Last July 3, 2025, first year BS Architecture students from Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) participated in the Architecture Educational Tour held at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario, in Panacan, Davao City. The activity provided an opportunity for students to explore the unique intersections between architecture and naval engineering.
Organized by the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), the educational tour was specifically designed to deepen the students’ understanding of space efficiency, structural functionality, and architectural planning in environments that sustain specialized operations. A total of 58 students were joined and guided by BS Architecture faculty members Ar. Steven Chua, Ar. Martinee Llemit, Dr. Fredie Diez, and Engr. Liregine Cayme.
The objective behind the tour was to seek out practical applications of architecture and planning within specialized and large environments. Through firsthand exposure to various assets such as naval vessels and other equipment, students gained valuable insights into the challenges and innovations involved in shaping spaces for highly technical operations and conditions.
The event featured a static display of Navy equipment and a guided site tour of the naval base. One of the main highlights of the day was the ship tour, which allowed students to board and explore three naval vessels: BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), BRP Tagbanua (LC-296), and BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906). Each ship served as a case study in interactions between shore- and sea-based areas, as well as integration of form and function in high-performance environments.
By bridging academic theory with real-world observation, the educational tour successfully enriched the students’ architectural perspectives and broadened their appreciation for specialized structures. It also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary learning in preparing future architects to design diverse and demanding contexts.