Civil Engineering Orientation: Engr. Jane Cristel B. de Leon

CIVIL ENGINEERING ORIENTATION
ENGR. JANE CRISTEL B. DE LEON

1st Semester, S.Y. 2020-2021
Republic of the Philippines

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
Echague, Isabela
1 | Civil Engineering Orientation

CIVIL ENGINEERING ORIENTATION
By: Engr. Jane Cristel B. De Leon
Course Description:
Introduction to various tracks and specialization of Civil Engineering, emphasis on

ethics, responsibility and professionalism
Course Objectives:
At the end of this course, the following will be attained:

1. Understand the History of Civil Engineering and the profession
2. Familiarize with the practices of Civil Engineers in relation to their interaction
with the society
3. Know the trend of Civil Engineering Development
4. Understand and Familiarize with the Current Fields/Careers of Civil Engineering
5. Understand the relationship of Civil Engineering to Environmental Science
Course Content
I. History of Civil Engineering
II. Civil Engineering and Society and other profession
III. Current Fields and Careers of Civil Engineering
IV. Civil Engineering Sustainability and the Future
V. Relationship of Civil Engineering to Environmental Science
Class Policies
1. Every Monday/Sunday evening is the uploading of modules in FB Messenger.

2. Question about the lessons shall be entertained during office hours only (8:00
3. Questions about the lessons shall be entertained during office hours only (8:00
AM to 5:00). Communicate in English.
4. Other policies shall be imposed if deemed necessary.
Grading System: Passing Mark: 60%
Prelim: 15%
Midterm: 20%
Finals: 20%
Quizzes: 10%
Research Work: 20%
Activity: 15%

Module 1
History of Civil Engineering
Introduction
Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design,
construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including
public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewerage systems, pipelines,
structural components of buildings, and railways.
Civil engineering is traditionally broken into a number of sub-disciplines. It is
considered the second-oldest engineering discipline after military engineering, and it is
defined to distinguish non-military engineering from military engineering. Civil engineering
takes place in the public sector from municipal through to national governments, and in
the private sector from individual homeowners through to international companies.
Learning Outcome/Objective
At the end of this chapter, the students shall be able to:
1. Knowledge on the Ancient History of Civil Engineering

2. Recognize the work of Civil Engineering in Modern Times
3. Discuss and Understand the Educational and Institutional History of Civil
Engineering
4. Identify the Development and Origin of Civil Engineering and it Profession
in the Philippines.
Learning Content/Topic
A. Ancient History of Civil Engineering
It is difficult to determine the history of emergence and beginning of civil

engineering, however, that the history of civil engineering is a mirror of the history of
human beings on this earth. Man used the old shelter caves to protect themselves of
weather and harsh environment, and used a tree trunk to cross the river, which being
the demonstration of ancient age civil engineering.
Civil Engineering has been an

aspect of life since the beginnings of
human existence. The earliest practices
of Civil Engineering may have
commenced between 4000 and 2000 BC
in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
(Ancient Iraq) when humans started to
abandon a nomadic existence, thus
causing a need for the construction of
shelter. During this time, transportation
became increasingly important leading to the development of the wheel and sailing.
Until modern times there was no clear distinction between civil engineering and
architecture, and the term engineer and architect were mainly geographical variations
referring to the same person, often used interchangeably. The construction of
Pyramids in Egypt (circa 2700-2500 BC) might be considered the first instances of
large structure constructions.

Around 2550 BC, Imhotep, the first
documented engineer, built a famous stepped
pyramid for King Djoser located at Saqqara
Necropolis. With simple tools and mathematics
he created a monument that stands to this day.
His greatest contribution to engineering was his
discovery of the art of building with shaped
stones. Those who followed him carried
engineering to remarkable heights using skill and
imagination.
Ancient historic civil engineering constructions include the Qanat water

management system (the oldest older than 3000 years and longer than 71 km,) the
Parthenon by Iktinos in Ancient Greece (447-438 BC), the Appian Way by Roman
engineers (c. 312 BC), the Great Wall of China by General Meng T’ien under orders
from Ch’in Emperor Shih Huang Ti (c. 220 BC) and the stupas constructed in ancient
Sri Lanka like the Jetavanaramaya and the extensive irrigation works in
Anuradhapura. The Romans developed civil structures throughout their empire,
including especially aqueducts, insulae, harbours, bridges, dams and roads.
Other remarkable historical structures are Sennacherib's Aqueduct at Jerwan

built in 691 BC; Li Ping's irrigation projects in China (around 220 BC); Julius Caesar's
Bridge over the Rhine River built in 55 BC, numerous bridges built by other Romans
in and around Rome(e.g. the pons Fabricius); Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct,
Nimes, France) built in 19 BC; the extensive system of highways the Romans built
to facilitate trading and (more importantly) fast manoeuvring of legions; extensive
irrigation system constructed by the Hohokam Indians, Salt River, AZ around 600
AD; first dykes defending against high water in Friesland, The Netherlands around
1000 AD; El Camino Real - The Royal Road, Eastern Branch, TX and Western
Branch, NM (1500s AD).
Machu Picchu, Peru, built at
around 1450, at the height of the Inca
Empire is considered an engineering
marvel. It was built in the Andes
Mountains assisted by some of history’s
most ingenious water resource
engineers. The people of Machu Picchu
built a mountain top city with running
water, drainage systems, food production
and stone structures so advanced that
they endured for over 500years.
A treatise on Architecture, Book called Vitruvius' De

Archiectura, was published at 1AD in Rome and survived to give
us a look at engineering education in ancient times. It was
probably written around 15 BC by the Roman architect Vitruvius
and dedicated to his patron, the emperor Caesar Augustus, as
a guide for building projects.
Throughout ancient and medieval history most architectural design and

construction was carried out by artisans, such as stonemasons and carpenters,
rising to the role of master builder. Knowledge was retained in guilds and seldom
supplanted by advances. Structures, roads and infrastructure that existed were
repetitive, and increases in scale were incremental.
One of the earliest examples of a scientific approach to physical and
mathematical problems applicable to civil engineering is the work of Archimedes in

the 3rd century BC, including Archimedes Principle, which underpins our
understanding of buoyancy, and practical solutions such as Archimedes’ screw.
Brahmagupta, an Indian mathematician, used arithmetic in the 7th century AD,
based on Hindu-Arabic numerals, for excavation (volume) computations.
B. Civil Engineering in Modern Times

The beginnings of civil engineering as a separate discipline may be seen in
the foundation in France in 1716 of the Bridge and Highway Corps, out of which in
1747 grew the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées (“National School of Bridges
and Highways”). Its teachers wrote books that became standard works on the
mechanics of materials, machines, and hydraulics, and leading British engineers
learned French to read them. As design and calculation replaced rule of thumb
and empirical formulas, and as expert knowledge was codified and formulated, the
nonmilitary engineer moved to the front of the stage. Talented, if often self-taught,
craftsmen, stonemasons, millwrights, toolmakers, and instrument makers became
civil engineers. In Britain, James Brindley began as a millwright and became the
foremost canal builder of the century; John Rennie was a millwright’s apprentice
who eventually built the new London Bridge; Thomas Telford, a stonemason,
became Britain’s leading road builder.
John Smeaton, the first man to call himself a civil engineer, began as an
instrument maker. His design of Eddystone Lighthouse (1756–59), with its
interlocking masonry, was based on a craftsman’s experience. Smeaton’s work was
backed by thorough research, and his services were much in demand. In 1771 he
founded the Society of Civil Engineers (now known as the Smeatonian Society). Its
object was to bring together experienced engineers, entrepreneurs, and lawyers to
promote the building of large public works, such as canals (and later railways), and
to secure the parliamentary powers necessary to execute their schemes. Their
meetings were held during parliamentary sessions; the society follows this custom
to this day.
The École Polytechnique was founded in Paris in 1794, and the Bauakademie
was started in Berlin in 1799, but no such schools existed in Great Britain for another
two decades. It was this lack of opportunity for scientific study and for the exchange
of experiences that led a group of young men in 1818 to found the Institution of Civil
Engineers. The founders were keen to learn from one another and from their elders,
and in 1820 they invited Thomas Telford, by then the dean of British civil engineers,
to be their first president. There were similar developments elsewhere. By the mid-
19th century there were civil engineering societies in many European countries and
the United States, and the following century produced similar institutions in almost
every country in the world.
Formal education in engineering science became widely available as other

countries followed the lead of France and Germany. In Great Britain the universities,
traditionally seats of classical learning, were reluctant to embrace the
new disciplines. University College, London, founded in 1826, provided a broad
range of academic studies and offered a course in mechanical philosophy. King’s
College, London, first taught civil engineering in 1838, and in 1840 Queen Victoria
founded the first chair of civil engineering and mechanics at the University of
Glasgow, Scot. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1824, offered the first
courses in civil engineering in the United States. The number of universities
throughout the world with engineering faculties, including civil engineering,
increased rapidly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Civil engineering today is
taught in universities on every continent.
C. Educational and Institutional History of Civil Engineering

In the 18th century, the term civil engineering was coined to incorporate all
things civilian as opposed to military engineering. The first engineering school, The
National School of Bridges and Highways, France, was opened in 1747. The first

self-proclaimed civil engineer was John Smeaton who constructed the Eddystone
Lighthouse. In 1771, Smeaton and some of his colleagues formed the Smeatonian
Society of Civil Engineers, a group of leaders of the profession who met informally
over dinner. Though there was evidence of some technical meetings, it was little
more than a social society.
In 1818, world’s first engineering society, the
Institution of Civil Engineers was founded in
London, and in 1820 the eminent engineer Thomas
Telford became its first president. The institution
received a Royal Charter in 1828, formally
recognizing civil engineering as a profession. Its
charter defined civil engineering as: “Civil
engineering is the application of physical and
scientific principles, and its history is intricately
linked to advances in understanding of physics and
mathematics throughout history. Because civil
engineering is a wide ranging profession, including
several separate specialized sub-disciplines, its history is linked to knowledge of
structures, material science, geography, geology, soil, hydrology, environment,
mechanics and other fields.”
The first private college to teach Civil Engineering in the United States was
Norwich University founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge. The first degree in
Civil Engineering in the United States was awarded by Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute in 1835. The first such degree to be awarded to a woman was granted by
Cornell University to Nora Stanton Blatch in 1905.
D. 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.

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 earthquake-
resistant 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.

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 inter-
island 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

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 eady 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 totalling 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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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 multi-
purpose 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.

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.

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.

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).

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Civil Engineering Orientation: Engr. Jane Cristel B. de Leon

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CIVIL ENGINEERING ORIENTATION

ENGR. JANE CRISTEL B. DE LEON

Republic of the Philippines

1 | Civil Engineering Orientation

Introduction to various tracks and specialization of Civil Engineering, emphasis on

At the end of this course, the following will be attained:

1. Every Monday/Sunday evening is the uploading of modules in FB Messenger.

Grading System: Passing Mark: 60%

2 | Civil Engineering Orientation

At the end of this chapter, the students shall be able to:

1. Knowledge on the Ancient History of Civil Engineering

A. Ancient History of Civil Engineering

It is difficult to determine the history of emergence and beginning of civil

Civil Engineering has been an

3 | Civil Engineering Orientation

Ancient historic civil engineering constructions include the Qanat water

Other remarkable historical structures are Sennacherib's Aqueduct at Jerwan

A treatise on Architecture, Book called Vitruvius' De

Throughout ancient and medieval history most architectural design and

4 | Civil Engineering Orientation

B. Civil Engineering in Modern Times

Formal education in engineering science became widely available as other

C. Educational and Institutional History of Civil Engineering

5 | Civil Engineering Orientation

During Spanish Time

The history of the architecture and civil engineering profession in the

The walled city in Intramuros was

6 | Civil Engineering Orientation

In 1621, Don Bernardino Castillo, a generous patron and a well-known

7 | Civil Engineering Orientation

Manila was hit by an earthquake and was reconstructed

Irrigation and Water System

The lighthouse was demolished in 1992 and was replaced with an

8 | Civil Engineering Orientation

Puente Colgante (which is the term for a suspension bridge in Spanish:

9 | Civil Engineering Orientation

A 'public-spirited citizen." Don Francisco Carriedo y Peredo was a Basque

The tremendous growth of the city of Manila led the administration to

Puente de Convalecencia or better known as the Ayala Bridge was completed

10 | Civil Engineering Orientation

18th and 19th CENTURY

Two types of construction under Spanish regime were practiced: First.

Second. Spanish road. rubble-stone pavement cobblestones. The pavement

First Philippine Republic (Aguinaldo)

The Organic Decree issued by Gen. Emilio Aquinaldo establishing the

Though once included in the Department of War. now Department of National

11 | Civil Engineering Orientation

The Malolos Constitution was ratified during a general assembly of Congree

When Mabini was replaced by Pedro Paterno as President of the Cabinet.

During American Regime

The coming of the Americans brought about drastic changes in our

Under the civil government established in July. 1901. such 'assimilation"

In his letter dated January 4. 1899 to Filipinos. US Major-General Elwell S.

Foundation of the Liceo de Manila. a private institution offering academic

12 | Civil Engineering Orientation

Transportation in the Philippines was depended largely on trails. waterways.

By virtue of Act No. 83 passed by the Philippine Commission on February 6.

The first professional association of architecture and surveyors was born on