Mercedes Raffiñan: How the First Filipina Architect Defied Conventions

In the early 1900s, the Philippines architectural landscape was comprised solely of men. Formal architecture education in the country began as ilustrados, the educated class, who brought their Western learnings back to the islands. Despite being in a male-dominated field, Mercedes Raffiñan bravely defied conventions to become the first female architect in the country.

Mercedes Raffiñan: A Trail Blazer

The Philippine Assembly Act No. 2985, “An Act to Regulate the Practice of the Professions of Engineers and Architects,” was signed into law on February 23, 1921. It formally established the board examination for the practice of architecture. Tomas Mapua was the first registered architect in the country and founded the Mapua Institute of Technology, the country’s first architecture school. 

It was at this university where Mercedes Raffiñan was able to pursue a career in architecture. Upon graduating, she became the first woman in the Philippines to hold a degree in the field. In 1934, Mercedes Raffiñan Villarosa passed the board examination to be the first registered female architect in the archipelago and in Southeast Asia. 

With a license number of 45, Raffiñan entered an industry where she was the sole woman among her male counterparts. She broke barriers and challenged gender stereotypes in a male-dominated field during that era. Her success serves as an inspiration for future generations of women architects.

In addition to her architectural pursuits, Raffiñan also delved into literature as a published author. Her works, such as “Art and Visuality in the Early Spanish Philippines, 1521-1800” and “Looking at Renaissance through Philippine Eyes,” showcase her expertise in the country’s arts and heritage.

The First 10 Women Architects in the Philippines

Aside from Mercedes Raffiñan, other courageous women pursued architecture despite the challenges they faced. Here is a list of the first 10 women architects in the Philippines and their corresponding license numbers:

1. Mercedes Raffiñan (No. 45)

2. Ruth Balagtas (No. 94)

3. Margarita Ardosa (No. 121)

4. Luz Sarosario (No. 153)

5. Filomena Perez (No. 173)

6. Beatriz Tiongson (No. 197)

7. Celia Caudal (No. 263)

8. Aurora Yatco-Vales (No. 274)

9. Aida Cruz-Del Rosario (No. 279)

10. Imelda Borromeo (No. 291)

(List sourced from DocuLico)

Based on the license numbers, women only made up 3.4% of registered architects at the time of Imelda Borromeo’s professional registration. These pioneering women challenged the status quo and paved the way for future generations of female architects.

Celebrating Women in the Industry 

The evolving landscape of architecture and its progressive strides are thanks to pioneers like Mercedes Raffiñan Villarosa, who took the first steps towards greater representation in the field. Her story reminds us that a single person’s achievement can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and ultimately leading to a more inclusive and diverse architectural community.

Pictures sourced from DocuLico and Arkitekturang Filipino