United Architects of the Philippines -Ayala Triangle Chapter (UAP-ATC) and SIBAT Revisit and Upgrade Previous Design Plan to Redevelop Mangarita Organic Farm (MOF) and Center for Renewable Energy and Appropriate Technology (CREATEC) in Capas Tarlac.
Last May 17-18, young and energetic Architects who are members of the United Architects of the Philippines -Ayala Triangle Chapter (UAP-ATC) spent a day and half at SIBAT’s Mangarita Organic Farm in Capas Tarlac to reassess the farm and its infrastructures. They have done this way back in 2017, and this time cross checking what needs to be discarded in the earlier plan, identify the gaps and current needs to develop a new improvement design.
Together with SIBAT personnel, they toured the farm and revisit infrastructures. This was followed with three workshops focused on identifying what’s the core problems and needs to be attended in the short, long and immediate period. They have proposed a tri-sectional segmentation of the functionality of the farm. The first segment to include a reception area including expanding parking spaces and receiving office, the second section to comprise the core segment of SIBAT’s technology work and the last segment for the accommodation for live-in visits. Aside from lending their architectural talents to improve the farm, the chapter also engaged their suppliers to be part of the endeavor through soliciting construction materials as their share. In concrete Davies paints has committed already some gallons of paints for repainting infrastructures.
The UAP-ATC group continues to fulfill its advocacy to be more socially and environmentally attuned organization sharing their expertise to assist organizations like SIBAT who are working for the poor and disadvantaged. In 2017, UAP-ATC and their suppliers have greatly helped in designing and accessing donors for construction materials in rehabilitating the highly deteriorated nipa/bamboo MOF Training Center into a semi concrete structure widely used today for trainings and workshops.
Aside from work, their stay also in the farm is partly a recharging, educational and bonding event. With a “Farm to Table” theme, UAP-ATC took cognizance of the value of great food which is safe, health, organic, pesticide free. One fun part of the event is a cooking contest where the architects test their mettle in preparing a meal made largely of farm ingredients. One contesting group have utilized their art and design skills aside from the taste quality produced in presenting their food offering using leaves, fruits, flowers, herbs combining some elements of Philippine regional cuisines and handily won the judges nod. This was capped with a joyous evening of singing, drinks and stories.
