As the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) marks its golden jubilee, it celebrates not just half a century of excellence in architecture, but the individuals who have helped define, shape, and transform the profession. Among the 50 Notable Architects Awardees recognized during this historic 50th anniversary, several visionary women stand outânot only for their technical brilliance but for their commitment to using architecture as a platform for advocacy, innovation, and cultural revival.
These women are redefining what it means to build, lead, and inspire. From designing sustainable institutions and sacred spaces to leading in public service and urban planning, their stories are a testament to the power of purposeful design. Below, we honor these trailblazing architects who continue to elevate Philippine architecture and empower the next generation.
Ar. Lui Daya-Garcia: Championing Sustainable Architecture
At the forefront of sustainable and future-proof design is Ar. Lui Daya-Garcia, whose body of work reflects a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship. An advocate for green building practices long before they became mainstream, she has pioneered the integration of eco-conscious solutions in urban design, community housing, and institutional development.
Her approach merges innovation with responsibilityâtransforming everyday spaces into environments that are not only functional but also regenerative. From schools to mixed-use developments, Ar. Daya-Garciaâs projects are models of how architecture can support resilience, well-being, and ecological balance. Her advocacy extends beyond practice as she continues to mentor and educate peers and students alike on the critical role of sustainability in design.
Ar. Gloryrose Dy Metilla: Weaving Peace Through Architecture
Ar. Gloryrose Dy Metilla is a leading voice in socially engaged architecture, particularly in Mindanao. Her peace-centered designs are rooted in community needs, indigenous knowledge, and cultural memory. As both a designer and peacebuilder, she believes architecture can help heal wounds, foster dialogue, and celebrate heritage.
Her projects in conflict-affected communities have shown how culturally grounded spaces can restore identity and dignity. Through participatory processes, she empowers local voicesâensuring that the spaces they inhabit reflect their aspirations and values. Ar. Dy Metillaâs work is not just about building structures, but about cultivating hope, unity, and pride in places long overlooked.
Ar. Cathy Saldaña: Leading Island and Tourism Architecture
A household name in the field of tourism and island architecture, Ar. Cathy Saldaña has built a career around the careful crafting of destination experiences. Her portfolio includes luxury resorts, island master plans, and hospitality projects that prioritize both aesthetics and environmental integrity.
She is a fierce advocate for contextual designâone that respects the land, the people, and the stories of a place. Ar. Saldañaâs work doesnât just attract visitors; it uplifts local communities, supports artisanship, and preserves natural beauty. Through her leadership, she has set new benchmarks in designing for leisure and sustainability in the Philippine tourism landscape.
Ar. Marie Stephanie Gilles: Redefining Sacred Spaces
In a time of rapid modernization, Ar. Marie Stephanie Gilles brings a thoughtful, innovative approach to sacred and contemplative architecture. Her designs for religious and spiritual spaces embody a unique blend of tradition and sustainability, offering users a serene refuge in a chaotic world.
What distinguishes her work is the sensitive use of natural light, local materials, and landscape integration. Her sacred spaces are not only places of worship, but of quiet reflection, rooted in the Filipino experience of faith. By reimagining how sacred architecture can serve contemporary needs while honoring liturgical heritage, Ar. Gilles offers a model of reverent, future-facing design.
Ar. Suzette Chua Caringal: Advocate of Heritage and Mentorship
For Ar. Suzette Chua Caringal, architecture is not only about building the futureâitâs about safeguarding the past. A staunch advocate for heritage conservation, she has been instrumental in documenting, protecting, and restoring key historical sites across the country.
Beyond her conservation work, she plays an active role in professional organizations and mentoring young architects. Her leadership in various architectural institutions reflects a passion for service and a belief in the importance of nurturing the next generation. Ar. Caringalâs legacy lies not just in the structures she preserves, but in the people she inspires.
Ar. Nina Bailon Arce: Shaping Cities with Vision
Urban planning and architecture go hand in hand in the work of Ar. Nina Bailon Arce, whose influence in shaping inclusive, resilient cities has been profound. As a planner and architect, she advocates for holistic, participatory approaches to developmentâones that prioritize human experience, accessibility, and sustainability.
Her work spans both the public and private sectors, creating strategies that guide equitable growth and thoughtful land use. Whether itâs redeveloping a city district or designing affordable housing, Ar. Arce’s leadership emphasizes integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.
Ar. Mary Kristine A. Segovia: Innovating Institutional Design
In the ever-evolving landscape of institutional architecture, Ar. Mary Kristine A. Segovia stands out for her future-forward thinking. Her work on academic, medical, and government facilities emphasizes flexibility, efficiency, and user-centered design.
She envisions institutions not just as static buildings but as living systems that adapt to change. Her ability to anticipate emerging needsâtechnological, spatial, and socialâhas made her a leader in designing facilities that are resilient and responsive. Ar. Segoviaâs practice reflects an understanding of architecture as a catalyst for innovation, learning, and collaboration.
Ar. Maria Elena B. Cayanan: Leading with Heart in Public Service
Few architects navigate the realm of public service with as much compassion and integrity as Ar. Maria Elena B. Cayanan. Her career in government is marked by a deep dedication to public welfare, transparency, and the ethical execution of public projects.
She has overseen the development of numerous civic buildings and infrastructure with a sharp eye for design, cost-efficiency, and community relevance. Her leadership styleâfirm, empathetic, and inclusiveâhas earned her the trust of colleagues and stakeholders alike. Ar. Cayanan proves that meaningful public architecture is built not just with concrete, but with heart.
Ar. Ma Cherrie Rose M. Cacayorin: Architect of Public Trust
Known for her professionalism and dedication to public service, Ar. Ma Cherrie Rose M. Cacayorin embodies what it means to be an architect of trust. Her work in government and civic projects reflects not only technical excellence but a strong moral compass.
She has consistently delivered public works that prioritize the needs of citizens, ensuring that public spaces are accessible, functional, and inclusive. Through her integrity and accountability, she has strengthened public faith in architecture as a tool for nation-building and governance.
Ar. Corazon V. Fabia-Tandoc: A Pioneer in Policy and Planning
Policy, often overlooked in the architectural realm, becomes transformative in the hands of Ar. Corazon V. Fabia-Tandoc. A pioneer in the field of architectural policy and planning, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the professional landscape for Filipino architects.
Her contributions include drafting policies that uphold ethical standards, promote continuing education, and safeguard public safety through better building codes. Ar. Fabia-Tandocâs work ensures that the profession evolves responsibly, grounded in regulation and foresight. Her influence is felt not just in buildings, but in the frameworks that govern their creation.
Women Who Build Futures
Together, these women architects represent a rich tapestry of disciplines, ideologies, and achievements. While their paths are diverse, they share a common belief: that architecture is not merely about form and functionâitâs about purpose, people, and progress.
Their stories are more than professional achievements; they are narratives of courage, advocacy, and imagination. In highlighting these women, the UAPâs 50th anniversary celebrates not just the past five decades of architectural excellence, but the future that these architects are helping to buildâone project, one community, one policy at a time.
As the architectural landscape continues to evolve, may their work continue to inspire generations to come.
Congratulations to all the awardeesâespecially these phenomenal women who have shown that through vision, resilience, and leadership, architecture can indeed change the world.
Here is the complete list of the 50 Notable Architect Awardees by the United Architects of the Philippines Golden Jubilee.
1. Ar. Alvin Mark R. Felipe
2. Ar. Alvin P. Tejada
3. Ar. Mariano S. Arce Jr. / Ar. Maria Nina B. Arce
4. Ar. Ardel J. Santos
5. Ar. Aristotle Marc T. Go
6. Ar. Buck Richnold L. Sia
7. Ar. Dcaramelo T. Casas
8. Ar. Ma Cherrie Rose M. Cacayorin
9. Ar. Conrado T. Onglao
10. Ar. Corazon V. Fabia-Tandoc
11. Ar. Daniel C. Go
12. Ar. Daniel Vicente A. Lichauco
13. Ar. Edison Ching M. Padilla
14. Ar. Edric Marco C. Florentino
15. Ar. Felino A. Palafox Jr.
16. Ar. Francis Xavier L. Santaromana
17. Ar. Froilan C. Robas
18. Ar. Gerard Rey A. Lico
19. Ar. Gloryrose D. Metilla
20. Ar. James G. Jao
21. Ar. James C. Olivar
22. Ar. Jason S. Ang
23. Ar. John Ryan A. Santos
24. Ar. Jose B. Laraño Jr.
25. Ar. Jose Pedro C. Recio
26. Ar. Juan C. Lopez
27. Ar. Kym Jaffna H. Pineda
28. Ar. Leo A. Del Rosario
29. Ar. Leo P. Parinas
30. Ar. Liyo C. Ceeffe
31. Ar. Luigi Angelo J. Apolinar
32. Ar. Manolo I. Merhan
33. Ar. Maria Elena B. Cayanan
34. Ar. Maria Luisa D. Garcia
35. Ar. Marie Stephanie Magdalena N. Gilles
36. Ar. Mary Kristine A. Segovia
37. Ar. Mary Louise Catherine S. Saldana
38. Ar. Melencio D. Manalo
39. Ar. Michael E. Adriano
40. Ar. Michael T. Ang
41. Ar. Michael T. Peña
42. Ar. Normandyn N. Canlas
43. Ar. Rafael G. Chan
44. Ar. Reymundo I. Florentino
45. Ar. Rino Domingo A. Fernandez
46. Ar. Ronnie R. Yumang
47. Ar. Roy John M. De Guzman
48. Ar. Suzette C. Caringal
49. Ar. Vicente O. Buran
50. Ar. William T. Ti Jr.