Philippine architects told to step up to survive Asean integration

CEBU, Philippines - Filipino architects are encouraged to level-up and constantly improve their craft as the entry of foreign professionals, especially from the ASEAN region, is inevitable.

United Architects of the Philippines (UAP-Cebu Chapter) past president Buck Sia is not denying the fact that the entry of foreign architects to the country has threatened local professionals, however, while this cannot be stopped, Filipinos have to compete head-on and "level-up."

Increasing their level of skills, experiences, well backed-up by theory and research are just few of the tools that Filipino architects should do in order for them to go up against the foreign practitioners.

On the other hand, the ASEAN integration also opens up opportunities for local architects as big players or clientele are coming in, thus constant upgrading of skills, and keeping abreast with global trends are very important.

Meanwhile, Sia mentioned the outdated educational system for architecture in the Philippines, as one of the hindrances why most local practitioners are sometimes intimidated by their foreign counterparts.

There are about 38 thousand licensed architects in the Philippines duly registered by the Philippine Regulations Commission. This number is enough to accommodate the promising real estate and construction sectors.

But some projects are hiring foreign architects as consultants, and this is already happening in the Philippines.

Philippine Construction Association (PCA) executive director Manolito P. Madrasto,said the industry in general has been prepared to face the opportunities and challenges that the integrated ASEAN brings.

Madrasto said that the industry is prepared "on its own", even without the help from the government.

According to Madrasto, the free-flow of professionals within the ASEAN region is a "given" effect, and that contractors, developers, architects, interior designers, and other players in the booming construction and real estate industry in Philippines have been preparing for.

Philippine Institute of Interior Designer (PIID-Cebu Chapter), also noted similar development, saying there are already foreign designers doing projects in the Philippines.

But, Paula Cañete of PIID-Cebu Chapter said that instead of feeling threatened by the free-flow entry of foreign practitioners within the region, Cebuano interior designers are welcoming the development saying collaboration could improve with each other's respective competencies.

According to Cañete, it is good for them to work with other "creative minds" and sharpen each other's talent, using different perspectives and cultural backgrounds.

Under the integration of Asean economies, foreign businesses are expected to enter the Philippine market, each bringing their own flavor and spice. From a manageable pool of local competitors, designers are expecting the influx of foreign competitors coming in from all corners of Southeast Asia.

At present though, Cañete said Cebu in particular is still a fertile ground for interior designers, although some clients have also commissioned designers from other countries.

Fortunately, the trend now dictates largely in the incorporation of local culture to the interior designing preferences, which would need  a touch from local practitioner who knows the culture well. (FREEMAN)