PIA Visayas District Attends the 82nd PIA National Convention Held in Batanes

The Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA) held its 82nd National Convention in Basco, Batanes with the Visayas District delegation consisting of Architects from the Cebu Section and the newly chartered Negros Occidental Section.  The Convention and Exhibits was themed: “Architectural Heritage Towards Sustainability” and was well attended by different sections from across the Philippines. 

It was a memorable experience for the delegates to be in Batanes and despite the rigorous task of organizing this leap of faith convention to be held in a far flung but beautiful place, the PIA-Manila Section was able to pull it off with flying colors.  It was to be the very first National Convention to be held in Batanes, quite a mark for the PIA in the history of Batanes.

The Mayor of Basco, Batanes, Hon. Demetrius Paul C. Narag (fourth from Left), welcomes the delegates to the 82nd PIA National Convention during the Opening Ceremony on February 26, 2015.  
Together with him are the National Directors of the PIA.

Annual Business Meeting: Main Matters

The Annual Business Meeting was held on Day 1: February 26, 2015 wherein key issues were presented and resolved, with VP for Administrative Affairs - Arch. Stephen M.R. Viola as the Presiding Officer.  President's Report was delivered by the National President - Arch. Arnel M. Colcol while the Treasurer's Report was presented by the National Treasurer - Arch. Jimson C. Ong.

Furthermore, a ratification of all acts and resolutions of the National Board during its term in the Fiscal year 2014-2015 was done.  Matters that required the approval of the General Membership were also raised.

Plenary Sessions: “Architectural Heritage Towards Sustainability”

Enriching Plenary Sessions were held on Day 2 (February 27, 2015) and the topics were the following:

Topic 1:           Vernacular Ivatan Architecture (Arch. Syra Valiente)

Topic 2:           Batanes Tourism: Tourism Office of Batanes

Topic 3:           Technical Session on Plumbing for Water Recycling and Innovations on Sewer Ventilation Systems

The Plenary Sessions opened opportunities and areas where architects and other allied professionals can help in the protection and conservation of a National Heritage that sits in the Islands of Batanes.  The presentations implied that the vernacular architecture in Batanes are threatened by the changing patterns of the modern times.  The current success in the aviation industry is also bringing in more tourists to the region which also adds more pressure to the carrying capacity of the Islands. 

As a wrap up of all the discussions in the Plenary Sessions, the Institute may explore areas to collaborate further with the Local Government Units of Batanes and further their cause of protecting their heritage.  Available technologies may also be applied to further this cause without sacrificing sustainability for Batanes.

New Officers for the Fiscal Year 2015-2016

The delegates of the 82nd PIA National Convention
during the Honor Dinner held at the Batanes National Science High School
last February 27, 2015.

Election was successfully held after the Business Meeting and our very own Cebu Section members were installed in the Institute's National Board and the College of Fellows for the coming Fiscal Year 2015-2016:

Chancellor for the College of Fellows: Arch. Norberto V. Uy

National Treasurer: Arch. Jimson C. Ong

District Director - Visayas: Arch. Donna Belle C. Pongase

A mass oath taking for the new set of officers was done during the Honor Dinner on Day 2: February 27, 2015 and the following were present to take their Oath of Office, signifying their unconditional service to the Institute:

National Board:

Chancellor (COF):                  Arch. Norberto V. Uy

National Treasurer:                  Arch. Jimson C. Ong

District Director - Visayas:     Arch. Donna Belle C. Pongase

Cebu Section Officers:

President:                                Arch. John Oneal O'neal Aspera

Treasurer:                                Arch. Katrina Banan

Negros Occidental Section Officers:

President:                                Arch. Jomarie Tolentino

              VP Administrative Affairs:    Arch. Eden Grace Telog

Also present to witness the Mass Induction of Officers during the Honor Dinner were the foundations of the PIA Cebu Section: COF - PIA Foundation, Inc. Bursar Arch. Isabel A. Garcia, COF Arch. Eric C. Nacorda and former Visayas District Director  Arch. Ramon Nilo Vios, Jr.

The Mass Induction of Officers also officially installed the New Board of Directors for the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 of the Cebu Section as follows:

President:                                Arch. John Oneal O'neal Aspera

VP External:                          Arch. Bryan Auman

VP Admin:                              Arch. Israeli Esnardo

Secretary:                                Arch. Dia Mae Dia MAe Garces Jupista

Treasurer:                                Arch. Katrina Banan

Chairman on Membership:      Arch. Rowell Shih

Chairman on Ways & Means: Arch. Eusebio Euse Pason

Board of Director:                  Arch. Mark Justin Caramihan

Ex officio:                               Arch. Jimson Ong 

The term for the New Officers shall commence on April 1, 2015 and will end March 31, 2016.

The 82nd PIA National Convention ended with an explosive show of the landscapes of Batanes Islands through the Batan Island Tours (Day 3) and the Sabtang Tours (Day 4).  The Cebu Section, together with the rest of the delegates, flew back to Manila on March 2, 2015 (Day 5).

It was a good start for the year and we look forward to the continued support of the PIA Cebu Section members as we move forward this year and beyond.

♫ Come now! Let's all be united for the progress of our native land, as brother architects we must not forget to enhance the progress of our land! ♫

Cebu Section wearing their Convention Shirts
during the Batan Island Tours on Day 3: February 28, 2015.

written in service to the Institute:

Arch./EnP. Donna Belle C. Pongase, pia, piep

For comments and/or suggestions,
please write to: donna(at)dcpongase.com