Republic of the Philippines:
Bouse of Representatives
Queson City, #etro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House BiLL No. 10906

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE AURELIO "DONG" D. GONZALES, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Professional engineering, engineering technology and technician practices in the
Philippines have been legislated in specific domains in fields of practice under various
Professional Regulatory laws (PRL). However, over the years, the growth in economy
and modemization has brought strident competition resulting in inadvertent overlapping
in the fields of practice in the professional domains. It is paramount to keep the domains
in engineering to be globally attuned. Well-defined functions of each engineering sphere
through ascribed collaborative approaches and academic bridging programs can be
implemented to upkeep the domains.

Ascribed collaborative approaches in engineering, and technology practice,
generally involve bringing together professionals, and experts from diverse backgrounds
to collectively address challenges, solve problems, contribute to the development of
innovative solutions, and most importantly assign and recognize the role of every
engineer, technologist, and technician. This collaborative model shall be seen as
essential in addressing complex and multifaceted issues requiring skills, knowledge,
and perspectives.

The development of Academic Bridging Programs for engineering professionals
must be established to allow practice in an assimilating PRL domain. This can be
achieved by completing subjects required in the examination in the accommodating
PRL. The bridging program will ensure the boundaries of each PRL domain and enable
legal practice in PRLs.

It is in this context that engineers, technologists, and technicians have a defined
role in the industry consistent with the Philippines Qualification Framework (PQF) and
the career progression program geared towards professional specializations.

Therefore, it is proposed that local and international development follow
globalization trends in specialization to serve the Filipinos and be globally competitive.
As such, the ascribed collaboration and academic bridging in Professional Engineering,
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, and Building Technologists must be
enacted to diminish, if not, put an end to overlapping fields of practice in the various
engineering and technical practices. This law shall be globally acceptable as well as
locally adaptable and responsive to the needs of the industries.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this meabure is earnestly requested.

*DONG/D. GONZALES, JR.
3” District, Pampanga


NINETEENTH CONGRESS

CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _ 10906

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE AURELIO "DONG" D. GONZALES, JR.

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR AN ASCRIBED COLLABORATION AND ACADEMIC BRIDGING IN
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING, ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGISTS AND
TECHNICIANS, AND BUILDING TECHNOLOGISTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “Ascribed Collaboration and Academic
Bridging Act.”

Section 2. Declaration of Principles and Policies- The State shall safeguard, life,
health, property, and public welfare, consistent with principles of sustainable
development; and recognize the importance of an Ascribed Collaboration and Academic
Bridging Law for Professional Engineering, Engineering Technologists, and Technicians
and Building Technologists in nation-building. Thus, the State shall develop and nurture
competent, virtuous, productive, and well-rounded practitioners whose professional
practice and service standards shall be excellent, world-class, globally competitive, and
synergistically structured to optimize related professional services.

Section 3. Objectives. This Act shall govern, but not be limited to, the following:

a. All engineering practitioners, engineering technologists and technicians, and
Building technologists shall comply with the Ascribed Collaboration and
Academic Bridging Law for Professional Engineering, Engineering Technologists
and Technicians, and Building Technologist

b. Ascribed Collaboration in Professional Practice shall identify the scope of
practitioners’ involvement in a multi-disciplinary undertaking using multi-level
qualifications that recognize and assign the domain, academic training, and
expertise of the professionals involved.

c. Establishment of Academic bridging programs that will enable practitioners, by
taking up necessary subjects or training, to qualify for licensure into another PRL

d. Career Progression and Specialization (CPS) shall be the platform in which the
practice of the profession follows the Career Progression and Specialization
Program (CPSP) levels. The complexity of any undertakings shall be based on
the level of recognition and development in the CPSP-CATS program.

e. The Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) sets the framework on skills,
knowledge, perspectives, and competencies necessary for ascribed
collaboration.


f.

Employing PRLs, without diminishing the laws, creates unified structured
services with a primary professional as lead and harmonized supporting
professionals for all works. The responsible professionals shall certify functions
under the field of practice concern to be covered in an ascribed collaboration
system.

|. The Act shall be consistent with international standards and practices consistent

in the global arena obligations.

Section 4. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

a

a

‘Academic Bridging program- a program that will enable practitioners, by taking
up necessary subjects or training, to qualify for licensure into another PRL

Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) — the only organization
accredited by the Board and the Commission that is mandated to integrate all
engineers, engineering technologists, and engineering technicians and where
membership is automatic and mandatory;

. Architecture- is the art and science of designing and creating buildings,

structures, and spaces that serve function and aesthetics.

. Architects- are professionals trained in the principles of building design,

engineering, and construction, responsible for planning, designing, and
‘overseeing the construction of buildings and other built environments.

. Ascribe- Attributed to someone in a group

Ascribed Collaboration- refers to a situation where collaboration is credited to
individuals in a group with assigned functions to accomplish a common goal.

. Ascribed Collaborative Professionals:

i. Primary Professional- shall be the practitioner who shall be the entity in a
‘multi-disciplinary undertaking for the client requiring services.

ji. Support Professionals- shall be ascribed collaborator support professionals
for the primary professional; entities shall be professionals in a team with
assigned functions to accomplish a common goal.

ili, Engineering Technologist. A person who has a 4-year Baccalaureate in
Technology shall be deemed to practice within the meaning and intent of
this Act if one renders, or offers to render professional services under the
supervision of an engineer:

a) Conduct office work, laboratory management, facilities supervisory, and
fieldwork in engineering projects and undertakings;

b) Recommend the issuance of engineering permits, as well as other
related permits, clearances, or licenses when employed and as a
function in government,

c) Assist engineers in the practice of the profession.

iv. Trade practitioners- Trade professionals are at the technician level who use
practical engineering principles and acquired technical expertise and
experience through training, apprenticeships, or on-the-job experience.

a) An Engineering Technician is a practitioner in a field of engineering who
is proficient in the relevant skill and technique and with a relatively
practical understanding of the engineering principles; offers to render


=

2

technical professional services under the engineer and/or engineering
technologist or both, in conducting inspection, data gathering, sampling,
testing, installation, and repair of utilities.

. Baccalaureate Degree — a Bachelor's Degree earned after graduating from an

academic training program recognized by CHED

Building Technologists- Architects, Interior Design professionals, Environmental
planners, and Chemists

CHED — Commission on Higher Education;

. CHED PSG- CHED Policies, Guidelines and Standards

(CMO- CHED Memorandum Order

. Collaboration- Working jointly with others towards a common goal
. Commission — Professional Regulation Commission.

. Construction Manager- professional/s responsible for overseeing and

coordinating construction processes from the initial planning stages to
completion. This role involves managing resources, schedules, and budgets, and
ensuring that the project adheres to all relevant laws, regulations, and quality
standards. Construction managers shall ensure that construction projects are
completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Key
duties of a construction manager include:

i. Planning and Budgeting: Developing project coordinated plans, timelines,

and budgets.

Resource Management: Allocating labor, materials, and equipment.

Supervision: Overseeing construction site activities and ensuring work is

done safely and efficiently.

iv. Coordinator ing with architects, engineers, contractors, and other
stakeholders.

v. Compliance: Ensuring the project meets legal requirements, building

codes, and safety standards.

vi. Quality Control: Inspecting work to ensure it meets specified standards and
specifications.

vil. Problem-solving: Addressing any issues or delays that arise during the
construction process.

. CPD- Continuing Professional Development — is the inculcation of advanced

knowledge, skills, and ethical values in a post-licensure specialization or in an
inter- or multidisciplinary field of study, for assimilation into professional practice,
self-directed research, and lifelong learning;

. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)- primary

national government entity responsible for the management of housing, human
settlement, and urban development.

DILG- Department of Interior and Local Government

. DOLE- Department of Labor and Employment

DPWH- Department of Public Works and Highways


Zz

1. Engineering refers to the scientific and mathematical principles to design,

develop, and optimize systems, structures, processes, and products. Engineers
have a formal education as required in the various PRLs, such as mechanical,
electrical, electronic and communication, civil, Environmental and Sanitary,
chemical, or aerospace engineering. They are trained to analyze problems,
develop solutions, and apply engineering principles to create innovative
technologies and systems.

. Engineering trade practitioners’ work is to support or implement the various

engineering design works in industries, such as manufacturing, construction,
infrastructure, or process industries, and habitations, applying practical
engineering knowledge to solve practical problems and address industry-specific
challenges.

HEI — Higher Educational Institutions;

._ International Agreements:

1) Washington Accord- signed in 1989 and is a multilateral agreement
between bodies responsible for accreditation or recognition of tertiary-level
engineering qualifications within their jurisdictions who have chosen to work
collectively to assist the mobility of professional engineers.

2) Sydney Accord- was signed in June 2001, by seven founding signatories
representing; Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, United
Kingdom, and South Africa. As with the other Accords, the signatories are
committed to development and recognition of good practice in
engineering education. The Sydney Accord is specifically focused on
academic programs dealing with engineering technology.

3) Dublin Accord- was signed in May 2002, by the founding signatories
representing; Canada, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and
South Africa. The agreement established mutual recognition of the
qualifications which underpin the granting of Engineering Technician titles.
As with the other Accords, the signatories are committed to developing and
recognizing good practices in engineering education. The Dublin Accord is
specifically focused on the mutual recognition of + academic
programs/qualifications that underpin the educational base for Engineering
Technicians

/. Interior Design- is the art and science of designing and creating buildings,

structures, and spaces that serve function and aesthetics.

LGU- Local Government Unit

aa. Multidisciplinary undertaking- an initiative that involves the ascribed collaboration

and integration of expertise, knowledge, and resources from multiple disciplines
or fields of study.

bb. OBO — Office of the Building Official;

cc. PABO- Philippine Association of Building Officials

dd. Philippine Qualification Framework (PQF) - describes the levels of educational

qualifications and sets the standards for qualification outcomes. It is a quality-
assured national system for the development, recognition, and award of
qualifications based on standards of knowledge, skills, and values acquired in
different ways and methods by learners and workers of the country.


ee. PRB — Professional Regulatory Board

ff. Project Manager- professional responsible for planning, executing, and closing
projects. They ensure that a project is completed on time, within budget, and
meets the required quality standards. The role of a project manager spans
various industries, including construction, IT, marketing, and more. Project
managers are critical to the success of projects, as they coordinate all aspects of
the project to achieve the desired outcome. Key responsibilities of a project
manager include:

vi.

vii.

viii.

Project Planning: Defining project scope, goals, and deliverables;
including creating detailed work plans.

Budget Management: Estimating costs, developing budgets, and
managing expenses throughout the project lifecycle.

Resource Allocation: Identifying and allocating resources, including team
members, equipment, and materials.

Team Leadership: Leading and motivating the project team, assigning
tasks, and ensuring collaboration.

Timeline Management: Developing schedules, setting milestones, and
tracking progress to ensure timely completion.

Risk Management: Identifying potential risks, developing mitigation
strategies, and managing any issues that may arise.

Communication: Facilitating effective communication among stakeholders,
providing regular updates, and ensuring everyone is informed about
project status.

Quality Control: Ensuring project deliverables meet the required standards
and specifications.

Documentation: Maintaining comprehensive project documentation,
including reports, plans, and records of decisions made.
Project Closure: Completing the project by finalizing all activities, obtaining
approvals, and ensuring successful handover or implementation

gg. TESDA- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

hh. Specialist — is a registered practitioner of the AIPO who has demonstrated
advanced knowledge, skills, and experience, in a recognized field of
specialization in Engineering; and a recipient of a certificate of specialization as
provided for in the CPD (CPSP-CATS) Act.

Section 5. Professional Practices under the Ascribed Collaboration Law. The
following professions shall be considered under this Act:

a. Engineering Practices:

PNOTaYN=

. Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
. Chemical Engineering

Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronics and Communication Engineering

. Geodetic Engineering
. Mechanical Engineering
. Environmental and Sanitary Engineering

b. Building Technology Practitioners:


1. All Specialties in Architecture
2. Chemistry

3. Environmental Planning

4. Interior Design

c. Licensed Technicians Practitioners:

1. Master plumbers
2. Master Electricians
3. Plant Mechanics

Section 6. Ascribed Collaborative Professional Practice Framework, The
framework uses PRLs with defined domains wherein professionals can practice. This
Act shall promote and protect the defined scope of practice domain of each PRL;
however, coincidental and perceived encroachment shall be prudently subject to
resolution by affected PRBs; when unresolved, affected professionals who intend to
practice in another domain shall take the academic bridging program.

Public interest and well-being shall be primordial in Ascribed collaborative professional
services.

The Collaborative Professional Practice Framework shall be based on the PQF, and
CPSP-CATS programs using concerted practice of primary and support practitioners to
complete a common goal.

a. The Primary Professional is the entity in a legal agreement with the client needing
the services. The primary professional shall be the lead professional in the piece of
work for the client and shall create and oversee the client-employed support
professionals.

b. The Support Professionals shall be the allied entities charged with the
development plans and specifications, permit certifications, supervision,
construction, and implementation to accomplish the primary professional project
goal. Each support professional shall be an ascribed collaborator expert restricted
to the practitioner's PRL domain and shall refrain from expanding the limitations of
the PRL; other services shall be allowed so long as the professional is licensed to
provide other relevant support services.

c. Project and construction management shall be under the client needing the
services. The entity shall have a mimic organizational set-up similar to the support
professionals for peer review and management of the implementation of a piece of
work. The managers shall have the authority to recommend changes or
modifications with the approval of the client

d. Implementation of the piece of work shall be by contractor/s that the Project and
Construction managers shall have qualified and with the approval of the primary
and support professionals.

Section 7. Engineering Code for Ascribed Collaborative Engineering
Practitioners, Technologists and Technicians. The PRBs shall adopt and
promulgate the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for the Professional
Engineering, Engineering Technologists and Technicians, and Building Technologist
Collaboration Act. The Code shall provide AN ASCRIBED COLLABORATION MATRIX
scope of works prepared by the various PRB's engineers, and technologists which shall
serve as an easy reference for practitioners, PRC, DOLE, TESDA, DHSUD, DPWH,
DENR, DOH, ERC, PABO, DILG, LGUs, and other government agencies.


Section 8. Academic Bridging Program. Each professional regulatory engineering
board shall establish Academic bridging programs that will enable practitioners, by
taking up necessary subjects or training, to qualify for licensure into another PRL.

The PRBs shall create the Academic Bridging Program based on this Act after
qualifying the following:

a. Alignment of major subjects to be taken by the candidate based on CHED CMO
and TOS of accepting PRB

b. Certificate of Good moral character from an accredited organization of candidate
or NBI clearance

c. Qualified Candidate shall take the Engineering Licensure exam of accepting PRB

Section 9. Use of Seal. All licensed engineers and baccalaureate technologists shall
use a seal authorized by PRLs, within the legal domain set by the ASCRIBED
COLLABORATION MATRIX, on plans, specifications, reports, and documentation, and
be stamped with an authorized seal during the validity of the latter's COR.

it shall be unlawful to affix the seal on any document after the licensed engineers have
been revoked. PRLs without a section of Use of Seal, or expanded by other means,
shall be revoked and reverted to their original PRL.

Section 10. Practice of Firms. The practice of engineers and technologists is
professional services based on individual and personal qualifications. A. firm,
association, or partnership may practice this profession, provided that the principals of
the firm, association, or partnership are registered with the Commission under the
provisions of their PRL.

Section 11. Appointment of Engineers to Relevant Positions in the Provincial,
City, and Municipal Governments and Establishments with Engineering
Functions. Within two (2) years after the approval of this Act, all provinces, cities, and
municipalities must appoint Qualified engineers in their respective Provincial,
Engineering Offices and Offices of Building Officials.

No person shall be appointed to the position unless the person is a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral character,
and a registered engineer. The appointee must satisfy the qualification requirements
issued by the Civil Service Commission and will have the minimum functions as follows:

a. Initiate, review, and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans and
programs, techniques, procedures and practices in Professional Engineering,
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, And Building Technologist based on
the Ascribed Collaboration Act in the local government unit concerned;

b. Advise the local chief executive, governor or mayor, as the case may be,
Professional Engineering, Engineering Technologists and Technicians, And
Building Technologist regarding the Ascribed Collaboration Act matters and
concerns;

c. Administer, coordinate, supervise, and execute the implementation of projects
relevant to Professional Engineering, Engineering Technologists and
Technicians, And Building Technologist based on the Ascribed Collaboration and
Academic Bridging Act;

d. Provide engineering services to the local government unit concerned, including
investigation and survey, engineering designs, feasibility studies, and project
management based on the Ascribed Collaboration and Academic Bridging Act;


e. In the case of provincial engineers, exercise technical supervision over all
Professional Engineering, Engineering Technologists and Technicians, And
Building Technologists, shall align offices of component cities and municipalities
to the Ascribed Collaboration and Academic Bridging Act; and

f. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as
prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section 12. Review, Approval, and Permitting Engineering Works. Review,
approval, and permitting of Professional Engineering, Engineering Technologists and
Technicians, and Building Technologists shall follow the Ascribed Collaboration matrix
created by this Act.

Section 13. Penal Provision. Any person shall, upon conviction, be meted with the
penalty of imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but not more than five (5) years, of
a fine of not less than One million Pesos (PhP 1,000,000.00) but not more than Five
million Pesos (PhP 5,000,000.00) or both, at the discretion of the Courts, for any of the
following acts:

a. Engaging in the dominating or manipulative practice in the Philippines without
having conformed with the provisions of this Act;

b. Failure to adhere to the provisions of this Act

c. Violating any of the provisions of this Act.

In case a corporation, partnership, or any non-propriety organization is found legally
culpable, and the penalty is imprisonment, together with the responsible officer or
officers who have permitted or caused the violation, shall likewise suffer the same
penalty

Section 14. Enforcement of the Act by Officers of the Law. The Government
agencies concerned, the PRBs, and the Commission shall implement and enforce the
provisions of this Act, its IRR, and whenever warranted, investigate complaints for
violations of this Act, its IRR, and the Code of Ethics and Standards for Engineering
Code for Ascribed Collaborative Engineering Practitioners, Technologists, and
Technicians.

The National Government, any of its provincial, city, or municipal government or political
subdivisions, shall assist in the enforcement of the provisions of this Act.

Section 15. Act Not Affecting Other Provisions and Trades,- This Act shall not be
construed to affect or prevent the practice of any other legally recognized profession, or
trade nor shall it be construed to diminish the fields of practice already embraced by the
PRLs.

Section 16. Appropriations. The Chairperson of the Commission shall immediately
include in the Commission's programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of
which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). The amount
necessary to carry out the initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the
current year’s appropriations of the Commission. Thereafter, such sums as may be
necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the
succeeding GAA.

Section 17. Separability Clause. if any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, the same shall not affect the validity of the
other provisions.

Section 18. Repealing Clause. Nothing herein shall be construed as to prevent or
affect the practice of other legally recognized professions


In the event of actual or perceived conflicts or encroachments on the scope of practice
of other professions, the Boards concerned shall endeavor to reconcile their differences
through alternative modes of dispute settlement or resolution (e.g. mediation and
conciliation).

Section 19. Implementing Rules and Regulation. The Professional Regulatory
Boards on Engineering and Post-Baccalaureate Technology, upon the review of the
Commission, shall issue the implementing rules and regulations one year after the
approval of this Act.

Section 20, Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,