An Interview: Joint Area Assembly : MAKING A DIFFERENCE

KYP Staffers interviewed the organizing committee of the 2016 Joint Area Assembly to get their insights about the assembly:

KYP: Being part of the JAA orcom is hard. It’s even harder when the assembly is fast approaching. Can you please share with our readers your vision about Joint Area Assembly 2016?

JAA Orcom: This year’s assembly is envisioned to make a difference. 2016 JAA's theme "Xstream: Architects in Action" and the CSR activity which will be undertaken in coordination with Bayanihang Arkitektura, reinforce our commitment of service to the community as we take a proactive role and strive to responsibly contribute positive changes through tangible assistance to various communities.

JAA CSR activity gives opportunity for UAP architects to make a difference not only in other people’s lives but in their own lives as well. The completion and turnover of the four CSR sites will not only leave a legacy to the Iloilo communities but will forever leave a mark of great experience in the lives of the UAP members in achieving a deeper sense of fulfilment.

KYP: Why in Iloilo?

JAA Orcom: Iloilo City serves as the pilot city for the CSR Activity given the consensus of the Area VPs in choosing the city as the venue for the UAP National - Joint Area Assembly 2016. In launching the pilot CSR activity in various sites, we are establishing a role model for future CSR activities in other regions wherein our new purpose as "Architects in Action" is to serve and celebrate the needs of our people by transforming communities.

KYP: Is this line with the administration thrust?

JAA Orcom : CSR activity was incorporated in this year’s Joint Area Assembly in response to the call of the current UAP administration to implement the plans and programs as stated u:nder the Accountability thrust No. 12 that is to Embed corporate social responsibility initiatives and activities in all levels of the organization.

KYP: So, this will truly a historical one?

JAA Orcom : Yes. The completion and turnover of four CSR sites to different beneficiaries in one UAP event is the first in our organization’s history.

And by this CSR activity, there can be no other more gratifying experience than as what US President Barrack Obama termed it, be on the right side of history.

KYP: Definitely, this will make a ripple and make a difference?

JAA Orcom : Of course. If all chapters in the district participate, it becomes a district activity. If all districts in the area participate, it becomes an area activity. And the effect becomes more great when all areas participate, thus becoming an activity by the whole organization. The wider the range of participation, the more accomplishment and goodness there is to positively affect the lives of others.

KYP: How it will work?

JAA Orcom : Each Area, comprising a number of districts and several chapters will be assigned to finance the completion of one CSR site. A minimum contribution of 2,500 pesos per chapter was approved by the National Board of Directors in their August 20, 2016 meeting. The chapters are requested to forward their contributions to UAP Finance Department through manual payment or money transfer service/ pera padala not later than September 9, 2016.

KYP: What will be your prayer to make these initiatives happen?

JAA Orcom : It is the Committee’s prayer to seek support from all members to enjoin in the organization’s act of giving back to community as it establishes a sense of purpose for us, and a renewed commitment, reminding us that in both our working studio and the architectural services we deliver, we work towards helping different people, organizations and communities lead better lives.

The virtue of Paying it Forward is a human act, inspired by the divine, done out of the goodness of one’s heart. True happiness comes from the decision to help others in need is fueled by the spirit which knows no time, limits nor boundaries. The ball is in our hands, let’s help NOW!