Service Beyond Architecture
"Architecture teaches us to build structures. Volunteer service teaches us to help build communities."
For most people, architecture and the Philippine National Red Cross appear to have little in common. Yet for more than a decade, my involvement with the Philippine National Red Cross – Baguio City Chapter became one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life.
From 1995 until 2008, I had the privilege of serving as a Chapter Counselor, working alongside dedicated volunteers and community leaders whose commitment to humanitarian service inspired everyone around them.
During much of this period, the Baguio Chapter was chaired by Mr. Erdolfo Balajadia, then also a Councilor of Baguio City. Under his leadership, the chapter continually sought ways to improve its facilities and better serve the people of Baguio and the Cordilleras.
Serving as Building and Grounds Chairman
In addition to my responsibilities as Chapter Counselor, I was concurrently designated as Building and Grounds Chairman.
This role was a natural extension of my profession. I became responsible for evaluating the chapter's facilities, recommending improvements, and helping ensure that the Red Cross headquarters remained functional, safe, and capable of supporting its expanding humanitarian programs.
For an architect, it was an opportunity to apply professional knowledge in the service of an organization whose mission extended far beyond the construction of buildings.
Designing a Larger Home for the Red Cross
Around 2005, the Philippine National Red Cross Baguio Chapter needed to expand its headquarters along Harrison Road, directly across Burnham Park.
Through RG Chan & Associates, we prepared—entirely on a pro bono basis—the complete architectural and engineering drawings for an additional floor expansion of the existing building, plus the renovations for the proposed new blood bank at the ground floor level.
It was our way of giving back to an organization that had given so much to the community.
Construction was later implemented through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which handled the bidding process and supervised the project through its appointed contractor.
Although I represented the Red Cross during portions of the construction, the actual implementation understandably remained under the DPWH's administrative procedures. My influence during construction therefore became more limited than during the planning and design stages.
Nevertheless, it was deeply satisfying to see the expanded building eventually completed and serving the growing needs of the chapter.
Learning Beyond the Drawing Board
My involvement with the Philippine National Red Cross extended beyond building projects.
I also had the privilege of representing the Baguio Chapter at one of the organization's National Conventions in Manila, where I met volunteers, administrators, and professionals from Red Cross chapters throughout the Philippines.
The experience broadened my appreciation of the tremendous work carried out by the organization—not only during disasters and emergencies, but also through blood services, first aid training, youth development, and countless humanitarian programs that often go unnoticed by the public.
A Different Kind of Professional Education
Looking back, my years with the Philippine National Red Cross became an education that no university could have provided.
As architects, we often think in terms of buildings, plans, budgets, and construction schedules.
The Red Cross reminded me that every building ultimately exists to serve people.
Working alongside volunteers from many different professions reinforced the importance of teamwork, compassion, humility, and public service—qualities that are equally important in architecture.
An Experience I Will Always Treasure
Being accepted into a leadership role within the Philippine National Red Cross remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life.
It demonstrated that architects can contribute not only through design, but also through service, stewardship, and community leadership.
The opportunity to combine my profession with volunteer work made those thirteen years especially meaningful.
Looking back today, I remain grateful for the friendships, the lessons learned, and the privilege of helping an organization whose mission has always been simple yet profound:
To serve humanity when it is needed most.
