BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY

Main Campus
Tagbilaran City

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Vision: A premier S and T University for the formation of a world-class and virtuous human resource for sustainable
development in Bohol and the country.
Mission: BISU is committed to provide quality higher education in the arts and sciences, as well as in the
professional and technological fields; undertake research and development, and extension services for the
sustainable development of Bohol and the country.

Program : Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Sem/A.Y. : Sem 1/ 2023-2024
Course Code : CE 14
Course Title : CE Laws, Ethics and Contracts
Doctorand : Rasonabe, Mary Ann Toni N. BSCE –
4B
Professor : NENITA M. ABARADO, C.E. PH.D.T.M.
Topic : RA 544: An Act to Regulate the Practice of Civil
Engineering
in the Philippines

REACTION PAPER

A. Summary of The Topic

Republic Act 544 (An Act to Regulate the Practice of Civil Engineering
in the Philippines) is a legislative cornerstone that shapes the practice of
civil engineering in the country. It sets forth a comprehensive framework for
governing the profession, underscoring the importance of professional
licensure. This legislation ensures that individuals engaged in civil
engineering adhere to established standards and ethical practices,
ultimately safeguarding public safety and interest. A core component of
R.A. 544 is the requirement for aspiring civil engineers to undergo the Civil
Engineering Professional Licensure Examination, a rigorous assessment
that evaluates their competence and qualifications. Through this legal
framework, the Philippines seeks to maintain a high level of professional
excellence in the field of civil engineering while upholding ethical and
safety standards, fostering public trust and confidence in the industry.
B. Meaning
The topic of "RA 544: An Act to Regulate the Practice of Civil
Engineering in the Philippines" is a legislative framework that governs the
civil engineering profession within the Philippines. It sets the legal
standards and regulations for civil engineers, emphasizing the importance
of obtaining a professional license to practice in the country. This act is
aimed at maintaining high professional standards, ensuring ethical
conduct, and prioritizing public safety in civil engineering projects. RA 544
is an abbreviation refers to Republic Act No. 544, which is the specific legal
document that regulates the practice of civil engineering in the Philippines.
Civil Engineering Profession pertains to the occupation and practice of
engineering that involves designing, planning, and supervising the
construction and maintenance of infrastructure and other civil works.
Professional Licensure Examination is a standardized test that aspiring civil
engineers must pass to obtain a professional license to practice their
profession legally. Board of Civil Engineering is a regulatory body
responsible for implementing and enforcing the provisions of RA 544,
overseeing licensure examinations, and regulating the practice of civil
engineering in the Philippines. Regulations are rules and guidelines
outlined in the law to govern the conduct of civil engineers, ensuring
adherence to ethical standards and legal requirements.

C. Reaction
The legislative framework provided by RA 544 (An Act to Regulate the
Practice of Civil Engineering in the Philippines) is a cornerstone of the civil
engineering profession. It not only underlines the significance of obtaining
a professional license but also emphasizes the core values of our practice:
public safety, ethical conduct, and the unwavering commitment to a strict
code of ethics. The requirement for aspiring civil engineers to undergo the
Professional Licensure Examination serves as a testament to the rigorous
standards we uphold. It's a reminder that our work directly impacts the well-
being of the public and that we bear the responsibility of safeguarding their
interests. This legislation isn't just a set of rules; it's a reflection of our
collective dedication to upholding the integrity of our profession and
ensuring that our engineering work adheres to the highest ethical and
technical standards. It instills a sense of pride in being part of a profession
that plays a vital role in building a safer and more sustainable world.
D. Application
As a civil engineering student, understanding RA 544 and the
regulation of our profession in the Philippines is like discovering the
compass that guides my journey in this field. It's not just about the rules; it's
about the values they represent. This legal framework emphasizes two
core principles: public safety and ethical conduct. It reminds me that our
work as future engineers go beyond structures and designs; it's about
making sure that what we build is safe for everyone. RA 544 also highlights
the importance of the licensure exam, which isn't just a hurdle to jump; it's
a symbol of our commitment to competence and responsibility. This
knowledge pushes me to continuously strive for excellence, to keep
learning, and to stay updated with the latest industry standards. It
reinforces the idea that as engineers, we are entrusted with a tremendous
responsibility – to create a safer and more sustainable world through our
work, making every lesson in the classroom even more meaningful.