True to its slogan as a “home of achievers,” the University of the East-Caloocan-based UE College of Fine Arts, Architecture and Design has attained yet another momentous milestone via Architect Murielle N. Gallardo-Cristobal of the UE CFAD’S Architecture Department, who was awarded as Outstanding Local Chapter President for Group 1 by the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)!
Awarded during its annual convention (NATCON49) held at the SMX Convention Center last April 18, Ar. Gallardo-Cristobal and her chapter, the UAP Makati Central Business District Chapter, were also given two national awards, namely for the UAP Outstanding Media and Public Relations Program, and the UAP Outstanding Bayanihang Arkitektura Program.
The UE CFAD professor’s UAP chapter was also a Runner-up in two other categories: the UAP Outstanding Hall of Fame Chapter Award and the UAP Outstanding National Architecture Week Program Award, placing second and third, respectively.
A major highlight of Ar. Gallardo-Cristobal’s term as chapter president is the accreditation of the UAP Makati CBD Chapter as a civil society organization (CSO) by the Makati City government. The CSO accreditation has enabled her chapter to participate and observe in the inner workings of the Makati City Council.
And if bagging such wins were not enough to show Ar. Murielle’s indomitable spirit in pursuing her objectives, it must be noted that, apart from her UAP role, she is an active academician and a consummate mentor to UE Bachelor of Science in Architecture students.
In this regard, Ma’am Murielle, as she is known to colleagues and students alike, has already proven her worth as an adviser to, for one, fourth-year student Trisha May Escare, for the latter’s project named “Ruedas Verde,” which became one of the finalists in the architecture category of the AYDA 2023, a.k.a. the Asia Young Designer Awards, organized by Nippon Paint.
Apart from her architect’s license, Ar. Gallardo-Cristobal also holds two licenses: as a real estate broker and a real estate appraiser. She traces her roots in Valenzuela along with her husband Architect Reynaldo M. Cristobal Jr., who is a past President of the UAP Makati CBD Chapter. Thus it is comforting to know that ma’am Murielle is within proximity to the vast pool of architecture learners of UE.
The UAP, during its annual conventions, recognizes and awards its 50,000-strong membership by selecting the best chapters and individuals who, through their programs and initiatives, contribute largely in upholding and in strengthening the country’s architecture profession and its valuable role in shaping the Philippines’ built environment.
The UAP National Convention of 2024 is described by the organization as the Philippines’ Largest Gathering of Architects. UAP NATCON organizers estimated that the convention had 8,000-plus attendees, including an average of 55 local and international speakers during the convention’s run last April 18 to 20.
NATCON49 also anticipated the UAP’s upcoming golden anniversary next year, 50 years since the formerly three major architecture associations in the country were unified in 1975. The UAP is officially recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as the sole Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects (IAPOA) in the Philippines, a title the UAP has held ever since, and that was further reinforced by the passage of the Republic Act No. 9266 or the Architecture Act of 2004.
The first photo here shows Ar. Murielle with her husband, Ar. Reynaldo M. Cristobal Jr., the Past President of the UAP Makati CBD Chapter. The second photo shows Ar. Murielle (3rd from right) upon receiving her Outstanding Local Chapter President award.
Congratulations to Architect Murielle N. Gallardo-Cristobal for this major milestone in her career. Through this achievement of hers, and of those who, like her, dedicate their time and their expertise in the academe, we hope to inspire future leaders and architects of the University of the East. You made us all very proud!
Report and photos courtesy of Ar. Jose Bersamina-UE CFAD and the UAP Makati CBD Chapter FB page
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