The political reality and issues of practice in global context

The political reality and issues of practice in the global context of architecture
involve navigating a complex array of regulatory, economic, social, and technological
factors. Architects must be adaptable, culturally sensitive, and knowledgeable about
diverse regulations and policies to successfully implement their projects across different
regions. This multifaceted environment requires a balance between creative design,
technical expertise, and strategic planning.
The practice of architecture and related design professions in the Philippines
faces several significant challenges that threaten their sustainability and respect within
the industry. These challenges include client biases, the threat of unlicensed
practitioners, competition from foreign consultants, and the migration of local talent to
better-paying jobs overseas. Here’s a detailed explanation of these issues:

1. Bias Against Local Practitioners

Clients often misunderstand the role and value of architects and design
professionals. This misunderstanding leads to local practitioners being undervalued and
treated more like suppliers or contractors rather than professionals who provide a
critical service similar to doctors or lawyers.
Issues
 Misunderstanding of Professional Role: Many clients fail to appreciate the
complexity and importance of architectural work, focusing only on costs and
immediate availability.
 Respect and Compensation: Local architects are often not respected or
adequately compensated for their time and expertise. Unlike doctors or lawyers,
architects are expected to attend numerous meetings without additional pay.
2. Threat from Unlicensed Practitioners
There is a growing number of Filipino or Filipino-American designers who set up
practices without the necessary licenses. These individuals often have a strong market
presence due to their overseas education and experience, despite not being legally
qualified to practice in the Philippines.
Issues
 Legal and Ethical Concerns: Practicing without a license undermines the
regulated profession and can lead to substandard work and legal complications.
  Market Disruption: These unlicensed practitioners often succeed due to effective
marketing and personal branding rather than professional competence, which
disrupts the market for licensed professionals.
3. Invasion of Foreign Consultants
Foreign consultants and designers are often preferred by clients, either because
of their perceived prestige or due to better marketing and networking skills. This
preference undermines local practitioners who are equally or more qualified.
Issues
 Client Bias: Clients tend to favor foreign-trained designers, believing they offer
superior services, even when these individuals are not registered or licensed in
the Philippines.
 Media Representation: Local media often highlight foreign consultants and
unregistered designers, which skews public perception and devalues the work of
licensed local professionals.
4. Exodus of Local Talent
Many talented Filipino architects and designers leave the country for better-
paying opportunities abroad. This brain drain depletes the local industry of skilled
professionals and hampers its development.
Issues
 Loss of Expertise: The departure of skilled professionals reduces the overall
quality and competitiveness of the local architectural and design industry.
 Economic Impact: The local economy suffers as talented individuals contribute to
the development and growth of foreign markets instead of their home country.

5. Regulatory and Professional Recognition Issues

Despite the regulation of the architecture profession by the United Architects of the
Philippines (UAP) and other related bodies, there are challenges in enforcing these
regulations and ensuring proper recognition of qualified professionals.
Issues
 Enforcement: Ensuring that only licensed professionals are recognized and
referred to as architects or related titles is challenging. Unlicensed practitioners
often gain recognition through media and marketing.
 Professional Identity: The lack of strict enforcement and the presence of
unlicensed practitioners dilute the professional identity and integrity of the field.
 The practice of architecture and related professions in the Philippines is at risk due
to a combination of client biases, unlicensed practitioners, competition from foreign
consultants, and the exodus of local talent. Addressing these issues requires concerted
efforts from regulatory bodies, professional associations, and the industry as a whole to
educate the public, enforce regulations, and create an environment that values and
supports local professionals. Strengthening the professional identity and ensuring fair
compensation and respect for architects will be crucial for the sustainability and growth
of the profession in the Philippines.

B. Sample architect practicing or involved in that particular services

1. Bias Against Local Practitioners
Jun Palafox
Practice: Palafox Associates
Notable Project: Rockwell Center, Makati
Explanation: Jun Palafox's work, particularly the Rockwell Center in Makati, serves as a
powerful example of how local architects can overcome biases and gain recognition for
their contributions. By advocating for the profession, showcasing world-class
developments, emphasizing sustainable design, educating clients and the public, and
maintaining high professional standards, Palafox addresses the challenges faced by local
practitioners and elevates the status of Filipino architects in the industry.

2. Threat from Unlicensed Practitioners

Francisco "Bobby" Mañosa
Practice: Mañosa & Co., Inc.
Notable Project: Coconut Palace, Manila
Explanation: Francisco Mañosa’s firm has always upheld the importance of licensing and
professional integrity. The Coconut Palace, built primarily from indigenous materials like
coconut lumber and capiz shells, exemplifies Mañosa's dedication to Filipino cultural
heritage and high standards of practice. His commitment to licensed and ethical practice
helps counter the threat posed by unlicensed practitioners.
3. Invasion of Foreign Consultants
Kenneth Cobonpue
Practice: Kenneth Cobonpue Designs
Notable Project: Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila
Explanation: Known for his innovative use of local materials and craftsmanship, Kenneth
Cobonpue has made significant contributions to architecture through his design work.
His involvement in projects like Shangri-La at the Fort showcases the potential of
Filipino designers and helps counter the preference for foreign consultants by
highlighting the quality and creativity of local talent.

4. Exodus of Local Talent

Leandro V. Locsin Partners (LVLP)
Founder: Leandro V. Locsin
Notable Project: Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila
Explanation: LVLP continues to carry the legacy of National Artist Leandro V. Locsin by
working on prominent national projects. The Cultural Center of the Philippines is an
iconic example of Locsin's work, combining modernist principles with Filipino cultural
elements. By providing substantial career opportunities and high-profile projects, LVLP
helps retain local talent and reduce the brain drain.

5. Regulatory and Professional Recognition Issues

Yolanda David Reyes
Affiliation: United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)
Notable Contribution: Advocacy for Professional Standards
Explanation: Yolanda David Reyes, as a past president of the UAP, has been a key figure
in advocating for the enforcement of regulatory standards and the professional
recognition of architects in the Philippines. Her efforts have focused on educating the
public about the importance of hiring licensed professionals and ensuring that
unlicensed practitioners do not undermine the integrity of the profession.
Conclusion
These architects and their notable projects illustrate how leading professionals in the
field are addressing critical issues in architectural practice. By promoting the value of
local practitioners, maintaining high ethical standards, showcasing local talent, providing
career opportunities within the country, and advocating for regulatory compliance, these
architects contribute significantly to the advancement and recognition of the
architectural profession in the Philippines.