friendship and profound inspirations holding onto the belief that the future of architecture is brighter when it is designed and built together.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗯𝘆: Michael John Ante, Haligi Publication Deputy for Area D
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘆: Beoj Althea B. Sarigumba, Haligi Director for Area D

27/09/2025

25/09/2025

𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗘𝗿𝗮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗜 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Explore the meaning behind the logo of Haligi Publication through this in-depth elaboration. Each element designed with United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary’s (UAPSA) values of service, professionalism, camaraderie, and global competence.

This logo represents Haligi Publication’s determination and readiness in being UAPSA Chapters' eyes and ears nationwide. It embodies the organization’s vision to be a transparent-unbiased publication that serves all architecture students of the country.

“𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗲, 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲”

23/09/2025

𝗨𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗔 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗔, 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶, 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲, 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀

Haligi Publication — the official publication of UAPSA — embarks on its new term with unwavering commitment to fairness, integrity, and responsible publication. As we enter FY 2025–2026, we stand resolute in our mission to inform, inspire, and serve as a pillar of unity and progress for our members and the wider community.

With Haligi Publication, we ascend
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23/09/2025

𝗨𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗔 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗕, 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶, 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲, 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀

Haligi Publication — the official publication of UAPSA — embarks on its new term with unwavering commitment to fairness, integrity, and responsible publication. As we enter FY 2025–2026, we stand resolute in our mission to inform, inspire, and serve as a pillar of unity and progress for our members and the wider community.

With Haligi Publication, we ascend
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23/09/2025

𝗨𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗔 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗖, 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶, 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲, 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀

Haligi Publication — the official publication of UAPSA — embarks on its new term with unwavering commitment to fairness, integrity, and responsible publication. As we enter FY 2025–2026, we stand resolute in our mission to inform, inspire, and serve as a pillar of unity and progress for our members and the wider community.

With Haligi Publication, we ascend.
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23/09/2025

𝗨𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗔 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗗, 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶, 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲, 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀

Haligi Publication — the official publication of UAPSA — embarks on its new term with unwavering commitment to fairness, integrity, and responsible publication. As we enter FY 2025–2026, we stand resolute in our mission to inform, inspire, and serve as a pillar of unity and progress for our members and the wider community.

With Haligi Publication, we ascend
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23/09/2025

𝐔𝐀𝐏 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 “𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭” 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚

OPEN LETTER TO THE PUBLIC

The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), the duly accredited professional organization of architects representing more than 65,000 registered and licensed Filipino architects, strongly denounces the persistent misuse of the word “architect” by the media and public commentators when describing masterminds of plunder, corruption, crime, or other negative acts.

Recent headlines and articles — such as referring to a government official as an “architect of plunder” — reflect a long-standing trend of equating the word “architect” with the mastermind of wrongdoings. This is not only misleading but gravely unjust to a profession that has, for centuries, been dedicated to the highest ideals of public service, safety, progress, and nation building.

An Architect, as defined under Republic Act No. 9266 or The Architecture Act of 2004, is a person professionally and academically qualified, registered, and licensed under the law, with the authority to practice architecture and responsible for the planning, design, construction, enlargement, conservation, renovation, remodeling, or alteration of buildings and the environment for human habitation.

An Architect is therefore a duly recognized steward of the built environment — one who upholds the principles of safety, sustainability, functionality, creativity, and social responsibility in shaping communities and advancing the quality of life of the Filipino people.

Words matter. When the media uses “architect” as a synonym for “mastermind of crime,” it corrodes public perception of the profession, trivializes years of education, licensure, and ethical responsibility, and undermines the trust that architects have worked hard to earn from the Filipino people.

We therefore urge all members of the press — in print, broadcast, and social media — to exercise discernment and precision in language. There are more accurate words available: “mastermind,” “perpetrator,” or “brains behind corruption.” To misuse “architect” is an affront to an entire professional community.

The United Architects of the Philippines calls on government agencies, private institutions, and media outlets to respect and preserve the dignity of the profession by refraining from such misapplications of the term.

The Filipino people deserve truth in reporting, and truth begins with words used responsibly. Let us not diminish a profession dedicated to building, by mislabeling it with those who destroy.

On behalf of the 65,000 registered and licensed architects of the Philippines, we categorically oppose and condemn the continued misuse of the word “architect” in negative contexts.