QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 202)
Presidential Decree No. 202 amends Republic Act No. 4374, the “Geodetic Engineering Law,” by modifying provisions on qualifications and examinations for geodetic engineers.
Section 4 and Section 15 of Republic Act No. 4374 are amended.
The amendment introduces two examination types: (1) Junior Geodetic Engineer and (2) Geodetic Engineer.
It states that the Philippines requires massive cadastral and public land subdivision surveys for land reform, and thus needs trained technical men in geodetic and photogrammetric surveying and mapping.
It identifies a shortage of qualified geodetic engineers to perform geodetic engineering, surveying, and/or mapping activities, including land reform mapping in rice and corn lands nationwide.
To explain the low student enrollment in geodetic engineering programs, which contributes to the shortage of qualified geodetic engineers.
Graduates with the title of Associate in Surveying and civil engineering undergraduates who do not qualify to take the board examination for geodetic engineers but are competent to undertake mapping and land survey work.
He must satisfy requirements (a) to (c) of Section 15 and must have completed an Associate in Surveying or third year in Geodetic Engineering, or fourth year in Civil Engineering.
They must also have completed or earned to their credit: Laws on Natural Resources, Land Registration and Property, Land Reform Laws, Land Property Surveys, Photogrammetry and Cartography.
The decree establishes separate examination categories, with distinct qualification pathways for Junior Geodetic Engineer (including Associate in Surveying and specified civil engineering coursework) while preserving the status of existing Geodetic Engineering Certificate holders.
It incorporates the existing general requirements of Section 15 for board examination qualification, adding only the new educational/training requirements specifically for the Junior Geodetic Engineer Examination.
It takes effect immediately.
It was signed by Ferdinand E. Marcos as President of the Philippines, with Roberto V. Reyes as Acting Executive Secretary.
It allows competent graduates such as Associate in Surveying holders and certain civil engineering undergraduates (with specific required courses) to qualify for a junior-level licensure, expanding the pool of surveyors for land registration and land reform mapping needs.