BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY

Main Campus
Tagbilaran City

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Vision: A premier S and T University for the formation of a world-class and virtuous human resource for sustainable
development in Bohol and the country.
Mission: BISU is committed to provide quality higher education in the arts and sciences, as well as in the
professional and technological fields; undertake research and development, and extension services for the
sustainable development of Bohol and the country.

Program : Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Sem/A.Y. : Sem 1/ 2023-2024
Course Code : CE 14
Course Title : CE Laws, Ethics and Contracts
Doctorand : Rasonabe, Mary Ann Toni N. BSCE –
4B
Professor : NENITA M. ABARADO, C.E. PH.D.T.M.
Topic : Introduction to General Ethics and Ethical Values

REACTION PAPER

A. Summary of The Topic

The subject matter revolves around introducing general ethics and
ethical values, focusing on their role in identifying the core principles of the
code of ethics for civil engineers, as well as elucidating the fundamental
principles, canons, and guidelines applicable to the civil engineering
profession. In the initial section, it delves into Republic Act 544, enacted in
1950, which regulates the practice of Civil Engineering in the Philippines
and was subsequently amended by RA 1582. This legal framework defines
a civil engineer as an individual who holds valid registration with the Board
of Examiners for Civil Engineers (PRC) and engages in various activities
encompassing consultation, design, plan preparation, specification drafting,
cost estimation, construction oversight, and infrastructure project
management. The report also provides definitions for several pertinent
terms within the civil engineering field and this course, including ethics,
morals, moral responsibility, business ethics, code of ethics, ideology,
engineers, and PICE (Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers). Additionally, it
explores the code of ethics, comprising two subsections: fundamental
principles and fundamental canons. In civil engineering, the primary
fundamental principle is the commitment to uphold and promote the
integrity, honor, and dignity of the engineering profession. Furthermore, the
report delves into the seven fundamental canons in the field of civil
 engineering, which serve as guiding principles for civil engineers in their
daily professional endeavors.
B. Meaning
Ethics is the study of what's considered good and bad behavior, a
branch of philosophy focused on right and wrong actions. Morals are like
personal guidelines for behaving in ways most people see as right and
good. Moral responsibility emphasizes being accountable for our past
actions and looking out for others. Business ethics is a complex field
involving various activities in companies, ensuring they act fairly and
correctly when purchasing, manufacturing, advertising, selling, and
accounting. A code of ethics is like a rulebook for professionals, guiding
them in their daily work. Ideology refers to the core beliefs and ideas of a
group or movement. Engineers are experts trained in science who design
and construct complex products, machines, systems, or structures within
specific engineering fields. The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers
(PICE) is an organization of civil engineering professionals in the
Philippines who collaborate and share their expertise.

C. Reaction
Studying Civil Engineering (CE) Laws, Ethics, and Contracts has
shown me how important it is for aspiring engineers like me. It's all about
doing the right thing and being good at our job to keep people safe. Ethics,
which is like a guide for being good, is super important in civil engineering.
It helps us do our job right, protect the public, and keep our profession's
reputation intact. Honesty, telling the truth; transparency, being clear about
things; and fairness, being fair to everyone, are big deals when we're
working on projects and contracts in civil engineering. Being a civil
engineer can be tough because we sometimes have to make hard choices.
We need to balance what our clients want, what's good for everyone, and
what's right. That's when knowing about ethics and being fair is really
important. In short, learning about ethics and doing the right thing is crucial
for civil engineers. It's like a roadmap that helps us navigate the complex
world of laws, contracts, and project management. By following these
principles, we can make sure things are safe and reliable while earning the
trust of our peers and the public. As someone who wants to be a civil
engineer, I'm determined to embrace these values fully to ensure a future
where we do things right and responsibly in our profession.
D. Application
As a civil engineering student who has already embarked on an on-the-
job training journey, the significance of this topic resonates deeply with my
experiences and aspirations. It serves as a guiding light, illuminating the
path to ethical and responsible practice in my chosen field. My training
experience has provided me with a firsthand look at the challenges and
complexities that civil engineers face in their daily work. It underscores the
importance of adhering to ethical principles, such as honesty, transparency,
and fairness, in both academic pursuits and practical applications. These
values have not only shaped my academic endeavors but have also
prepared me for the ethical responsibilities that come with being a civil
engineer. As I continue to advance in my studies and eventually step into
the professional world, this knowledge will remain a cornerstone, ensuring
that I make ethically sound decisions, prioritize the safety and welfare of
society, and uphold the integrity of the civil engineering profession.