How Should Filipino Architects Compete with ASEAN Integration? Author: Lagasca,
Colleen Jane R. Rizal Technological University, Manila, Philippines
[email protected]
Abstract: The content of the paper is about to discuss ASEAN integration and will responsible to give possible ways on how Filipino architects will compete with ASEAN integration. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is an established organization built for the East Asia that is build in 1967 by Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The main goals of the organization as stated in the ASEAN Declaration signed in Bangkok which are: a. to preserve peace in the region, and b. to promote economic, social and cultural cooperation among these countries. Greater integration is being pushed for more beneficial effects within the countries involve or in partnership with ASEAN integration. The progress of the ASEAN integration presents multitude of opportunities and advantages not only for local businesses but also for foreign businesses that targets expansion in Asia. Not dismissing the fact that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations integration has and will have economic impact to local and foreign companies doing business in the Asia- Pacific region. Today in relation with the ASEAN integration projects, even the education and professions will open its opportunities for the ASEAN integration. Knowing that Filipino architects architects doesn’t doesn’t find it easy to have a job outside the country or even to practice architecture in other countries. The idea will be, if ASEAN integration for architecture will started, how Filipino architects will comply with it. Competing with other countries will be a great challenge for the Filipino architects that are why it can’t prevent the idea that Filipinos may find the ASEAN integration as a threat rather than opportunity. There are a lots of worries on how will Filipino compete with the integration, admitting that Filipino architecture has not yet cleared with its own architectural identity that may share with the other countries. More improvement and enhancement is needed.
Keyword: ASEAN, integration, AEC, ASC, Southeast Asia, Architect Introduction: In every country, ASEAN integration showed great impact in each economy. The Philippines is well positioned to seize opportunities and benefit from the t he upcoming full integration of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) next year, as it is buoyed by a high economic performance, which is sustained by the various economic reforms. (Department of Trade and Industry) How well do Philippines is? In opening for ASEAN integration? Knowing ASEAN engaged in different aspects in a country’s development that really helped a lot in economy, and now involving the professions in the integration such as architecture, how will Filipino Architects compete with this? Competition is common among individuals. In different aspects people find competition, in school, business, life, love etc. Why do people compete? compete? In psychological studies, some people appear to be motivated in competition for at least 3 reasons: competition allows them to satisfy the need to win, competition provides the opportunity or reason for improving their performance, and competition motivates them to put forth greater effort that can result in high levels o f performance. In this case, competition should be more helpful in improving an individual’s individual’s quality. With the coming integration of Asean economies as one, the game as we all know it is about to change. Foreign bu sinesses are expected to enter the Philippine market, each bringing their own flavor and spice. From a manageable pool of local competitors, we can all count on an influx of foreign competitors coming in from all corners of Southeast Asia.
Context: 1.0 ASEAN INTEGRATION
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a political and economic organization of ten Southeast Asian countries. It was formed on 8 August 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Since then, membership has expanded to include Brunei, Cambodia, Laos,Myanmar (Burma), and Vietnam. Its aims include accelerating economic growth, social progress, and sociocultural evolution among its members alongside protection of regional stability as well as providing a mechanism for member countries to resolve differences peacefully. (Long 2014) Despite their distinct cultures, histories, and languages, the ten member states of ASEAN share a focus on jobs and prosperity. Household purchasing power is rising, transforming the region into the next frontier of consumer growth. Maintaining the current trajectory will require enormous investment in infrastructure and human-capital development —a challenge for any emerging region but a necessary step toward ASEAN’s goal of becoming globally competitive in a wide range of industries. The ASEAN Economic Community offers an opportunity to create a seamless regional market and production base. If its implementation is successful, ASEAN could prove to be a case in which the whole actually does exceed the sum of its parts. To capitalize on these trends, however, the region must develop its human capital and workforce skills. ( Vinayak 2014) 2.0 ASEAN integration in Architecture 2.1 ASEAN Architect (AA)
Under the MRA, an Architect who holds the nationality of an ASEAN Member State and who possesses qualifications and experience that complies with the requirements specified in Part B of this Assessment Statement may apply to be placed on the ASEAN Architects Register (AAR) and accorded the title of ASEAN Architect (AA). The Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) of each participating ASEAN Member State will authorise a Monitoring Committee (MC) to receive and process applications from its Architects for registration as AA and to maintain the ASEAN Architects Register (AAR). Details of the PRA and MC are in Part A of this Assessment Statement. 2.2 The ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Architectural Services
The governments of Member States of the Association of South East Asian Nations (collectively referred to as “ASEAN”, and comprising Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Phi lippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam) have agreed on the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Architectural Services which aims to: a. facilitate mobility of Architects; b. exchange information in order to promote adoption of best practices on standards of architectural education, professional practice and qualifications; c. conform to the spirit of ASEAN co-operation based on fair distribution of resources and benefits through collaborative researches; and d. encourage, facilitate and establish mutual recognition of Architects and set up standards and commitment of technological transfer among ASEAN Member Countries. (ASSESSMENT STATEMENT FOR ASEAN ARCHITECT 2015) 3.0 Filipino Architects in ASEAN 3.1 an architectural firm statement
The aim to develop a richer and more cosmopolitan design aesthetic as well as creating a unique blend of diverse cultural influences, the ASEAN integration will welcomed a few foreign architects into the practice. According to the WTA, Asean gives t hem a much bigger and richer base upon which stronger networks and ties could be built as they continue to grow in the decades ahead. Furthermore, WTA sees the Asean
integration as the first step in the long road towards achieving global presence. As an advocate for better livable urban communities, WTA views the ASEAN as an excellent arena for the practice, as it houses some of the world’s largest and densest urban centers; from the ultra modern urban planning center that is Singapore, to the vastness of Jakarta, to the freewheeling capitalistic development of Metro Manila. With unique problems that require intricate and highly unorthodox solutions, Asean architects and designers are trained within a context that is highly ideal for the development of architecture and urbanity. (wta 2015) 3.2 Filipino architect’s statements
In concerns with ASEAN, the Filipino Architects held forum to talk about the situation, some of the group of known architects talk and discuss about the topic. In UAP Davao, along with their national architect week, the chapter promotes the upcoming ASEAN integration in the country. Because some architects sees this opportunity as a threat, Arch. Michael Mandrazo said that being an ASEAN Architect would be an advantage to Filipinos. “We are limited to practice our profession in the Philippines only. Whereas when we became an ASEAN architect, we are eligible to practice in other countries in the ASEAN Region. For [big] practicing architects that’s a very big opportunity” -Mandrazo Aside from becoming the leading organization in the ASEAN region, the UAP wants to prepare not only the Filipino architects but also the architect major students and all those who are interested in the art of architecture for the bigger opportunities as well as the challenges that can be presented by the ASEAN Integration. Conclusion:
ASEAN integration should not be a threat but rather be seen as a great opportunity. Practicing architecture in foreign countries and letting foreign countries practice architecture in Philippines may give a great help with each other. Foreign Architects may have ideas that will be a help in solution for the p roblems that the Philippines is facing especially in Urban Planning and by practicing in other foreign countr ies, the knowledge and experience that a Filipino Architect could gain may also be an additional opportunity. In competing for the ASEAN integration, first, Philippine Architecture and Design, on an industrial level, needs to form a solid image that is rooted in our culture, history, our progress, and our knowledge of construction technology. There should be a start to clear the identity of a Filipino architecture. It is that Filipinos should create their own brand in the field of architecture. Second, the idea that Filipino Architect has his own unique characteristic that may use as an asset for competition; example is that the Filipinos have been with different calamities and disasters which give ideas in designing a structure that will respond with natural disasters such as rain and flood. The annual disasters that hit us teach us lessons of humility and survival, but moreover, they also impart valuable lessons in disaster prep aredness. Lastly, ideally should and must consider high quality of education in Architecture must be implemented for the generation today, as they are the ones that will be competing widely in the ASEAN integration.
References: Amor Maclang September 15, 2014 “Designing the future: Philippine architecture and design industry braces for Asean integration in 2015 ” Department of Trade and Industry “PH ready for full ASEAN integration in 2016 September 15, 2015” Hayton Bill, Masahiro Kawai, Professor, Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo Thuzar Moe, Lead Researcher for Socio-cultural Affairs, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute ASEAN’s “Regional Role and Relations with Japan: The Challenges of Deeper Integration ” IBON International Policy Brief (April 2015) “ASEAN Community 2015: Integration for whom? ” Jakarta: ASEAN . (Feb 2014) “ASEAN Community in Figures” (ACIF) 2013(PDF) (6th ed.).. p. 1. ISBN 978-602-7643-73-4. Retrieved 9 May 2015. Kurlantzick, Joshua; Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia “ASEAN’s Future and Asian Integration An IIGG Working Paper ” Long, Simon (20 November 2014). "Asia: Safety in Numbers". The Economist (The World in 2015). Retrieved8 February 2015. Robert E. Franken, Douglas J. Brown (August 1995,) “Why do people like competition? The motivation for winning, putting forth effort, improving one's performance, performing well, being instrumental, and expressing forceful/aggressive behavior” Personality and Individual Differences Volume 19, Issue 2, August 1995, Pages 175 – 184 Sarah Andaya, Davao Today Intern (Dec. 03, 2014) Filipino architects plan to dominate ASEAN United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Philippines Monitoring Committee; ASSESSMENT STATEMENT FOR ASEAN ARCHITECT UAP Bldg. 53 Sct. Rallos, Diliman, Quezon City Philippines Vinayak HV, Fraser Thompson, and Oliver Ton by Article ( May 2014) “Understanding ASEAN: Seven things you need to know” WTA (oct. 30, 2015) Opportunities for Philippines architects abound as Asean integrates -
