UAP Brunei Holds Its First CPD Seminar for FY2018-19
The UAP Brunei Chapter successfully conducted the Continuing Professional Development Seminar (CPD) entitled "The OFW Journey Back Home: Challenge to Life and Profession after working Abroad” on 29 July 2018 at the Northstar Development Sdn Bhd, First Floor, STP Building, Spg. 584 Km.7, Kg.Bunut, Jalan Tutong, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The seminar, attended by 31 chapter members, is the second CPD-accredited seminar organized by the Chapter and the first for the Fiscal Year 2018-2019.
The program commenced with an invocation led by Ar. Amelito R. De Sena followed by welcoming remarks from Chapter President Ar. Reynaldo M/ Ramos.
The main speaker of the seminar was Ar. Isaias "Jhin" B. Tabuzo, Principal Architect of Tabuzo Architects and a listed "Grade A" Architectural Engineer in the Urban Planning & Development Authority (UPDA) of Qatar. Ar. Tabuzo has over 28 years experience in Architectural Design and Planning, Project Documentation and Coordination, and Site Supervision and Management of various projects ranging from residential, hospitality, commercial, industrial, institutional, high-end villas, and office buildings.
In the seminar proper, Ar. Tabuzo gave thought-provoking insights on the real-life struggles faced by architects based overseas who are returning to the Philippines amidst the booming construction industry in the country right now. He began the seminar by citing a few reasons why RLAs decide to leave their families and home country in search for a greener pasture. He followed through with the reasons and situations that drive the OFW to go back to the Philippines. He then posited the factors to consider before going back, and practical insights on setting up practice or finding employment after working abroad.
Based on Ar. Tabuzo's experience, the crucial point as an OFW is planning for a solid fall back and preparing for what lies ahead upon your return to the Philippines. He gave the following important pointers for hopeful architect for when they would choose to go back and practice in the Philippines:
1) Equip yourself – learn the necessary software to help you start your practice and learn management skills needed in the profession to oversee your own projects.
2) Market yourself effectively – use social media to feature your work portfolio and attract potential clients.
3) Collaborate as you build your network – reach out to your friends and peers who may need your field of expertise or knowledge in their projects.
4) Save for an emergency fund – this will be useful as you build your network and clientele.
With these key pointers an architect returning home may stand a chance with the fast pace and highly competitive practice in the Philippines.
On the second part of the seminar, the Ar. Tabuzo shared his own professional experience and presented parts of his Work Portfolio after returning home. He also answered questions on the requirements for setting up an office or business, such as single proprietorship or partnership or corporation, in the Philippines.
To officially end the program, Chapter VP for Programs and Development Ar. Charles Gloria delivered the closing remarks. More than the CPD points earned, the membership benefitted from the insightful seminar by learning how to prepare for the eventual return to home.
The Chapter lauds the organizing committee led by Ar. Francis D. Nicdao, Director for Committee on Professional Practice (FY2017-18) for another successful CPD activity, and Ar. Marilette D. Balderrama who was the moderator for the half-day seminar.
