During our oathtaking, one remark struck me the most. Mr. Richard Relata, our 2025 topnotcher appraiser—who shared his humble beginnings of surviving on toyo at mantika as ulam with rice, who struggled with ADHD in memorizing, and who found strength through his soon-to-be wife as an accountability partner (a story I can’t personally relate to as a “single-detached” self 😅)—delivered a line that will stay with me forever (immovable attachment yarn?).

Appraisers are truth-tellers

The impact was so strong that PRBRES Board Member Mr. Rafael Fajardo himself affirmed the statement before even proceeding to his speech. And indeed, in a profession bound by the Real Estate Service Act (RESA), truth is not optional—it is our mandate, our compass, and our duty.

Why Truth-Telling in Appraisal Matters

When RR elaborated, he pointed to a powerful example: expropriation.

In cases where the government needs land for infrastructure, an appraiser’s role in determining just compensation ensures social justice for homeowners who will be displaced from the very place they’ve called home for years. Without truth-telling, families could lose not only their properties but also their dignity, security, and hope for rebuilding.

Another example lies in bank financing.

When families apply for housing loans, an appraiser’s valuation dictates how much the bank will lend. An inflated report could put the borrower in financial danger they can’t sustain, while an undervalued property denies them fair leverage for the asset they rightfully own.

In both cases, truth is the safeguard.

My Personal POV

Without comparing struggles—(or as Gen Z would put it, avoiding trauma dumping)—I can only look back with gratitude at what real estate has meant for my own life. When we were financially challenged and even continuing education seemed impossible, it was through loaning against property that we found a way forward.

And honestly, it makes me think: What if an appraiser lowballed us?

Would doors to opportunity still have opened for us? Would we even be standing where we are now?

That’s why truth in appraisal isn’t just a technicality—it’s literally life-changing.

A Call for Our Times

Today, the Philippines is in the middle of big shifts—massive infrastructure projects, urban expansion, and housing shortages are shaping our future. But let’s be real: not all projects are living up to their promises.

During our own licensure exam, we witnessed how some flood control projects evidently failed—so much so that several examinees couldn’t even make it to the venue because of the flooding. If flood control can’t deliver, how can we say these projects truly serve the people?

And this is where the role of truth-tellers—appraisers—becomes even more crucial. Because behind every number in a valuation report is not just land, but accountability. Our valuations inform government budgets, infrastructure priorities, and even relocation programs. If we fail to tell the truth, people suffer twice: first from failed projects, and second from unfair compensation or misallocated resources.

As our topnotcher reminded us, the value we hold is truth. And if we hold onto it, then we’re not just protecting our profession—we’re protecting the trust that every Filipino homeowner, buyer, and taxpayer places in real estate service.

And that, friends, is something worth holding onto.