The Experts’ Symposium “Reporma, Hindi Bahala Na: Moving Forward from the Flood Control Scandal Towards Sustainable Solutions” was held on November 12, 2025 at the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning. The event brought together leading voices in environmental planning, resilience science, engineering, and architecture to address the systemic challenges in the Philippines’ flood management strategies.
The symposium opened with expert discussions on the roots of the 2024–2025 flood control controversies and the urgent need for transparent, science-based planning. Keynote speakers from UPRI, DENR, DPWH, Ateneo, PALA, PIEP, and PICE offered technical insights on climate adaptation, watershed management, structural and non-structural solutions, and institutional reforms needed for real resilience.
Panel discussions emphasized local planning gaps, governance failures, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, planning, and public sector perspectives were all represented—underscoring that effective flood solutions require integrated urban systems thinking.
UAP Diliman participated as a formal collaborator, with officers supporting onsite registration, logistics, Q&A facilitation, and documentation. The Chapter’s presence reaffirmed its commitment to Visionary Initiatives—promoting sustainable design, climate-responsive planning, and long-term solutions grounded in technical competence and ethical practice.
This activity directly advances the UAP National thrust of MOVERS OF PROGRESS, particularly Visionary Initiatives, by positioning architects as proactive contributors to addressing national resilience challenges.
Moderators & Guest Speakers
- Dr. Nathaniel Von Einsiedel – Fellow Emeritus, PIEP College of Fellows
- Dr. Leonora “Pechie” Gonzales – Fellow, PIEP College of Fellows
- LArch. Diomari Centeno – Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA)
- EnP. Elmer Mercado – Fellow, PIEP College of Fellow
Speakers
- Dr. Mahar Lagmay – Executive Director, UP Resilience Institute (UPRI)
- Dr. Segundo Romero – Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
- Dr. Carlos Primo David – Undersecretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
- OIC-Usec. Lara Esquibil – Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
Panelists
- LArch. Jaclyn Alexandra Brillantes-Bello – Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA)
- Pamela Gloria Cajilig, PhD – University of the Philippines College of Architecture
- Ar./EnP. Armando Alli – Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP), College of Fellows
- Engr. Noel Ortigas – Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE)
- Iñaki Mangahas – Agap Banta
