THE UAP MARIKINA VALLEY CHAPTER.... IT’S BEGINNING, THEN AND NOW
The UAP Marikina Valley Chapter, which was then known as Marikina Chapter, was formally organized in November of 1985. Its formation was made possible through the guidance of Corazon F. Tandoc, who was then the UAP Commissioner for the Chapter Organization. The National President then was Arch. Cesar Canchela.
The original roster of members was taken from the National Directory of architects whose home addresses were in the municipality of Marikina. Each member listed in this directory was visited by the core of organizing members and each was convinced to join the new chapter.
The Chapter was duly recognized with the approval of its charter on December 5, 1985. Officially, it became the 43rd chapter to be established within the UAP. The Charter Board of Directors were Rico Jose G. Santiago – Charter President, Wilfredo V. Arriola - VP for Operations, Romeo G. Marcelo - VP for Programs and Developments, Estela DG. Lopez - Secretary, Virgilio M. Balderosa - Treasurer, Gilbert A. Pioquito - Director and Alberto G. Feria - Director. The first set of officers was inducted on February 21, 1986 at the Agustin Building in Pasig. The ceremonies then were interrupted by the historic EDSA Revolution. The chapter at that time had limited registered membership and even much fewer active members. After two years of existence, in 1988 the Chapter President migrated to the United States with no official turnover and the chapter became inactive.
With the need for re-activation, on September 17, 1989, the Marikina Chapter had its first re-organizational meeting, presided over by then UAP National President Angel Lazaro. The Marikina Chapter was then composed of a handful of original members and many new “recruits”. Estela DG. Lopez was elected Chapter President of the re-vitalized Marikina Chapter. Through her 2-year term, the Chapter was recognized by National Organization as the Chapter to watch. Because of her efforts, September 17 has been recognized as the new founding day and is celebrated as its Chapter Anniversary.
In 1991, Enrique O. Olonan became the Chapter President and during his term, the Chapter undertook various civic projects: donation of relief goods to the victims of Mt. Pinatubo eruption, installation of additional traffic signs in Marikina – Cainta and a Christmas gift-giving program to the needy of Olandes, Marikina. To this day, the Chapter has continued these socio-civic projects. It was during his term that the bond of fellowship among its members was established. Regular General Membership Meetings (GMM) were held every first Friday of the month. He had laid the foundation of things to come.
In 1992, the Chapter elected Allan V. Garcia as President. On May 28, 1992 during the 18th Convention in Cebu, a resolution was approved to change the Chapter’s name from the former “Marikina” to “Marikina Valley” or “Marvalley” for short. In the same year, the chapter co-hosted with the La Union Chapter, the first National Conference of Architects (NCA). On February 19, 1993, the Chapter was accredited as a non-governmental organization (NGO) by Marikina. On April 18, 1993, the Chapter was recognized as the “Best UAP Chapter” during the 19th National Convention at the PICC in Manila.
In 1993, Angel A. Doria became the Chapter President, with the Chapter’s Theme, “Professionalism, Geared for a Brighter Tomorrow”. The Chapter held numerous civic works, gift-giving programs, art contests, fun walkathon, Balangkasan, and the first “Know your UAP President” forum-debate on the upcoming UAP presidential elections, For these achievements, the Marvalley Chapter was awarded the “Best UAP Chapter for Special Projects”, given on April 16, 1994 during the 20th National Convention held in Baguio City.
In 1994, Danilo C. Ibay, the Chapter President and his officers put their efforts on “Continuing Professional Education (CPE)” which was required by the Professional Regulatory Commission for the renewal of PRC licenses. With the year’s theme “Professionalism Follow Through; Focus on the Chapter Service Beyond,” several seminars were conducted in the pursuit of this goal, including a foreign practitioner from Singapore. The Chapter also sponsored the formation of the Rizal East Chapter through the efforts of the Valleytect Angel E. Doria.
In 1995, Jess R. Aguinaldo was the Chapter President. He had enhanced chapter’s roster of members with new blood, majority of which were active. A monthly pamphlet “ The Marikina Valleykatan” regularly came out every GMM with CPE’s consistently conducted. The Chapter also found a new home in the “Café ni Kapitan Moy” for its monthly meetings. It was during his term that the First Recognition Night was held on the Chapter’s Anniversary. A bowling tournament was held in the summer. The Chapter was awarded the “Third Best UAP Chapter” at the 22nd National Convention in 1996.
For 1996, the Chapter had Roland B. Banzon as President. He continued with the program of beefing up the membership. The Chapter conducted informative seminars and varied civic projects inspired by the year’s theme “A Renewed Sense of Pride in the Valley”. The Chapter won its second “Third Best UAP Chapter” in 1997. Appreciated for his dedicated leadership, the Chapter elected him again to preside over the chapter from 1997-98, promoting the theme of “Arkitekto: Para sa Tao, Para sa Bayan Tungo sa Bagong Dekada”.
During the country’s centennial celebration, FY 1998–99, Rodrigo V. Quilacio was chosen to head the Chapter. The highlight of his term was the conversion of the Chapter’s monthly pamphlet into a magazine format, renaming it the “UAP Marvalley Journal” and distributed to all the members who attended the GMM. This journal had added special features like the “For Us To Know…,” and the “Marvalley Literary Corner,” which invited the creative members to share their literary talents. The Chapter was selected “Third Best UAP Chapter” during the 25th National Convention in 1999.
In 1999, under the presidency of Ronaldo K. Garcia, the chapter theme was “Opening Doors to the New Millenium”. The Chapter concerned itself with the environment and participated in ecology activities that aimed to support the government projects in the preservation of our forest and the greening of our environment. His term was marked by the formation of a new chapter abroad, the UAP California Chapter in Los Angeles, U.S.A. which was attended by two former Chapter presidents of the Marvalley. After battling liver cancer for two years, he died in 2006.
In 2000, Armando DG. Pamintuan, as chapter president, was armed with a vision and a mission. He promoted the theme “Chapter Advancement Beyond 2000”, involving the chapter with Marikina City’s projects like the Project Olandes: Dutch Marikina, an urban renewal development; the Region-Region 2000, a provincial roots celebration; Pandayan: Culture and the Arts Festival Seminar Workshop; and the Art Contest 2001: Marikina Noon at Ngayon Part 3. To cap his term, the Chapter was selected as the “BEST UAP CHAPTER in AREA “A” during the 27th National Convention in April 2001.
In 2001, Jose Manuel S. Pino was chapter president and he continued the program set by his predecessor. A member of the Chapter, Enrique Olonan was elected UAP National Executive Vice President. Joey developed a strong linkage with the city government serving as design consultant for some of its infrastructure projects. Because of the efforts of the members and his leadership, the UAP Marvalley Chapter repeated its achievement the previous year and was distinctly honored as “Best UAP Chapter in AREA “A” given during the 28th National Convention in April of 2002.
In 2002, the Chapter President was Julian C. Confesor and he was set to perform a three-peat. He adopted the theme “The Future Direction of the Filipino Architects: the Power of Small Practice”. With the ever-changing challenges of the national economy and the difficulties of the architectural profession, the Marvalley Chapter stood united and strong to work as a team in the realization of the year’s goals and objectives. He had successfully defended the crown, and the Chapter proved to be the “Best UAP Chapter in AREA “A” in the 29th National Convention held at the Manila Hotel in April 2003.
Fiscal year 2003-04 was another period of challenges. Amado E. Tandoc, Jr., was Chapter President and the chapter theme was “Widening Horizons for the Filipino Architects”. The chapter got involved in several socio-economic; Marikina’s tree planting project, Christmas gift-giving and the launching of a GAWAD KALINGA PROJECT in cooperation with Couples for Christ. All these projects and activities contributed to another “Best UAP Chapter in AREA “A” award in 2004, leading the Chapter to be included in the “HALL OF FAME” roster, having won five(5) UAP Best Chapter awards..
In 2004, Amerigo T. Dela Paz adopted the Chapter theme “Opening the Avenues to Excellence”. During his term, several of its members were elected into major positions; Enrique O. Olonan was UAP National President, Allan V. Garcia was the District Director for DistrictA-5, Amado E. Tandoc was appointed Executive Director for Government and External Affairs and Armin Pamintuan headed the Committee on Private Practice. The Chapter also sponsored the formation of the KALAYAAN CHAPTER 100. The Chapter was also involved in the renovation of a PGH ward and other projects.
In 2005, Ronaldo F. Cruz adopted the theme “Keeping the Momentum Towards Positive Growth”. He continued the various projects of the past presidents, like the GAWAD KALINGA, the Christmas gift-giving program and the Art Contest. He launched a Badminton Program, encouraging members to become physically fit and healthy. In this term, Allan V. Garcia served as National Vice President for Area A. He was the First elected IAPOA National Vice President for Area A. The Conference Director of the National Conference for Architects held in General Santos City was Armin Pamintuan, Jesus R. Aguinaldo Program Committee Chairman and Ronaldo F. Cruz Co-chairman for Operations with Mike Pabulayan.
In 2006, the Chapter was headed by Oscar L. Duque who had the theme “Empowering the Marikina Valley Chapter Architects as Entrepreneurs”. During his term, the Chapter acquired a Laptop and a Photo Printer for the Secretariat. He continued the Chapter program; Tree Planting, Gift-giving and Feeding Program for the less fortunate and a mini-golf tournament. He started a Monthly Newsletter which was sent through snail mail every month. The Chapter participated in the Marikina City Christmas Carousel Festival wherein the Chapter was honored with hosting of the event’s first night show. .
In 2007, Michael T. Peňa was the Chapter President, with the theme “The Ecological Architects; Building With Nature”. During his term, the procurement of more office equipment was a priority. The Chapter received several recognition; Award of Excellence for the Gift Giving and Feeding Program, Best of UAP Public Relations Program, Best Joint Program by a Group of UAP Chapters: the Tree Planting Project and an Award of Merit to the Most Outstanding UAP Chapter President. With an excess cash balance near the end of his term, the members were treated to a much needed vacation in Boracay.
In 2008, Remigio G. Abello became president with the Chapter Theme “Unity in Diversity is the Foundation of all Great Achievements”. He increased the funding for the chapter’s socio-civic projects especially the Christmas Gift-Giving Program. He appropriated more office equipment to enhance the productivity of the Chapter Secretariat. He encouraged cohesive participation of the members by staging a badminton tournament and an inter-chapter air-soft gun competition. The summer holidays saw the Chapter members spending quality time at the Villa Escudero with family and friends.
In 2009, Karlo Antonio O. Mamiit assumed the Presidency. The Chapter Theme was “Unity in Diversity and Sustainable Leadership geared towards an Excellent Organization”. He continued the program set by his predecessors. Product presentations and seminars were regularly conducted for the information of the members, complemented with Fellowship and sport activities. He capped his tem with a Chapter summer outing to Palawan and its Underground River, giving the members a chance to see a future Wonder of the World.
In 2010, Pedro R. Fetalvero, Jr. took over as the Silver President of the Chapter, having the honor of celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Adopting the theme “UAP Marvalley Chapter C.A.R.E.S. – Competent Architects Responsive to Ecological Sustainability”, he has already charted the road map for commemorating this eventful milestone of the Chapter. Silver will mark the festivities that will follow; green has to step aside for the meantime. His active leadership, with the support of the officers and all the members clearly demonstrates the continued commitment to the Chapter.
As the Chapter celebrates its 26th year in the United Architects of the Philippines, one can only admire the dedication and loyalty of the members. This tribute belongs exclusively to the members who pursued the mission and vision of the Chapter as symbolized by its logo; the professional, the environment and the UAP. Chapter members have occupied major positions in the hierarchy of the National Organization; UAP National President, UAP National Executive Vice President, Area “A” Vice-President, UAP National Treasurer, UAP National Auditor, Executive Director of UAP Commissions, District Director, NCA Director, NCA Secretary-General, National Convention Deputy Director, Committee Chairman in the Organizing Committee of the National Convention, National Conference of Architects and the ARCASIA. Seven members are in the College of Fellows; a member is a winner in the Metrobank Foundation Contest and another became president of the Architects Golf Club. It hosts Balangkasan seminars for the UAP every year. It was responsible for the formation of two new chapters in District A-5; Rizal East and Kalayaan and sponsored two chapters abroad. It has established links with the community and the local government unit by holding Christmas Gift-giving and Feeding programs for the less fortunate and the victims of national and local tragedies. It has conducted art contests and participated in Marikina City’s festivities with members serving as judges.
The Chapter has made many achievements through two and a half decades of its existence. Now, under the reign of the new Chapter President, Arch. Joel Bautista. The Chapter can stand proud of its accomplishments as it looks forward to another twenty-six years of service to the United Architects of the Philippines.
Special thanks to Arch. Joy Abrera for the contribution of this write-up.
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Reader Comments (1)
just want to make comment, during 2005-2006 your member Allan V Garcia was served as National Vice President for Area A. He was the First elected IAPOA Nat. Vice Pres. Area A.