The United Architects of the Philippines Diliman Chapter concluded one of its key learning initiatives for Fiscal Year 2025–2026 through a Continuing Professional Development Tour entitled BUILT GREEN: Exploring Certified Green Buildings, held last June 27, 2026.
Spearheaded by Ar. Zita Hipolito, UAP Diliman Chapter’s CPD Director for Fiscal Year 2025–2026 and Incoming Chapter Vice President for Programs & Planning, the activity served as the chapter’s last main event for the fiscal year. It brought together members for a meaningful day of learning, site appreciation, and professional reflection.
The event focused on Green Architecture, was led by two esteemed UAP Dilimaners, Ar. Pablo Suarez, Principal of GreenArc, former PhilGBC Board Trustee & former BERDE Standards Sub-Committee Chairman and Ar. Cathy Saldaña, Principal Architect & CEO of PDP Architects, who guided attendees through two meaningful project visits that highlighted different approaches to environmentally responsive design, planning, and development.
The first stop of BUILT GREEN: Exploring Certified Green Buildings was Botanika Nature Residences, organized by Ar. Pablo Suarez. Through the tour, attendees were given a closer look at how the project integrates architecture with nature, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful design in creating healthier and more sustainable living environments. Later that day, Ar. Suarez delivered a talk on Green Building Certification — focusing on the BERDE Rating Scheme of PhilGBC, further deepening the participants’ understanding of green building standards and their role in shaping sustainable architectural practice in the Philippines.
The second stop was Southlinks Estate, led by Ar. Cathy Saldaña who served as the Architect of Record for the project. As the participants toured around the 33.6 hectares of land undergoing massive site preparation and earthworks. Ar. Saldaña shared how she and the team from PDP+ Architecture approached the design and planning process while working alongside various engineering and architectural consultants, such as AMH Philippines Inc. & RIOS Design Collective. Her presentation offered valuable insights into the collaborative nature of large-scale planning and the careful coordination required to bring sustainable design intentions into built form leading to the development’s BERDE Certification. A narrative only the participants of the Built Green Event got to experience.
More than a technical tour, Built Green gave attendees the opportunity to experience green architecture beyond theory. For UAP Diliman, the CPD Tour reflected the chapter’s continuing effort to create learning opportunities for young and experienced architects that are relevant, grounded, and forward-looking. By bringing members closer to real projects and the professionals behind them, the activity encouraged Filipino architects to continue examining how design decisions can contribute to more resilient and meaningful built environments.
BOTANIKA NATURE RESIDENCES
SOUTHLINKS ESTATE
