Pasay City, Philippines — Honoring the contribution of some Filipino Architects in their field and the possibility of engagement overseas, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) held the 8th ASEAN Architect Conferment Ceremonies last November 29, 2022, at the PRC-PICC Office in Pasay City.

Attending the said ceremony are Chairperson Hon. Charito A. Zamora; Commissioners, Hon. Dr. Jose Y. Cueto, Jr., and Hon. Erwin M. Enad; Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) of Architecture, Hon. Robert S. Sac together with its Board Members, Hon. Robert M. Mirafuente and Hon. Corazon Tandoc; and, the Director of International Affairs Office, Atty. Melisa Jane B. Comafay, the PRC’s key officials.

Also present was the National President of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), Arch. Richard M. Garcia.

The major highlight of the conferment ceremony was the awarding of certificates, pins, and ASEAN Architect (AA) IDs to the following Filipino Architects: Arch. Henry Steve R. Olonan, Arch. Christian F. Gerrero, Arch. Felicisimo A. Tejuco, Jr., and Arch. Carlo Chinolli Syquio G. Joson.

In her inspirational remark, Chairperson Zamora noted that the conferment of these Filipino Architects is a testament to their remarkable qualifications and their noteworthy potential to contribute to the advancement of the architectural profession here and overseas.

Furthermore, she encouraged the newly-conferred AAs to make the most out of this achievement by establishing linkages amongst ASEAN neighbor states; she then challenged and reminded the conferees, that some of the hardest work is yet ahead to come and ultimately seize every opportunity there is.

Hon. Arch. Mirafuente likewise shared his thoughts before giving his closing remarks wherein he mentioned, “Similarly after the conferment, it does not mean that everything will be smooth sailing, there will be challenges, more profound than you ever thought. It is more stressful because other Architects will start looking at you like an idol, a person that is greatly admired, loved, and sometimes as an image of worship. Perhaps some of the Architects will be doubtful of your abilities”.

He ended his closing message by requesting everyone to always think positively despite the many negatives’ happenings around us – inflation, war, poverty, recession; and putting emphasis on encouraging fellow Filipino ASEAN Architects to remember that each of them is part of the global solution to bring this world a better place to live in.

The event ended with a photo opportunity, alongside the officers and the newly conferred AAs.