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RA 9266 Architecture Act of 2004 - Vocabulary Flashcards

RA 9266 and Related Frameworks: Architecture Regulation in the Philippines

  • Source: Republic Act No. 9266 (The Architecture Act of 2004) and related IRRs; repeals RA 545 and aligns with PD 1096 (National Building Code) in the broader regulatory landscape.

  • Purpose: provide a more responsive and comprehensive regulation for the registration, licensing, and practice of architecture; establish standards, governance, and ethical guidelines; ensure competent, virtuous, productive, and globally competitive architects through licensure and regulatory programs.

  • Context: RA 9266 describes the architecture profession and its governance, complements prior laws (RA 545, RA 544) and ties to REGULATORY bodies (PRC) and educational standards (CHED).

What RA 9266 covers (high level)

  • Defines architecture as the art and science of planning, designing, constructing buildings in their totality, considering environment, and guided by utility, strength, and beauty. ext{Architecture} = ext{planning} + ext{designing} + ext{constructing buildings (totality)} with emphasis on environment and the principles of utility, strength, and beauty.

  • Establishes roles, definitions, and scope of practice for architects.

  • Creates the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRBOA), under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

  • Sets qualifications for Board members and outlines terms, powers, and duties of the Board, including licensure and ethics oversight.

  • Provides for continuing professional development (CPD) and coordination with CHED for architecture education standards.

History and regulatory lineage

  • RA 9266 (March 17, 2004): Replaces RA 545 to regulate registration, licensing, and practice of architecture; enhances regulatory framework.

  • RA 545: Earlier act to regulate the practice of architecture in the Philippines; now superseded by RA 9266.

  • RA 544 (Civil Engineering): Cited as a comparative or related act in the history section; historical context shows evolution of professional regulation in the construction disciplines.

  • History note: 1950s and onwards show a progression toward more integrated licensure, licensure examinations, and professional standards.

Article I: General Provisions

  • Section 2. Policy

    • The State recognizes the importance of architects in nation-building and development.

    • Goals: develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive, well-rounded architects who are excellent, qualitative, world-class, and globally competitive.

    • Regulatory measures include honest, effective, credible licensure examinations and regulatory programs for professional growth.

  • Section 3. Definition of Terms (key terms summarized below)

    • ARCHITECT: professionally and academically qualified, registered, licensed; advocates fair and sustainable development; addresses welfare and cultural expression of society’s habitat in terms of space, forms, and historical context.

    • ARCHITECT-OF-RECORD: directly and professionally responsible; civil liability for plans, specifications, and contract documents.

    • ARCHITECT-IN-CHARGE OF CONSTRUCTION: responsible for construction supervision.

    • CONSULTING ARCHITECT: with exceptional or recognized expertise or specialization in any branch of architecture.

    • GENERAL PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE: planning, architectural design, structural conceptualization, specifying, supervising, and directing erection or alteration of buildings and environments; inclusive of architectural design in engineering structures or parts thereof.

    • SCOPE OF THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE: professional services related to site, planning, design, construction, enlargement, conservation, renovation, remodeling, restoration, or alteration of buildings or groups of buildings.

    • SERVICES MAY INCLUDE (non-exhaustive): planning and designing; consultation and advisory services; schematic design and contract documents; feasibility studies; cost estimates and bidding documents; project and construction management; space planning and interiors; building systems (MEP, acoustics, lighting); regulations compliance; and other works requiring architectural competence, including teaching and architectural CAD.

    • STRUCTURAL CONCEPTUALIZATION: conceptualizing and developing the structural elements with emphasis on safety, cost-effectiveness, functionality, and aesthetics.

    • Architectural Firm: legal entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation) registered with proper government agencies.

    • Authorship: author(s) of architectural plans or specifications who are in charge of their preparation.

    • Board: Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRB/Board).

    • Commission: Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

    • Service Agreement: notarized contract stipulating scope of services and compensation for services by a registered and licensed architect.

    • Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization: national organization of all architects in the Philippines; membership is required for all registered architects; CPD is a formal process for continuing education.

    • DTI and SEC: relevant government agencies referenced in definitions (e.g., corporate and business registrations).

Article I: General Provisions (Definitions) – Key terms in more detail

  • ARCHITECT: qualified, registered, licensed; aims include advancement of space, forms, and historical context; ethical practice and professional development.

  • ARCHITECT-OF-RECORD and ARCHITECT-IN-CHARGE OF CONSTRUCTION: delineated roles with civil liability provisions.

  • CONSULTING ARCHITECT: recognized specialization; used for specific project requirements.

  • GENERAL PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE: encompasses planning, design, conceptualization, specifications, supervision, and administration for erection or alteration of buildings; includes architectural design in engineering contexts.

  • STRUCTURAL CONCEPTUALIZATION: process of choosing and developing structural disposition with safety, cost-effectiveness, functionality, and aesthetics in mind.

  • SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS: contract clarity on scope and compensation; ensures professional accountability.

  • INTEGRATED AND ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION: mandatory professional body framework that all Filipino architects should be part of; CPD is integral to professional growth.

  • CHED: Coordination with higher education policies to ensure architecture programs meet standards.

Article I: Scope and Practical Provisions

  • SCOPE OF PRACTICE: professional services associated with site planning, design, construction, renovation, restoration, and related architectural works.

  • Detailed scope includes planning, layout, interior architecture, space planning, building systems coordination, and related activities.

  • SERVICES INCLUDE (illustrative list):

    • (a) Planning, architectural designing, structural conceptualization

    • (b) Consultation, evaluation, site analysis, pre-design services

    • (c) Schematic design, design development, contract documents, construction phases

    • (d) Feasibility studies, project models, and promotional services

    • (e) Preparation of architectural plans, specifications, bills of materials, cost estimates, bid documents

    • (f) Construction management, project administration, supervision, coordination

    • (g) Space utilization, housing design, interior architecture, acoustics, lighting, mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) layouts

    • (h) Building programming, conservation, restoration

    • (i) Coordination of all works for complete building production and safety

    • (j) All other works requiring architectural competence, including teaching and CAD activities

  • The definition of ARCHITECTURAL FIRM, Authorship, and Service Agreement clarifies professional ownership and contract relationships.

Article I: Structural and Conceptualization Details

  • STRUCTURAL CONCEPTUALIZATION: entails choosing and developing the structural type, arrangement, and proportions with emphasis on safety, cost-effectiveness, functionality, and aesthetics.

  • The act recognizes the architectural firm as a practice vehicle and the importance of clear authorship for plans and specifications.

Article I: Administrative and Organizational Terms

  • Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization (IAPO) is the official national organization of all registered Filipino architects; membership is broad-based to facilitate collective professional governance.

  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD): formal process to sustain and enhance knowledge and capability; CPD guidelines are to be prescribed by the PRB and reviewed by the Commission.

  • DTI and SEC: referenced for business/commercial compliance (e.g., firm registrations, corporate structures).

Article II: Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRB) – Creation and Composition

  • Section 4. Creation and Composition

    • The Board is a collegial body under the supervision of the PRC.

    • Composition includes: a Chairman and two (2) Members.

    • Appointed by the President from lists of three (3) recomendees per position, submitted by the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects.

  • Section 5. Qualifications of Members

    • Filipino citizen and resident of the Philippines.

    • Holder of a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from an accredited/recognized school, college, or university (Philippines or abroad).

    • Architect with a valid Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card (PIC); active practitioner for at least ten (10) years at appointment.

    • Not a member of the faculty of any architecture teaching institution at the time of appointment, nor hold pecuniary interests in such institutions; prior resignations required if previously teaching; no conviction for crimes involving moral turpitude; not an elective officer of IAPO or other architectural organizations.

  • Section 6. Term of Office

    • Three (3) years per term; vacancies filled for the unexpired term.

    • Each member may be reappointed for one full term of three (3) years.

    • Initial appointments: one member as Chairman for three (3) years; one member for two (2) years; one member for one (1) year, to stagger terms. Incumbent members may continue until new Board is organized, and may be appointed to the First Board.

Article II: Powers and Functions of the Board (Section 7)

  • Core duties:

    • Prescribe and adopt the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9266 for carrying out the law.

    • Supervise the registration, licensure, and practice of architects.

    • Administer oaths for licensure processes.

    • Issue, suspend, reinstate, or revoke the Certificate of Registration and the Professional Identification Card (PIC).

    • Adopt an official seal for the Board.

    • Monitor conditions affecting architectural practice and adopt measures to enhance high professional, ethical, and technical standards.

    • Prescribe the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice.

    • Hear and decide administrative cases involving violations of RA 9266, IRR, and the Code of Ethics; issue subpoenas as needed; judgments may be final and executory after 15 days unless appealed to the Commission, and further appeal to the Court of Appeals.

  • Additional functions:

    • Prescribe guidelines for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program in consultation with the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects; CPD attendance is not mandatory for PIC renewal.

    • Prepare, adopt, issue, or amend syllabi for licensure examinations; determine questions within the syllabus scope; administer and release licensure results; ensure exam integrity.

    • Approve, issue, limit, or cancel temporary or special permits to practice architecture.

    • In coordination with CHED, ensure architecture programs meet policy standards in curriculum, faculty, library, and facilities; MOA with CHED may be pursued for orderly implementation.

    • Develop plans for full computerization of licensure examination; discharge other duties necessary for professional enhancement and growth; ensure Board policies are subject to Commission review.

    • Board decisions in admin cases are subject to review via appeal; other Board resolutions are subject to Commission oversight.

    • All Board records and exam-related materials are under the Commission’s custody/provision of secretariat and support services.

  • Section 7 (continuation): The Board operates under administrative supervision of the Commission; its policies and resolutions are subject to Commission review; Board decisions remain subject to appeal processes.

Article II: Administrative Organization and Records (Section 8–9)

  • Section 8. Administrative Supervision of the Board; Custodian of Records; Secretariat and Support Services

    • The Board is under the administrative supervision of the PRC.

    • The Commission designates a Secretary and provides the necessary secretariat to implement RA 9266.

    • All records, including licensure applications, exam questions and answers, and investigative documents, are under Commission custody.

  • Section 9. Grounds for Suspension or Removal of Board Members

    • Neglect of duty or incompetence.

    • Violation or tolerance of violations of RA 9266, its IRR, or the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice.

    • Final judgments of crimes involving moral turpitude.

    • Manipulation or rigging of licensure exam results; disclosure of confidential information; tampering with grades.

Article II: Administrative Procedures and Reporting

  • Section 10. Compensation and Allowances

    • Chairman and Board members receive compensation and allowances comparable to those of other regulatory boards under the Commission, as provided by the General Appropriations Act.

  • Section 11. Annual Report

    • The Board must submit an annual report to the Commission detailing proceedings, actions, and recommendations for the year.

Implementation, Education, and Practical Implications

  • IRR and PD 1096: RA 9266 is complemented by implementing rules and regulations that govern the Architecture Act and alignment with the National Building Code (PD 1096) for building standards and regulatory compliance.

  • CPD and ethics: The Board is tasked with creating CPD guidelines and ensuring ongoing professional development, including ethical standards and disciplinary processes.

  • Education alignment: Through CHED, architecture education programs must meet curricular, faculty, library, and facility standards to ensure graduates are prepared for licensure and professional practice.

  • Licensure-process integrity: The framework emphasizes robust licensure exams, secure handling of examination materials, and prevention of malpractice or manipulation.

  • Public accountability: The architecture profession is regulated to protect life, health, property, and the public interest; regulation aims to promote quality in the built environment.

Connections to broader professional practice

  • The Architecture Act of 2004 sits within a broader Philippine regulatory ecosystem that includes the PRC, CHED, and professional organizations (e.g., UAP and other IAPOs).

  • The Act emphasizes regulated practice, ethical conduct, and ongoing education as foundations for a profession that contributes to national development and global competitiveness.

  • The Act aligns with the National Building Code to ensure consistency in design, safety, and construction standards across architectural projects.

Key takeaways for exam preparedness

  • RA 9266 establishes the architecture profession’s regulatory framework, replacing RA 545 and setting up PRBOA under PRC.

  • Core definitions to memorize: Architect, Architect-of-Record, Architect-in-Charge of Construction, Consulting Architect, General Practice of Architecture, Scope of Practice, Services, Structural Conceptualization, and Service Agreement.

  • Board composition and qualifications emphasize demonstrated architectural experience (≥10 years) and ethical fitness; terms are staggered to ensure continuity.

  • Board powers include licensing, discipline, CE requirements (CPD), exam administration, and coordination with CHED for education standards; implementation rules are critical to practice.

  • Administrative aspects cover oaths, seals, record custody, and accountability through annual reporting and disciplinary processes.

Quick reference formulas and numeric references

  • Board term length: 3 years per term (with staggered terms for initial members).

  • Minimum active practice requirement for Board appointment: 10 years.

  • Mandatory annual reporting: as part of Board duties; specifics are set by the Commission.

  • CPD guidelines: established by the Board in consultation with IAPO; attendance may not be mandatory for PIC renewal depending on policy.

Hypothetical scenarios and implications

  • Scenario: A registered architect is found to have manipulated licensure results.

    • The Board may suspend or revoke the Certificate of Registration and PIC, administer sanctions, and refer to the Commission or courts as appropriate.

  • Scenario: A new architecture program is proposed by a university.

    • The Board, in coordination with CHED, evaluates curriculum, faculty, library, and facilities to ensure compliance with policy standards; MOA with CHED may be pursued; licensure examination content is aligned with syllabi developed by the Board.

  • Scenario: A private architectural firm seeks to operate under a service agreement.

    • The contract would specify scope and compensation; authorship and responsibility for plans/specs would be clearly allocated to the Architect of Record and, where applicable, the Architect-in-Charge of Construction.

Real-world relevance

  • RA 9266 framework ensures public safety and quality in the built environment by enforcing professional standards, ethical practices, and continuous education.

  • The architecture profession remains globally competitive through standardized licensure, rigorous examinations, and alignment with international best practices and local building codes.