Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 2985)
The official title of Act No. 2985 is the "Engineering and Architecture Law."
Act No. 2985 took effect on its approval, which was on February 23, 1921.
All persons desiring to practice the professions of engineer or architect must obtain licenses in the manner and under the conditions provided in the Act.
Each Board of Examiners is composed of three members who must be of good moral conduct, at least twenty-five years old, graduated in their respective profession from a reputable institution, have practiced the profession for not less than five years, not be faculty of any related school, and have no pecuniary interest in such institutions.
Members must take an oath affirming their commitment to well and truly perform their duties, bear true faith and allegiance to the Governments of the United States of America and the Philippine Islands, and affirm their practice of the profession since the specified year without mental reservation.
The Boards hold sessions and examinations in the city of Manila on the second Monday of January and July (if not a holiday) each year, with at least thirty days’ public notice in newspapers.
A fee of thirty pesos is charged for each application for examination and ten pesos for each certificate of registration.
Subjects include mathematics (differential and integral calculus, descriptive geometry, stereotomy), surveying, geology, rational and applied mechanics, hydraulics, resistance of materials, construction materials, foundations, geodesy and astronomy, and designing and construction of various public and private utility works such as railroads, bridges, roads, canals, and sanitation works.
Applicants must be at least twenty years old, of good moral character, and either have a diploma or certificate from a recognized institution in the branch of engineering or architecture, or have practiced the profession for not less than five years.
Licenses without prior examination may be issued to persons who have passed civil-service examinations for engineer or architect, meet the qualifications, have practiced the profession for at least five years prior to the Act, and have a good record.
Any person advertising as an engineer or architect without a proper license shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand pesos or subsidiary imprisonment for non-payment.
No. Those engaged in making plans and directions prior to the Act without academic titles may continue as maestros de obras, but they cannot sign such plans or advertise as engineers or architects.