main menu

calendar

Biographical Sketch

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Architecture & Planning, Mapua Institute of Technology, 1966
Golf Course Design, Harvard Graduate School of Design, 1999

Manuel was born and raised in the Philippines, immigrated to the United States in 1969. He came to the U.S. with a degree in Architecture and Planning which allowed him to work as an architect in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After a year, he and his family moved to California and settled in San Francisco. In 1978, they moved to Union City where they lived to this day. They raised two boys who are now on their own and pursuing their own professions.

After serving as an architect for a private firm in San Francisco, and as an architect with the Department of the Navy, he founded his own design firm, MFA Inc. His firm provides services in Landscape Architecture, Planning and Urban Design. His clients include local cities and municipalities but the major commissions are with the federal government. He has designed and managed projects for the Air Force, Navy, Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Prisons.

While in pursuit of his career in design, he had been and still active participant in community and professional activities. He served as vice-president of the Northern California Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, President of the Filipino American Society of Architects and Engineers, Board member of Fil-Am Council of Union City, the Asian Federation of California, and the Friends of Sister Cities.

His first official function in Union City was in 1985 where he served as a planning commissioner. In 1987 he was elected to the council which was a milestone in the history of Filipino Americans. He was the first Filipino-American to be elected to office in Alameda County. His election to office gave inspiration to other Filipinos and Asians to pursue career in Public Service. He had been re-elected times in succession and now serving his fifth term. He also served intermittently as vice mayor, city representative to ABAG, Alameda County Congestion Management Agency, Alameda Waste Management Authority, Alameda Housing Authority, County Library and the Airport Noise Forum Authority.

Committee Board Member

Mr. Fernandez is a committee board member of the following...