National Building Code to become major subject

The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill 7422, seeking to mandate the integration of the National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP) as a major subject in the higher education curriculum of Architecture and Engineering courses and as a topic of licensure exams.

The proposed “National Building Code Integration Act” is principally authored by Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. It provides that the State must ensure future engineers and architects should have sufficient knowledge in the construction of buildings and non-building structures to minimize safety incidents and ensure the safety of the public.

The bill states this is in the interest of protecting citizens, safeguarding their life, health, property, and public welfare, consistent with the principles of sound environmental management and control.

The NBCP, enacted into law on August 26, 1972, provides for all buildings and structures a framework of minimum standards and requirements by guiding and controlling location, siting, and design.

The NBCP also establishes standards for quality of materials, construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance, including environment, utilities, fixtures, equipments, and mechanical, electrical, and other systems and installations.

In line with the mandate of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) under Republic Act No. 7722, the CHED shall be responsible for the development and integration of a course on the NBCP as a major subject in the higher education curriculum of Architecture and Engineering courses.

Bachelor of Science degrees specified by the bill include Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Sanitary Engineering.

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Meanwhile, the Profession Regulation Commission (PRC) shall be mandated to include the NBCP as a topic in the respective licensure examinations.

The implementing rules and regulation of the Act shall be formulated by the CHED and PRC, in consultation with other relevant stakeholders. The bill is co-authored by Reps. Ann Hofer and Salvador Belaro.

This announcement was first made on congress.gov.ph.