Salvo of debate on firm

Pros

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed judges, and fellow debaters, today we stand before you to argue in
favor of the potential and opportunities that lie in setting up an architectural firm in the Philippines. We
will present compelling arguments to demonstrate that the Philippines offers a fertile ground for
architectural firms to thrive, supported by the country's growing economy, infrastructure development
needs, government support, and skilled workforce.

First and foremost, let us consider the Philippines' growing economy. The World Bank and the Philippine
Statistics Authority have highlighted the country's impressive GDP growth rate of around 6% per annum
before the COVID-19 pandemic. As the nation continues to recover from the pandemic, it is expected to
maintain this growth trajectory. This economic growth presents a favorable environment for businesses,
including architectural firms, as it is accompanied by increased investment in construction and
infrastructure projects.

Second, we would like to draw your attention to the country's demand for infrastructure development.
The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and the World Bank report on urbanization in the
Philippines underscores the nation's pressing need for infrastructure development. With a growing
population and rapid urbanization, there is a high demand for various types of infrastructure, such as
residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as public facilities. This demand presents a
multitude of opportunities for architectural firms to offer their expertise and services.

Next, let us highlight the role of government support in creating a conducive environment for
architectural firms. The Philippines government has shown a strong commitment to infrastructure
development through its ambitious "Build, Build, Build" program. This program aims to reduce poverty
and stimulate economic growth by investing in vital infrastructure projects across the country. With the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at the forefront of this program, architectural firms
are presented with a plethora of opportunities to work on both public and private sector projects.

Furthermore, the availability of a skilled workforce in the Philippines cannot be overlooked. The
Philippine Statistics Authority report on the Labor Force Survey confirms that the country has a talented
pool of professionals, including architects and engineers. Architectural firms can leverage this skilled
workforce, which is available at relatively lower costs compared to Western countries, to reduce
operational costs and increase profitability.

Now, we acknowledge that there are challenges in setting up an architectural firm in the Philippines,
such as high competition, bureaucratic hurdles, and economic volatility. However, with careful planning,
market research, and strategic decision-making, these challenges can be mitigated and navigated
effectively.

In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, the Philippines offers a promising landscape for architectural firms
to grow and prosper. By harnessing the opportunities presented by the country's growing economy,
infrastructure development needs, government support, and skilled workforce, architectural firms can
make a significant and lasting impact on the nation's built environment. It is for these reasons that we
strongly argue in favor of setting up an architectural firm in the Philippines. Thank you.
Cons

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the audience, and honorable opponents, thank you for
giving us the opportunity to present the case against setting up an architectural firm. We acknowledge
that there are potential benefits to starting such a venture, but today, we will focus on the considerable
risks and drawbacks that we believe should not be ignored. Our main points will cover financial risks,
increased workload and stress, competition, liability and legal concerns, and the impact on work-life
balance.

Firstly, let us examine the financial risks associated with setting up an architectural firm. While the
prospect of increased income is certainly alluring, it is crucial to recognize that starting a firm requires a
significant upfront investment in office space, equipment, software, and staff. Moreover, the
unpredictable nature of the industry means that there is no guarantee of success. In fact, architects may
face financial difficulties if their firm struggles to secure projects or manage expenses, potentially
resulting in debt or even bankruptcy.

Moving on to our second point, managing an architectural firm entails a substantial increase in workload
and stress. In addition to their core design work, architects who own their own firms must also shoulder
the responsibilities of marketing, client management, and financial planning. This increased workload
can be time-consuming, stressful, and ultimately detrimental to the quality of the work produced.
Furthermore, the pressure to maintain a steady stream of projects in order to keep the firm afloat can
exacerbate stress levels and contribute to burnout.

Our third point concerns competition. The architectural industry is highly competitive, with established
firms boasting strong reputations and long-standing client relationships. For new firms, breaking into the
market and securing projects can be a daunting and challenging task. Competing against larger, more
experienced firms with greater resources can make it difficult for new architectural firms to gain a
foothold in the industry, potentially leading to failure and financial loss.

The fourth point we would like to address is liability and legal concerns. Architectural firms face potential
legal issues and liability concerns, such as disputes with clients or contractors. These situations can be
costly and damaging to the firm's reputation, even if they are ultimately resolved in the firm's favor.
Architects who own their own firms must be prepared to navigate complex legal matters, such as
contract disputes, insurance claims, and building code violations, which can be both time-consuming and
emotionally draining.
Lastly, let us consider the impact of running an architectural firm on an architect's work-life balance. The
demands of managing a business often result in long hours and significant dedication of time and energy.
This can negatively affect an architect's personal life, leading to strained relationships with family and
friends, as well as reduced time for self-care and leisure activities. In the long run, this imbalance may
contribute to decreased job satisfaction and increased stress, ultimately undermining the architect's
overall well-being.

In conclusion, while the prospect of setting up an architectural firm may seem attractive, we believe it is
essential to consider the considerable risks and drawbacks involved. The financial risks, increased
workload and stress, competition, liability and legal concerns, and the impact on work-life balance all
present significant challenges to architects considering this path. We urge you to carefully weigh these
factors when deciding whether or not to embark on the journey of starting your own architectural firm.
Thank you.