Two of the most prominent names in the architectural industry, Carmelo Casas and Jose Pedro Recio, were recently awarded the prestigious gold medal of merit award by the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA). The PIA is the oldest architectural society in the country. The award is given to outstanding and men and women of the architectural profession who have contributed to the enrichment and professional development of the craft in the Philippines. The award was first given in 1950, and since then, there have been 26 awardees including some of the most distinguished architects in the country, some of whom of have become National Artists. The photo shows ( 2nd and 3rd from left ) architects Jose Pedro Recio and Carmelo Casas. With them were previous gold medal of merit awardees (left to right) architects Rogelio Villarosa, William Coscolluela, Ramon Orlina Jr. and Ramon Ma. Zaragoza.