Mapúa's School of ARIDBE receives 2012 Urban Poor Person of the Year Award

Mapúa Institute of Technology’s School of Architecture, Industrial Design and the Built Environment (ARIDBE) was recognized recently for its contributions and continuous commitment to alleviate the plight of the urban poor. 

 

ARIDBE was given the 2012 Urban Poor Person of the Year Award by Urban Poor Associates, Community Organizers Multiversity, and Community Organizers of the Philippines Enterprise last December 7, 2012 at the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Theater in Quezon City. 

 

The award is given to individuals or institutions that have contributed to uplifting the lives of the urban poor.  

 

ARIDBE Dean Gloria B. Tedoro and faculty member Arch. Albert Zambrano were present to receive the award.  

 

The organizers lauded Mapúa’s ARIDBE, one of the country’s finest schools of architecture, for responding to “the silent cry of the poor for help” by designing homes for them in the cities. “It has argued the case for in-city resettlement of the poor and has defended the poor against their critics.  This award is a sign of their gratitude.” 

 

Socially conscious architects, builders

 

In his acceptance speech, Arch. Zambrano said it is understandable for architects to design for the wealthy for they too need to make a living. 

 

“But now there is a new breed of socially conscious architects and builders. These architects and builders have the vision and foresight to understand that it is not possible to achieve a sustainable city if we do not design and build for the poor as well,” he said. 

 

“It is not easy to be an architect for the poor, only brave architects are up to the challenge,” he added.  

 

Arch. Zambrano also shared a story written by Ino Manalo that drew cheers from the audience. 

 

This year’s other awardees were Michel Roy Cuerpo, son of Rodriguez town Mayor Pedro “Ping” Cuerpo,  Arch. Felino Palafox Jr., a prominent Filipino architect, urban planner and environmentalist, and TAO Pilipinas, a women-led nongovernment organization.  

 

Previous recipients included the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, and urban poor leader Myrna Porcare.   

The guest of honor was Atty. Leni Robredo, wife of Sec. Robredo, who presented the award to the honorees.

 

Press release from Mapua Institute of Technology