SCPW, UAPSA join hands with SM Prime in promoting wetland conservation

SCPW president Arch. Celestino Ulep leads a discussion on nature-based architecture during the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium. Photo from SCPW

On May 29th, at the MAAX Building in the Mall of Asia Complex, SM Prime Holdings Inc. participated in conjunction with the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) to co-host the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium as the world commemorated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023.

Bannering the theme "Build Back Biodiversity: Wetland Centers and Nature-Based Architecture," the hybrid symposium featured presentations centered on fostering knowledge and awareness about wetland conservation and innovative design approaches.

SCPW president Ar. Celestino Ulep leads the opening of the Wetland Center Design Symposium

At the commencement of the symposium, Ar. Celestino Ulep, the President of SCPW, initiated the event by expressing his positive outlook. He emphasized how collaborative efforts and the adoption of nature-centric architectural approaches can lead to a future in which wetlands thrive and biodiversity prospers.

Distinguished experts in the field also graced the occasion, contributing their perspectives and knowledge. This included Chris Rostron, the global manager of Wetland Link International, and Alex Hughes from the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in London, UK. The guest speakers inaugurated the discussions by shedding light on the crucial role played by Wetland Centers as tools for Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) in the realm of wetland conservation endeavors.

Architect Ulep, in the meantime, captivated the audience by introducing the notion of nature-based architecture. He underscored the significance of giving precedence to sustainability and harmonious design principles. This involves crafting structures that seamlessly meld with the natural surroundings.

Meanwhile, Arch. Aaron Lecciones, SCPW Special Projects Officer, made a detailed visual presentation on the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) Design Team's experience. He highlighted the challenges and triumphs of designing a wetland park, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring designers and architects.

Esteemed partners, including Ms. Rida Reyes Castillo of SM Prime, Dr. Arvin Diesmos of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Mr. Laudemir Salac of DENR-Region 3, and Arch. Gleo Raymundo of UAPSA graced the event to show their full support for this endeavor.

Castillo further emphasized that environmental protection and nature conservation are integral pillars of SM Prime's sustainability campaign and that they believe in the power of cultivating the younger generation’s devotion to building a sustainable future.

The symposium concluded with a comprehensive discussion on the rules and guidelines of the design competition, followed by an open forum and exchange of ideas among participants.

The symposium also marked the beginning of the highly anticipated 4th SCPW Wetland Center Design Competition, which aims to create a platform for talented students in the field of construction and design to showcase their skills and ingenuity and encourages them to address environmental challenges through sustainable solutions.

"It is an honor and privilege on the part of SM to partner with the SCPW and UAPSA in realizing its common goal of protecting ecosystems, particularly wetlands, by inspiring the youth to engage and take action on the socio-civic and economic issues in their communities by finding workable solutions towards building a sustainable future," SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo said.

SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo

Castillo further emphasized that environmental protection and nature conservation are integral pillars of SM Prime's sustainability campaign and that they believe in the power of cultivating the younger generation’s devotion to building a sustainable future.

The symposium concluded with a comprehensive discussion on the rules and guidelines of the design competition, followed by an open forum and exchange of ideas among participants.

The symposium also marked the beginning of the highly anticipated 4th SCPW Wetland Center Design Competition, which aims to create a platform for talented students in the field of construction and design to showcase their skills and ingenuity and encourages them to address environmental challenges through sustainable solutions.