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History of Architecture in the Philippines

The document outlines the history of architecture in the Philippines, starting from the absence of formal architecture schools during Spanish colonial rule to the establishment of professional organizations and regulations. Key milestones include the formation of the Academia de Arquitectura in 1902, the reorganization into the Philippine Institute of Architects in 1945, and the eventual creation of the United Architects of the Philippines in 1975. It highlights the evolution of architectural practice and education in the country over more than a century.

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Aaliyah Coca
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26 views2 pages

History of Architecture in the Philippines

The document outlines the history of architecture in the Philippines, starting from the absence of formal architecture schools during Spanish colonial rule to the establishment of professional organizations and regulations. Key milestones include the formation of the Academia de Arquitectura in 1902, the reorganization into the Philippine Institute of Architects in 1945, and the eventual creation of the United Architects of the Philippines in 1975. It highlights the evolution of architectural practice and education in the country over more than a century.

Uploaded by

Aaliyah Coca
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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I.

Early Years and Foundations:

 Pre-1900s: No formal architecture schools in the Philippines during Spanish colonial rule.
The closest equivalent was the Maestro de Obra title, achieved through either academic
training or practical experience.
 1858: Felix Roxas y Arroyo, the first Filipino architect, begins practice after studying in
London.
 1877-1880: Roxas y Arroyo serves as Municipal Architect of Manila under the Spanish
government.
 1891: Julio Hernandez is among the first Filipino graduates of the Escuela Practica y
Professional de Artes Oficios de Manila.
 1894: Isidro Medina and Arcadio Arellano are among the first Filipino graduates of
the Escuela Practica y Professional de Artes Oficios de Manila.
 1896: Juan Carreon is among the first Filipino graduates of the Escuela Practica y
Professional de Artes Oficios de Manila.

II. Organization and Formalization:

 1902: Academia de Arquitectura y Agremensura de Filipinas (AAAF) is formed, merging


architects and surveyors.
 1903: The AAAF transforms into the Academia de Arquitectura, Ingenieria y Agremensura
de Filipinas (AIAAF), establishing the Tarifa de Honorios (professional practice standards).
 1921 (February 23): Philippine Assembly Act No. 2985 establishes separate boards for
architecture and engineering, allowing Maestro de Obras to register as architects. Tomas
Mapua, Carlos Barreto, and Antonio Toledo receive the first three architect licenses.
 1933: The Philippine Architects’ Society (PAS) is formed, modeled after the American
Institute of Architects (AIA).
 1938: The PAS drafts Bill No. 1850, proposing a separate statute for architectural practice
from engineering (approved in the second reading by the National Assembly).
 1941: PAS holds a national convention with 96 members; professional services are
promulgated; government architects are allowed to join. The Second World War interrupts
progress.

III. Post-War Reorganization and Unification:

 1945: The PAS reorganizes as the Philippine Institute of Architects and Planners (PIAP),
later renamed the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA).
 1947: The first Architectural Exhibition is held.
 1948: Republic Act No. 472 legalizes awarding public works designs to private architects
and engineers.
 1948: The League of Philippine Architects (LPA) is founded.
 1949: Republic Acts No. 544 and 545 separate architectural and engineering statutes (R.A.
545 later repealed).
 1950: Andres Luna de San Pedro receives the first Gold Medal Award for a Filipino
architect.
 1951: The PIA's Standards of Professional Practice are published.
 1953: President Quirino hosts a cocktail party for the PIA.
 1954: Carlos da Silva receives an AIA Honorary Membership.
 1957 (January 23): The PIA becomes a National Section of the Union Internationale des
Architectes (UIA).
 1958: The Association of Philippine Government Architects (APGA) is formed.
 1965: APGA, LPA, and PIA approve the Architects’ National Code and Schedule of Fees.
 1969: A joint fellowship is held between APGA, LPA, and PIA; the Architect's Bowling Club
is formed.
 1971: The 50th anniversary of the profession is celebrated.
 1973 (April): Discussions begin between LPA, PIA, and APGA leading to the formation of
a Panel of Negotiators.
 1973 (June): President Marcos issues Presidential Decree 223, creating the Professional
Regulation Commission (PRC).
 1973 (September 4): The Panel of Negotiators signs a Joint Communiqué outlining the
integration of the three organizations.
 1973 (December 10): The Joint Board Resolution for integration is passed.
 1974 (January 1): The Ad-Hoc Commission begins work on the constitution and bylaws
of the new organization.
 1974 (December 12): The Constitution and Bylaws of the United Architects of the
Philippines (UAP) are approved.
 1975 (March 26): UAP is incorporated.
 1975 (May 12): UAP receives accreditation from the PRC.
 1975 (December 12): The first UAP Board of Directors is elected.
 1976: UAP becomes a founding member of several professional organizations.
 1979: UAP becomes a founding member of the Architects Regional Council of Asia.
 1988: UAP becomes the National Section of the UIA.

Common questions

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Key milestones and recognitions achieved by Filipino architects between 1950 and 1988 include Andres Luna de San Pedro receiving the first Gold Medal Award for a Filipino architect in 1950, the publication of the PIA's Standards of Professional Practice in 1951, and Carlos da Silva receiving an AIA Honorary Membership in 1954. Additionally, the UAP became a National Section of the UIA and a founding member of the Architects Regional Council of Asia, highlighting its international contributions .

Republic Act No. 472, enacted in 1948, was significant because it legalized the practice of awarding public works designs to private architects and engineers. This act was crucial in opening up new opportunities for professional architects in the public sector and recognizing their contributions to national infrastructure development and design .

The publication of the Standards of Professional Practice by the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA) in 1951 was necessitated by the need to establish clear guidelines and standards for architectural practice in the Philippines, ensuring quality and consistency in professional services. This publication impacted the architectural field by providing a benchmark for ethical practice and enhancing the profession's credibility, thereby fostering trust and assurance among clients and practitioners .

Filipino architects broadened their international influence through the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) by becoming a founding member of several professional organizations, including the Architects Regional Council of Asia in 1979, and serving as the National Section of the International Union of Architects (UIA) since 1988. These affiliations allowed Filipino architects to engage more deeply in global dialogues about architectural practices and collaborate with international counterparts .

Before World War II, the Philippine Architects’ Society (PAS) was actively establishing a separate statute for architectural practice and held a national convention in 1941. However, progress was interrupted by the Second World War. After the war, in 1945, the PAS reorganized as the Philippine Institute of Architects and Planners (PIAP), later becoming the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA). This reorganization marked a shift in focus towards rebuilding and consolidating the architectural community in the Philippines post-war .

The establishment of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in 1973 played a crucial role in regulating the architectural profession in the Philippines. It provided a governmental framework for licensing, accreditation, and setting professional standards, which was vital for ensuring the quality and integrity of architectural practice. The PRC's involvement also facilitated the integration of major architectural bodies into the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), thereby ensuring a unified approach to professional regulation and standardization .

The formalization of the architectural profession in the Philippines began in the early 1900s when the Academia de Arquitectura y Agremensura de Filipinas (AAAF) was formed in 1902 to merge architects and surveyors. In 1903, it transformed into the Academia de Arquitectura, Ingenieria y Agremensura de Filipinas (AIAAF), establishing professional practice standards. In 1921, the Philippine Assembly Act No. 2985 established separate boards for architecture and engineering, allowing Maestro de Obras to register as architects. These steps laid the foundation for a formal architecture profession in the Philippines .

The integration of the League of Philippine Architects (LPA), Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA), and the Association of Philippine Government Architects (APGA) into the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) in 1975 facilitated a unified representation of the profession. This integration enhanced collaboration among architects, standardized practices, and increased the profession's influence both nationally and internationally. The UAP's formation, its subsequent accreditation by the PRC, and its participation in global organizations further strengthened professional standards and opportunities in the field .

In the late 1940s, Republic Acts No. 544 and 545 separated the statutes governing architecture and engineering in the Philippines. However, R.A. 545 was later repealed. These laws were crucial in defining the unique scope and professional standards for architects, distinguishing their professional practice from that of engineers .

Presidential Decree 223, issued by President Marcos in 1973, led to the creation of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), significantly impacting architectural organizations in the Philippines by initiating their integration. This led to the eventual formation of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) in 1975, as the decree necessitated the integration of the League of Philippine Architects (LPA), Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA), and the Association of Philippine Government Architects (APGA), consolidating the profession under one national organization .

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