The United Architects of the Philippines Committee on Professional Development, under the UAP Professional Development Commission, successfully held “PAGLUNAN” on August 29, 2026, Saturday, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The hybrid Continuing Professional Development seminar was conducted at Teatro Arkitekto, 7th Floor, UAP National Headquarters, and via Zoom.
Held in celebration of Buwan ng Wika, an annual celebration held every August to promote and appreciate the Filipino language. “PAGLUNAN” hosts Ar. Yna Ramos, UAP Diliman Vice President for Operations and Ar. Tristan Santiago of UAP Nova-Central, guided the audience through a program that reflected the spirit of Buwan ng Wika by highlighting architecture not only as a built practice, but also as a cultural language shaped by memory, identity, and place. This brought together architects and professionals in a meaningful afternoon of learning centered on Filipino architecture, heritage, language, and identity. Despite the bad weather and heavy flooding, the event successfully pushed through through the dedication of its organizers, staff, speakers, and participants. Several registrants attended onsite, while many participants migrated to Zoom, accommodating more than 200 participants.
The first presentation was delivered by Ar. Markel Cesar A. Luna of UAP Diliman, who discussed “Conservation Management Plan Basics: The Case of Benitez Hall.” His talk introduced the fundamentals of conservation management planning through the lens of one of the University of the Philippines’ significant built heritage structures. Through the case of Benitez Hall, participants were given insight into the importance of documentation, assessment, and long-term stewardship in preserving architectural heritage.
The second talk was given by Dr. Gerard Rey A. Lico of UAP Diliman, titled “Modernismo Bilang Wika ng Arkitekturang Pilipino.” His presentation explored modernism as a language of Philippine architecture, examining how architectural expression reflects culture, history, and national identity. Through his discussion, participants were encouraged to look at modern architecture not merely as a style, but as a means of understanding Filipino aspirations, transformations, and narratives in the built environment.
The third presentation was delivered by Ar. Michaela Rosette M. Santos-Tayag of UAP Angeles City-Alaya, who spoke on “Vernacular Wisdom of Kapampangan Architecture: Pasingtabi king Aldo ampong Angin (Homage to the Sun and Wind).” Her talk highlighted the environmental sensitivity and cultural intelligence embedded in Kapampangan architecture. By discussing the relationship between architecture, climate, sun, wind, and local practice, she presented vernacular design as a valuable source of wisdom for contemporary architectural thinking.
More than a CPD seminar, PAGLUNAN became a celebration of Filipino architectural thought and culture. Through discussions on conservation, modernism, and vernacular wisdom, the event reminded participants that architecture is not only measured through form and function. It is also read through language, culture, climate, memory, and the many ways communities continue to shape and understand place.
UAP Diliman Chapter members present onsite included Ar. Shina Samoza, Ar. Apol Estabillo, Ar. Mon Gallardo, Ar. Markel Luna, Dr. Gerard Lico, Ar. Yna Ramos, Ar. Gerry Samoza, Ar. Tina Puno, Ar. Erwin Espiritu, Ar. Dale Cortez, Ar. Geolette Esguerra and Ar. Rafael Reyes, . Several UAP Diliman members also joined through Zoom, including Ar. Sali Kintanar, Ar. Carlo Bustos, and others.
