The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Australia Chapter was officially formed during the virtual Charter Presentation and Inauguration Ceremonies on 06 March 2021 with 30 charter members from Australia and New Zealand. Six members including Charter President Hazel Aguilar based in Canberra joined the virtual ceremony at the Philippine Embassy in Australia.

08 March 2021 (Canberra) – The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Australia Chapter was officially formed during the virtual Chapter Presentation and Inauguration Ceremonies on 06 March 2021 with 30 charter members from Australia and New Zealand.

During the address of H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia, she said, “The inauguration ceremony of UAP’s Australia Chapter today speaks volumes of the historic friendship of our two countries as well as the strong people to people connections of Filipinos and Australians. Filipinos arrived in Australia as Australia needed their skills to grow an industry. Today, you contribute to this proud history of Filipino professionals, born and educated in the Philippines, fuelling the growth and prosperity of many countries around the world. The Philippine government is immensely proud of this reputation and ensures that the rights and welfare of Filipinos, wherever they may be, are always upheld.”

UAP is the accredited professional organization of architects in the Philippine with over 42,000 members. The following UAP Australian Charter Officers were inducted during the ceremony:

Charter President: Hazel Valenzuela Aguilar
Vice President for Programs & Development: Raiza Marie Lavina G. Arcilla
Vice President for Operations: Lini Grace A. Con-el
Charter Secretary: Sarah Jane Ramos
Charter Treasurer: Richard Paul Dullas Santiago
Charter Auditor: Romeo A. Vergara
Director – Membership Committee: Emerson Baquigo Ramos
New Zealand Secretary and Treasurer: Ma. Cristina Orale Cascayan

The Philippine Embassy in Canberra congratulates the officers and members of the UAP Australia Chapter and wishes them much success as they begin to implement activities to uphold the practice of Filipino architects in Australia and New Zealand. Through its engagement with UAP, the Embassy aims to further promote the excellence of Filipino professionals and forge activities that will strengthen technical and innovation links between the Philippines and Australia. END

H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia (front/center) delivered a message during the virtual Charter Presentation and Inauguration Ceremonies on 06 March 2021 and hosted six members of the UAP Australia Chapter at the Philippine Embassy in Australia.