ARCHITECT Edison Ching (“Ar. Ed”) Padilla may look jolly and casual, but he is perceptive and analytical. These traits that underpin his approach to life and work catapulted him to receive the Professional Regulatory Commission’s (PRC) recognition as a 2024 Outstanding Professional in the field of Architecture — which is so coveted that those who aspire for it reputedly come short of walking on coals.
Ar. Ed completed his B.S. Architecture degree at the University of Santo Tomas (UST)–College of Architecture and Fine Arts in 2002 and passed the board the following year with flying colors. His strength was connecting the dots, recognizing others’ strengths, and inspiring them toward a common goal. His professional practice ventured into the construction of homes, resort hotels, and residential and commercial condo interiors.
In 2012, he got his license as an environmental planner. The Bureau of Fire Protection endorsed his expertise, granting him a Certificate of Competency as a Fire Safety Practitioner.
Ar. Ed’s story took a significant turn in September 2013 when Valenzuela’s local government asked him to be their City Building Official. When then Valenzuela mayor Rex Gatchalian (currently Social Welfare and Development secretary) asked around for names to fill the position, Ar. Ed’s UST professors strongly recommended him. Gatchalian and Ar. Ed clicked on systemic solutions during the interview. The rest is history.
The appointment became a transformative chapter in Ar. Ed’s career and the process of building regulations in the country. Despite palpable resistance from some affected quarters, he introduced the country’s first automated building and construction permit application system: the 3S Plus Electronic Terminal. This system revolutionized the construction permitting process, making it transparent, efficient and professional. It sent a buzz to other cities grappling with issues on building regulations and permits.
The 3S Plus Electronic Terminal was a game changer. It helped remove anomalies that plagued the construction industry and set a benchmark for future developments. It helped shape policy guidelines, highlighting the online governance and the creation of One Stop Shop for Construction Permits (OSCP) at the Office of the Building Official (OBO). This accomplishment was bestowed on Ar. Ed awards like the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Plaque of Appreciation in 2014 and Plaque of Recognition in 2021.
Another achievement was his election as national president of the Philippine Association of Building Officials National Inc. (PABO). He was the first architect to hold this position in an organization composed mostly of municipal engineers. He initiated further understanding between architects and engineers, resolved issues, and delineated accountabilities in the design and construction fields.
Global accolade
Ar. Ed’s cartoons appeared in The Manila Times. PHOTOS FROM AR. EDISON PADILLA
The conferment of titles reflected his standing in the global architectural community: in 2018, he was named Asean Architect by the PRC-International Affairs Division — Asean Architects Registry, Fellow by the Royal Institution of Architects — Singapore, and International Associate of the American Institute of Architects.
The Department of Labor and Employment–Occupational Safety and Health Center also gave him a Certificate of Competency as an OSH Practitioner in Construction.
As the vice president of the Building Officials Organization of Metropolitan Manila Inc. (Boomm), he was committed to advancing safety and efficiency in building and construction. He crafted crucial laws, department orders and memoranda, such as the Philippine Green Building Code, Revised IRR of the Fire Code of the Philippines, and various Joint Memorandum Circulars (JMCs).
Ar. Ed also went into cartooning, a childhood dream that, he said, “serves as a stress reliever.” He paid tribute to his supportive father by making him the main character in the comic strip “Ang Tindahan ni Mang Ed,” which first appeared in Kabayan newspaper (1999) and The Manila Times (2017).
His book, a compilation of published comic strips titled “Ang Tindahan ni Mang Ed Book 1,” satisfied his avocation. He was later voted as president of the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas (SKP), an organization of Filipino cartoonists established in 1978 and co-founded by National Artist for Visual Arts Larry Alcala.
Ar. Ed ensures that he has quality time with his beauteous wife Avie and four children. He plays golf with his eldest daughter and may soon bring his sons to his pistol shootings. A mean cook, he reserves days to prepare special recipes for the family table.
The past chapter president of UAP Greenhills, Ar. Ed is active as UAP Committee chairman. As PABO national president for 2022-2024, he remains a pivotal figure in architecture, demonstrating innovation, leadership and dedication. He is a testament to individuals’ impact on their profession and the public. Dedicated to his profession and colleagues, he wears a new laurel as the 2024 PRC’s Outstanding Professional of the Year.
Hugo “Boboy” Yonzon III has served as the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas president for several terms. He heads various organizations: the Yonzon Entertainment Syndicate, the media content company that owns Mango Comics; Yonzon Associates, a corporate communications outfit; and the Tagaytay Film, Broadcast, and Creative Workshops, a school for media professionals. He has won awards in editorial cartooning, painting and scriptwriting for television. He also directs television dramas, documentaries and infomercials.
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