An OFW architect's invention builds lives
Inventiveness is in his blood.This is what architect Eduardo Urcia, who spent three decades in Brunei, believes as he continues to roll out his successfully-commercialised and patented 'green' building blocks.
Much like the edifices and structures he helps create, Mr. Urcia says his innate inventiveness surfaced in place where he spent most of his working life: abroad.
Mr. Urcia took inspiration from the trend of mass housing projects being built in Brunei where he worked for 30 years. Mass housing developments there were evolving to adopt new technologies in their make.
Apart from mass housing projects, Mr. Urcia was also tasked to oversee government buildings and military offices in Brunei. After building his expertise and career in Brunei, the architect returned to the Philippines in 2009, armed with his new-found knowledge on modern materials for construction.
"I was working with different projects for thirty years in Brunei, and I've noticed mass housing projects were becoming unconventional in the style and the method of making. I brought back that idea of this new building product the Philippines in 2009 but I wasn't sure if I should come out with it in public. I wanted it to be protected," said Architect Urcia.
This is where the IPOPHL stepped in. The patent for the construction product, particularly cement panels with in-fills of toilet cardboard rolls was granted in 2011, after thorough examination.
Apart from granting the patent after a thorough review, IPOPHL provided the platform for the technology to be delivered to the market by way of the recognition program - the IPOPHL AMY Awards.
Conferred with the IPOPHL's annual Alfredo M. Yao (AMY) Awards (co-presented with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry), the 'green' invention drew attention from the business community, and jumpstarted the match-making in earnest.
The invention has also reaped two TUKLAS Awards, given by the Department of Science and Technology 's Technology Application and Promotion Institute, for outstanding inventions with potential for widespread commercialization.
It was also recognized by the 1st UIE- United Architects of the Philippines Design Competition for Emergency Facilities in 2016.
While the leap from promotion to actual commercialization took time, the rewards were worth the wait.
Mr. Urcia, through various licensing agreements, now has four production plants for his eco-blocks: in Laoag, Ilocos Norte; Sison, Pangasinan; Trese Martires, Cavite, and three more in Batangas, Cagayan, and Bulacan.
Even with the rapid expansion of production for his invention, Architect Urcia is resolute for the poor to be able to benefit from his technology.
In staying true to this vision of providing low-cost and/or affordable housing for the marginalized, Mr. Urcia is collaborating with the United Architects of the Philippines for a project to provide housing units to the displaced communities in Marawi and Tacloban.
"This is a small step to helping people, but we hope to do more, " Mr. Urcia said.