SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) participated in collaboration with the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) in hosting the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium on May 29th. Marking the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023, this event focused on promoting wetland conservation in the country.
Under the theme “Build Back Biodiversity: Wetland Centers and Nature-Based Architecture,” this hybrid symposium showcased presentations aimed at enhancing understanding and awareness regarding wetland conservation and inventive design strategies.
Architects For the Future
The symposium was inaugurated by Ar. Celestino Ulep, the President of SCPW. He conveyed his optimism about how collaboration and the adoption of nature-based architecture can lead to a future where wetlands thrive and biodiversity prospers.
Distinguished experts in the field also graced the event, contributing their insights and experiences. Among them was Chris Rostron, the Global Manager of Wetland Link International. As well as Alex Hughes from the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in London, UK. These guest speakers initiated the discussions by highlighting the essential role of Wetland Centers as tools for Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) in the realm of wetland conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, Arch. Ulep engaged the audience with an introduction to the concept of nature-based architecture. Which underscores the significance of emphasizing sustainability and coherence in design. This entails crafting structures that seamlessly meld with the natural environment.
Simultaneously, Arch. Aaron Lecciones, SCPW’s Special Projects Officer, delivered a comprehensive visual presentation. It detailed the experiences of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) Design Team. He shed light on the challenges and successes encountered in designing a wetland park. In addition, he offered inspiration to budding designers and architects.
SM Prime Supports Wetland Conservation
Esteemed collaborators, 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 occasion to wholeheartedly express their support for this initiative.
“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.
Castillo reiterated that environmental protection and nature conservation stand as fundamental cornerstones within SM Prime’s sustainability drive. She highlighted the conviction in fostering the younger generation’s dedication to constructing a sustainable future.
The symposium wrapped up with an extensive conversation about the regulations and directives of the design competition. This was succeeded by an open forum that fostered an exchange of ideas among the attendees.
Furthermore, the symposium signaled the commencement of the much-awaited 4th SCPW Wetland Center Design Competition. The competition is designed to provide a stage for adept students in the construction and design domain to exhibit their abilities and innovative thinking. It motivates them to tackle environmental challenges by means of sustainable solutions.
