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The History and Development of Civil Engineering and its

Profession in the Philippines
During Spanish Time The history of the architecture and civil engineering profession in
the Philippines were almost synonymous to each other. In more than three-and-a-half
centuries of Spanish subjugation, there were no Filipino civil engineers. Social prejudice
constrained the repressed indio builders to content themselves to be called mere
Maestro de Obras (Master Builders) even if they could design and build any type of
structure that technology could allow at that time. Master Builders as of today were
equivalent to Construction Foreman. Civil Engineering, as practiced in the Philippines
during the Spanish era, was not by virtue of an academic title. There were no civil
engineering schools in the country at that time and the only architects/engineers with
academic degrees were Spaniards. The walled city in Intramuros was established by
the Spaniards as a model community. The Friar Architects/Engineers during that time
were the ones who built the government buildings, bridges, residential and other
structures, incorporated European standards in engineering and architectural
installations. The Walled City of Intramuros, Manila

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Filipino engineers were assigned the task of
maintaining, repairing and/or remodelling infrastructure systems in all 'pueblos' or towns
including churches, convents and government buildings. Maestro de Obras were called
by the Ilustrados or the elite group to build structures in villas and mansions.
Civil Engineering Orientation PART 1

In 1571 Miguel Lopez de Legaspi founded the City of Manila on June 24, 1571 The
Spaniards started building Fort Santiago (Fuerte de Santiago) after the establishment of
the city of Manila under Spanish rule on June 24, 1571. 1577 With the arrival of the
Franciscan Order to Manila in 1577, they began with construction of wood and cane
churches that succumbed to natural catastrophes. In 1739 they constructed a stone
church that was financed by the public charity and became one of richest in Intramuros.
1586 Designed and built by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeno from 1586 to 1587, it is one of
the oldest stone fortifications in Intramuros. Began as a circular fort called Nuestra
Senora de Guia. Renovated in 1593 to join the walls of the city. Fort fell in disrepair and,
in 1644, construction began for a new baluarte which was completed between 1653 and
1663. Resembling an ace of spades, it housed a foundry during the 18th century. The
baluarte was breached by British forces with cannon fire in 1762. Restored and
strengthened after the British occupation but was damaged during the 1863 earthquake.
It was destroyed during the Battler of Manila in 1945. Restoration began in 1979 and
completed in 1992. 1599 St. Augustine Church is the oldest stone church in the
Philippines. It was built in 1599: however, it was also destroyed and rebuilt many times.
It is an immense structure of thick walls of Corinthian and Ionic designs. 1621 In 1621,
Don Bernardino Castillo, a generous patron and a well-known devotee of St. Sebastian.
Patron of Archers, donated his lot, which is now the present site of the San Sebastian
Church. The original church, which was made of wood, was burned in 1851 during a
Chinese uprising. The succeeding structures were destroyed twice by fire and an
earthquake in 1859. 1883. and 1880 respectively. Father Esteban Martinez, the parish
priest at that time, approached the Spanish Architect Genero Palacios with a plan to
build a fire and earthquakeresistant church made entirely of steel. Ambeth Ocampo
states that the present San Sebastian church was ordered knockdown in steel parts
from the Societe Anonyme des Enterprises de Travaux Publiques in Brussels. Belgium.
Two Belgian engineers supervised the construction of the church. On June 12. 1888,
the first shipments of steel parts were brought to the Philippines. For two years, the
church was assembled with local artists and craftsmen joining the Belgian firm in
applying the final finishing touches on this new church of steel. The stained glass
windows were imported from the Henri Oidtmann Company, a German stained glass
firm. The engineering technique used in the construction of the church, including metal
fixtures and the overall structure, were from Gustave Eiffel, the creator of the Eiffel
Tower. This was confirmed when Chinese-American architect. I. M. Pei, visited the
Philippines in the late 70's. He came to confirm what he heard about Gustave Eiffel
designing a steel church in Asia.

Civil Engineering Orientation PART 2

In 1632 Puente Grande was the first bridge to be erected across the grand Rio del
Pasig. Built in 1632, this wooden bridge connects Intramuros and Binondo together,
making it easier and relatively faster to travel from one end to the other. It underwent
several reconstructions and renovations as it was always heavily damaged by
earthquakes. After the 1883 earthquake. Puente Grande was renamed to Puente de
Espatia. The bridge was replaced in 1875 widening its spans to masonry of six and two
central houses. It can accommodate both pedestrians and vehicles including horse or
carabao drawn carts and carriages, and tranvia. This bridge was replaced for the last
time with a neo-classical design by Juan Arellano in the 1930s and was called the
Jones Bridge. 1645 Manila was hit by an earthquake and was reconstructed 1686
Irrigation and Water System The first artesian wells were built in Bells, Pampanga by Fr.
Manuel Camanes. The water system in Manila (now MWSS) had its beginning from the
water works constructed by Fr. Juan Peguero in 1686. The first irrigation system was
constructed in Tanay, Rizal by Fr. Jose Delgado. (17th Century) Cavite Friar Land
Irrigation System is one of the oldest irrigation systems in the Philippines. Sometimes in
the 17th century, the Spanish period encomiendas or Spanish Royal lands grants were
implemented in Cavite. The priests were granted by the Spanish King, portions of the
agricultural land in Cavite. They subdivided the lands in to four estates namely: Naic
Estate. Santa Cruz de Malabon (Tanza) Estate, San Francisco de Malabon (General
Trias) Estate and Imus Estate, all of which are now popularly called as Cavite Friar
Lands. 1846 The Pasig River Light House was the first lighthouse (masonry-built)
erected in the Philippines. It was first lighted on 1846 and deactivated on 1992. It was
then located on the north jetty at the mouth of Pasig River, (San Nicolas, Manila)
marking the entrance to the river for vessels around Manila Bay, looking to dock on the
ports along the banks of the river in Manila. A light station has been established on the
site since 1642. The first lighthouse structure was erected by the ruling Spanish
government and lit on September 1. 1846. From its location at the mouth of the historic
river, which divides Manila into two sections, it was a welcoming beacon for over a
century to all mariners of interisland vessels when bringing their vessels up into the river
for berthing along its busy wharves. The lighthouse, which was known locally as Farola
(Spanish for lighthouse") was one of the most conspicuous landmarks in the harbor of
Manila in the early part of the 20th century. The building and later expansion of the Port
of Manila, south of the light station and subsequent land reclamations, has greatly
altered the location of the lighthouse obscuring it from the wide expanse of Manila Bay
The lighthouse was demolished in 1992 and was replaced with an architecturally
simpler lighthouse with the new tower built on the foundation of the old one. The
Philippine Coast Guard Station of Manila is located adjacent to the lighthouse and the
community that developed from the reclaimed lands is now known as 'Parole (Filipino
for "lighthouse"). The present tower is a white conical concrete structure with a height of
46 feet (14.02 m) and a focal plane of 43 feet (13.11 m). The old tower was taller at 49
feet (14.94 m). Lighthouses in the Philippines are maintained by the Philippine Coast
Guard. 1852 Puente Colgante (which is the term for a suspension bridge in Spanish:
literally. hanging bridge) was the first suspension bridge built in Southeast Asia when it
was started in 1849 and completed in 1852. It was built and owned by Ynchausti y
Compaiiia, the business headed by Jose Joaquin de Ynchausti. He commissioned the
design from Basque engineer Mafias Menchacatorre. The bridge was first named
Puente de Claveria, likely in honor of the Governor-General of the Philippines Narciso
Claveria, who served from 1844-1849. Puente Colgante was the first suspension bridge,
not only the Philippines but in South East Asia as well, and probably the first toll bridge
of its kind in the Philippines, a precursor of the modem Sky Way, albeit for pedestrian
use only. The suspension bridge measured 110 metres (360 ft) long and 7 metres (23
ft) wide, and had two lanes that allowed passage of horses and carabao-drawn
carriages. It was also opened for pedestrians traveling on foot between Quiapo and
Intramuros and nearby areas. In 1854 Ynchausti brought together the Ynchausti family
holdings under the above name. A Basque Spaniard born in Cadiz, de Ynchausti
immigrated to the Philippines in the second quarter of the nineteenth century and built a
business empire. In 1889 Ynchausti y Compaiiia was the largest company in the
Philippines. The 20th-century writer Nick Joaquin described the bridge as it was in the
1670s: `Across the city's river now arched ... the amazing Puente Colgante, suspended
in the air, like a salute to the age of science and engineering. The Industrial Age found
its expression in the Philippines in the form of a bridge unparalleled throughout Asia."
Historians dispute local traditions that say the bridge was designed by Gustave Eiffel,
who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris. (This is also asserted about the Puente de
Ayala.) They note the original bridge has been documented as designed by a Basque.
(In addition. the 1930s work was performed a decade after Eiffel died in 1923.) 1867
The project for public supply of fresh water to the city dates from the early 18th century.
Before this, the city had to be content with a fresh water supply based on cisterns. In
1867, the town council decides to take on the challenge of a project to supply fresh
water to the whole of the city. In 1882 the first public water fountain gushed forth its
waters, and shortly after this, the technology of the times was successful in providing
Manila with a fresh water supply from sources up-river. 1868 It was in 1868 when the
Bureau of Public Works and Highways (Obras Publicas) and Bureau of
Communications and Transportation (Communicationes y Meteologia) were organized
under a civil engineer known as 'Director General'. 1878-1918

Civil Engineering Orientation PART 3

The founding of Carriedo Waterworks Manila didn't get running water until 1878, when
the municipal waterworks was established by Governor Domingo Moriones, with money
from a fund that by then had become legendary as the Carriedo Legacy. A 'public-
spirited citizen." Don Francisco Carriedo y Peredo was a Basque from Santander who
during his life conferred immense benefits on the Philippines, having migrated in the
Philippines early in the 18th century. One of his 'obras pias" (pious works), was a legacy
he left in his will for the building of a Manila water system. Though Sefior Carriedo did
not live long enough to see his legacy since he died in 1743. Manila was to be without
running water for more than a century longer. Thanks to Govemor Moriones who acted
on providing Manila with running water that the Carriedo Legacy was finally fulfilled.
1875 On June 25. 1875. King ALFONSO XII of Spain promulgates the Royal Decree
directing the Office of the Inspector of Public Works of the Philippines to submit a
general plan of railroad in Luzon 1876 The General Plan for Railways was drawn up in
1876 for the island of Luzon. and included a network totaling 1.730 kilometers. A 192
Km stretch of track was constructed between Manila and Dagupan. This operated a
regular service as from 1892. The most outstanding works carried out on the railway
system were the bridge over the great Pampanga River and the building of Tutuban
Station. in the Tondo district. The tremendous growth of the city of Manila led the
administration to contemplate. in 1878. the setting up of a public transport network. Five
tramway lines would link the city with its outskirts. 1878 The concession for constructing
five tramways in Manila and its suburbs was approved. The plan included a main station
at San Gabriel and the crossing of the river via the "Puente de Espana" 1880 School for
Maestro de Obras called Escuela Practica y Artes Oficios de Manila was founded. Its
first Filipino graduates were Julio Hernandez (1891). Isidro Medina (1894). Arcadio
Arellano (1894) and Juan Carreon (1896) Puente de Convalecencia or better known as
the Ayala Bridge was completed in 1880. Originally it is composed of two separate
spans connected by the Isla de Convalecencia. which is home to Hospisio de San Jose.
dropping point for abandoned babies. the bridge over this island was originally made of
wooden arched trusses. 1883 On November 1. 1883. the study of the first railroad
project between Manila and Dagupan done by Antonio dela Camara was approved
1887

Civil Engineering Orientation PART 4

On July 31. 1887. construction of the Manila-Dagupan railroad was started 1892 On
November 24. 1892. the entire line from Manila to Dagupan. with a total length of 195.4
kms. was completed and put into commercial operations 18th and 19th CENTURY
Road work in the Philippine Islands during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
under the Spanish regime. consisted in the opening of routes of communication
throughout the Islands. in a very thorough manner. and leaving a very valuable asset to
the present Government in the matter of the width of right of way. which was
incorporated into the law and became a part of the public domain. The location of these
routes has been justified. inasmuch. that few changes have been made in the general
alignment. except when new sections have opened up and a change in location
justified. Grades have been improved and method of construction changed. The right of
way. as established by law. has made possible the construction methods of to-day. The
use of broken stone or gravel on road work seems not to have been practiced by the
Spaniard. as little evidence is found to promulgate this berief. Two types of construction
under Spanish regime were practiced: First. pavement of cut Spanish road. Cut adobe
stone pavement. Stone. This was usually of the adobe quality. probably used because it
is easily quarried. cut. and handled. the size used called "ordinario" 20 by 20
centimeters and 50 centimeters long. This makes a very smooth and pretty pavement.
but. where an ordinary amount of traffic is encountered. wears very rapidly. Had a hard
stone been used. the result would have been of a permanent nature. Second. Spanish
road. rubble-stone pavement cobblestones. The pavement of cobblestone consisted of
boulders probably taken from river beds varying in size from 10 to 30 centimeters in
diameter. This type was very durable and lasting. so long as the individual stones
retained their position in a bed of earth. Owing to the size used there was no bond. and
stones were easily displaced. unless covered with earth. sand. or gravel. This pavement
was very rough and. had a second or top course of small gravel been used and bound
together with a binding material. would have been in use to-day. Attention is often called
to the good roads that existed during the Spanish regime. First Philippine Republic
(Aguinaldo) 1898 The Organic Decree issued by Gen. Emilio Aquinaldo establishing the
Philippine Revolutionary Government created four (4) government departments among
which was the Department of War and Public Works. In 1896. after four (4) centuries of
Spanish colonization. our Filipino forebears started the revolutionary movement and the
struggle to gain freedom began. On June 12. 1898. Gem Emilio Aguinaldo declared the
Philippine Independence in Kawit. Cavite. The Organic Decree of the Philippine
Revolutionary Government on June 23. 1898 issued by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo provided
for the creation of four (4) Departments in the government. one of which was the
DEPARTMENT OF WAR AND PUBLIC WORKS. Though once included in the
Department of War. now Department of National Defense. its functions as builder and
maintainer of roads. bridges and other public works structures are inherent in the
present Department_ The inclusion of public works in the War and Department can be
explained by the exigencies of the revolutionary period. The construction of fortifications
and trenches was needed in the cause for freedom which our heroes had fought for.

Civil Engineering Orientation PART 5

When Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States in 1898. the public works and
activities were placed under the U.S. Army engineers. 1899 The Malolos Constitution
was ratified during a general assembly of Congress. and the first Council of
Government of the First Philippine Republic was created.

1899 The Malolos Constitution was ratified during a general assembly of Congree and
the first Council of Government of the First Philippinr Repyblic was created. From
January 21. 1899 to May 7. 1899. with Apolinario Mabini as President of the Cabinet
(i.e. Prime Minister). Gracio Gonzaga served as the Secretary of Public Welfare. which
included the transportation and communications portfolio. When Mabini was replaced by
Pedro Paterno as President of the Cabinet. among the seven departments set up was
the Communicaciones y Obras Publicas (i.e. the Communications and Public Works
Department). Maximo Patemo was appointed as Secretary of Public Works and
Communications. Since then. Public Works. Transportation. and Communications have
been grouped into one department. During American Regime The coming of the
Americans brought about drastic changes in our engineering culture. The new
colonizers pursued -benevolent' policies that focused on English education. public
health. free enterprise. and representative governance thus bringing with them were
military engineers. Thomasite teachers. doctors and evangelist. Under the civil
government established in July. 1901. such 'assimilation" manifested itself physically in
the form of infrastructures. Highways. bridges. schools. hospitals. and government
buildings steadily transformed the Philippine landscape. 1899 In his letter dated January
4. 1899 to Filipinos. US Major-General Elwell S. Otis. the Military Governor of the
Philippines. announced US President William McKinley's instructions for the islands'
Benevolent Assimilation. The instructions stated that the management of public property
and revenue. and the use of all public means of transportation. were to be conducted by
the military authorities (i.e. by the US Army) until such time that they would be
transferred back to civilian authority. Thus. the Bureau of Engineering was placed under
the supervision of American military engineers. The ports were opened to commerce for
all foreign nations. 1900 Foundation of the Liceo de Manila. a private institution offering
academic course for maestro de obras and headed by Leon Ma. Guerrero. The first
private school to offer an academic title for Maestro de Obras. (the forerunner of formal
education in architecture/engineering) The introduction of reinforced concrete in the
Philippines was in the 1900s and its use in the construction of the Masonic Temple
(Grand Lodge of the Philippines). the first multi-structure in Escotta. Manila. On April 20.
1900. the US military authorities returned the railroad to its owner

Civil Engineering Orientation PART 6

Early 1900's Transportation in the Philippines was depended largely on trails.

waterways. railroad. earth roads and partially-gravelled roads. Highway in the
Philippines at that time is nothing more than a dream to most Filipinos. The US
government initiated the development of roadways in the Philippines connecting towns.
cities and provinces. The popular Macadam road type was introduced. It gained
acceptance because of abundant supply of stones and gravel. 1901 By virtue of Act No.
83 passed by the Philippine Commission on February 6. 1901. public works and
projects were placed under the Provincial Supervisions'. The 1901 municipal code
(February 6. 1901) provided for popularly elected municipal board members who were
responsible for collecting taxes. maintaining municipal properties. and undertaking
necessary construction projects. 1902 The first professional association of architecture
and surveyors was born on September 14. 1902 with the creation of the Academia de
Arquitectura y Agrimensura de Filipinas (AAAF). Bureau of Engineering and
Construction of Public Works and Bureau of Architecture and Construction of Public
Buildings - were created by Act Numbers 222 and 268 of the Philippine Commission
and placed under The Department of Commerce and Police The Philippine Commission
passed Act Nos. 222 and 268 creating the Department of Commerce and Police which
gave birth to the Bureau of Engineering and Construction of public works and the
Bureau of Architecture and Construction of public buildings. The Philippine Bill of 1902
(July 1. 1902) or the Philippine Organic Act authorized the Government of the Philippine
Islands to provide for the needs of commerce. This includes improving harbours.
constructing maintaining bonded warehouses. wharves. piers. light-houses. signal and
life-saving stations. buoys. and like instruments of commerce. as well as to adopt and
enforce regulations. (The US Congress authorizes the Philippine Government to grant
franchise and concession for the construction of public utilities and services) On
December 8, 1902, the first Railroad Legislation Act (Philippine Commission Act No.
554) was passed granting the Manila Railroad Company (MRRCo) the right to construct
branch lines 1903 AAFF changed the name of association to Academia de Arquitectura.
Ingeniera y Agrimensura de Filipinas (AIAAF) — including civil engineers and surveyors
But everything was confused and disorganized under our tolerant new masters. Even in
government. it took several years before the Philippine commission could buckle down
to work and create the first Philippine assembly. 1904

Civil Engineering Orientation PART 7

The above-mentioned Academia merged with the Liceo and established the Escuela de
Ingeniera y Arquitectura, which offered a five-year course in architecture and civil
engineering. 1905 The Escuela ceased to operate after its first year of inception. The
Bureau of Public Works was created and placed under Department of Commerce and
Police on October 26, 1905 Act No. 1401 of the Philippine Commission passed on
October 4, 1905, abolished engineering districts and positions of district engineers. On
October 26 of the same year. however, by virtue of a Reorganization Act. the Bureau of
Public Works was created and placed under the Department of Commerce and Police.
Along with the economic growth of the country was the need for a more extensive road
network that would penetrate the rural areas. In order to achieve that end, provincial
boards were created in 1907 with authority to collect double cedula taxes to finance the
construction of provincial roads and bridges. In addition, the national government
appropriated P1,700,000 as aid to such constructions. 1906 On July 7. 1906, Philippine
Commission Act No. 1510 was enacted giving the concession of the railway to Speyer
and Co. with Mr. Horace Higgins as General Manager 1907 The Faculty of Engineering
of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) is the oldest engineering school in the
Philippines. It was established on May 18, 1907, as School of Civil Engineering with one
program offering leading to the degree of Master of Science in Civil Engineering
(MSCE). From faculty records, it appeals that it was only in 1912 when the earliest
batch of students was conferred their MSCE degrees. Don Ramon Irureta-Goyena
headed the UST-COE. During the early years of U.S. occupation, most of the civil
engineers in our country came from America. The College was patterned after the
University of Havana in Cuba and was fast set up at the second floor of the old UST
building in Intramuros. 1908 The above-named Escuela was reorganized and reopened
its doors to students but this time offered a three-year course for architecture, civil
engineering and electrical engineering. 1909 Wawa Dam (also known as Montalban
Dam) is a gravity dam constructed over the Marikina River in the municipality of
Rodriguez in Rizal province. Philippines. The slightly arched dam is situated in the 360-
metre (1,180 ft) high Montalban Gorge or Wawa Gorge, a water gap in the Sierra Madre
Mountains, and east of Manila. It was built in 1909 during the American colonial era to
provide the water needs for Metro Manila. It used to be the only source of water for
Manila until Angat Dam was built and Wawa was abandoned. Due to insufficiency of
water supply for Metro Manila, there was a strong clamor to reuse the dam. 1910 The
Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines. in a resolution passed on June 3.
1910, appointed Mr. W.J. Colbert as acting Dean of the College 14 | Civil Engineering
Orientation

of Engineering. His appointment was set to effect on June 13. 1910 thereby creating the
College of Engineering. Dean Colbert was authorized to prepare the curriculum and
select the necessary teaching personnel for the new course. Initially, a four-year course
leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science with an additional degree of Civil Engineer
upon completion of an extra year of study was approved. The first instructor to be
appointed was Mr. Jose P. Katigbak of the City Engineer's Office of Manila, as instructor
in graphics (drawing) on a part-time basis. The first appearance of motor vehicles in the
Philippine highways in 1910. Roads and bridges had to be kept in good condition at all
times. Naturally. there was a need for funds to keep the roads passable the whole year
round. 1911 In 1911. the AIAAF was dissolved when the civil engineers (and other
engineering profession) withdrew to form their own professional organization (The
Philippine Society of Engineers), but not before it has struggled for the passage of an
Engineers and Architects Law. 1912 The Escuela was closed. The Irrigation Act of
1912: Under the American regime, the government initiated policies to stimulate
national economic growth through irrigation development. The Irrigation Division under
the Bureau of Public Works (BPW) was established in 1908 (the friar lands were sold to
govt. which in turn were sold to the tenants in 1902). The Irrigation Act was passed in
1912. This regulated the appropriation of public waters, investigation, construction,
operation and maintenance of irrigation systems. It also regulated the appropriation of
public waters, prescribed rules on water rights and provided for the securing of
payments for irrigation services from the beneficiaries. 1913 The first NIS, the San
Miguel River Irrigation System in Tarlac with a service area of 6000 hectares was
inaugurated in 1913. During World War I. all appropriations for irrigation was withdrawn
and the Irrigation Division was downgraded to a section in the Design Division of the
BPW. Through legislative Act No. 2562, financial assistance was given to existing
private irrigation systems covering a minimum of 25 ha., through duly organized
corporations or associations of landowners. 1914 Communal irrigation systems (CIS)
were simple structures. The earliest on record is as far back as 1914, mostly located in
the Ilocos area of northern Philippines and known as the zanjera. The term zanjera is
derived from the Spanish term for turnout and used locally to refer to a co-operative
irrigation society the function of which was to secure a stable and reliable supply of
water for its members. Most zanjeras may have two or more sittios or barrios.
Membership may comprise of all land owner or tenants or a combination of both. Water
from these systems were usually obtained from river diversions by bamboo and rock
structures-the brush dam." Being temporary structures, the community was brought
together in its reconstruction on a regular basis. Different zanjeras may share a single
main or diversion dam. In this case, necessary social adaptations were made to settle
conflicts between individuals or groups. The construction, repair and maintenance costs
of the physical system were shared by all the members through contributions in
materials or labor. 1916 15 | Civil Engineering Orientation

On February 4, 1916. By authority of Philippine Legislature Act No. 2574, former

Governor General Harrison negotiates the acquisition of the MRRCo by the Philippine
Government The Reorganization Act 2666 as amended by Act No. 2803 dated
November 18. 1916 gave birth to the Department of Commerce and Communications
(Department of Commerce and Police transformed to The Department of Commerce
and Communications), consisting of the Bureau of Commerce and Industry. Bureau of
Supply. Bureau of Public Works. Bureau of Posts. Bureau of Labor and Bureau of Coast
and Geodetic Survey. To raise such needed funds, motor vehicles and drivers plying
the highways were required to register with fee in 1921. To keep pace with further
development in transportation and communications, the Department of Commerce and
Police was transformed into the Department of Commerce and Communications under
Reorganization Act No. 2666 of 1916. 18 January 1917 - 03 October 1922 When the
first cabinet comprised of Filipinos was organized. Gov. Gen. Francis. B. Harrison
appointed Cebu governor Dionisio Jakosalem as Secretary of Commerce and
Communication. The construction of roads and public buildings marked his
administration as governor of Cebu. He is credited with having linked the southern and
northern parts of the province with roads. 1919 —1954 Metropolitan Water District was
founded 1921 The Engineers and Architects Law (Act No. 2985) passed on February
23. 1921. The law created separate Board of Examiners for civil engineering and
architecture. They were schooled abroad as civil engineers and architects. Due to the
Engineers and Architects Law of 1921. Filipinos were allowed to practice as Architects
and Engineers because of their experience as Maestro de Obras in the Spanish Period.
Public Act No. 2985 was enacted empowering the Secretary of Commerce and
Communication to appoint members of the boards of the architecture and engineering
professions. The Act, which contained very general provisions on the regulation of
engineering and architecture, was later amended by Acts No. 3159 and 3182. 1928 A
group of civil engineers from the government sector formed the Philippine Society of
Civil Engineers (PSCE) which was the first civil engineering organization in the
Philippines with Engr. Marcia! Kasilag as its first president. Engr. Kasilag thereupon
received the honor of holding PRC Registration Number 1 for Civil Engineers. He then
occupied a high-ranking position in the government and the early members of PSCE
were government engineers. There were relatively few civil engineers in private practice
during that time as most of the early graduates were readily engaged by the various
government agencies. 1930's Puente Colgante Bridge was replaced by a modern steel
arch bridge during early 1930's. It was renamed Quezon Bridge after Manuel L Quezon,
the president of the Philippines at that time.

Civil Engineering Orientation PART 8

In 1931 Department of Commerce and Communications renamed as the Department of

Public Works and Communications More development for the Department took place in
1931 when the Philippine Legislature passed on May 1 of that year Act No. 4007,
renaming the Department of Commerce and Communications as Department of Public
Works and Communications. This Ac, however, did not state the proper composition
and functions of the DPWC. Commonwealth Government 1935 On August 2. 1935. Act
Number 4211 was enacted — permitting under-aged persons to take the board exam
on condition that they will not practice their profession until they attained the required
age of 21. During the inauguration of the Commonwealth Government on November 15.
1935. a reorganization of the DPWC was undertaken. Under the set up. it was
composed of the Bureau of Public Works. Ports. Aeronautics. Coast and Geodetic
Survey. Metropolitan Water District Division of Marine. Railway and Repair Shop.
National Radio Broadcasting. Irrigation Council and Board of Examiners for Civil.
Mechanical. Chemical and Mining Engineers. 1937 The Philippine Association of Civil
Engineers (PACE) was formed from a group of civil engineers in the private sector with
Engr. Enrique Sto. Tomas Cortes as its first president The objectives of both
organizations were similar with each other in which both of them wants to: "elevate the
standards of the profession, encourage research and engineering knowledge and
technology, foster fellowship among members, and promote interrelation with other
technological and scientific societies". The PACE being the most active than the PSCE
led to the transfer of many PSCE members to PACE. 1938 In 1938, statutes for practice
of architecture from engineering separated by law —National Assembly Bill No. 1850
On January 31. 1938, the first Bicol train was put into operation On May 8. 1938, the
unified system of railroad from San Fernando. La Union in the North to Legazpi in the
South was formally inaugurated 1940 Highway 54 was the former name of the Epifanio
delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). Stretching some 54 kilometers. Highway 54 serves as a
lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Filipinos passing or doing business in Metro
Manila. It formed a major part of the circumferential roads in Metro Manila. From the
south. it passes through five cities Pasay. Makati. Mandaluyong. Quezon City, and
Caloocan. Its southem endpoint is at the rotunda near the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City
while its northern point is at Monumento in Caloocan City near the Andres Bonifacio
monument. When the avenue was constructed in 1940 by engineers led by Florencio
Moreno and Osmundo L. Monsod. it was first named as North and South
Circumferential Road. But at the end of World War II, the American occupiers changed
the name to Highway 54. But in 1959, by virtue of Republic Act 2140, the highway was
renamed in honor of Epifanio de los Santos, a famous statesman of the province of
Rizal. During Japanese Occupation (World War II) 1941 The tides of war in the Pacific
came in December 1941 and thereby interrupted the normal operations of the schools
and colleges. By order of the President of the Philippines, all schools were closed.
When the Japanese forces entered Manila in January 1942, they occupied the
College/School buildings. In 1941, outbreak of World War II, the Department of Public
Works and Communications (OPWC) and other government offices were practically
abolished due to dislocation of manpower, lack of funds, materials and equipment,
installation of enemy administration and the setting up of resistance movement. 24
December 1941 to 01 August 1944 During the Japanese occupation, the exiled
Commonwealth government of President Manuel Quezon issued Executive Order 396,
which reorganized and grouped the cabinet. The Department of Public Works and
Communication became the Department of National Defense. Public Works.
Communications and Labor with Basilio Valdes as Secretary. 1942 On Philippine soil, to
mitigate the sufferings of the people under the iron-clad rule of the Japanese, the
Philippine Executive Commission was established. Under President Jose P. Laurel's
administration. Quintin Paredes served as Minister of Public Works and
Communications. Caliraya Dam is an embankment dam located in the town of Lumban
province of Laguna, in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range of the Philippines. The
reservoir created by the dam. Lake Caliraya, initially supplied one of the oldest
hydroelectric plants in the Philippines, and later became a popular recreational area for
numerous water sports and fishing. The dam construction was started in 1939 and a
small hydroelectric plant was operated in 1942. Continuation of Commonwealth
Government (After the War) After the Second World War, the new independent
Philippine government continued the rehabilitation and construction of roads, bridges,
buildings and other infrastructures, through the reparations and war damages paid by
the Japanese government. Other financial grants and aids received from the US
government were used in the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, buildings
and other infrastructures. 1944 President Sergio Osmefta issued Executive Order 15-W
on August 8. 1944 reorganizing and consolidating the Executive Departments of the
Commonwealth government with Secretary Basilio Valdes as Secretary of National
Defense and Communications. 1945 The reorganization of the government after it was
re-established on Philippine soil was undertaken with Executive Order No. 27 on
February 27. The Department of National Defense and Communications was again
named Department of Public Works and Communications. 08 March 1945-1946 Justice
Sotero Cabahug replaced Secretary Valdes as Secretary of Public Works and
Communications. Third Republic 1946 Resuming its operation in 1946, the Department
of Public Works and Communications (DPWC) started with limited human resources,
funds, materials and equipment. An office of the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads was set
up to cooperate with the Philippine Bureau of Public Works in implementing the highway
program as authorized by the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946. 1946 -1948 Ricardo
Nepumoceno served as Secretary of Public Works and Communications under the
administration of President Manuel Roxas, lie continued to do so under the
administration of President Elpidio Quirino. 1947 The authority of the Department of
Public Works and Communications was further expanded when, in 1947, the Motor
Vehicles Office was placed under its direct supervision. 1948 The country's premiere
airport. Manila International Airport Authority was originally a US Air Force base until
1948, when it was turned over to the Philippine government's National Airport
Corporation. The fledgling civil aviation airport's facilities were nothing more than the
current domestic runway and a small building as its only passenger terminal. 1949 Laws
separating statutes between architects and engineers passed 1950's. The momentum
to rebuild from the ashes of WWII and replace destroyed public edifices and utilities
made the 1950s an eventful decade for the construction industry. 1950 — 1956 The
Ambuklao dam was the highest and biggest in the Far East. It is made of earth and
rockfull which measures 129 meters in height and 452 meters in length. The elevation of
its crest is 758 meters and the roadway that runs through the top of the dam has an
elevation of 756 meters. There are 8 Tainter radial gates at the clam's spillway. Each
spillway measures 12.5 meters by 12.5 meters and is 127 meters in length. The gross
storage capacity of the dam's reservoir is 327,170,000 cubic meters and it has a usable
storage capacity of 258,000,000 cubic meters. The drainage area is 686 square
kilometers and is 11 km long with a maximum width of 1 km. Construction began on
July 1950 and opened on December 23, 1956. 1950 On June 17, 1950, the Architects
(Philippine Institute of Architects) prepared and lobbied the passing of the first
Architect's law (RA 545) while the Civil Engineers (Philippine Association of Civil
Engineers), the Civil Engineering law (RA 544, through the efforts of PACE President
Alberto Guevarra) was also passed the same year. They jointly celebrated the passing
of their respective laws at the Manila Hotel Winter Garden. 1951 Department of Public
Works and Communications (DPWC) was reconstituted as The Department of Public
Works, Transportation and Communications (DPWTC) President Elpidio Quirino under
Executive Order No. 392 in 1951, the DPWC was again reconstituted to Department of
Public Works. Transportation and Communications (DPWTC) to include the Bureaus of
Public Works. Posts. Telecommunications. Motor Vehicles Office, Irrigation Council.
Flood Control Commission. Radio Control Board, National Transportation Board and
Government Quarters Committee. Taking cognizance of the social impact of the road
network to national growth, the Philippine Highway Act of 1953 or Republic Act No. 917
providing for an effective highway administration modified apportionment of highway
funds and gave aid to provinces and cities for the improvement and maintenance of
roads and bridges. In relation to road and bridge construction and maintenance, the
Bureau of Public Highways was created in 1954 by virtue of the Republic Act No. 1192
and placed under the Department of Public Works, Transportation and
Communications. This Act provided for a more effective management of the Philippine
Highways under a Commissioner. Active plans & programs were formulated &
implemented. With the abolition of National Airport Corporation in 1951, ownership and
management of the airport fell to the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CM) under the
Department of Commerce & Industry. In 1956, the CAA was transferred to the
Department of Public Works, Transportation & Communications. 1954 Bureau of Public
Highways (BPH) was created and placed under The Department of Public Works,
Transportation and Communications (DPWTC) R.A. No. 1192, AN ACT TO CREATE
THE BUREAU OF PUBLIC HIGHWAYS, ABOLISHING THE DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
OF THE BUREAU OF PUBLIC WORKS Approved, August 25, 1954. R.A. No. 1080
was enacted on June 15, 1954 — making bar and board exam (passers) are equivalent
to First-Grade Civil Service eligibility. 1955 REPUBLIC ACT No. 1383 was approved on
June 18. 1955 "AN ACT CREATING A PUBLIC CORPORATION TO BE KNOWN AS
THE NATIONAL WATERWORKS AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY' The first road
classification system in the country was established through Republic Act No. 917,
known as the Philippine Highway Act, enacted in 1953 and Executive Order 113, series
of 1955 which classified roads into national roads (national primary and national
secondary), 'national aid' roads (roads of sufficient importance for eventual
reclassification at a later stage) and provincial/city/municipal/barangay roads. 1955 -
1970 National Waterworks and Sewerage System Authority (NAWASA) was created
through RA 1383 1956 On June 16. 1956, the Civil Engineering law was further
amended by Republic Act No. 1582. On the same year, the Architecture law was further
amended by Republic Act No. 1581. Ambuklao Dam is part of a hydroelectric facility in
Brgy. Ambuklao. Bokod. Benguet province in the Philippines. The development of the
Agno River for purposes of hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and irrigation
had been conceived as eady as the late 1940s. Preliminary investigations for
development at Ambuklao and Binga Dam sites were undertaken as early as January
1948. With maximum water storage capacity of 327.170.000 cubic metres (265.240
acre•ft), the facility, which is located 36 km (22 mi) from Baguio city, can produce up to
105 megawatts of electricity to Luzon grid. The main source of water comes from the
Agno River which originates from Mt. Data. Ambuklao Dam bagan its construction on
July 1950 and opened on December 23. 1956. 1957 Agusan Dam started construction
on May 1956 and it opened on December 29. 1957. 1960's Philippines had created one
of the top countries in the world that produces architects and engineers since the 60's
Private and infrastructure developments were not in existence in the country to make
use of these new architects and engineers Shortage of projects in the country have
resulted to an influx of Filipino architects and engineers migration to the US and Europe
which started in the 60's Inexpensive labor and be able to communicate in English of
these Filipino professionals made them attractive to be hired by these developed
countries Due to their proficiency in English (compared to other immigrants). Filipino
architects/engineers have successfully assimilated in the political and economic
structure in their host country Many architects and engineers have established their own
firms and/or had 'broken the ceiling" within their firms Due to their numbers. Filipino
architects and engineers globally have formed their own groups and made alliances
with other Filipino associations Many Filipino architects and engineers in the Philippines
have found contract work overseas

Civil Engineering Orientation PART 9

The North Luzon Expressway (NLE or NLEx), and which is formerly called the North
Diversion Road and Manila North Expressway (MNEX), and officially known as Radial
Road 8 is a 2 to 8-lane limited-access toll expressway that connects Metro Manila to the
provinces of the Central Luzon region in the Philippines. It is one of the two branches of
the Radial Road 8 (R-8) of Metro Manila (Quirino Highway is the other). It was built in
the 1960s. The North Luzon Expressway (NLE or NLEx), and which is formerly called
the North Diversion Road and Manila North Expressway (MNEX), and officially known
as Radial Road 8 is a 2 to 8-lane limited-access toll expressway that connects Metro
Manila to the provinces of the Central Luzon region in the Philippines. It is one of the
two branches of the Radial Road 8 (R-8) of Metro Manila (Quirino Highway is the other).
It was built in the 1960s. The expressway begins in Quezon City at a cloverleaf
interchange with EDSA: a continuation of Andres Bonifacio Avenue. It then passes
through Quezon City. Caloocan, and Valenzuela in Metro Manila. Meycauayan. Marilao.
Bocaue. Balagtas. Guiguinto. Malolos. Plaridel, and Pulilan in Bulacan. San Simon. San
Fernando. Mexico and Angeles in Pampanga. The expressway currently ends at
Mabalacat and merges with the MacArthur Highway, which continues northward into the
rest of Central and Northern Luzon. Presently, it was maintained by Tol!ways
Management Corporation with a total length of 84 km 1960-1980's The automobile age.
It was during the decade that road construction becomes a matter of priority of the
government under the slogan: This nation is on Wheels." 1960 Binga Dam is a dam
connected to a hydroelectric power plant situated at Barrio Binga. Barangay Tinongdan
in Itogon. Benguet. Philippines. The plant was constructed in 1956 and was opened in
1960, three years after Ambuklao Dam was opened. It is located 31 km southeast of
Baguio City and 19 km downstream of Ambuklao Dam. Improvement of the dam is on-
going for it had received heavy damage during the 1990 Luzon earthquake, and its
installed capacity of 100 MW is being upgraded to 120 MW. In 1960, the International
Bureau of Weights and Measures prepared a system of units designated the 'Systeme
Internationale d' Unites' with the abbreviation SI for worldwide adoption. It has been
adopted and used by most of the over 160 countries in the world, with the exception of
Borneo, the Sultanate of Brunei, Liberia and notably the United States. 1961 The first
thirteen years of the airport were marked by the building of infrastructure dedicated to
international flights. The international runway and associated taxiway were built in 1953,
and 1961 saw the completion of a control tower and a terminal building for the exclusive
use of international passengers at the southwest intersection of the runways. This
system came to be officially known as the Manila International Airport (MIA). The
Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) was founded. 1961-1967

Civil Engineering Orientation PART 10

Angat Dam located at Norzagaray. Bulacan started its construction on November 1961
and opened on October 16. 1967 with height of 131 meters, length of 568 meters and
base width of 550 meters. The source of darn is the Angat River, with a capacity of 850
million cubic meters 1963 REPUBLIC ACT No. 3597 was approved on June 22. 1963
(NAWASA Act) AN ACT AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT
NUMBERED THIRTEEN HUNDRED EIGHTY-THREE. ENTITLED "AN ACT
CREATING A PUBLIC CORPORATION TO BE KNOWN AS THE NATIONAL
WATERWORKS AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY' The National Irrigation Administration
is a government-owned and controlled corporation tasked with the development and
operation of Irrigation Systems all over the country. It was created under RA 3601 which
was signed on June 22. 1963 by then President Diosdado P. Macapagal. Its forerunner
was the Irrigation Division of the defunct Bureau of Public Works. By virtue of
Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos, all irrigation
activities were integrated under the NIA. The Agency's power was likewise broadened
and capitalization increased from P300 M to 2 B by the issuance of PD 552 on
September 11. 1072. Capitalization was further increased to P10 B under PD 1702 on
July 17. 1980. NIA absorbed the functions of the Irrigation Division of the Bureau of
Public Works and the Irrigation Unit of the Bureau of Lands and Friar Lands Irrigation
System. This hybrid nature of MA enabled it to use funds from the government treasury
for constructing and rehabilitating irrigation systems, the underlying premise being that
irrigation benefited not only the farmers, but the broader society as well. 1964 On June
20. 1964. Republic Act No. 4156 is enacted. It changes the corporate name of Manila
Railroad Company (MRRCo) to Philippine National Railways (PNR) 1965 R.A No. 4566
was enacted on June 19. 1965 — regulating constructions or The Contractor's License
Law' 1967 Angat Dam is a concrete water reservoir embankment hydroelectric dam that
supplies the Manila metropolitan area water. It was a part of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa
water system. The reservoir supplies about 90 percent of raw water requirements for
Metro Manila through the facilities of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage
System and it irrigates about 28.000 hectares of farmland in the provinces of Bulacan
and Pampanga. Construction began on November 1961 and it opened on October 16.
1967. R.A. No. 5181 was enacted on September 8. 1967 — requiring residence and
reciprocity in the exercise of professions by aliens. During Martial Law (Marcos Era)
1965-1973 President Ferdinand Marcos appointed Manuel Syquio as Acting Secretary
of Public Works and Communications.

23 | Civil Engineering Orientation

1970's The 70's is commonly known as the Martial Law years. Declared in 1972. the
first few years of its implementation brought about good things to our country. But its
later years proved to be the most trying times of our country. Incidentally. the
construction industry in the Middle East was at its peak and civil engineers and
architects were in demand. In the early 1970's, there were already 591 national and
municipal ports plus 200 private ports scattered all over the country necessitating the
need for long-range planning and rationalization of port development. 1971 - 1997 On
19 June 1971. Republic Act 6234 was enacted. It dissolved the National Waterworks
and Sewerage System (NAWASA) and created in its place the Metropolitan Waterworks
and Sewerage System (MWSS). MWSS was thus given the mandate 'to ensure an
uninterrupted and adequate supply and distribution of potable water for domestic and
other purposes at just and equitable rates? The proper operation and maintenance of
sewerage systems was likewise part of its mandate. 1971 On August 20. 1971.
Republic Act No. 6366 was passed amending the PNR Charter 1972 PACE President
Engr. Cesar A. Caliwara, exerted a serious effort in merging the two organizations.
Leaders of PACE and PSCE negotiated, and talked about the choice of name. Some
concerns were raised such as formal accounting and turnover of assets and liabilities,
accreditation of bonafide members and election rules for the first officers which were
sooner resolved. 1973 On June 1973. President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued
Presidential Decree 223, creating the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
regulating all professions and accrediting only one organization to represent each
profession. On December 11, 1973, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
issued Registration Certificate No.53896 to the PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF CIVIL
ENGINEERS. INC. (PICE). This was the culmination and fulfilment of a vision to merge
two separate organizations of civil engineers in the country, the Philippine Society of
Civil Engineers (PSCE) and the Philippine Association of Civil Engineers (PACE).
Presidential Decree No. 198, also known as The Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973.'
was signed into law on May 25, 1973. That law created the Local Water Utilities
Administration or LWUA in the national level and provided for the establishment of
Water Districts in provincial cities and municipalities. A feasibility study and airport
master plan was drawn up in 1973 by Airways Engineering Corporation. The detailed
engineering design of the new MIA Development Project (MIADP) was undertaken by
Renardet-Saufiaransplan/F.F. Cruz Consultants while the design of the International
Passenger Terminal building was prepared by Architect L.V. Locsin & Associates. A
USS29.6 Million loan was arranged with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to finance
the project.

Civil Engineering Orientation PART 11

In 1974 On February 1974, the first election of officers of PICE was held and Engr.
Cesar Caliwara became its first president. In order to truly unite the civil engineers of
the Philippines, provincial chapters were organized. Bureau of Public Highways (BPH)
was expanded as The Department of Public Highways (DPH) The former Bureau of
Public Highways was expanded and restructured into the Department of Public
Highways (DPH) for a more effective administration of the country's highway system
through Administrative Order No. 2, dated July 1, 1974. 1975 The first International
convention was held in the Philippines on May 20 to 24. 1975 with the theme 'Civil
Engineering in Disaster Prevention Control." (Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers) On
August 13. 1975, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) recognized the PICE
as the only official organization of civil engineers in the Philippines with Accreditation
No. 007 PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 693 (Construction of Magat Dam) was enacted
on May 7. 1975 PD No. 693 - Authorizing the Construction of the Magat River Multi-
Purpose Project in Isabela. Providing for the Financing Thereof, and for Other
Purposes. National Housing Authority (NHA) was created under PD 757 to oversee
housing development on a national level. The Philippine Ports Authority was created
under Presidential Decree No. 505 which was subsequently amended by P.D. No. 857
in December 1975. In 1975. President Ferdinand Marcos, by a Presidential Decree, the
System International (SI) system of units was mandated in the Philippines 1976 With
the shift in the form of government, national agencies were renamed from Departments
to Ministries. In 1976. Department of Public Works. Transportation and Communications
(DPWTC) became Ministry of Public Works. Transportation and Communications
(MPWTC) & Department of Public Highways (DPH) as Ministry of Public Highways
(MPH). In 1976, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) was created through the
National Water Code of the Philippines Mater Code of the Philippines) to coordinate
policies concerning water resources. 1977 PD 1096, otherwise known as the National
Building Code of the Philippines (the 'NBCP") signed by then Pres. Ferdinand Marcos
on 19 February 1977 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations ('IRR'): Pantabangan
Dam is an earth-fill embankment dam on the Pampanga River located in Pantabangan
in Nueva Ecija province of the Philippines. The multipurpose dam provides water for
irrigation and hydroelectric power generation while its reservoir. Pantabangan Lake,
affords flood control. The reservoir is considered one of the largest in Southeast Asia
and also one of the cleanest in the Philippines. Construction on the dam began in 1971
and it was completed in 1977. In May 1969, the Congress of the Philippines authorized
the development of the Pampanga Basin with Republic Act No. 5499. In October of that
year, detailed studies of the Pantabangan site were carried out and lasted two years. By
June 11. 1971. Pantabangan was an old town of around 300 years old. President
Ferdinand Marcos and many others arrived for a ground breaking ceremony in
Palayupay. Pantabangan. Nueva Ecija, to signal the beginning of the construction of
Pantabangan Dam. The dam went into operation in February 1977 and was completed
later in May. Approximately 1.300 people were relocated from the dam's reservoir zone.
1978 Under the 1973 Constitution, a Parliamentary Form of governance was
established and departments were renamed into ministries establishing the formal
ministry system. Hence, the Department of Public Works and Communications became
the Ministry of Public Works. Transportation and Communications (MPWTC). The
National Engineering Center (NEC) was established as per P.D. No. 1295. It is an
agency supported by the National Government and by the UNDP. The NEC will be an
umbrella body under which the non-teaching activities of the college will be
administered. These units include: The National Hydraulics Research Center (NHRC),
the Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry (TCAGP), the UP
Industrial Research Center (UPIRC), and the Transport Training Center (ITC), and the
Building Research Services (BRS). On June 11. 1978. Presidential Decree Number
1594 or The Prescribing Policies. Guidelines. Rules and Regulations for Government
Infrastructure Contracts' was promulgated. Presidential Decree No. 1350 was
promulgated on April 7. 1978 — allowing applicants for citizenship to take the board
exam pending the approval of their petition. 1978 -1982 The construction and
appurtenant structures was authorized by P.D. 693 signed on May 7. 1975 by the late
President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The Magat Dam was constructed in 1978 and
inaugurated by the Late Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos on October 27. 1982 and started
operations in 1983. Implementation of this multipurpose project was based on the
preliminary study conducted in 1973 by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) with
the assistance of the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and the United
States Agency for International Development (USAID). It was a Rock-fill dam with a
height of 114 meters and length of 4. 160 meters. 1979 On July 23. 1979 under
Executive Order No. 546. MPWTC was again restructured into two (2) Ministries — the
Ministry of Public Works (MPW) and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications
(MOTC), integrating all bureaus and offices concerned with public works functions and
activities under the Ministry of Public Works. The same went true with all offices
involved in transportation and communications which were placed under the supervision
and administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. Minister Jose
P. Dans served as head of the MOTC. 26 | Civil Engineering Orientation

On July 23. 1979. by Executive Order No. 546. PNR becomes one of the attached
agencies of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, now DOTC 1980's
Major highways and expressways were constructed through the financial assistance
and loans from foreign banks 1980 In 1980 President Marcos founded the Rural
Waterworks Development Corporation (RWDC), responsible for water supply in areas
where neither MWSS nor LWUA carries out the service or assists the LGUs,
respectively. The RWDC was expected to create rural water supply associations in
order to construct, operate, and maintain their own water supply systems in
communities with fewer than 20, 000 inhabitants. On July 12, 1980, the country's
president. Ferdinand E. Marcos, created the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) as a
government agency. The Chairman was the then First Lady and Governor of Metro
Manila. Imelda Romualdez Marcos. This LRTA confined its activities to determining
policies, to the regulation and fixing of fares, and to the planning of extensions to the
system. The project was called Metrorail and was operated by a sister company of the
former tramway company Meralco called Metro, Inc. Initial assistance for building the
LRT project came from the Belgian government which granted a P300 million "soft" and
interest-free loan with a repayment time of 30 years. The project was expected to pay
for itself within a period of 20 years out of revenue alone. A Belgian consortium
consisting of ACEC (Ateliers de Constructions Electriques de Charleroi, BN),
(Constructions Ferroviaires, et Metalliques, fomierly Brugeoise et Nivelles). TEI
(Tractionnel Engineering International) and TC (Transurb Consult) provided an
additional loan of P700 million. The consortium provided the cars, signalling, power
control, telecommunications, training and technical assistance. The entire system was
expected to be financially "in the red- well into 1993. Against an expected gross revenue
of P365 million for the first operating year, government losses were thought likely to
reach P216 million. The system was designed as a public utility rather than as a profit
center. Construction of the line started in October 1981, and was the responsibility of
CDCP (Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines), with assistance
from the Swiss firm of Losinger and the American company Dravo, the latter, through its
Philippine subsidiary. The government appointed Electrowatt Engineering Services of
Zurich (Switzerland) to manage and supervise the project. Electrowatt set up offices in
Manila and became responsible for extension studies of the system which eventually
comprised 150 km of routes along all major corridors in about 20 years' time. Martial
Law executed Letter of Instruction 1000 on March 20, 1980 — the Malacanang edict of
having just one organization for each profession to be accredited by the Professional
Regulations Commission. 1981 MPW and MPH were merged to become The Ministry of
Public Works and Highways (MPWH) Under Executive Order No. 710 dated July 27.
1981, the Ministries of Public Works and Public Highways were merged for a more
effective and sustained implementation of infrastructure projects. Under the restructured
set-up, the agency was known as the Ministry of Public Works and Highways (MPWH)
with 14 regional offices. 94 districts and 60 city engineering offices, five (5) bureaus and
six (6) service offices, in addition to corporations and councils attached to the Ministry
for administrative supervision.

Civil Engineering Orientation PART 12

In as early as 1981, the Philippine Board of Examiners for the Various Licensure
Examinations for the Practice of Engineering and Architecture began to use the new
system of units. SI. 1980's The increase of handheld calculators revolutionized
engineering, with faster and more efficient calculations leaving the old slide rule behind.
1982 Magat Dam is a large rock-fill dam on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. The
dam is located on Magat River, a major tributary of Cagayan River. Construction of the
dam started in 1975 and completed in 1982. Magat Dam is one of the largest dams in
the Philippines and has two primary purposes: as a source of irrigation water and as a
provider of hydroelectric power. The construction and appurtenant structures was
authorized by P.D. 693 signed on May 7. 1975 by the late President Ferdinand E.
Marcos. The Magat Dam was constructed in 1978 and inaugurated by the Late Pres.
Ferdinand E. Marcos on October 27. 1982 and started operations in 1983.
Implementation of this multipurpose project was based on the preliminary study
conducted in 1973 by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) with the assistance of
the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID). Subsequent detailed and extensive dam site
investigation and engineering studies further confirmed the feasibility of what is now
known as NIA's most daring infrastructure project and one of Asia's biggest dams today.
It was Southeast Asia's first large multipurpose dam. The dam is pad of the Magat River
Multipurpose Project (MRMP) which was financed by the World Bank and whose
purpose is to improve on the existing Magat River Irrigation System (MARIS) and to
triple the production of rice in the Cagayan River basin. The project was jointly financed
by the Philippine Govemment and the World Bank which extended a USS150M loan to
finance the foreign exchange requirement. In addition, a USS9M loan from Bahrain was
obtained for the purchase of other equipment for the diversion tunnels, soils laboratory
and model testing. The total project cost is USS3.4B (yr. 1975). The Magat Dam is
located on the Magat River at the boundary between the municipalities of Alfonso Lista
in the province of Ifugao and Ramon in Isabela both on the island of Luzon,
approximately 350 kilometres (220 mi) north of Metro Manila. The Magat River is the
largest tributary of the Cagayan River, the longest river in the country. 1984 Ipo Dam is
a gravity concrete water reservoir dam found in the Philippines. The dam is located
about 7.5 kilometres downstream of the Angat Dam in Norzagaray. Bulacan province. It
was a pad of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system. Its normal level is 110 m. The Ipo
Dam is a gravity concrete dam located about 7.5 kilometres downstream of the Angat
Dam near its confluence with the Ipo River in Bulacan. It was completed in January
1984 with a maximum storage capacity of 7.5 million cubic metres, an increase of about
2,500 million litres per day (MLD) from the old Ipo Dam, which used to be located 200
metres upstream of the new dam.

Civil Engineering Orientation PART 13

The spill level of the dam is at an elevation of 101 metres and it has seven radial
floodgates. The watershed topography is characterised by mountainous terrain similar
to the Angat Reservoir Watershed with moderate forest cover. The watershed has an
area of about 70 square kilometers and receives an average annual rainfall of 3,500
millimeters. Tributaries to the Angat River at this section include the Ipo, Sapa Pako and
Sapa Anginon Rivers. These tributaries drain into the Angat River from the eastern
section of the watershed. Water from the dam is diverted to the Novaliches Portal and
the La Mesa Darn through three intake structures going down to three connecting
tunnels into five connecting aqueducts. After EDSA Revolution 1987 Finally, by virtue of
Executive Order No. 124, dated January 30, 1987, the Ministry of Public Works and
Highways (MPWH) is now known as the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH) with five (5) bureaus, six (6) services, 16 regional offices, 24 project
management offices. 16 regional equipment services and 118 district engineering
offices. As the primary engineering and construction arm of the government, the DPWH
is responsible for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of infrastructures
such as roads and bridges flood control systems, water resource development projects
and other public works in accordance with national objectives. On August 17, 1987.
Republic Act No. 6639 was enacted and the MIA was renamed the Ninoy Aquino
International Airport. The MIA Authority however, retained its corporate name since the
law did not amend the original or revised charters of the MIAA. 1989 On August 23.
1989, the Tutuban Station and part of the railroad yard was leased out for shopping mall
development. PNR Management Center transfers to its Training Center site in Caloocan
City and PNR Operations Center transfers to its railway station in Paco, Manila. The La
Mesa Watershed and Eco-Park consists of the La Mesa Dam and an ecological nature
reserve site in Quezon City commissioned in 1929 in the Philippines. It is part of the
Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system, which supplies most of the water supply of Metro
Manila. The La Mesa Dam is an earth dam whose reservoir can hold up to 50.5 million
cubic meters and occupying an area of 27 square kilometers. The water collected in the
reservoir is treated on-site by the Maynilad Water Services, and at the Balara Treatment
Plant further south by the Manila Water. Both water companies are private
concessionaires awarded by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, the
government agency in charge of water supply. It is a vital link to the water requirements
of 12 million residents of Metro Manila considering that 1.5 million liters of water pass
through this reservoir every day. It is also the last forest of its size in the metropolis.
1991 And for the first time, a "Civil Engineering Week' for the period November 3 to 9.
1991 was declared by Maiacaiiang thru Proclamation No.799 issued on September 20.
1991 by President Corazon C. Aquino. The C.E. week was celebrated nationwide thru
coordinated activities of all PICE chapters and the PICE National Board culminating in
the most successful and well-attended '91 PICE Annual Convention (1.400 plus
registered participants).