The UAP CBD Chapter was founded on December 10, 1983 by a group of young architects led by Ar. Mario Arturo V. Lising, UAP which began roundtable discussions that would strengthen the architecture profession and foster camaraderie among Filipino architects. One of the highlights of this formative period was the advent of Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) which used to be one of the programs for Continuing Professional Education. As pioneers in the industry, it can then be said that these founding fathers of the chapter has played a vital role in merging technology and the practice of architecture in the country.
Widely regarded as the first breakaway group from the original UAP Makati Chapter, it is quite interesting that UAP CBD Chapter paved the way in forming other UAP Chapters concentrated in the south of Metro Manila, namely UAP Parañaque Palanyag, UAP Makati Greenbelt, and UAP Alabang.
The UAP CBD Chapter has won several awards, including 5 Best Chapter Awards (1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2004) which enabled the chapter to reach the Hall of Fame. Since its inception, the UAP Makati CBD Chapter had already produced policy makers – from its roster of twenty three (23) Past Chapter Presidents to the top tier of four (4) Regional District Directors, two (2) Vice presidents for Area B, one (1) Secretary General, one (1) National Auditor, one (1) National Executive Vice President, and one (1) National President – in the service of the larger UAP organization.
Currently, the UAP CBD Chapter has 1121 Architects Members and 463 Active Members who mostly participate in UAP CBD Chapter Activities. We have an average of 80 Architects coming from different fields such as corporate consultancy, private practice, construction and project management, among others.
Most of the Young Members of UAP Makati CBD Chapter are from private design consultancy such as Palafox Architecture Group, GF and Partners, AIDEA, WV Coscolluela Architects, Rchitects Inc., Casas + Architects, Arch Haus Asia Consultants Inc; and private developers and constructions firm such as Ayalaland Inc., Century Properties, Makati Development Corporation, Robinson Land Corporation, SM Engineering Design and Development, SM Investments Corporation, SM Development Company, Multi Development and Construction Corporation and other Construction Companies.
In its efforts to bring social relevance to the sphere of the organization the UAP CBD Chapter actively participates in Corporate Social Responsibility programs such as the Rehabilitation and Design of the Philippine General Hospital Children’s Ward; in Accessibility Projects affecting Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) such as auditing of structures and buildings thereby providing recommendations for improvements; in updating the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 otherwise known as the Accessibility Law; in the International Coastal Clean-up at Punta Fuego, Balaytigue, Batangas with a donation of 50 concrete artificial reefs; in Nation Building Development such as Bayani Tayo Build in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija with a donation of a clean water filter for safe drinking of the community; and in supporting the community development and school building programs for Mayoyao, Ifugao, Mountain Province.
In September 11, 2017, A new milestone for UAP CBD Chapter where in we won the Apolinario Mabini Award for Best In Rehabilitation Volunteer as a Group given by Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD).
And carrying on the legacy of its visionary founders, the present day UAP Makati CBD Chapter observes twelve (12) General Membership Meetings and Lecture Series and Building Materials Exposition in one fiscal year, for promoting various programs and activities for the advancement of Architects in the Philippines.