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Saturday, September 18, 2004
Speak out: Architecture Act of 2004
By Architect Karl Aries A.E.F. Cabilao
For the more than 18,000 licensed architects in the country, the signing into law of R.A. 9266 or the Architecture Act of 2004 last March 17, 2004 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a very welcome development.
The past years have been a struggle for architects, not only because of the economic crunch but also because engineers have often overshadowed their professional roles in the field of construction.
Provisions
Recently, United Architects of the Philippines national president Robert Sac visited Cebu to give a clearer perspective of the new law to the architects belonging to District C-1. Among the significant and important provisions:
l Scope of the practice of architecture. It encompasses the provision of professional services in connection with site, physical and planning and design, construction, enlargement, conservation, renovation, remodeling, restoration or alteration of a building or group of buildings.
l Examination, registration and licensure for architects. The requirement is that aside from being a Filipino or a qualified citizen of another country, having a good moral character, a degree holder of BS in Architecture and not being convicted of any criminal offense, he/she must have completed a two-year diversified architectural experience or "apprenticeship" after graduating.
Meaning, if you graduate from the university next year, you're qualified to take the board exams in 2007 after apprenticeship.
Only architects
l All architectural plans, designs, specifications, drawings and architectural documents relative to the construction of a building shall bear the seal and signature ONLY of a duly-registered and licensed architect, with his or her professional ID number and date of its expiration. This would mean civil engineers can no longer sign and seal architectural plans.
l No person shall practice architecture or engage in the preparation of architectural plans, specifications or preliminary data for erection or alteration of a building or use the title "Architect" or uses such term to indicate as such unless such person is a duly-licensed architect.
l Persons not registered as architects shall not claim to represent either services or work as equivalent to those of a duly-registered architect, or that they are qualified for any branch or function of architectural practice, even no form of the title "Architect" is used.
l Within three years from the effectivity of the act, all existing and proposed positions in government requiring the services of an architect shall be filled only by registered and licensed architects.
Penalty
We sure hope that this law will be strictly implemented by the concerned agencies of government. Contractors, engineers and other non-registered entities engaged in illegal practice should be penalized.
This law will not only restore lost glory for architects but also help in forming a more competitive and vibrant construction industry.
(September 18, 2004 issue)
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