ON AUG. 8, 2026, the UAP College of Fellows (COF), in joint initiative with our UAP Manila Metro Chapter, held the highly anticipated “Hagdan sa Kaunlaran: Service and Mentorship Program for All” at the UAP National Headquarters in Quezon City. Demonstrating dedication despite severe weather marked by Pagasa’s orange and red heavy rainfall warning levels across Metro Manila, 57 out of 167 registered participants gathered to bridge the gap between academic preparation and professional practice.
Designed as a dual-track program featuring direct mentorship and career placement, the job fair hosted premier architectural practices — including JSLA, LG+V, Anglo Partners + Architects, Sunga and Sy Associates, Visionarch, JLT Arch Design Studio, Arce•Bailon•Arce Architects, Gala Architecture, ECT+A, and DTKO Arch Firm — to occupy interview tables to connect with young design talent. Registrants and graduates hailed from institutions across the country, spanning Metro Manila, Luzon, and the Bicol Region: – Metro Manila: University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines Diliman, Far Eastern University, National University, University of the East, Adamson University, Central Colleges of the Philippines, Earist, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Rizal Technological University, and Technological Institute of the Philippines-Manila.
– Regional state universities/colleges: Batangas State University, Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology, Bulacan State University, Cagayan State University, Mapua Malayan Colleges Laguna, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, University of Batangas, and University of Nueva Caceres.
Chancellor Beth Regala’s visionary leadership brought the signature “Hagdan” program to life. Her commitment to structured, pro bono mentorship created an empowering framework where emerging professionals gain direct access to seasoned industry wisdom. This effort was championed by Metro Job Fair Program Head Adriel Tan and the steady guidance of UAP Manila Metro, anchored by its beacons — Likha couple Jose Siao Ling and Ana Mangalino-Ling — alongside Chapter President Matthew Yap and myself as COF Bursar. Our Metro Fellows, led by Ar. Siao Ling, donated P50,000 to the Hagdan program, with all job fair operational expenses fully shouldered by the UAP Manila Metro Chapter.
A crucial ingredient often overlooked in traditional setups is compatibility. Our program emphasized intentional “mentor matching” so that personalities and mindsets fit naturally, pairing mentees driven by high grit with strong-minded mentors, while matching those seeking a gentler approach with softer-spoken guides.
True mentorship
Through Chancellor Beth’s program, COF mentors champion incoming practitioners to help them realize their highest potential. At a time when conversations around mentorship guidelines often revolve around years of practice or administrative requirements, this initiative refocused the narrative on what true mentorship represents: guaranteeing fair value, providing meaningful guidance, and nurturing young professionals to achieve their full capabilities.
Grounded in the “Architects Helping Architects” movement, this effort echoes the chapter and district’s long-standing dedication to education-based CSR programs through a two-phase vision: – Project Hulma (Phase 1): The initial framework created by UAP Manila Metro in partnership with Earist Dean Dianne Jose, championed by dedicated industry leaders including Ar. Edward Co Tan, Ar. Ramon Licup, Ar. Betty Sy, Ar. Alex Bornasal, Ar. Juanito Rodriguez, Ar. William Gan, Ar. Henry Ng Tan, Ar. Anulfo Villanueva, Ar. Jonn Ling, Ar. Dennis and Leah Ching, Ar. Kenneth Chua, Ar. Matthew Yap, Ar. Anthony Barreto, Ar. James Uy, alongside JSLA, ADGO, Visionarch, WTA, Ng+Ng Architects, ECT+A, Anglo Partners + Architects, Area29, JLT Arch Design Studio, and DTKO Arch Firm, which achieved international recognition by ranking 92nd out of over 13,000 global submissions in the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). – KaB1lya x Hulma Program (Phase 2): Building upon the success of Phase 1, centered on architects molding and uplifting one another, this initiative earned the Huwarang sa Sosyo-Sibikong Gawain at the Gawad Manileño awards during my term as district director — the only PRC-accredited professional organization or district to receive such an honor from the City of Manila.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve alongside extraordinary mentors. Having experienced firsthand the transformative power of mentorship under the guidance of our Likha couple, Ar. Siao Ling and Ms. Mangalino-Ling, as well as Chancellor Beth — whose leadership and “walk the talk” example continue to shape our tribe’s culture — this program serves as a calling to pass the torch forward, spreading the mission of uplifting new graduates so they too may reach their fullest potential and elevate the entire architectural profession.
Ar. Danny Tan Ko is the outgoing UAP District B1 director and the immediate past president of UAP Manila Metro Chapter. He was conferred the title of UAP Most Outstanding Member in 2021 for his groundbreaking programs as vice president of Programs & Operations at the UAP Manila Metro Chapter and UAP Most Outstanding District Director in 2025.