UAPGA-Cebu spearheads hackathon

CEBU, Philippines —  The United Architects of the Philippines Graduate Auxiliary (UAPGA-Cebu) has joined efforts in boosting the pandemic-stricken economy by holding a “hackathon”.

Dubbed “Techtonics: Design and Build Hackathon,” lead organizer Joan Jaje B. Pilapil said the event will run for 36-hours straight on a weekend starting April 24 and 25, 2021 and on May 2-3, 2021.

He said the first 12 hours would be considered as the pitching period wherein the registered teams would brainstorm and consult with their mentors on their proposed idea, followed by the 24-hour execution stage wherein the registered teams must work on this idea and participate freely.

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is known for its massive contribution to the built environment, where it creates spaces for the activities of every being.

As an industry that heavily relies on engagement, interaction, and perception, “a pandemic that forces us to stay at home and maintain distance poses a greater challenge in conducting its services, the event was pushed supported by complementary sectors such as real estate stakeholders.”

“This hackathon provides a platform for creative and fun innovation through fast-paced brainstorming and collaboration among people from different backgrounds. Hackers will be challenged to come up with a quick solution for the most pressing issues in the AEC industry, and present it to respected professionals. The idea with the biggest impact will be acknowledged and rewarded,” explained Pilapil, who also sits as the UAPGA-Cebu vice president for operations.

A series of online and managed onsite events will be held starting the weekends of April 24 to 25 and May 1-2, 2021.

“We support this kind of event because we believe that we need fresh ideas and innovation that will help the AEC industry and the real estate as whole to recover fast,” said Filipino Homes chief executive officer (CEO) Anthony Leuterio.

According to Leuterio, the local players in the broad real estate sector need localized and inexpensive software to get through with the (industry) challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Pilapil added that the hackaton aims to produce a minimum viable product that could help improve the systems and services of the AEC industry.

This could also create potential startups that provides solutions and help the AEC industry while exploring new technologies that could evolve into better solutions in the future for Cebu market and ultimately be adapted across the country.

“This event also hopes to reconnect graduates/students by providing an interesting avenue for them to practice design-thinking beyond their respective fields,” Pilapil added.