𝐔𝐀𝐏 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 “𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭” 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚

The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), the only accredited professional organization of Filipino architects representing over 65,000 registered and licensed members, has released an official statement denouncing the misuse of the word “architect” in negative contexts by media outlets and commentators.

The organization strongly condemned recent instances where public figures accused of plunder, corruption, or other crimes were labeled as “architects” of wrongdoing. UAP emphasized that such usage is both misleading and unjust, tarnishing a profession that has long been dedicated to public service, nation building, and the responsible stewardship of the built environment.

As defined under Republic Act No. 9266, The Architecture Act of 2004, an architect is a duly qualified, registered, and licensed professional responsible for the planning, design, and construction of buildings and spaces that ensure safety, functionality, sustainability, and social responsibility. To equate this with masterminds of crime, UAP stressed, undermines the years of education, licensure, and ethical commitment invested by Filipino architects.

The UAP called on all members of the press—whether in print, broadcast, or social media—to exercise precision in language and to use more accurate terms such as “mastermind,” “perpetrator,” or “brains behind corruption” when reporting on negative acts. The organization further appealed to government agencies, private institutions, and the public to preserve the dignity of the profession by refraining from such misapplications of the title “architect.”

With this firm stance, the United Architects of the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to uphold the honor of the profession and to protect the integrity of architects who continue to contribute to progress, safety, and nation building both in the Philippines and abroad.