The United Architects of the Philippines Students’ Auxiliary-University of Saint Louis (UAPSA-USL) Chapter joined the World Architecture Day (WAD) celebration through a series of events last Oct. 16, 2020.

With the theme “Towards a Better Urban Future,” the chapter spearheaded online activities such as virtual seminar, ArkiMustahan: A Mental Health Talk, and virtual Art Exhibit.

Ar. Ma. Eleanor C. Lucero, MA-UD, program chair of Architecture, discussed about urban agenda, urban planning in the time of COVID-19 pandemic, and urbanization in Tuguegarao City. Ar. Michael T. Tabao, UAP, USL instructor, threw light on cultural heritage and the people of Tuguegarao City.

The United Architects of the Philippines-Graduate Auxiliary (UAPGA) Cagayan Valley also partook in the ArkiMustahan: A Mental Health Talk.

UAPGA-Cagayan Valley President Ms. Gilyan Fortunato and her team shared their experiences as well as gave pieces of advice to the future architects of the University on how to survive in their academics.

The ArkiMustahan session aimed at checking the mental health of the Architecture students and creating a space for consultation about online learning.

According to Jericho Andrew Malapit, UAPSA-USL chapter president, he stressed that the challenge of shifting all activities virtually has become an opportunity for them to be united.

“Going digital is a new way of learning. In our generation, the advancement of technology has prompted us to embrace the new normal easily. I admit that the traditional way of learning is more effective, but this health crisis creates more connections to learn and celebrate our day virtually,” the chapter president said.

The virtual Art Exhibit showcased the Louisian talents in the field of visual arts. It featured artworks made in different media and expertise of the architecture students from different year levels.

With over 120 artworks displayed, the outputs of Jenric Shane Dela Cruz, a second year Architecture student, stood out from the rest.

Dela Cruz notched first place during the WAD 2020 poster-making contest conducted by UAP-San Juan Pinaglabanan Chapter held on Oct. 5, 2020.

His entry entitled “Tomorrow’s Blueprint” emphasizes the architect’s capability in managing creativity through execution of proper design for better urbanization.

The theme for this year’s World Architecture Day recognized the role of architecture profession in reshaping planning and designing of structures to achieve better quality of life in the context of the global pandemic for strong, safe, equitable, and affordable communities towards a better urban future.