UAP slams misuse of word ‘architect’ by media

The United Architects of the Philippines has denounced the misuse of the word “architect” by media and public commentators to describe individuals behind plunder, corruption, and other criminal acts, saying it distorts public perception and disrespects the integrity of the profession.

In an open letter released on September 23, the UAP, the only accredited professional organization of architects in the country representing more than 65,000 licensed practitioners, called out headlines and commentaries that have used terms like “architect of plunder” to refer to public officials accused of wrongdoing.

“This is not only misleading but gravely unjust to a profession that has, for centuries, been dedicated to the highest ideals of public service, safety, progress, and nation building,” the group said.

The UAP stressed that “architect” has a specific legal definition under Republic Act No. 9266 or the Architecture Act of 2004. It refers to a person professionally and academically qualified, registered, and licensed under the law to plan, design, and oversee the construction or alteration of buildings and environments for human habitation.

“An architect is a duly recognized steward of the built environment, one who upholds the principles of safety, sustainability, functionality, creativity, and social responsibility in shaping communities and advancing the quality of life of the Filipino people,” the group added.

The organization warned that careless language use by media could erode public trust in the profession, trivialize years of education and licensure, and undermine the ethical responsibilities architects bear in serving society.

“Words matter. When the media uses ‘architect’ as a synonym for ‘mastermind of crime,’ it corrodes public perception of the profession and undermines the trust that architects have worked hard to earn from the Filipino people,” the statement read.

The UAP urged journalists, editors, and commentators to use more precise terms such as “mastermind,” “perpetrator,” or “brains behind corruption” instead. 

It also called on government agencies, private institutions, and media outlets to respect and preserve the dignity of the profession by refraining from misusing the term.

“The Filipino people deserve truth in reporting, and truth begins with words used responsibly. Let us not diminish a profession dedicated to building by mislabeling it with those who destroy,” the group said.

The UAP’s statement, posted on its official Facebook page, quickly drew reactions from netizens. 

“Architect in the statement means orchestrator... Not literally the architect profession...” one commenter wrote, arguing that figurative language is a staple of journalism and political commentary.

One also wrote, "United Architects of the Philippines don't be too sensitive! The word 'architect' has been, and is still being used as a noun to describe a person who is responsible for inventing or realizing a particular idea or project, not just architectural structures or edifices."

"That word is in thousands of literary works, used in both the positive or negative light. Don't tell us that you'll write all those authors to change the usage of the word?" the commenter added. 

The UAP clarified that its statement was not intended to curtail free expression but to encourage more responsible word choice in public discourse.

“Architects build; they don’t plunder. And the words we use must reflect that truth,” the organization said.—Sherylin Untalan/AOL, GMA Integrated News