(IN PHOTO, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: UAP Deputy Executive Director Arnold San Sebastian, UAP Executive Director Mary Kristine Segovia, UAP Executive Director Cecilia Cayman-Gamana, PRBArch Member Architect Corazon V. Fabia-Tandoc, POCB Executive Director Ms. Doris U. Gacho, PRBArch Chairman, Architect Conrad T. Onglao, UAP National President, Architect Donato B. Magcale, POCB Chief Trade Industry Development Specialist Ms. Irma V. Merza, UAP National Executive Vice President Architect Annie C. Pugeda, UAP-CCP Secretariat Architect Maria Alora Angeles, UAP Deputy Executive Director Catherine Garcia, and UAP Member Architect Dante Aguirre)
Quezon City, Philippines — The Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB) marked its 48th Anniversary last June 27, 2025, by reaffirming its commitment to global industry engagement through a milestone partnership with the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) and the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRBArch). Highlighting this milestone celebration, the three institutions formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a ceremonial event entitled “Synergy in Action: Advancing Philippine Architecture on the Global Stage” on June 24, 2025, at the UAP Headquarters in Diliman, Quezon City.
The tripartite partnership aims to establish a unified framework that empowers Filipino professionals to compete in the global arena through sustained advocacy, integrated efforts, and a shared long-term vision. This landmark agreement also reinforces the commitment of the three institutions to work collaboratively in creating an enabling environment for the growth of the Philippine Architecture, Engineering, and Services Outsourcing (AESO) sector.
In her opening message, POCB Executive Director Doris U. Gacho underscored the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks, professional standards, and market access strategies among POCB, PRBArch, and UAP. She emphasized that this strategic collaboration—anchored on a shared vision of global competitiveness—will help create a unified platform that empowers Filipino architects and construction professionals to succeed in the global market.
This initiative is part of POCB’s broader efforts to expand its scope to include the Architecture, Engineering, and Services Outsourcing (AESO) sector and supports the long-term objectives outlined in the Philippine Construction Industry Roadmap 2020–2030, which emphasizes the development of globally competitive professionals, economies of scale, and targeted project diversification.
The tripartite agreement underscores the shared commitment of POCB, UAP, and PRBArch in building an inclusive, forward-looking framework that promotes the excellence and innovation of Filipino professionals and contributes meaningfully to the global built environment.
As the integrated and accredited professional organization of architects, the UAP is proud to take a leading role in this strategic collaboration. Through the MOU, Arch. Donato B. Magcale, UAP President, expressed UAP’s commitment to elevating the global visibility, credibility, and competitiveness of Philippine architectural talent.
Architect Conrado T. Onglao, Chairperson of PRBArch, the regulatory body responsible for safeguarding the standards of architectural practice in the Philippines, reaffirms his strong resolve to uphold the integrity, regulatory compliance, and global readiness of Filipino architects.
This milestone partnership ushers in a new chapter for Philippine architecture, defined by the convergence of regulatory integrity, professional advocacy, and cohesive government support to position Filipino architects as globally competitive professionals and influential contributors to the international design community.
For more information on how POCB supports the growth of CAE businesses overseas, interested parties may contact the office via email at POCB@construction.gov.ph or mobile at +63-917-842-2254. For updates and announcements, follow POCB on Facebook at facebook.com/DTI.CIAP.POCB and visit the CIAP official website at www.construction.gov.ph.
