Republic Act No. 9297 – Chemical Engineering Law of 2004 (Philippines)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Republic Act No. 9297 (Chemical Engineering Law of 2004) for exam preparation.

Republic Act No. 9297

The Chemical Engineering Law of 2004 in the Philippines; regulates the practice of chemical engineering, supports national development, enhances educational quality, and restricts practice to Filipino citizens.

Practice of chemical engineering

Any rendering of professional chemical engineering services, even without compensation.

Industrial plant

Any plant or installation where raw materials are converted into useful products through chemical or physical processes.

Unit process

A chemical step where substances undergo a chemical change or reaction, resulting in new substances.

Unit operation

A physical step or process in which no chemical change occurs; involves movement, separation, or transformation without changing chemical structure.

Professional chemical engineering subjects

Core topics such as thermodynamics, calculations, heat transfer, process design, waste management, etc.

Chemical engineer

A person officially registered and holding a valid Certificate and ID from the Board and PRC.

Scope of Practice

Consultation, investigation, feasibility studies, design, supervision of installation; teaching or reviewing relevant subjects.

Board of Chemical Engineering (PRC)

Board under the PRC, composed of one Chairman and two Members appointed by the President from nominees by accredited national chemical engineering organizations.

Powers & duties of the Board

Licensure exams, issuing Certificates of Registration and ID Cards, special permits or recognition, inspecting workplaces, coordinating with CHED, crafting Code of Ethics, investigating complaints, administering oaths, publishing reports, and prosecuting violators.

Qualifications of Board Members

Must be natural-born Filipino; hold a BSCHE (or equivalent); at least 10 years of active practice; in good standing; no conflicts of interest in academia.

Term of Office

Three-year terms for the Chairman and Members; renewable; incumbents remain until successors are appointed.

Secretary of the Board

Appointed by PRC to handle minutes and duties; compensated by the Commission.

Removal/Suspension

Board members can be suspended or removed by the PRC for neglect, incompetence, examination irregularities, or unethical conduct—after due process.

Annual Report

The Board must submit an annual operations report to the Commission.

Examination Requirement

Passing the licensure exam is mandatory to practice Chemical Engineering.

Examination Schedule

Exams are held twice a year, on dates and venues set by the PRC.

Exam Scope

Subjects include Physical & Chemical Principles, General Engineering, and Chemical Engineering; Chemical Engineering accounts for at least 40% of the exam.

Exam Qualifications

Filipino citizens; of good moral character; graduates or equivalents of recognized BS Chemical Engineering programs; without convictions involving moral turpitude.

Exam Fees

Fees determined by the Board/PRC.

Report of Ratings

Papers graded within 20 days; results published by PRC within 30 days thereafter.

Registration Documents

Certificate of Registration (minimum 70% average and 50% per subject) and Professional ID card issued upon passing, signed and authenticated by the Board Chair/Members and PRC Commissioner.

Professional Seal

Seal with name, registration number, and 'Registered Chemical Engineer' legend—used on professional documents.

Foreign Reciprocity

Foreign chemical engineers enjoy privileges only if their home country reciprocates for Filipino CHEs.

Exemptions

Foreign chemical engineers may be exempt from full registration if invited as experts for specific projects or directly hired as professors/lecturers; credentials verified.

Suspension/Revocation

Certificates may be revoked or suspended for misrepresentation, acts against the profession, or moral turpitude; complaints may be initiated by anyone or by the Board motu proprio.

Reissuance/Replacement

The Board may reissue revoked or lost certificates upon petition and payment of fees.

Vested Rights

Chemical engineers already registered at the law's enactment are automatically registered.

Who May Practice

Only licensed individuals may practice; firms cannot be registered under the profession's name, but registered engineers can form partnerships with other engineers/architects and may use titles like 'Chemical Engineers.'

Prohibitions

Misdemeanor to practice without valid registration and ID; to use another’s certificate or impersonate; provide false documentation to obtain a certificate.