Going on another milestone for its 32nd fiscal year, the United Architects of the Philippines Studentsโ Auxiliary (UAPSA) officially launched their first-ever UAPSA National Design Competition (UNDC) in the UAP Headquarters, Diliman, Quezon City, on the 20th of January, year 2025. The UNDC marks UAPSAโs new chapter of excellence in the advancement of the professional industry in the nation.
This event calls for UAPSA members all across the Philippines to showcase their design and problem-solving skills while also promoting culture and sustainable initiatives.
โAs we celebrate and enjoy this momentous occasion, let us also find the courage to elevate ourselves, to reach beyond boundaries, and to show the profession what UAPSA can truly create and contribute to our community and beyond.โ The official launch started with welcome remarks from UAPSA National Executive Vice President Richmond T. Valentino.
A message from the UAP Co-Chairperson for the Committee on Competitions, Ar. Maria Alora Angeles, uap, stated, โAt their core, architectural competitions are about challenging the status quoโฆ and to express the very essence of creativity.โ
Following the start of the official launch, Ar. Noriel Estipular, uap, a multi-awarded architect from SQM Design Lab, shared his discovery and passion for design competitions. Inspired by Ar. Christian Salandananโs NCCA Ani ng Dangal trophy, he shared that he also dreamed of getting one for himself. โFor me, itโs all about how you experience the space, how do you transform all the spaces into a new experience.โ
After the insightful keynote speech was delivered, the overview of the UNDC was presented to inform and introduce us to the basic information about the national design competition. By explaining the theme โEvolveโ, this prestigious platform encourages UAPSA members nationwide to envision the future of Filipino architecture as a continuous journey of exploration, innovation, and transformation, and acknowledge them into an architectural masterpiece.
The organizing committee spared some details to be considered by the contestants through The explanation of Calendar & Judging Process. After the deadline of submission, March 7th of 2025, the national event will have a Pre-Screening Process from March 8-9, 2025, the Shortlisting Process on March 10-15, 2025, the Announcement of Shortlist will be received through email, and the Design Making Process will officially start from March 17, 2025 up until to the 3-Day Festival.
The Banging of Gravel concluded the official launch, which made a historical mark for UAPSA, together with closing remarks from UAPSA National President Desirie Mae D. Benito, thanking the UNDC Team, led by Lea Mendoza and Anthony Ignacio, as well as UAPSA Nationals, and also encouraging the attendees to partake in this challenge by sharing their visions that will be helpful and meaningful to our nation.
