“Forging Pathways of Progress: UAP Qatar Chapter’s September 2025 Milestones in Leadership, Learning, and Community Building”

September 2025 was a dynamic and milestone-filled month for the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Qatar Chapter, marked by progressive collaborations, impactful seminars, strengthened international ties, and expanded community engagement. Through a series of 11 major activities hosted across Qatar, the Philippines, and online platforms, the Chapter demonstrated its unwavering commitment to professional excellence, unity, and service to the global Filipino architectural community.

• Strengthening Internal Leadership and Strategic Planning

The month began with the 4th Regular Monthly EXECOM & BOD Meeting held on September 3, 2025, at The Hub Center. Led by Chapter President Ar. Jayson Z. Santos, the meeting focused on preparations for upcoming General Membership Meetings, CPD application initiatives, COF nomination processes, and ongoing partnership agreements. This internal planning ensured that the chapter remained aligned with national directives while empowering its members through well-structured programs.

• National Engagements and Cross-Chapter Dialogues

On September 4, 2025, the UAP Qatar Chapter joined the national online session, “I Zoom Mo Kay Sec Gen,” held at the UAP National Headquarters and via Zoom. Speakers Ar. Mark Louie Soriquez, Ar. Rap Cristobal, and Ar. Kenneth Trinidad presented key updates for NCA 2025 and REGIONEX 2025, fostering stronger national-global synergy.

This was followed on September 5, 2025, by the prestigious AIA Hong Kong x UAP Annual Exchange, a CPD-accredited event with over 200 participants. Hosted hybridly at the UAP National HQ and via Zoom, it featured renowned speakers including NP Jonathan Manalad, Michael Ward, Eric Ho, Winston Shu, Royal Pineda, and more. Supported by DAVIES as a major supplier, the event highlighted global collaboration, design excellence, and cultural exchange.

• Multi-Organization Collaboration and Community Service Leadership

The UAP Qatar Chapter actively participated in the 9th PPO-Q Regular Monthly Meeting on September 8, 2025, conducted via Zoom. Led by speaker Mr. Alvin Polido, the forum aligned multiple professional groups in Qatar toward shared CSR initiatives, including beach clean-ups, blood donations, and outreach programs.

Later that evening, the Chapter joined the UAP Regional District A6 Meeting, also held via Zoom and led by DD Ar. Eldrid B. Refil, discussing October’s seminar series and district-wide assembly preparations.

• Diplomatic Engagement and Support for Filipino Workers

A major highlight of the month was the Meet and Greet with Hon. Sec. Hans Leo I. Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), held on September 10, 2025, at the Majestic Room, Holiday Villa Hotel Doha. This significant diplomatic event—also attended by various Filipino professional organizations—strengthened advocacy for OFW welfare and labor cooperation with Qatar. Speakers included:

• H.E. Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar

• Hon. Sec. Hans Leo Cacdac, DMW

• Atty. Eduard C. Ferrer

  
  

• Global Integration and Professional Advancement

On September 20, 2025, the Chapter participated in the FBA General Membership Meeting No. 02, held via Zoom and hosted at Holiday Villa Hotel Qatar. Led by Ar. Bernardino and Ar. Manuel Toribio Jr., the meeting championed reintegration programs for OFW architects, ASEAN Architect accreditation, COF inclusion, international recognition, and PRC processes essential to professional growth.

• Empowering Future Licensed Architects

A landmark accomplishment was the SPLE Kickoff Meeting on September 22, 2025, at the UAP Qatar Headquarters (Al Saad HUB Office). Headed by Ar. Jayson Z. Santos, the Chapter formalized a Memorandum of Understanding with the Qatar Association of Registered Architects (QARA)—a major step in strengthening the SPLE Review Assistance Program for 2026 aspirants and UAP Graduate Auxiliary members.

• Education, Celebration, and Community Services

The highlight of the month was the 3rd General Membership Meeting + Technical Seminar & Pre-Anniversary Celebration, held on September 26, 2025, at the Majestic Room, Holiday Villa Hotel Qatar. Sponsored by Cosway Qatar WLL Trading and Contracting and Lamesita Restaurant Doha, this event equipped 65 attendees with vital knowledge in construction management and sustainability.

Speakers included:

• Ar. Carlo Fundador B. Marudo

• Dr. Elvin Dalisay Fajutagana (PICE-Qatar)

• Engr. Sudhyasatya Banerjee (Engineers Australia)

• Ms. Sitti Alhada A. Dahamban (SSS)

• Ms. Angelita P. Sanchez (Pag-IBIG Fund)

  
  

Members also celebrated the Chapter’s 15th Anniversary Pre-Celebration, honoring years of collective dedication and achievement.

• Sportsmanship and Professional Unity

Also on September 26, 2025, UAP Qatar joined the PPO-Q Sports Fest 2025 Lawn Tennis Finals at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex, Doha. With broad participation from multiple Filipino professional organizations, the event strengthened camaraderie and cross-sector collaboration through sportsmanship.

• Balangkasan Advocacy and National Policy Participation

The month concluded with UGNAYAN 03: Balangkasin Natin ‘Yan — Paninindigan sa Pananaw on September 30, 2025, hosted from UAP HQ and attended via Zoom. The UAP Balangkasan Committee provided essential clarifications and guidelines for chapters participating in this national discourse initiative, reinforcing advocacy and thought leadership across the UAP community.

CONCLUSION:

Across 11 comprehensive activities, multiple venues, international partnerships, national engagements, and a roster of influential speakers, UAP Qatar Chapter’s September 2025 achievements reflect a vibrant and forward-thinking organization. Its programs embodied the UAP corporate thrust of being Movers of Progress—championing justice to the profession, visionary initiatives, and member empowerment.

Through diplomacy, collaboration, professional development, and community building, the Chapter continues to elevate the presence and impact of Filipino architects within Qatar and across the global architectural landscape.