Monday, July 14, 2008 Taking Charge By Arch’t. Karl A.E.F. Cabilao, UAP
For most of his years as an on-the-go practicing professional, Arch’t. Alan G. Choachuy has always been involved mostly in side events of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP). Thus, when he was tasked to take over as the new District Director of UAP’s Regional District C-1 (consisting of 6 chapters from Central Visayas), he was utterly surprised.
“It was totally unexpected. But I welcome the responsibility that I’d be shouldering as a representative of all member architects of our District. Take it from one superhero who said, ‘with great powers come great responsibilities,” Arch’t. Choachuy says.
As he formally takes on the leadership chores after the Joint UAP District C-1 Induction this Friday, he takes some of the valuable lessons he picked up during his days as past director, vice president and chapter president of the UAP Lapu-Lapu Chapter.
He was also chairperson for social events during last year’s National Conference of Architects held in Cebu City.
More importantly, he enjoys huge support from his friends and colleagues.
This further beefs up his confidence in handling his new and important role which, according to him, entails “a lot of work and maybe some sleepless nights.” But with the necessary back-up, he looks forward to a productive year of service in his profession and professional organization.
Alan sees his position as a channel to unite professionals and create more public awareness about his often misunderstood profession. “Also, one should lead by example,” he adds.
eing a sports aficionado, he plans to make this year a dynamic one for his colleagues and the building industry partners. So aside from the professional enrichment activities and seminars (one of his proposed activities is a press conference with the Professional Regulation’s Board of Architecture chairperson), he will be injecting more sports competitions in the district’s calendar.
“Sports activities are very effective tools in promoting camaraderie in whatever field or association you are in. Unity among professionals is important. Also, it promotes physical health and well-being for every one,” shares last year’s the Presidential Awardee of the Sports Association of Cebu.
A recipient of a Presidential Citation from the Office of the President for his support in the preparations of the Asean Summit last year, Alan is indeed a busy guy. Aside from working on projects and the UAP, he is also a trustee of the Cebu Furniture Industry Foundation and has been involved in the successful holding of numerous sports tournaments in Cebu.
Of course, he’s also a dedicated family man – loving husband to wife Caroline and caring father to their three children Alan Carmichael, Alan Carlisle and Alana Cate.
It’s definitely no surprise that when challenges come his way, he’s always ready for them.
Alan confides that his penchant for making something out of nothing led him to take up architecture some years back. He also gained inspiration from his father whom he considers a “great inventor, challenger and motivator.”
And with a new title attached to Alan’s name, this is an opportune juncture for him to reflect on and to relive those great moments from the past.
