What Do All Those Initials Mean?
Visitors to my profile on RGCHAN.COM often ask about the letters that appear after my name:
EUAP, FUAP, MAEHP, CBP
ASEAN Architect • APEC Architect • NOTABLE Architect
To many, they are simply initials that hardly mean anything. To me, each represents a chapter in a lifelong journey of learning, professional growth, public service, and commitment to architectural excellence.
Some reflect years of university education. Others recognize decades of professional practice, contributions to the architectural profession, environmental stewardship, or internationally accepted standards of competence and ethics.
Rather than simply listing these credentials on my profile, I thought it would be helpful to explain what each designation means—and, more importantly, why it matters to our clients.
While no collection of initials can guarantee good architecture, together they reflect the values that have guided my professional life for more than five decades: integrity, competence, responsibility, service, and lifelong learning.
Let's start with those that came from our Organization of Architects, the UAP.
FUAP- Fellow of the United Architects of the Philippines
On the Second of March in 1993, I was elevated to the College of Fellows of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), granting entitlement to affix the initials FUAP, after my name.
Fellowship is the highest level of professional membership within the United Architects of the Philippines. It is not attained through seniority or years of membership alone. Architects are nominated and evaluated by the Jury of Fellows, with final approval by the National Board of Directors, in recognition of distinguished professional achievement and significant contributions to the architectural profession.
I was conferred as Fellowship in the field of DESIGN, recognizing my body of architectural work and my contribution to advancing professional practice. This distinction remains one of the highest honors of my career because it was bestowed by fellow architects who evaluated not only completed projects, but also professional ethics, leadership, and sustained excellence.
Today, the initials FUAP remind me that recognition is never an endpoint. It is a responsibility to continue serving both the profession and the community with integrity.
EUAP- Emeritus Member of the United Architects of the Philippines
After more than thirty-five consecutive years of active membership and service, I was conferred the title Member Emeritus of the United Architects of the Philippines in 27 April 2017, entitling me to use the initials EUAP.
The designation is awarded to architects who have maintained long-standing membership in good standing while demonstrating loyal service to the organization and meaningful involvement in the architectural profession.
Unlike professional awards that recognize a particular accomplishment, EUAP reflects a lifetime of commitment—to the profession, to fellow architects, and to the standards that continue to guide architectural practice in the Philippines.
For me, it represents continuity: remaining actively engaged with the profession long after individual projects have been completed.
NOTABLE Architect- Narra Award from UAP
Among the professional recognitions I value most is being named a NOTABLE Architect on 08 April 2025, receiving the Narra Award, one of the United Architects of the Philippines' distinguished national recognitions.
The award honors architects whose careers demonstrate exceptional professional achievement, technical competence, ethical practice, leadership, and lasting contributions to Philippine architecture.
While buildings eventually become part of the urban landscape, professional recognition such as the Narra Award reflects something less visible but equally important—the trust earned from clients, colleagues, and the profession over many years of responsible practice.
I have always believed that awards should never become the goal of professional life. Rather, they are milestones that affirm a commitment to excellence, continuous learning, innovation, and service. The Narra Award represents one such milestone in my architectural journey.
Related Pages
Continue exploring the individual milestones behind these credentials. Each link below will bring you to a new page at RGCHAN.COM, giving full details on each:
ASEAN Architect
APEC Architect
MAEHP - Master of Arts in Environmental & Habitat Planning
CBP - Certified BERDE Professional
Outstanding Citizen of Baguio City
Recognition Beyond Titles
Professional credentials are valuable only when supported by real-world experience.
Over more than four decades, I have had the privilege of designing hotels, commercial developments, institutional facilities, religious buildings, planning projects, and residential communities throughout the Philippines.
These projects have provided opportunities to apply the principles represented by every credential earned—not only in theory, but in practice.
Why These Credentials Matter to Clients
When selecting an architect, clients invest more than money.
They invest trust.
Professional credentials provide independent confirmation that an architect has met recognized standards for education, practical experience, ethical conduct, and continuing professional development.
Combined with decades of successful projects, they provide clients with confidence that their project is entrusted to a professional committed to excellence.
