THE United Architects of the Philippines-Rizal East Chapter (UAP Reach) conducted its 2nd General Membership Meeting (GMM 002), featuring a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Seminar and Educational Tour entitled “Introduction to Hospital Planning and Design” on Aug. 8, 2026, at the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center (ARMMC).
The seminar provided the architects, design professionals, engineers, architecture graduates, and students who attended with valuable insights into the highly specialized field of health care architecture. Knowledge on the planning, design, regulatory requirements, and operational considerations involved in developing hospitals and health care facilities was shared and exchanged.
The lecture highlighted the critical role of hospitals as essential public infrastructure that must operate continuously to provide medical care, rehabilitation, emergency response, and wellness services. Participants gained a deeper understanding of hospital site selection criteria, environmental and geotechnical considerations, technical design standards, and the numerous regulatory requirements governing health care facility development in the Philippines.
The discussion covered the historical evolution of hospital regulation, licensing procedures, and key Department of Health Administrative Orders (DOH-AOs) that guide the planning and operation of hospitals nationwide. These topics emphasized the architect’s responsibility in creating health care environments that are safe, resilient, accessible, patient-centered, and compliant with national standards.
UAP Reach, together with ARMMC personnel, facilitated a guided educational tour of the ARMMC, allowing participants to appreciate how health care planning principles are translated into actual hospital operations and patient care environments.
The tour commenced at the hospital’s Radiology Department which was strategically integrated within the health care delivery system. The group had a glance at the Operating Room–Delivery Room (OR-DR) Complex, where discussions centered on infection control, patient flow, safety requirements and the specialized planning considerations unique to surgical and obstetrical facilities.
Participants visited the hospital chapel, an important component of holistic patient care. They toured the various departments located at the Outpatient Department (OPD). They visited the clinical laboratory located on the fifth floor of the OPD Building and were introduced to the operational and spatial requirements that support diagnostic services. The tour concluded at the hospital’s Pediatric Ward, where the group witnessed the importance of designing health care spaces that promote healing, comfort and dignity for young patients and their families.
Care for pediatric patients
The culmination of the day’s activities reflected the chapter’s commitment to community service and compassion under the chapter’s Renato A. Heray-Bayanihang Arkitektura (Rahba) Flagship Program.
The UAP Reach chapter officers and members facilitated a gift-giving activity for pediatric patients confined at the hospital. Participants shared toys, school supplies and various gifts with the children. Light snacks were distributed to the patients, their watchers, nurses, doctors, housekeeping personnel, and security guards in recognition of their invaluable role in patient care and hospital operations.
The outreach activity concluded with a heartfelt prayer for healing for all patients and expressions of gratitude to the participants, health care workers, sponsors, and partner organizations who made the event successful.
The success of the seminar, tour and outreach activity was made possible by Dr. Romeo C. Cruz Jr., officer-in-charge, Medical Center Chief II, and Engr. Rodolfo T. Sedano, chief administrative officer and chief of Hospital Operations and Patient Support Service. The event was supported by Davies Paints Philippines, Kawara Philippines, 4AVTrade and Engineering Services, Charis Gospel Christian Fellowship-Cainta, and the Alagang Kapatid Foundation.
UAP Reach extends its appreciation to the members of the organizing committee, volunteers and chapter officers whose dedication ensured the event’s execution. Special recognition is given to Chapter President Ar. Anabelle Cawaling-Reyes, UAP, for her leadership in advancing the chapter’s mission of professional excellence, community engagement, and service to humanity.
Through this combination of professional learning, experiential education, and corporate social responsibility, UAP Reach demonstrated that architecture is about creating environments that improve lives, strengthen communities, and promote human well-being. Together, we NREACH — Nurturing Relationships, Enriching Architects, Communities, and Humanity.
Ar. Rowell Reyes was the resource speaker of the CPD Seminar and Educational Tour held at ARMMC, where he is currently employed as Architect II. He serves as the chapter secretary of UAP Reach.