PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS The Philippine institute of architects (PIA) is a sec- registered, non-stock, non-profit professional organization.

PIA is the oldest existing professional organization for architects in Asia. On September 14, 1902 the Academia de Arquitectura y Agrimensura de Filipinas (AAAF) was established. In 1933 AAAF became Philippine Architect Society (PAS) led by Juan Nakpil. Upon the granting of independence in 1946, the society changed its name to Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA). Martial law almost killed PIA with the letter of instruction 1000, the Malacanang edict of having just one organization for each profession. The institute refuse to kowtow to the dictator and preserved despite its being stripped of accreditation by the professional regulation commission. The members who remained steadfast were of the strong belief that every citizen possesses the freedom to choose which organization he/she wants to join. The intention is now on its 79th year. PIA is still going strong and at the forefront of the history.