The Story of UAP

During the Spanish era there were no schools of Architecture in the Philippines. The first
Filipino recorded architect was Felix Roxas y Arroyo, born circa 1820 in Manila, studied in Spain
and stayed for many years in England and France. Previous to this, a Filipino could aspire to
erect an architectural structure through the help of a Maestro de Obras or master builder. The
first formal school for master builders was opened only during the last decade of the 19th
century. On 14 September 1902, many of the graduates of this school joined the civil engineers
and surveyors in the country and founded the first professional organization of architects and
allied professionals ~ the Academia de Arquitectura y Aguimensura de Filipinos (AAAF). It
maintained direct consultation with the American Institute of Architects (AIA). A year after, its
name was changed to Academia de Inginieria, Arquitectura y Agrimensura de Filipinas (AIAAF).
In 1904 it founded the first school of Architecture in the Philippines, the Escuela de Ingenieria y
Arquitectura, which offered five-year courses in Architecture and Civil Engineering.
In 1911, the AIAAF was dissolved when the civil engineers withdrew to form their own
professional organization, but not before it has struggled for the passage of an Engineers and
Architects Law. In 1921, the Philippine National Assembly Act No. 2985 passed, the first
enabling law for the practice of the professions of engineering and architecture, defined the
unique and separate identities of the two professions.
The profession of Architecture in the Philippines was given its first separate statute on 17
June 1950 with the enactment of Republic Act 545, "An Act to Regulate the Practice of
Architecture in the Philippines."
From the early 1930's to late 1950's, associations of architects were founded, but only
three survived until the early 1970's ~ the Association of Philippine Government Architects
(APGA), League of Philippine Architects (LPA), and the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA). In
June 1973, President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Presidential Decree 223, creating the
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) regulating all professions and accrediting only one
organization to represent each profession.
The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) was born on December 12, 1974 out of
the noble vision of unifying the three (3) existing architectural associations at that time - the
Philippines Institute of Architects (PIA), the League of Philippine Architects (LPA) and the
Association of Philippine Government Architects (APGA). Through the concerted efforts of the
officers and members of the three organizations, the vision officially materialized on March 26,

1975, where the UAP was registered with the Philippines' Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC). On May 12, 1975, the UAP was granted Certificate No. 001, the first professional
organization to be accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The PRC is
the central agency of the Philippine Government charged with the licensing and regulation of
professionals and the professions, as well as the Accredited Professional Organizations (APOs).
Since its registration, UAP has received many awards, including the highly-acclaimed
PRC's Most Outstanding Accredited Professional Organization. To date, it is still the first and
only APO to win the award five times in the Award's nineteen-year history. These were in years
2002, 2007 and 2008, 2011 and 2014. The award is presented annually to recognize the
achievements, services and commitments of the APO to the profession. UAP bested forty five
(45) other professional organizations, through 12 stringent criteria set for the award.
The UAP has been instrumental in the passing of Republic Act 9266: The Architect's Law
of 2004, effective April 26, 2004. On 22 June 2004, the PRC, through its Board of Architecture,
accredited the UAP as the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects
(IAPOA). The new law granted Filipino architects more definitive rights, benefits and distinction
as against other professionals in the construction industry
For its volunteer works, UAP was chosen in addressing housing problems, urban
degradation, environmental conservation and promotion of volunteerism for socio-economic
development; the UAP was a Regional Nominee to the "Search for Outstanding Volunteers" by
the Philippine National Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) in its celebration of National
Volunteer Month last December 2005. PNVSCA takes the lead in advocating and recognizing
the contributions of volunteers to nation-building and international cooperation.
In April 2010, in celebration of the Earth Day, the UAP, through its advocacy group
"Green Architecture Movement", was awarded the 2009 Father Neri Satur Award for
Environmental Heroism - the only accredited professional organization in the Philippines to
receive such a prestigious environmental award.
Last November 2010, the UAP has been bestowed the EAROPH 50th Golden Jubilee
Award in recognition of its substantial contribution to the advancement of Planning,
Development and Management of Human Settlements in the Philippines. The Award was given
in celebration of EAROPH's 50th Anniversary and the 2010 Congress in Adelaine, Australia.

The UAP has a roster of membership numbering more than 30,000 or 100% of the total
registered architects at the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). This number is
expected to increase with the advent of the automatic membership clause under RA 9266 and
the registration of new board passers of the recent PRC licensure examinations.
The UAP encourages all of its members, their rms, and foreign and local components
to engage in providing pro bono services as part their contributions to the highest aspirations of
the architecture profession and the organization in service to society. Through participation in
whatever format they may choose, every member of the UAP can support and further the values
of the organization in terms of its advocacy for sustainable design and practices, diversity, and
elevation of the stature of the profession of architecture in the eyes of the public.
Recently, the UAP has launched a nationwide program dubbed as "Bayanihang
Arkitektura" that encourages all members, and chapters to engage in providing pro bono
services as part their contributions to the highest aspirations of the architecture profession and
the organization in service to society. Under the program, UAP chapters including their
members offer their architectural expertise in an advisory capacity free of charge for several
socio-civic projects.
The UAP has been involved in government projects such as Bayanihang Pampaaralan
with the Department of Education, the 200-bed Catarman Provincial Hospital in Northern Samar,
the "Alay sa Ginhawa at Kalusugan" program which aims to provide fully-functional community
health centers nationwide, the "Disaster Resilient Shelter Project" with several local government
units, "Kapamilya Shower Na!" a Mobile Shower Project, professional services for the design of
the medium-rise buildings for the In-City Housing Project along Estero de San Miguel in
coordination with Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, to name a few.

International Affiliations
The UAP is a member of the following international organizations:
1. International Union of Architects (UIA), an international organization of 110 institutes
of architects worldwide.
2. Architects Regional Council for Asia (ARCASIA) , a regional organization of 17
institutes of architects in Asia
3. Eastern Regional Organization for Planning and Human Settlements
(EAROPH), non-governmental multi-sectoral organization which covers all countries in
Asia, Australasia and the Pacific region.
4. APEC Architect Central Monitoring Council
5. ASEAN Architect

UAP, the voice of the profession of architecture, inspires and supports its members as leaders
to improve and sustain the quality of the built environment. In order to promote the value of the
profession and provide resources and education for members, the following Vision, Mission and
Objectives have been adopted:
Vision
UAP believes that an important purpose of architecture is to create a vision that improves the
built environment. This vision is vital to the advancement of the living standards of our
communities and provides a service of ever-increasing value to society. Hence, the vision is
UAP the prime organization of Architects
Mission
In order for the UAP to unite the registered and licensed architects in the Philippines, promote
the aesthetic, scientific and business practice of architecture; advance architectural standards of
continuing education, training and practice; and build relationships among clients, the
construction industry and architects, the following mission is adopted:

The UAP as the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects,

is the vanguard of the Architecture profession in the country which shall serve as
the catalyst of dynamism and unity among Filipino Architects, promoting the highest
ethical conduct, discipline,
responsibility and values beneficial to man and society, culture and the environment in
the delivery of its
professional mandate for local and global practice.
Objectives
UAP offers continuing education programs, publishes vital Practice Documents, hosts an annual
National Convention and provides support to all the chapters, ---. a professional organization for
the design profession and is classified as "not-for-profit. In this UAP aims to:

to cooperate with the Board of Architecture (BOA), Professional Regulation Commission

(PRC) and other government agencies in discharging its functions, duties and
responsibilities as the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects
as follows:
o

nomination to the vacant positions to the Board of Architecture;

responsibility of preparing the program of Continuing Professional Development

(CPD);

endorsement of practice of foreign nationals to be issued temporary special

permit;

recommendation of compliance with liability insurance under a temporary special

permit;

monitoring compliance and endorsing to/filing a complaint with the Board of

Architecture and/or Professional Regulation Commission for violation of the R.A.
9266 and its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR), code of ethics, standard
of professional practice and other policies of the Board and of the Commission
and with other agencies for violations of other relevant laws, regulations and the
like; and

some other functions, duties and responsibilities as may be prescribed by the

Board of Architecture.

to establish an appropriate organizational structure that will serve best the interest of its
individual members and providing for among others a democratic process of election;

to ensure good governance in all matters pertaining to the organization;

to ensure active participation of all PRC_BOA registered architects in this Integrated and
Accredited Professional Organization of Architects;

to establish and promote the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional
excellence in the practice and service of architecture, through strict adherence with the
laws and codes that protect and govern it;

to maintain the highest standards of architectural education and practice, through the
conduct of research in architecture and architecture related subjects for the academic
curricula in architecture and the continuing professional development program;

to cooperate and coordinate with other local/national and international organizations in

the field of architecture, environmental design and other field of arts, science and
technology to ensure participation of UAP global concerns; and

to cooperate and coordinate with other allied professions, trade and industry in
developing progressive ideas in architecture and environmental concerns as well as their
practical application for the welfare of the community and country

LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 1000

TO

The Professional Regulation Commission,

The Ministry of Human Settlements

The Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, The Ministry of Public
Works, The Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Highways,
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications,
The Ministry of Tourism, and all Government Agencies Concerned.

WHEREAS, P.D. 223 created the Professional Regulation Commission charged with the
supervision and regulation over the professional practice in the Philippines;
WHEREAS, in support of PD 223 and its implementing rules and regulations, the various
professional organizations have voluntarily integrated themselves, one for each profession,
and subsequently accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission.
WHEREAS, integrated professional organizations are necessary for the upliftment of the
standards of the professions through their self-regulation and discipline for better service to
the Filipino people;
WHEREAS, the PRC accredited integrated professional organizations contribute an important
role in promoting and maintaining high professionals, ethical, and technical standards among
its members through their continuing education activities, thereby elevating them to a higher
level of competence, proficiency integrity and social commitment;
WHEREAS, the PRC accredited bona fide professional organizations which truly represent
the professionals in our country, have proven their capabilities, competence and social
consciousness by collaborating with government agencies in the pursuit of national goals, and
through the several national regional and international conferences which they have
sponsored, organized, or attended.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President and Prime Minister of the

Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby
order and direct the Professional Regulation Commission, the Ministry of Human Settlements,
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Public
Highways, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Transportation
and Communications and all government agencies concerned to authorize and support only
PRC accredited bona fide professional organizations, and their members to organize host,
sponsor or represent the Filipino professionals in national, regional and international forums,
conferences, conventions where the concerned professions are involved, AND I FURTHER
ORDER AND DIRECT that all government agencies and any of its instrumentalities shall give
priority to members of the accredited professional organizations in the hiring of its employees
and in the engagement of professional services.
This Letter of Instruction shall take effect immediately.
Done in the City of Manila, this 20th day of March, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred
and eighty.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 223 June 22, 1973

CREATING THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION AND PRESCRIBING
ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266 - AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MORE RESPONSIVE AND
COMPREHENSIVE REGULATION FOR THE REGISTRATION, LICENSING AND
PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT
NO. 545, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "AN ACT TO REGULATE THE
PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES," AND FOR OTHER

PURPOSES
Republic Act No. 544* (As Amended by R.A. 1582) An Act to Regulate the Practice of

Civil Engineering in the Philippines

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 545 - AN ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF

ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 546 - AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION TEN OF ACT NUMBERED
FOUR THOUSAND AND SEVEN, KNOWN AS "THE REORGANIZATION LAW OF
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-TWO"

REPUBLIC ACT No. 4566 AN ACT CREATING THE PHILIPPINE LICENSING BOARD
FOR CONTRACTORS, PRESCRIBING ITS POWERS, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS,

PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 472 - AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE BUREAU OF PUBLIC
WORKS TO ENGAGE THE SERVICES OF PRIVATE ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS
TO PREPARE COMPLETE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND OTHER RELATED
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR PUBLIC BUILDINGS UPON THE REQUEST AND
RECOMMENDATION OF THE GOVERNMENT ENTITY, AGENCY OR
INSTRUMENTALITY FOR WHICH A BUILDING IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION NINETEEN HUNDRED AND ONE OF THE

REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1581 - AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION THIRTY-FOUR OF
REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-FIVE, ENTITLED "AN ACT TO

REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES"

REPUBLIC ACT No. 2264 - AN ACT AMENDING THE LAWS GOVERNING LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS BY INCREASING THEIR AUTONOMY AND REORGANIZING

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS.
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 49 November 14, 1972 - DECREE ON THE

PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 957 Subdivision and Condominium buyer's
Protective Decree (as amended by P.D. 1216) REGULATING THE SALE OF
SUBDIVISION LOTS AND CONDOMINIUMS, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR

VIOLATIONS THEREOF
BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 200 - AN ACT CHANGING THE NAME OF THE LAWA-AN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN SITIO LAWA-AN, MUNICIPALITY OF PANTUKAN,
PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL NORTE, TO DOROTEO DE CASTRO ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE (P.D.) NO. 1096 - ADOPTING A NATIONAL BUILDING
CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES (NBCP) THEREBY REVISING REPUBLIC ACT

NUMBERED SIXTY-FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (R.A. NO. 6541)

Presidential Decree No. 1185 - (Repealed by RA 9514) FIRE CODE OF THE

PHILIPPINES
BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 220 AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN
SETTLEMENTS TO ESTABLISH AND PROMULGATE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF
STANDARDS AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ECONOMIC AND
SOCIALIZED HOUSING PROJECTS IN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS FROM THOSE

PROVIDED UNDER PRESIDENTIAL DECREES NUMBERED NINE HUNDRED FIFTYSEVEN, TWELVE HUNDRED SIXTEEN, TEN HUNDRED NINETY-SIX AND ELEVEN

HUNDRED EIGHTY-FIVE
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1224 - DEFINING THE POLICY ON THE
EXPROPRIATION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY FOR SOCIALIZED HOUSING UPON

PAYMENT OF JUST COMPENSATION

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 274 August 18, 1973
PERTAINING TO THE PRESERVATION, BEAUTIFICATION, IMPROVEMENT AND
GAINFUL UTILIZATION OF THE PASIG RIVER, PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION
AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION OF THE RIVER AND ITS BANKS IN ORDER TO
ENHANCE ITS DEVELOPMENT, THEREBY MAXIMIZING ITS UTILIZATION FOR

SOCIO-ECONOMIC PURPOSES
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1574 - TRANSFERRING, CEDING AND CONVEYING
TO THE PHILIPPINE TOURISM AUTHORITY CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND OF THE
PUBLIC DOMAIN OF THE GOVERNMENT LOCATED IN THE TERNATE, CAVITE,

FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES

BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344 - AN ACT TO ENHANCE THE MOBILITY OF
DISABLED PERSONS BY REQUIRING CERTAIN BUILDINGS, INSTITUTIONS,
ESTABLISHMENTS AND PUBLIC UTILITIES TO INSTALL FACILITIES AND OTHER

DEVICES.
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 702 May 16, 1975
FURTHER AMENDING SECTION TWO OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NUMBERED
FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY-EIGHT, AS AMENDED, CREATING THE DEPARTMENT

OF PUBLIC HIGHWAYS
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 208 June 7, 1973 - GRANTING CERTAIN PRIVILEGES
AND HONORS TO NATIONAL ARTISTS AND CREATING A SPECIAL FUND FOR THE

PURPOSE
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 748 July 16, 1975 - AMENDING PRESIDENTIAL
DECREE NO. 187 TO EXTEND THE DATE FOR THE USE OF THE METRIC SYSTEM
AS THE SOLE STANDARD OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES IN THE PHILIPPINES

AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 933 May 13, 1976 - CREATING THE HUMAN

SETTLEMENTS COMMISSION
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1396 - CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN
SETTLEMENTS AND THE HUMAN SETTLEMENT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION,
APPROPRIATION FUNDS THEREFOR, AND ACCORDINGLY AMENDING CERTAIN
PRESIDENTIAL DECREES.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 705 May 19, 1975

REVISING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 389, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
FORESTRY REFORM CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 399 February 28, 1974
LIMITING THE USE OF A STRIP OF ONE THOUSAND METERS OF A LAND ALONG
ANY EXISTING, PROPOSED OR ON-GOING PUBLIC HIGHWAY OR ROAD, UNTIL
THE GOVERNMENT SHALL HAVE A COMPETENT STUDY AND HAVE FORMULATED

A COMPREHENSIVE AND INTEGRATED LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1594 PRESCRIBING POLICIES, GUIDELINES, RULES

AND REGULATIONS FOR GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRACTS

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 657 February 19, 1975 AMENDING SECTION FIVE (J)
OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NUMBERED TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREE,
CREATING THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION AND PRESCRIBING

ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 815 October 21, 1975 AMENDING SECTION 4 OF P.D.
NO. 583, DATED NOVEMBER 16, 1975, "PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR THE
UNLAWFUL EJECTMENT, EXCLUSION, REMOVAL, OR OUSTER OF TENANT-

FARMERS FROM THEIR FARMHOLDINGS"

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 825 November 7, 1975 PROVIDING PENALTY FOR
IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF GARBAGE AND OTHER FORMS OF UNCLEANLINESS
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 757 July 31, 1975 CREATING THE NATIONAL
HOUSING AUTHORITY AND DISSOLVING THE EXISTING HOUSING AGENCIES,
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Presidential Decree No. 442, AS AMENDED May 1, 1974

A DECREE INSTITUTING A LABOR CODE THEREBY REVISING AND
CONSOLIDATING LABOR AND SOCIAL LAWS TO AFFORD PROTECTION TO
LABOR, PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

AND INSURE INDUSTRIAL PEACE BASED ON SOCIAL JUSTICE

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 929 May 4, 1976
AMENDING SUBPARAGRAPH (b) OF SECTION 84 AND SECTION 191 OF THE
NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, AS AMENDED
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1151 - PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1216 - DEFINING "OPEN SPACE" IN RESIDENTIAL
SUBDIVISIONS AND AMENDING SECTION 31 OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 957

REQUIRING SUBDIVISION OWNERS TO PROVIDE ROADS, ALLEYS, SIDEWALKS

AND RESERVE OPEN SPACE FOR PARKS OR RECREATIONAL USE

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 756 July 30, 1975 - AMENDING P.D. 260 TO INCLUDE
THE MESTIZO SECTION, THE HOUSES OF PADRE JOSE BURGOS AND LEONA

FLORENTINO IN ITS SCOPE

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1517 - PROCLAIMING URBAN LAND REFORM IN THE

PHILIPPINES AND PROVIDING FOR THE IMPLEMENTING MACHINERY THEREOF

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 464 June 1, 1974 - ENACTING A REAL PROPERTY

TAX CODE
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 953 - REQUIRING THE PLANTING OF TREES IN
CERTAIN PLACES AND PENALIZING UNAUTHORIZED CUTTING, DESTRUCTION,

DAMAGING AND INJURING OF CERTAIN TREES, PLANTS AND VEGETATION

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1157 - INCREASING THE RATES OF TAX ON
WINNINGS IN JAI-ALAI AND HORSE-RACING AND THE SHARE OF THE
GOVERNMENT FROM THE SWEEPSTAKES TOTAL PRIZE FUND

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 964 July 20, 1976 - FURTHER AMENDING THE
PROVISIONS OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NUMBER FOUR HUNDRED FIFTYEIGHT, AS AMENDED, TO CREATE A PLANNING AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
OFFICE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HIGHWAYS

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1759 - PENALIZING CONTRACTORS AND

SUBCONTRACTORS WHO VIOLATE ANY MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF CONTRACTS
INVOLVING PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS OF THE GOVERNMENT, AND PUBLIC
OFFICIALS WHO ALLOW SUCH VIOLATIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1586 - ESTABLISHING AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

STATEMENT SYSTEM, INCLUDING OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
RELATED MEASURES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1167 - DEVELOPING AND REGULATING THE

OVERSEAS CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, PROVIDING INCENTIVES THEREFORE,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 856 December 23, 1975 - CODE ON SANITATION

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 499 June 28, 1974 - DECLARING PORTIONS OF THE
ERMITA-MALATE AREA AS COMMERCIAL ZONES WITH CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1350 - ALLOWING APPLICANTS FOR

NATURALIZATION AS CITIZENS OF THE PHILIPPINES TO CONDITIONALLY TAKE
ANY BOARD EXAMINATION, EXCEPT THE BAR EXAMINATIONS, IF OTHERWISE

QUALIFIED, PENDING APPROVAL OF THEIR SAID APPLICATIONS

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1544 - CREATING BARANGAY BULAKIN II IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF DOLORES, QUEZON PROVINCE

UNITED ARCHITECTS OF THE PHILIPPINES

During the Spanish era there were no schools of Architecture in the Philippines. The first Filipino
recorded architect was Felix Roxas y Arroyo, born circa 1820 in Manila, studied in Spain and
stayed for many years in England and France. A Filipino could aspire to erect an architectural
structure through the help of a Maestro de Obras or master builder. The first formal school for
master builders was opened only during the last decade of the 19th century.
On 14 September 1902, many of the graduates of this school joined the civil engineers and
surveyors in the country and founded the first professional organization of architects and allied
professionals ~ the Academia de Arquitectura y Aguimensura de Filipinos (AAAF). It maintained
direct consultation with the American Institute of Architects (AIA). A year after, its name was
changed to Academia de Inginieria, Arquitectura y Agrimensura de Filipinas (AIAAF). In 1904 it
founded the first school of Architecture in the Philippines, the Escuela de Ingenieria y
Arquitectura, which offered five-year courses in Architecture and Civil Engineering.
In 1921, the Philippine National Assembly Act No. 2985 passed, the first enabling law for the
practice of the professions of engineering and architecture, defined the unique and separate
identities of the two professions.
The profession of Architecture in the Philippines was given its first separate statute on 17
June 1950 with the enactment of Republic Act 545, "An Act to Regulate the Practice of
Architecture in the Philippines."

From the early 1930's to late 1950's, associations of architects were founded, but only three
survived until the early 1970's ~ the Association of Philippine Government Architects (APGA),
League of Philippine Architects (LPA), and the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA). In June
1973, President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Presidential Decree 223, creating the Professional
Regulation Commission (PRC) regulating all professions and accrediting only one organization
to represent each profession.
The United Architects of the Philippines or UAP was born on December 12, 1974. It was
formed through the unification of three architectural organizations: the Philippine Institute of
Architects (PIA), The League of Philippine Architects (LPA) and the Association of Philippine
Government Architects (APGA). It became the Bonafide Professional Organization of
Architects upon receiving Accreditation Number 001 from the Professional Regulation
Commission. Thus, UAP was the first professional organization recognized by the Republic.
With the passing of the new architecture law or Republic Act No. 9266, UAP becomes the
IAPOA or the Integrated Accredited Professional Organization of Architects.
UAP offers continuing education programs, publishes vital Practice Documents, hosts an
annual National Convention and provides support to all the chapters, ---. a professional
organization for the design profession and is classified as "not-for-profit. In this UAP aims to:

to cooperate with the Board of Architecture (BOA), Professional Regulation Commission

(PRC) and other government agencies in discharging its functions, duties and
responsibilities as the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects
as follows:
o

nomination to the vacant positions to the Board of Architecture;

responsibility of preparing the program of Continuing Professional Development

(CPD);

endorsement of practice of foreign nationals to be issued temporary special

permit;

recommendation of compliance with liability insurance under a temporary special

permit;

monitoring compliance and endorsing to/filing a complaint with the Board of

Architecture and/or Professional Regulation Commission for violation of the R.A.

9266 and its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR), code of ethics, standard
of professional practice and other policies of the Board and of the Commission
and with other agencies for violations of other relevant laws, regulations and the
like; and
o

some other functions, duties and responsibilities as may be prescribed by the

Board of Architecture.

to establish an appropriate organizational structure that will serve best the interest of its
individual members and providing for among others a democratic process of election;

to ensure good governance in all matters pertaining to the organization;

to ensure active participation of all PRC_BOA registered architects in this Integrated and
Accredited Professional Organization of Architects;

to establish and promote the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional
excellence in the practice and service of architecture, through strict adherence with the
laws and codes that protect and govern it;

to maintain the highest standards of architectural education and practice, through the
conduct of research in architecture and architecture related subjects for the academic
curricula in architecture and the continuing professional development program;

to cooperate and coordinate with other local/national and international organizations in

the field of architecture, environmental design and other field of arts, science and
technology to ensure participation of UAP global concerns; and

to cooperate and coordinate with other allied professions, trade and industry in
developing progressive ideas in architecture and environmental concerns as well as their
practical application for the welfare of the community and country

For its volunteer works, UAP was chosen in addressing housing problems, urban
degradation, environmental conservation and promotion of volunteerism for socio-economic
development; the UAP was a Regional Nominee to the "Search for Outstanding Volunteers" by
the Philippine National Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) in its celebration of National
Volunteer Month last December 2005. PNVSCA takes the lead in advocating and recognizing
the contributions of volunteers to nation-building and international cooperation.

Since its registration, UAP has received many awards, including the highly-acclaimed PRC's
Most Outstanding Accredited Professional Organization. To date, it is still the first and only APO
to win the award five times in the Award's nineteen-year history. These were in years 2002,
2007 and 2008, 2011 and 2014. The award is presented annually to recognize the
achievements, services and commitments of the APO to the profession. UAP bested forty five
(45) other professional organizations, through 12 stringent criteria set for the award.
The UAP has been instrumental in the passing of Republic Act 9266: The Architect's Law of
2004, effective April 26, 2004. On 22 June 2004, the PRC, through its Board of Architecture,
accredited the UAP as the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects
(IAPOA). The new law granted Filipino architects more definitive rights, benefits and distinction
as against other professionals in the construction industry.

United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary (UAPSA) was established in 1989 as
an arm and junior partner of United Architects of the Philippines (UAP - IAPOA), the integrated
and accredited professional organization of architects in the Philippines. Its purpose is to
motivate and install discipline among architectural students and to propagate the goals and
aspirations of all architects.
Jesus M. Reyes, then Vice Dean of College of Architecture and 1989 President of UAP-SC,
Silangan Chapter, organized the first official UAPSA with 24 students at the Central Colleges of
the Philippines (CCP) with a UAP Certificate of recognition dated November 18, 1989. It was
before a sub-committee under the membership committee of UAP, until in 1990 when the
organization's policy on student's auxiliary was fully implemented, more UAPSA was organized
in various colleges and universities and today it is recognized nationwide.
In order to project the value and the importance of the role of the Architecture student in
nation building and public service, the UAPSA has adopted the following objectives:
1. To provide favorable opportunities for the students to participate in the culturally and
academically useful and enriching experiences;
2. To stimulate student interest, awareness and understanding of the duties and responsibilities
of the architectural profession and imbibe them with desirable motivations and correct values in
pursuance to the established professional standards of ethics;

3. To formulate and adopt policies, measures and programs with the view of broadening the
knowledge and learning skills of the students;
4. To foster goodwill and closer cooperative relationship between the students in different
schools and between the students and the architects, as well as members of the allied
professions and the industry; and
5. To prepare the students for more responsible and productive role in the society and to provide
them the necessary off-campus training relevant to the world of work.
Today, UAPSA is an organization known to cater Architecture students, organize seminars,
events and activities to empower them. With members from up to 70 different schools all over
the Philippines, it is affiliated with over six thousand six hundred members.