Architect Miguel “Mike” Guerrero, chairman of the civic group Green Architecture Advocacy

Philippines, believes that sustainability is a responsibility that is shared by everyone. His firm
belief in this idea is seen in a presentation he has perfected to communicate to the public the
benefits of sustainable construction and green building. He has tirelessly shared this in
numerous public forums as well as in private consultations by many aspiring architects seeking
his advise. He has also opened up the membership of the Green AP beyond architects to other
people who share the same philosophy and advocacy, which has helped the group expand
reach more people.
Sustainability is a shared duty, according to architect Miguel "Mike" Guerrero, leader of the
civic group Green Architecture Advocacy Philippines. His firm belief in this concept is shown in a
presentation he has developed to communicate the benefits of sustainable and green
architecture to the general audience. He has persistently shared this information in both public
forums and private consultations with many aspiring architects seeking his advice. He's also
opened the Green AP's membership beyond architects to include other people who share the
same attitude and advocacy, allowing the organization to reach out to a wider audience.
But Architect Guerrero is not all talk. He has actively incorporated his ideas of green building in
many projects he has been entrusted to design. Among the projects that reflect his sustainable
construction advocacy is the Tabang Ta Kabalayaan Village in Compostella Valley, whose
residents were people who lost their homes in 2012 to Typhoon Pablo.
Architect Guerrero, on the other hand, isn't all talk. He has actively implemented his green
building ideas into many of the projects he has been tasked with designing. The Tabang Ta
Kabalayaan Village in Compostella Valley, whose residents were displaced by Typhoon Pablo in
2012, is one of the projects that reflects his sustainable construction advocacy.
Architect Guerrero was tapped by cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines to design the
village. The company has a strong presence in South Mindanao and was among those that
responded to calls by the government to assist those affected by the typhoon.It decided to tap
Architect Guerrero as the company is also a sustainable construction advocate. It believes that
the industry can have a bigger impact on development by balancing economic considerations
with social and environmental responsibilities.
The community was designed by architect Guerrero, who was employed by cement company
Holcim Philippines. The firm has a significant presence in South Mindanao and was one of the
first to react to government requests for assistance to individuals affected by the storm. It chose
Architect Guerrero since the firm is also an advocate of sustainable construction. It believes that
by balancing economic considerations with social and environmental duties, the industry may
have a greater impact on development.
Architect Guerrero designed the houses and structures to be resilient against typhoons and
energy and resource efficient, maximizing sunlight and the wind. He also made provisions for
communal farms that can provide the people with food.  
Aside from the design, the beneficiaries were also provided trainings in construction and
masonry so they help build the structures and have new skills for livelihood. The company
together with partners in the public and private sectors turned over 100 houses to the Typhoon
Pablo survivors.
The houses and structures were planned by architect Guerrero to be typhoon-resistant as well
as energy and resource efficient, taking advantage of the sun and wind. He also established
communal farms to provide food for the people.
Aside from the design, the beneficiaries received construction and masonry instruction so that
they could assist in the construction of the projects and gain new skills. The company, in
collaboration with governmental and private sector partners, handed over 100 houses to the
Typhoon Pablo survivors.
“Holcim Philippines has given us an opportunity to help turn this community into a self-reliant
and sustainable one. We are so happy that it was a success,” Architect Guerrero said.
The success of the project has further strengthened Guerrero’s resolve to continue his
advocacy.
 “It is our prerogative to instill to all architects or other professions, adults or the youth that
green should be the standard in the construction industry. It should be the primary
responsibility of every architect or designer to protect the people by simply building with
nature, not against it. After all, the survival and safety of everyone depends on it,” he said.

REFERENCES

Carreon, D. G. (2020, July 12). Featured pinoy builder: Miguel "Mike" Guerrero architect,
advocate, environmentalist. Pinoy Builders. Retrieved April 10, 2022, from
https://pinoybuilders.ph/miguel-guerrero-architect-advocate-environmentalist/