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Saturday, August 05, 2006
Speak out: Stop the bickering
By Karl AEF Cabilao
United Architects of the Philippines
Watching President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's State of the Nation Address made me, as an architect, also look back at the past year with regards to our two-year old Architecture Act of 2004 or R.A. 9266.
Sad to say, only a few local government units have officially recognized the law through their implementation of its IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulation) in their respective areas.
I envy the few noteworthy cities, like Iloilo and Butuan, who, together with their architects, have embraced and already started putting R.A. 9266 into full effect.
And the illegal architecture practitioners (those without a Professional Regulations Commission architect's license) still abound, so be on the look out for them.
R.A. 9266
Most civil engineers still have their minds closed regarding R.A. 9266 and the Revised IRR of the National Building Code (PD 1096).
Most of them argue that the law is not applicable or relevant to them and that the Revised IRR of PD 1096 is actually preventing them (civil engineers) from practicing their profession (civil engineering).
They have maintained their stand that "when a civil engineer prepares, signs and seals building plans, he is practicing civil engineering."
Building plans
Take note of the term "building plans."
In building a house or any other structure for human habitation, it is very important to have the pertinent building plans and drawings.
However, building plans are further categorized into different "branches":
--Architectural plans (site development, perspectives, floor plans, elevations, sections, door and window schedules, details, project cost estimates, general specifications, among others);
--Structural plans (column/post, beams, slabs, footings, wall design, reinforcement specifications and computations);
--Electrical plans (layout for circuits, lighting fixtures, loading, etc.);
--Sanitary/plumbing plans (layout of water supply, drainage and waste disposal); and
--Mechanical plans (mechanical systems like air conditioning, elevators, escalators, heating systems, etc.).
Professionals
Each of these plans must be prepared, signed and sealed by the appropriate PRC-licensed professional.
Professional mechanical engineers do the mechanical plans, professional electrical engineers do the electrical plans, sanitary engineer/master plumber do the sanitary/plumbing plans, civil engineers do the structural plans and architects do the architectural plans.
The distinction between the work of the civil engineer and the architects is crystal clear.
As the head professional in the design and construction of a building, the architect has to consult the respective professionals for the completion of the various plans for submission to the Building Official for the necessary permits.
We may have basic knowledge in structural, plumbing, electrical and mechanical aspects of a building but we always leave it to the "experts."
Limitations
Architects are aware of their limitations. I just hope other professionals, especially civil engineers, also are.
R.A. 9266 is not depriving anyone of practicing his profession and earning a living. It just further defines the exact scope that should be done by a duly registered Architect.
Just like what President Arroyo has always pleaded from her countrymen: stop the bickering and work together instead.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (August 5, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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