PRO PRAC
1.1 OVERVIEW OF ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICES
Architecture came out in 1921
RA 9266
An Act Providing For A More Responsive And Comprehensive Registration, Licensing And Architecture, Repealing For Republic Act No. 545, As Amended, Otherwise Known As "An Act To Regulate The Practice Of Architecture In The Philippines," And For Other Purposes
The Architecture Act of 2004
Philippine Regulatory Board Of Architecture
The 2006 – 2012 Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRBoA), which started with its first member on 3 November 2006, was fully reconstituted as of 30 March 2007 in full compliance with Republic Act No. 9266 (The Architecture Act of 2004).
The PRBoA is one of 46 Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
active in the areas of executive action relating to the implementation and enforcement of Republic Act No. 9266 (otherwise known as the PH “Architecture Act of 2004″)
regulates the practice of foreign architects (FA)
administers the Licensure Examination for Architects (LEA)
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
Felix Roxas y Arroyo of Binondo Manila
LPA, APGA, PIA = United Architects of the Philippines
3 representatives from Panel of negotiation in May 1973
March 22-25, 1979 conference about architectural curriculum
IMPORTANT DATES
June 1950 – RA no.544 no sign seal architectural plans, vice versa
June 1950 – RA. no.545 only registered archs. Can sign n seal
June 1956 – RA. no. 1581 –
Feb 1977 – PD. no.1096 AKA 1977 NBCP by pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos
Laws on planning and land development
Picture sa ppt XD
RA. 8981 PRC MODERNIZATION ACT
2 important functions:
Conduct and administer licensure exams
Regulate and supervise professions
3 person
Full time chairperson – ar. Robert mirafuente
Full time commissioners (7 years) – ar. Conrad onglao3
Senior – corazon tandoc
PRBOA
Nov 3, 2006 first members
Fully reconstituted mar 30, 2007
Administers LEA
RA. 386 CIVIL CODE OF PHILIPPINES - AN ACT TO ORDAIN AND INSTITUTE THE CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Basic law of construction, property rights, contracts, etc.
Article 1713 – bind to work of the employer with compensation.
Article 1714 –
Article 1723 – The liability for building collapse within 15 years, service agreement
RULE I: TITLE, POLICY STATEMENT, DEFINITION OF TERMS, AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE
This IRR is the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 9266 (Architecture Act of 2004).
Titled as the Rules and Regulations implementing the provisions of RA 9266.
May be cited as the IRR of the Architecture Act of 2004.
SECTION 1: Title
The rules shall be known as the IRR of the Architecture Act of 2004.
SECTION 2: Statement of Policy
The State recognizes the importance of architects in nation-building and development.
Goals:
Develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive, and well-rounded professional architects.
Ensure standards of practice and service are excellent, qualitative, world-class, and globally competitive.
Mechanisms:
Inviolable, honest, effective, and credible licensure examinations.
Regulatory measures, programs, and activities that foster professional growth and development.
SECTION 3: Definition of Terms
A person professionally and academically qualified, registered and licensed under RA 9266 with a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card (PIC) issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRBoA) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Major defined terms include:
Architecture: The art, science, or profession of planning, designing, and constructing buildings in their totality, considering environment, utility, strength, and beauty.
Architect: A person professionally and academically qualified with recognized expertise or specialization in architecture.
Architect-of-record: Directly and professionally responsible for the total design of the project for the client; assumes civil liability for signed and sealed plans, specs, and contract documents.
Architect-in-charge of construction: Directly and professionally responsible and liable for construction supervision.
Consulting Architect: A defined role within practice.
General Practice of Architecture: Act of planning, architectural design, structural conceptualization, specification, supervision, administration, and direction in erection, enlargement, or alteration of buildings and environments.
Scope of the Practice of Architecture: Enumerates activities including planning, design, consultation, site analysis, etc.
Structural Conceptualization: Choosing and developing the type, disposition, arrangement, and proportioning of structural elements with safety, cost-effectiveness, functionality, and aesthetics in mind.
Architectural Firm: A sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation registered with DTI/SEC and then with the BOA and PRC.
Authorship: The author(s) of architectural plans/specifications who are responsible for their preparation.
Board: The official national organization of all registered architects in the Philippines; membership is required.
Commission: The PRC.
Service Agreement: A notarized written contract stipulating the scope of services and guaranteed compensation, signed by a registered and licensed architect; violation may ground civil liability under Art. 1723 of the Civil Code.
Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization (IAPOA): A formal grouping of architects or firms working in joint venture on a project basis.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Ongoing learning process to maintain/enhance knowledge and abilities.
DTI: Department of Trade and Industry.
SEC: Securities and Exchange Commission.
Association: Any professional association related to the practice.
Architectural Company: A juridical entity synonymous with Architectural Partnership, registered with SEC.
Architectural Documents: Drawings, specs, and other outputs that only an Architect can sign/seal.
Architectural Interiors: Detailed planning/design of indoor/enclosed areas including retrofit/renovation and integration with building systems.
Architectural Partnership: Two or more architects registered with SEC and then with BOA.
Architectural Plans: Certificate bearing a registration number issued by the PRC via BOA, signifying licensure.
Building: A structure for habitation and other uses.
Certificate of Registration: Issued by PRC through BOA confirming licensure.
Code of Ethical Conduct: Norms/principles governing ethical practice.
Copyright (Ownership): Intellectual property rights retained by an Architect over architectural documents/work; includes control over reproduction or erection of buildings reproducing the work.
Contract Documents: Documents attached to the contract (Special Provisions, General Conditions, Drawings, Specifications, other bid documents).
CPD Providers: Providers accredited/registered with the BOA to deliver CPD modules.
Diversified Architectural Experience (DAE): Two-year post-baccalaureate, pre-licensure experience in varied phases of architectural service; credits required for licensure.
Foreign Architect: Architect not a Filipino citizen nor locally registered/licensed, but licensed in home country.
Filipino Counterpart: Local counterpart in joint/foreign projects.
Ownership: Proprietary rights to architectural work (plans/designs) by the client/commissioning entity for the original project, with restrictions on reuse.
Planning: Physical planning at site, community, or urban level by an Architect.
Physical Planner: Architect specializing in detailed physical planning of land/property for vertical structures.
Physical Planning: Detailed physical planning of land or property for proposed structures.
Professional: Someone with name and license registered in the PRC; legally authorized to practice.
Professional Identification Card (PIC): ID showing licensure.
Site Planning: Detailed site development planning around a building within property limits.
Standards of Professional Practice: Defines all aspects of professional service, prescribes minimum basic fees, rights, and obligations of architect and client.
Sole Proprietorship: Business form.
Specialization: Expertise/knowledge enabling engagement as Consulting Architect.
Syllabi: Outlines topics for licensure exams.
Technology Transfer: Contracts transferring systematic knowledge for manufacture, application, or service delivery including IP rights transfers.
Urban Design: Planning concepts and techniques at urban scale including ecological, socio-psychological, aesthetic, and functional bases.
SECTION 4: (General carryover definitions continuing from Section 3)
Additional definitions include: Architectural Firm, Authorship, Board, Commission, Integrated/Accredited Professional Organization, CPD Providers, and related terms listed above with precise textual intent.
SECTION 5–8: General preface to Board and policy alignment
Establishes that the definitions and scope support professional standards, licensure processes, and the regulatory framework for architecture practice in the Philippines.
RULE II: PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE: ORGANIZATION, POWERS, AND FUNCTIONS
SECTION 4: Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board
The Board is composed of a chairman and two (2) members appointed by the President of the Philippines.
Appointments come from a list of three (3) recommendees chosen from five (5) nominees for each position, submitted to the Commission by the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization (IAPOA).
SECTION 5: Qualifications of Members of the Professional Regulatory Board
Candidates must be:
A Filipino citizen and resident.
Holder of a CHED-accredited Architecture degree.
Architect with a valid PRC Certificate of Registration and active practice for at least ten (10) years.
Not a current faculty member in architecture-related institutions.
Never convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
SECTION 6: Term of Office
Board members serve a term of three (3) years and may be reappointed for one additional term.
The Chair and members are assigned terms of three, two, and one year respectively to stagger board leadership.
SECTION 7: Powers and Functions of the Board
(a) Prescribe/adopt IRR for RA 9266.
(b) Supervise registration, licensure, and practice; administer oaths.
(c) Issue, suspend, revoke, or reinstate CoR and PIC; official seal.
(d) Administer the Board’s seal; monitor practice conditions.
(e) Adopt a Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice.
(f) Hear/decide administrative cases related to violations of RA 9266, IRR, ethics, or practice standards; may issue subpoenas.
(g) Prescribe CPD guidelines in coordination with IAPOA.
(h) Prepare licensing examination syllabi, administer/correct results, and publish results.
(i) Approve special/permanent permits to practice.
(j) Coordinate with CHED to ensure architecture education standards (curriculum, faculty, library, facilities).
(k) Adopt a program for full computerization of licensure examinations.
(l) Perform other duties for professional enhancement and educational growth.
SECTION 8: Administrative Supervision and Custodian of Records
The Board is under the Commission’s supervision; records are under the Commission’s custody.
SECTION 9: Grounds for Suspension or Removal of Board Members
Grounds include neglect of duty, violation of RA 9266/IRR/Code of Ethics, or moral turpitude convictions.
SECTION 10–11: Compensation and Annual Reporting
Board members receive compensation/allowances comparable to other regulatory boards; annual reports to the Commission.
RULE III: EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION AND LICENSURE
SECTION 12: Examination Required
All applicants must undergo licensure examination administered by the Board in locations/dates designated by the Commission (per RA 8981).
SECTION 13: Qualifications of Applicant for Examination
Applicants must be:
Filipino or meet reciprocal qualifications per Sec. 27, Art. IV RA 9266.
Hold a degree in Architecture from CHED-accredited school.
Have at least two (2) years (or equivalent) of diversified architectural experience.
Master’s Degree in Architecture can credit one (1) year; foreign Masters may affect credits as recognized by the Board.
DOCUMENTS required for exam (Sec. 13 and related):
(1) Certificate of Live Birth (NSO) Security Paper.
(2) Marriage Contract (NSO Security Paper) for married female applicants.
(3) College Diploma with graduation date and Special Order Number (if required).
(4) Baccalaureate Transcript of Records with graduation date and Special Order Number (if required). BA OR BSARCH
(5) Diversified Training (DT Form 001).
(6) Diversified Training (DT Form 002).
(7) Architect-Mentor Affidavit.
(8) Photocopy of Architect-Mentor’s PIC (professional identification card), PTR (professional tax reciept) and IAPOA number.
(9) NBI Clearance.
SECTION 14: Subjects for Examination (History, Theory, Practice)
Part I–IV structure appears in the transcript; specifics include:
History, Theory of Architecture.
Principles of Planning and Architectural Practice.
Theory of Architecture.
Urban Design.
Building Materials and Methods.
Structural Design.
Utilities.
Architectural Design and Site Planning; and related subtopics.
SECTION 15: Rating in the Licensure Examination
A candidate must obtain a weighted general average of , with no subject scoring below .
SECTION 16: Report of Ratings
The Board submits ratings to the Commission within thirty (30) days after the examination; ratings may be distributed to successful examinees during mass oathtaking.
SECTION 17: Oath
Successful candidates take an oath before a Board member, government official, or legally authorized person.
SECTION 18: Issuance of Certificates of Registration and PIC
Upon passing, CoR(cert of reg.) and PIC(profes. dentification card) are issued subject to prescribed fees.
PIC
Renewals require annual registration fees every three (3) years.
reg no.
exp. date
signed by chairperson
SECTION 19: Roster of Architects
The Board maintains a roster listing names, businesses, and other data of all registered architects; updated regularly.
SECTION 20: Seal, Issuance and Use of Seal
A registered architect must seal architectural plans, drawings, specs, contract documents with the Board-prescribed seal, indicating name, registration number, and title “Architect”.
Seal validity is life of certificate.
SECTION 21: Indication of CoR/PIC and PTR on documents
Documents signed by an architect must indicate CoR/ PIC and PTR details.
SECTION 22: Refusal to Issue CoR/PIC
The Board may refuse issuance for false swearing, moral turpitude, unsound mind, or other disqualifications.
SECTION 23: Suspension and Revocation of CoR/PIC or Special Permits
Grounds include signing/attesting to others’ work without supervision, improper payment, impersonation, practicing without service guarantee, or violation of RA 9266/IRR/ethics.
SECTION 24: Re-issuance or Replacement after Revocation
After two (2) years from revocation, re-issuance may be permitted upon application.
May be exempted from retaking the exam in proper cases.
RULE IV: PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE (SUNDRY PROVISIONS)
SECTION 25: Registration of Architects Required
No one shall practice architecture or use the title Architect without CoR and PIC.
Foreign architects staying in the Philippines to practice architecture may be engaged only under authorized temporary/special permits and proper oversight.
SECTION 26: Vested Rights of Architects Registered when RA 9266 Took Effect
Architects registered at the law’s effectivity are automatically continued under RA 9266 with equal validity of their existing certificates.
SECTION 27: Reciprocity Requirements
Non-Filipino applicants cannot take the licensure exam unless the country of citizenship provides equivalent rights to Filipino professionals.
Foreign reciprocity requires formal establishment of reciprocity between the applicant’s country and the Philippines.
SECTION 28: Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
The integrated/accredited professional organization (IAPOA/UAP) develops an overall CPD program for architects.
CPD program must be maintained.
SECTION 29: Prohibition in the Practice of Architecture and Penal Clause
Unregistered practice is a misdemeanor with fines of at least to a maximum of or imprisonment of at least 6 months to 6 years, or both.
SECTION 30: Prohibition in Practice (General)
It is unlawful to practice without a proper written contract or permit; penalties include fines and imprisonment.
SECTION 31: Liability of Representatives of Non-Registered Persons
It is unlawful for non-registered persons or entities to have representatives practice architecture.
Both the represented and the representatives can be charged.
SECTION 32: Signing and Sealing of Plans and Contract Documents
It is unlawful to sign/seal documents prepared by another architect without proper attribution.
The Architect-of-record bears ultimate responsibility for documents.
SECTION 33: Ownership of Plans, Specifications and Other Contract Documents
Drawings/specifications are intellectual property of the architect.
Duplicating for other projects without consent is prohibited.
All contract documents must include ownership notice.
SECTION 34: Non-Registered Persons Shall Not Claim Equivalent Service
Non-registered individuals cannot claim capabilities equivalent to those of a registered Architect.
SECTION 35: Government Positions Requiring Architects
Within three (3) years from RA 9266 effectivity, all government positions involving architecture must be filled by licensed architects.
SECTION 36: Collection of Professional Fees
Unregistered individuals cannot legally collect architectural fees.
Only employees representing registered architects may collect fees.
SECTION 37: Limitation on Registration of Firms/Companies/Partnerships/Corporations
Firm ownership must be Filipino-architect-led (75% ownership by licensed Filipino architects).
Entities must be registered with SEC and BOA.
SECTION 38: Coverage of Temporary/Special Permits for Foreign Nationals
Foreign professionals may practice under temporary permits with a Filipino counterpart.
Foreign entities must meet certain prerequisites and ensure technology transfer, local liability, and display of Architect-of-record name.
SECTION 39: Liability Insurance for Temporary Permit Practitioners
Foreign nationals practicing under temporary permits must secure local professional liability insurance commensurate with project scope.
RULE V: FINAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 40: Integration of the Architecture Profession
Architecture must be integrated into one national organization accreditable by the BOA.
The integrated organization must be SEC-registered as a non-profit/non-stock corporation with democratic by-laws.
An architect registered with PRC automatically becomes a member of the integrated professional organization (UAP as IAPOA).
UAP (Integrated Accredited Professional Organization) role includes:
Representing architects in BOA nominations.
CPD program development.
Endorsing foreign nationals for temporary permits.
Recommending liability insurance compliance.
Monitoring compliance and filing complaints with Board/Commission for RA 9266/IRR/Code of Ethics violations.
SECTION 41: Implementing Rules and Regulations
Within 60 days after RA 9266’s effectivity, the Board, with the Commission and IAPOA, shall adopt further rules, Code of Ethical Conduct, and Standards of Professional Practice.
These rules become effective 15 days after publication or after two major daily newspapers.
SECTION 42: Appropriations
The PRC Chair shall include RA 9266 implementation in the Commission’s programs.
Initial implementation funding charged to current year budget.
SECTION 43: Acts Not Affecting Other Professionals
RA 9266 does not affect the practice of other legally recognized professions.
SECTION 44: Enforcement
It is the Commission and Board’s primary duty to enforce RA 9266 and the IRR.
SECTION 45: Separability Clause
If any section or application is unconstitutional, the remainder remains in effect.
SECTION 46: Repealing Clause
Provisions inconsistent with the IRR or RA 9266 supersede/repeal/amend accordingly.
SECTION 47: Effectivity
The IRR takes effect 15 days after full publication in the Official Gazette or two major newspapers, upon approval by the Commission.
Signatories:
Chairman, Members, and Attest/Approve lines (Eugene G. Gan; Fernando L. Santos; Miguel R. Caluza; etc.).
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT AND CROSS-REFERENCES
Related acts and standards cited across the transcript include:
RA 9266 (Architecture Act of 2004).
RA 545 (as amended).
RA 1581.
PD 223 (as amended).
RA 8981 (PRC Modernization Act).
BP 344 (Accessibility Law).
PD 1096 (NBC).
RA 9514 (Fire Code of 2008).
BP 220 (Housing Standards).
PD 957 (Subdivision and Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree); and Rule VII & VIII amendments.
The outline indicates institutional stakeholders:
BOA (Board of Architecture).
PRC (Professional Regulation Commission).
CHED (Commission on Higher Education).
UAP (United Architects of the Philippines) as IAPOA.
SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission).
DTI (Department of Trade and Industry).
DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment).
CIAC (Construction Industry Arbitration Commission).
IAPOA/UAP membership requirements, and CPD accreditation.
Practical implications and themes:
Emphasis on licensure integrity, ethical conduct, and professional liability.
Clear delineation of roles (Architect-of-record vs. Architect-in-charge of construction vs. Consulting Architect).
Strong emphasis on CPD and continuous learning to maintain competencies.
Regulation of practice through explicit penalties to deter unlicensed practice and misrepresentation.
Mechanisms for foreign participation with safeguards (Filipino counterpart, liability, technology transfer, and temporary permits).
Administrative and governance structure designed to supervise, regulate, and improve architectural education and practice nationwide.
Numerical references and formulas present in the IRR notes
Licensure examination passing requirement:
weighted average.
No subject below .
Penalties:
Minimum .
Maximum .
Imprisonment 6 months to 6 years.
Tenure:
Board members’ terms are three years.
Staggered terms begin with a 3/2/1 year allocation.
Payment/budget references:
Annual registration renewal occurs every three (3) years.
CPD and program funding to be provided through Commission appropriations.
Effectivity and publication requirements:
Rules become effective 15 days after publication.
Implementing regulations to be published in Official Gazette or two major newspapers.
Connections to foundational principles and real-world relevance
Licensure and professional regulation align with standard civil-service-like governance to maintain public safety in construction and urban development.
The architecture-specific liabilities (Art. 1723 of the Civil Code) formalize civil liability for architects, reinforcing accountability in design and supervision.
The integration of a national professional body (UAP as IAPOA) mirrors common professional regulation structures that balance self-regulation with government oversight.
Recourse for foreign practitioners mirrors international practice standards and emphasizes local capacity-building via Filipino counterparts and local liability insurance.
The IRR ties into broader public policy goals: safe, accessible, and well-planned built environments; ethical practice; and continuous professional development in line with global professional expectations.
Ethical, philosophical, and practical implications
Ethical conduct is codified; violations carry significant penalties and professional consequences (suspension, revocation).
Ownership and copyright provisions protect architects’ intellectual property, potentially shaping how projects are reused or adapted.
The balance between public interest (safety, quality, and equity) and professional autonomy (practice rights, compensation) is central to the IRR’s framework.
The act encourages ongoing learning to adapt to evolving technologies and urban design challenges while maintaining professional accountability.
Notes on structure for study and exam prep
Memorize the high-level structure:
Rule I (foundational definitions).
Rule II (Board organization/powers).
Rule III (Examination/Registration/Licensure).
Rule IV (Practice/Sundry Provisions).
Rule V (Final Provisions).
Understand key definitions and roles (Architect-of-record, Architect-in-charge, Consulting Architect, Integrated/Accredited Professional Organization).
Remember major penalties and licensure thresholds (e.g., average, minimum in any subject; large monetary penalties; 6 months–6 years imprisonment in some violations).
Be familiar with the process flow:
Education -> Diversified Architectural Experience -> Board examination -> CoR/PIC issuance -> CPD obligations -> possible foreign participation under strict rules.
Recognize the key dates and effectivity clauses:
60-day/15-day timelines for implementing rules.
Effectivity after publication.