Regulating Landscape Architecture Practice

Landscape Architecture involves planning, designing, specifying, supervising, administering, and directing the development and arrangement of natural scenery and outdoor spaces for human use and enjoyment.
Includes various landscape components and softscape such as gardens, parks, playgrounds, historical sites, cemeteries, plazas, malls, roads, roof gardens, and other open spaces.
Encompasses environmental protection, conservation, rehabilitation to enhance ecology and quality of life.
Professional activities include site planning, policy formulation, consultation, design studies, feasibility assessments, preparation of technical documents, project management, education, and computer-aided design.
The term "Landscape Architect" refers to a person authorized by the Board and the Professional Regulation Commission to practice landscape architecture.

Established under the administrative control of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Composed of one Chairperson and two members appointed by the President from a list provided by the accredited national Landscape Architects association.
Board organization must occur within six months from the law’s effectivity.

Members must be natural-born Filipino citizens, at least 35 years old.
Must hold a degree in Bachelor of Landscape Architecture or equivalent, and be registered Landscape Architects with at least 10 years of active practice (exception for first appointees).
Must have no recent ties to Landscape Architecture education/review centers for three years before appointment.
Term is three years, with the possibility of one reappointment.
Members take oath before performing duties.

Compensation comparable to other PRC regulatory boards as per the PRC Modernization Act of 2000.
Vacancies filled for the unexpired term.
Members may be removed for neglect of duty, incompetence, violations of the Act or Code of Ethics, criminal offenses, or misconduct related to examination integrity.

Powers include rulemaking, supervising registration and licensure, issuing certificates, adopting an official seal, prescribing codes of ethics and technical standards, handling administrative cases, and coordinating continuing professional education.
Responsible for preparing and administering licensure exams, including question setting and result release.
Ensures compliance of educational institutions with CHED standards.
Subject to review and supervision by the PRC.
Board records kept by the Commission; Commission provides secretariat and support.
Must promulgate implementing rules within 90 days from enactment.
Submits an annual report of its activities and recommendations.

Registration requires passing a licensure examination after meeting applicant qualifications.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens or from reciprocal countries, graduates of recognized Landscape Architecture programs or qualified under transitional provisions (e.g., architects or horticulturists with certain experience and coursework).
Subjects include design/planning, ecology, materials, planting design, ethics, history, and theory.
Passing requires a 70% general average with no grade below 60% in any subject, with provisions for retaking failed subjects.
Successful examinees must take an oath before practicing.

Certificate of registration and professional license issued bearing official signatures and seals.
Seals must be affixed to all relevant work documents prepared or supervised by the Landscape Architect.
Use and duplication of sealed documents regulated; unauthorized use is punishable.
Registration number and professional tax receipt must be indicated on documents.
The Board may refuse issuance for moral turpitude, unsound mind, or dishonorable conduct.
Certificates may be suspended, revoked, or licenses cancelled for grounds such as fraud, negligence, incompetence, and violations of ethical standards.
Reissuance possible after two years under equitable conditions.

Registered Landscape Architects at the law’s effectivity automatically registered.
Registration without examination available for those with 10 years of prior practice under specified qualifications.
Partnerships, associations, and corporations may practice if majority owned by registered Landscape Architects.
Professionals remain personally liable for their acts.
Integration into one accredited national organization mandatory.

Foreign Landscape Architects may practice only if Filipino Landscape Architects receive reciprocal rights abroad.
Foreign nationals must obtain a temporary/special permit, with DoLE approval, and work with Filipino counterparts, subject to conditions ensuring fairness and reciprocity.

Necessary funds included in the General Appropriations Act following enactment.
The PRC enforces the Act and its implementing rules, investigates complaints, and ensures compliance.

Unauthorized use of the title "Landscape Architect" or similar words forbidden.
Practicing without registration or license, using forged documents, impersonation, or violation of ethical codes penalized.
Penalties include fines from ₱50,000 to ₱200,000, imprisonment from six months to three years, or both.
Foreign violators subject to deportation post penalty.

Separability clause protects remaining provisions if any part is invalidated.
Repeals inconsistent laws and regulations.
Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or major newspaper, whichever is earlier.