Davao City, October 19, 2023 – The United Architect of the Philippines (UAP) Davao Chapter was summoned for its 4th General Membership Meeting at the pleasant Lanai Filipino Diner at Torres Street, Davao City.
The evening started with the Registration, as architects from various corners of the city convened to partake in this assembly. The Opening Ceremonies commenced at 7:00 PM with a prayer by Ar. Zyrrah Joy A. Glodove, Board Director, followed by renditions of the National Anthem and the UAP March, filling the air with fervency.
Chapter President, Ar. Sheanna I. Bacus-Melocoton extended a warm welcome to the attendees emphasizing the importance of being an active participant and its collective effect on the Chapter’s progress. Ar. Lalinka Fe A. Regalado, Chapter Secretary, then acknowledged the esteemed members and guests, taking delight in the dominant appearance of the newly inducted, which stimulated the atmosphere of mutual respect and camaraderie.
An appealing product presentation by CWC Interiors Davao, delivered by Ar. Francis Gerard Hidalgo featured the different brands of aspirational furniture. Architects were introduced to innovative office and work-from-home chairs that will aid them in their long hours of computer work. A Certificate of Appreciation was given as an expression of gratitude to CWC Interiors for being a trusted Industry Partner.
Dinner was served generously by the restaurant’s menu and the October celebrants blew their candles that hit off the room with a pleasant exchange of conversations. CWC Interiors spiced up the evening even further by giving out an office chair raffle, won by Ar. Daem Panizales. It uplifted everyone and inspired enthusiasm for the later serious portion of the meeting.
With high spirits, the official meeting started with a Roll Call of Members conducted by Ar. Lalinka Fe A. Regalado. The attendance was tallied with 56 physically present members and 42 online participants. A quorum was established with a total of 98 attendees.
The podium was set for insightful discussions guided by Architect Sheanna I. Bacus-Melocoton, Chapter President. Minutes of the last General Membership Meeting were laid out by Ar. Lalinka Fe A. Regalado, Chapter Secretary was consequently approved unanimously.
It was followed by Ar. Gimelle M. Butas, Chapter Treasurer’s detailed presentation of the Budget for Fiscal Year 2023–2024. A query was brought up concerning the Lot Fund and its account status, which was explained and answered by President Sheanna extensively for everyone’s awareness.
The Secretary’s Report delved into the 3 (three) important Board Resolutions as follows:
• Board Resolution No. 3: New Status of Member
1. Active
2. Inactive
3. Transferred
4. Deceased
5. Cleared
6. Suspended
Inactive Status and Suspended Status were redefined with new payment terms parameters and their consequences. It also touched upon the discussion of the composition of the Grievance Committee and the UAP Balik Akitekto Program.
• Board Resolution No. 4: Transfer of New Messaging App from Messenger to Telegram
A presentation was prepared by Ar. Dawnelli Luar and was delivered by Ar. John Paul Alloy on the Basics of Telegram interface and navigation. It accentuated the chapter’s flexibility and future-proofing mindset.
• Board Resolution No. 6: Sponsorship of Chapter President’s Official Trips
Funding supports to the President’s responsibility to be in full attendance at National conferences and meetings, where her appearance is of great importance and a statement of her commitment and leadership.
All of these Resolutions were comprehensively explained, transparently clarified, and agreed in one accord.
Ar. Sheanna I. Bacus-Melocoton, in her President’s Report, started with words of gratitude for the accomplishment and fruition of the recent Induction of Officers and New Members. It was followed by a brief probing and enlightenment into the implications of the New Philippine Building Act (House Bill 8500) and discussed District D1’s proactive initiatives to address concerns related to House Bill 186 affecting the architectural profession. The President also outlined the intentional planning for the upcoming grand event, "Defining Spaces," scheduled for February 2024.
The evening concluded with UAP Members Group Photo of the Day encapsulating the evening’s solidarity. Ar. John Paul M. Aloy’s gathered everyone for the closing prayer. And at the strike of the gavel, Chapter President, Ar. Sheanna I. Bacus-Melocoton, formally adjourned the meeting, leaving everyone the rigor for improvements and professional growth.