Doha, Qatar - The United Architects of the Philippines-Qatar Chapter, its roster of membership, the current chapter officers, committees, guests and resource speakers, converged at the Crowne Plaza Hotel last September 30, 2022 in celebration of its glorious twelve years of existence as a premier professional organization for Filipino architects in Qatar. Under the able leadership of UAP Qatar Chapter President Ar. Carolyn A. Camarao, the glittering “MET Gala-inspired” 1st General Membership Meeting (GMM) event showcases the best of what the Filipino architect’s organization has to offer with the theme, “The Significance of Building Design with PWD and Transformational Leadership in Project Management”.
UAP Qatar Chapter President Ar. Carolyn A. Camarao, emphasized the importance of remembering the chapter’s humble beginnings and the dedication and commitment of men and women who continuously served the organization to achieve milestones it has today. She also encouraged Filipino architects to be strong in the midst of uncertain challenges that the world is facing today. With the President’s vision, UAP Qatar Chapter is gearing towards its commitment to strengthen the linkages of the Filipino architects to government agencies, companies, industry partners and international and local professional organizations. The President vows to elevate the stature of Filipino architects in Qatar, emphasizing their great contribution to the construction building industry of Qatar with its iconic buildings and infrastructures.
Aligning to these aims, the UAP Qatar Chapter event showcased resource speakers that delved on topics about the significant aspect of building design on accessibility and the rights of the people with disabilities (PWD) and project management. UAP Qatar Chapter Director for Continuing Professional Development Ar. Cherry Joy C. Aljias introduced Ar. Armand Michael R. Eustaquio who discussed Batas Pambansa No. 344: Accessibility Law. He is a member of UAP Task Force Infrastructure Accessibility that crafted IRR of BP 344 in 1993. The resource speaker was the deputy chairman of UAP Committee on Accessibility under the Commission on Government and External Affairs from year 2000 to 2010. To this day, he is the first and only Filipino member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals based in the US.
UAP Qatar Chapter Director for Corporate Social Responsibility Ar. Kharelly O. Sakilan-Macayan introduced Dr. Reynaldo B. Castillo, the founding chairman of the Philippine Professional Organization- Qatar (PPO-Q) and the adviser of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers- Qatar Chapter (PSME-Q), who discussed the importance of project management and transformational leadership in organizations, whether it be in business, in workplaces or professional organizational setup. The resource speaker brings in his wealth of experience in project management, organizational management and technical expertise in both construction industry and business. Of his almost 30 years of involvement with the Filipino community, Dr. Reynaldo Castillo continues to be a mentor and good example of servant leadership that most of Filipino community leaders in Qatar look up to.
In very special segments of the programme, the UAP Qatar Chapter were greeted and congratulated virtually by its distinguished guests, particularly by UAP Qatar Chapter co-founder and adviser Ar. Pete Frac, joining in virtually and delivered his encouraging message of hope and unity among Filipino architects in Qatar. Past presidents of the UAP Qatar Chapter also gave their inspirational messages virtually while UAP Qatar Chapter Immediate Past President Ar. Marvin M. Tejada gave his message of encouragement to fellow Filipino architects to continually support the current UAP Qatar Chapter officers and committees’ programs and activities. It was followed by a virtual message from the Philippine Professional Organization-Qatar (PPO-Q) Chairman Engr. Mark Anthony P. Abendan thanking UAP Qatar Chapter President Ar. Carolyn A. Camarao for her collaborative efforts and exceptional camaraderie with PPO-Q activities and events.
The UAP Regional District A6 Director Ar. Jesus C. Palingcod, Jr., on his part congratulated the UAP Qatar Chapter President Ar. Carolyn A. Camarao and the UAP Qatar Chapter for its wonderful achievements and thanking UAP Qatar Chapter for its active involvement in the MENA district of UAP chapters. The celebration was even made extra special by the inspirational message from the UAP National President Ar. Richard M. Garcia, the distinguished guest who took his precious time to celebrate with UAP Qatar Chapter in celebrating its 12th year anniversary and 1st GMM activity. UAP National President Ar. Richard Garcia virtually commended UAP Qatar Chapter President Ar. Carolyn A. Camarao and its Board of Directors FY 2022-2023 for their extra-ordinary efforts in serving the general membership of the UAP Qatar Chapter with its various activities and programs.
The event programme highlights also included the Oathtaking ceremonies of new committee members which were jointly facilitated by the UAP Qatar Chapter Vice President for Programs and Development Ar. Carmelita O. Gaela-Flores and UAP Qatar Chapter Secretary Ar. Jinelle Mae G. Fabro. The new committee members were inducted by none other than the UAP Qatar Chapter President Ar. Carolyn A. Camarao.
The event also highlighted the presentation of the revitalized website under the supervision of Ar. Nikita Eufe P. Usal, the UAP Qatar Chapter Chairman of the Committee on Public Relations, Media and Website. The presentation discussed key points of the website to provide repository of chapter activities and programs, the PerspeQtive newsletter, key UAP Qatar chapter facts and figures, and online membership registration and chapter services.
To add to the fun and enjoyment of the UAP Qatar Chapter’s 1st GMM and 12th year founding anniversary, there were video song presentation and actual song numbers from Tanghalang Overseas Pinoy (TOPi) and the MET Gala Best Dress competition which were won by IPP Marvin M. Tejada (male) and Ar. Maria Celene M. Conti (female). The grand prize for the raffle draw, a 65-inch Smart TV was won by Ar. Jemuel O. Bernarte. The UAP Qatar Chapter 1st GMM and 12th year founding anniversary event was ably handled by its Master of Ceremonies Ar. Adrian Bolalin and Ar. Bernard Cabugnason.
Watch the UAP Qatar Chapter - 12th Founding Anniversary greetings below!
