SUMMARIZATION PER ERA:

Spanish Colonial Era

-intramuros “upuan o para sa mga may katungkulan”
-Spanish-era Intramuros exemplified by Friar Architects from european standard,

maestro de obras maintaining (pueblos) towns' infrastructure, leading to bureau

formations and Maestro de Obras school establishment.

- founded Escuela Practica y Professional de Artes y Oficios de Manila, school for

Maestro de Obras.
First Philippine Republic
-Organic decree of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo establishing philippine revolutionary
government with 4 government departments.
- Mabini was replaced by paterno, seven departments were set up. Among them was
the Comunicaciones y Obras Públicas
American Regime
-establishment of engineering education institutions such as the Liceo de Manila and
the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Santo Tomas, the formation of
professional associations like the Philippine Society of Engineers and Civil Engineers,
and the enactment of legislation like the Engineers and Architects Law (Act No. 2985)
and the renaming of the Department of Commerce and Communications to the
Department of Public Works and Communications under Act No. 4007 in 1931, all
contributing to the development and professionalization of engineering and architectural
practices in the country.
Commonwealth Government
-In 1935, the enactment of Act Number 4211 allowed under-aged individuals to take
engineering board exams with a stipulation of refraining from practicing until reaching
the age of 21.
Japanese Occupation or WW2
During World War II, the outbreak of hostilities in 1941 resulted in the effective
dissolution of the Department of Public Works and Communications (DPWC) and other
government offices due to the war's impact, in which the DPWC became the
Department of National Defense, Public Works, Communications, and Labor under
President Manuel Quezon's Executive Order 396
After the War
-After World War II, the Philippines utilized reparations from Japan and aid from the US
government for infrastructure rehabilitation, leading to the reconstitution of the
Department of Public Works and Communications and the passing of laws regulating
architects and engineers' professions or enactment of the Contractor’s License Law
(R.A. No. 4566) in 1965.
Martial Law (Marcos’ Era)

-During the Martial Law era in the 1970s and early 1980s in the Philippines, significant
developments included the creation of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
to regulate all professions, the formation and recognition of the Philippine Institute of
Civil Engineers (PICE), the implementation of the National Building Code, and the
restructuring of government departments into Ministries to streamline public works,
transportation, and communications.

AFTER EDSA REVOLUTION

January 30, 1987
● By virtue of Executive Order No. 124, Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH) became the primar engineering and construction arm of the
government.
Executive Order No. 124 was issued on January 30, 1987, by then-President Corazon
C. Aquino of the Philippines. This executive order reorganized the Ministry of Public
Works and Highways (MPWH) and renamed it as the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH).
Planning: The DPWH is tasked with the strategic planning of infrastructure projects,
considering national development objectives and the needs of the populace. This
involves assessing current infrastructure, identifying areas for improvement, and
planning new projects to address these needs.
Design: Once the planning stage is completed, the department engages in detailed
design work for various infrastructure projects. This includes architectural and
engineering designs, ensuring the projects are structurally sound(little to no flaw in
structure), environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective.
Construction: The DPWH is responsible for the actual implementation of infrastructure
projects. This involves managing the construction process, coordinating with
contractors, overseeing the quality of work, and ensuring that projects are completed on
time and within budget.
Maintenance: Beyond construction, the DPWH also oversees the maintenance of
public infrastructure. This involves regular inspections, repairs, and upgrades to ensure
that roads, bridges, flood control systems, and other structures remain safe and
functional
● DPWH have five (5) bureaus, six (6) services, 16 regional offices, 24 project
management offices, 16 regional equipment services and 118 district engineering
offices.
The DPWH structure comprises five bureaus, six services, 16 regional offices, 24
project management offices, 16 regional equipment services, and 118 district
engineering offices. Each of these units plays a specific role in the planning, execution,
and management of infrastructure projects at various levels, from national to local.
1991
● Proclamation No. 799 issued on September 20, 1991 by President Corazon C.
Aquino declared “Civil Engineering Week” for the period of November 3 to 9,
1991.
● It is celebrated nationwide thru coordinated activities of all PICE chapters and the
PICE National Board culminating in the most successful well-attended ‘91 PICE
Annual convention with 1,400 plus registered participants.
Proclamation No. 799 was a testament to the government's acknowledgment and
appreciation of the valuable contributions made by civil engineers to the nation's
infrastructure and development. It aimed to honor their expertise, dedication, and role in
shaping a better future for the Filipinos through their work in the field of civil
engineering/ role of civil engineers in designing, constructing, and maintaining vital
infrastructure essential for the country's growth and well-being.
1993
● The Board of Civil Engineering (at PRC) held its first fully computerized (board)
examinations on May 29, 1993 and released the results on November 9, 1993.
This marked a significant shift from the traditional paper-based examination system to a
computerized format.The transition to computerized board examinations represented a
major advancement in the assessment and evaluation process for aspiring civil
engineers. This move aimed to modernize and improve the efficiency, accuracy, and
security of the examination procedure. The commitment of the Professional Regulation
Commission to embrace technological advancements in assessment methodologies,
ensuring a more rigorous and efficient evaluation of aspiring civil engineers while
maintaining the integrity of the licensure examinations.

● February 28, 1995

The Syllabi for the Subjects in the Civil Engineering licensure examinations were
promulgated.
This development was a crucial step in establishing standardized guidelines and
content specifications for the examinations taken by individuals aspiring to
become licensed civil engineers.

The applicant shall acquire a general average of 70% with no grade lower than 50% in
any given subjects.
● Applied mathematics, Surveying, Principles of Transportation and highway
engineering, Construction management and methods. (Calculus, differential
equations, Physics, numerical methods, transportation engineering[highway,
airport, ports and harbors, bridges])
● Hydraulics and principles of geotechnical engineering(fluid mechanics, buoyancy
and flotation, hydrodynamics)
● Principles of structural analysis and design( engineering mechanics [statics,
dynamics, kinematics of rigid bodies], Reinforced concrete beams and columns,
Application of governing codes of practice)
2003
● The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) and the Philippine Institute of Civil
Engineers (PICE) signed a joint resolution supporting the passage of Architecture
and Civil Engineering bills delineating their respective scope of practice and to
strengthen their collaborative efforts in common goals.
This initiative stemmed from the recognition of the need to establish clearer boundaries
and distinctions between the practice areas of architects and civil engineers. The bills
they advocated for would define and specify the specific responsibilities, duties, and
areas of expertise for each profession. Clarification of Scope of Practice, Legal
Framework and Regulation, Collaborative Efforts. This collaboration aims to ensure a
more structured and regulated professional environment, benefiting both practitioners
and the public they serve by enhancing the quality and accountability of services
provided in these fields.
2005
● In 2004, the Architecture Act was passed and signed into law. But in 2005, a
petition for declaratory relief filed on May 3, 2005 by the PICE and Engr. Leo
Cleto Gamolo to declare null and void Sections 302.3 and 302.4 of the Revised
Implementing Rules and Regulations (“Revised IRR”) of Presidential Decree No.
1096 (the “National Building Code”).

Republic Act No. 9266 or the Architecture Act of 2004 was enacted, and this law
established regulations regarding architectural practice in the Philippines. The National
Building Code, specifically Sections 302.3 and 302.4 of its Revised Implementing Rules
and Regulations (IRR), mandated that architectural documents submitted for building
permits had to be prepared, signed, and sealed by architects.

However, in 2005, the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) and Engr. Leo Cleto
Gamolo filed a petition for declaratory relief challenging the validity of Sections 302.3
and 302.4 of the Revised IRR. Their argument was based on the contention that these
provisions were in conflict with the National Building Code and Republic Act No. 544,
also known as the "Civil Engineering Law."
Their claim centered on the assertion that Civil Engineers should also have the right to
prepare, sign, and seal architectural documents for building permit applications. They
argued that the restrictions placed on Civil Engineers by the aforementioned sections of
the Revised IRR contradicted their rights as purportedly provided under the Civil
Engineering Law.

This legal challenge aimed to nullify the provisions in question, asserting that they were
contrary to the rights granted to Civil Engineers by the Civil Engineering Law and,
therefore, should not restrict their involvement in the preparation and approval of
architectural documents for building permits

The dispute essentially revolved around interpreting and reconciling the Architecture
Act, the National Building Code or Presidential Decree No. 1096, and Civil
engineering law or Republic Act No. 544 to determine the scope of practice and
authority granted to both architects and civil engineers in the context of preparing and
endorsing architectural documents for building permit applications.

2006
● Since November 2006 CE Board Exam, the Professional Regulation Commission
releases only Top 10 Board Exam Performers and stopped releasing the 11th to
20th places.
influenced by various factors, such as privacy considerations for candidates, changing
policies within the PRC, or adjustments in their reporting practices. This change could
aim to shift the focus away from ranking individual exam takers beyond the top
performers, possibly to reduce undue pressure or competition among candidates
● Executive Order No. 566 issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo dated
September 8, 2006 directing the Commission on Higher Education to regulate
the establishment and operation of review centers and similar entities that offer
 review classes and assistance to students preparing for professional licensure
examinations.
intent behind this order was likely to ensure the quality, standardization, and fairness of
review materials and processes offered by these review centers. By regulating these
institutions, the government sought to maintain the integrity of professional licensure
examinations and prevent any undue advantage or malpractice stemming from review
center operations.
January 29, 2008
● After several court hearings at the Manila Regional Trial Court, the PICE's motion
was denied and the RTC ruled in favor of the architects.
The case involving the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. (PICE) and Leo Cleto
Gamolo against the Secretary of Public Works and Highways, with the United Architects
of the Philippines as an intervenor-respondent, took place at the Regional Trial Court,
Branch 22 in Manila. The case was filed under Civil Case Number 05-112502 and
pertained to a petition for declaratory relief, injunction with a prayer for a Writ of
Preliminary Prohibition and/or Mandatory Injunction, and Temporary Restraining Order.

Following several court hearings, the Manila Regional Trial Court ruled against PICE's
motion and in favor of the architects. This decision meant that the court upheld the
validity and enforceability of Sections 302.3 and 302.4 of the Revised IRR, affirming the
requirement that architectural documents for building permits should be prepared,
signed, and sealed by architects.

Therefore, the court's decision supported the position of the architects and upheld the
existing provisions of the National Building Code, dismissing the claims made by PICE
and Leo Cleto Gamolo regarding the rights of civil engineers to undertake architectural
document preparation for building permits.

Architectural documents: plans, specifications, reports, drawings, tracings,

designs, calculations, computer models, sketches, notes, memorandums
January 5, 2012
 ● The issue was brought by the PICE to the Court of Appeals. The Court of
Appeals of the Philippines, in its decision granted the appeal of PICE and
reversed the Decision of the Regional Trial Court thus giving the Civil Engineers
the right to prepare, sign and seal Plans and Designs of Buildings.

“Highest court is the supreme court, Court of appeals is the second highest tribul
higher than Regional trial court (second level court), lowest is the municipal trial
court” PICE and Leo Cleto Gamolo appealed the decision made by the Manila
Regional Trial Court in favor of the architects. They contended that civil engineers
should have the right to prepare, sign, and seal certain architectural documents for
building projects, citing Republic Act No. 544 (the "Civil Engineering Law") as
supporting their claim to undertake such tasks. By overturning the earlier decision, the
Court of Appeals ruled in favor of PICE's argument, allowing civil engineers to
undertake the preparation and endorsement of certain architectural documents for
building permit applications.These documents included Vicinity Map/Location Plan, Site
Development Plan, Perspective, Floor Plans, Elevations, Sections, Reflected Ceiling
Plans, and similar architectural plans and designs. This decision altered the
interpretation and implementation of the National Building Code's provisions,
recognizing the expanded role of civil engineers in the preparation of specific
architectural plans and designs related to construction projects.

Throughout the history of civil engineering in the Philippines, there has been a

significant evolution marked by various milestones, changes in governance, and the

development of professional organizations. During the Spanish era until end of EDSA

revolution, civil engineers faced different obstacles. They faced social prejudices and

were restricted to the point that they are involved in legal battles and court decisions

determining their respective roles in the design and sealing of architectural documents.
Overall, the history of civil engineering in the Philippines reflects a journey marked by

advancements in education, professionalization, infrastructure development, and legal

regulations, contributing significantly to the nation's progress and growth in the field of

engineering and construction.