What do you think you can contribute if elected to the Board as a Trustee?

My experience in leading organizations, both in education and in the professional organization for architects, would hopefully be a positive contribution to the Board and its many projects. I have had extensive experience
in working with various individuals, and rallying them towards a common goal. I have also taken into serious consideration the objectives of a national organization in the service of its 60,000 architects, and have made my mark in both academic and professional grounds.

What advocacies have you been a part of and what was your role and contribution?

In my role as an educator, we consistently have had the “Joy in a Box” project with partner schools. We have also a number of projects with partner Lasallian communities. The engagement during my role as Program Director of Little Archers focused mainly on pushing for better educational opportunities for all children. I have been an educator of young children and have done various seminars for teachers which aims to the create safe spaces for children. Additionally, I have made seminars and workshops on placemaking, creativity
and the arts.

As an officer of the United Architects of the Philippines, I have supported and pushed the mandate to protect the profession, the professionals and the professional community. This means creating many activities that push Republic Act 9266, or the Act Providing for a More Responsive and Comprehensive Regulation for the Registration, Licensing and Practice of Architecture, as well as creating a chapter that is responsive to the needs of its members, being the vanguard of the architecture profession in the country. The 900+ members of the Diliman Chapter, an 8-time Best Chapter Award has also required me to spearhead many projects that will relatable to members who are in private practice, government practice, and the academe. The composition of the membership demands a leadership that is responsive with a deep understanding of the context and culture of its members.

Some of the projects I have spearheaded include many CPDs (Continuing Professional Development) seminars and projects. A recent CSR project completed is the design of the KAWA Pilipinas community kitchen. It was a
collaborative project that required having KAWA Pilipinas proponents as clients while working with other volunteers doing construction and other design professionals, to provide pro-bono services to the organization.

What was your most important learning from your Assumption education?

A deep and authentic understanding of the charism of an Assumptionist has been empowering to me as it has given me the confidence to lead others in various capacities. This charism is founded on our Assumption upbringing that reminds us that when we surrender to Jesus, we find hope and love; when we center on Jesus, we find our way home. And this idea of home is founded on the love we receive from our family, our schools, or wherever we find our best selves. We are then called to reciprocate this special love to others in all aspects of our lives. This is essential to the way we lead our lives because knowing that we will always be called to serve others mean that we should never be selfish with our time, talents and treasure, and that whatever we have must be shared.