Foreign Architect Permit Submission Requirement

The requirement applies specifically to foreign architects who have signed architectural plans.
The plans concerned must be those required under the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Presidential Decree No. 957 and Batas Pambansa No. 220.

This resolution supports the mandate of the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRBOA) under Republic Act No. 9266 (Architecture Act of 2004).
Section 38 of RA 9266 requires foreign architects to secure a special or temporary permit from the PRBOA, approved by the PRC, to legally practice architecture in the Philippines.
Foreign architects must also obtain a separate permit from DOLE to undertake work legally in the country.
The HLURB resolution harmonizes the Board’s requirements with existing national policies ensuring regulatory compliance.

The resolution was approved on May 25, 2009, and published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on July 17, 2009.
It took effect fifteen days after publication, specifically on August 1, 2009.

The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) enforces this resolution.
Compliance with this order ensures legal conformity in the use of foreign architectural services in Philippine subdivision and condominium projects.
Non-compliance may affect the approval or processing of subdivision and condominium plans involving foreign architects.

The policy aims to uphold professional standards as required under Philippine architectural laws.
It ensures that foreign architects comply with labor and professional regulations to protect national interests and maintain order in professional practice within the country.