Patrick Aaron L.

Mariano

RZL110 – A31

ITP – 3

The trade industry is consisted of professions that give value to their craft through

their knowledge and skills, and in the construction and design, there are numerous

professions, each equipped with knowledge according to their trade. Unfortunately, here in

the Philippines, there is still confusion between the boundaries of and Architect and a Civil

Engineer. Civil Engineers are trained focusing on systematical and structural elements of a

building, they were trained to oversee and ensure safety of the project. On the other hand,

Architects focuses on planning and designing based on the needs of the client, they are

specialists on designing aesthetically pleasing projects while also being equipped with ample

knowledge on structural design.

These two professions work hand in hand in the construction and design industry, but

here in the Philippines, most clients would resort to just hiring a Civil Engineer without an

Architect, as they would think that it would help them cut the costs of the project. These is the

kind of mentality that is killing certain professions in the industry. Most would think that

cutting the cost of the project by eliminating professionals from doing their job and instead

giving its role to another would benefit them greatly, but in reality, this would only result to

problems that would reveal itself in the succeeding years to come, which could also mean

greater costs in the long run.

 The real problem here is that while Architects are not allowed to sign documents that

are engineering documents, Civil Engineers are allowed to sign Architectural documents as

stated in Section 302 of PD 1096. Both professions are required to take licensure exams in

order to take on their respective roles, but the latter is more favored as they are able to take

on both roles while only attaining a single license.

For this type of problem, there is no need for any violence, as the solution would be

simple, yet it would benefit greatly for both professions. The government should implement a

new law that would help to address the conflict. Specific roles must only be practiced by the

license individuals for that specific profession. This would also help the industry as more

professionals would be able to focus on their trade. Civil engineers and Architect would be able

to work hand in hand as they should be.

Another thing that could also help is rigorous training and mentoring for Civil

engineers, and this may sound a bit biased, but truth is, fresh graduates of Architecture are

required to undergo 2 years of apprenticeship before they are able to take their licensure

exams. I think it would benefit the Civil profession as they would be mentored properly by a

master of that trade. This would also ensure that the license holders would truly understand

and respect every profession in that trade.

This kind of problem is not only happening in the design and construction industry, it is

also happening in different industries, wherein a certain profession is being favored over
another as it would seem that the former would be a more cheaper option. Fortunately, today,

more and more individuals are becoming more aware of this situation, and are beginning to

take action. Organizations are also starting to let their voices be heard. The only thing that we

need now is a government that would listen and act accordingly. Every profession has its own

value to the industry, and in order to make sure that we maintain a proper quality, we have to

make sure that every profession is being regulated properly.