Before You all become full-fledged architects in a few moments, You must take pause to ponder some more the world You have chosen to join. Architecture is a noble, honorable and several millennia-old profession. It is as old as civilization itself and is the time-tested embodiment of man's culture, ideals and aspirations.

Architecture is a unique profession. It is not and was never part of any other profession. Let no else tell You anything different. Many have aspired to be an architect, even going to the extent of manufacturing reputations or engaging media just to appear to be one, but they can never truly become one. The practice is about honor and upholding public interest, even above one's own. Be ever proud of who You are for You have become the envy of many.

The profession of architecture needs more adherents but not everyone is equal to the task and that is why not all who knock at the portals of architectural practice are allowed entry. Count Yourselves among the fortunate ones to be embraced by Your elders and mentors in the profession.

Architecture needs more advocates and defenders to maintain the purity, nobility and integrity of the practice. Young as You are now, it is the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRBOA)'s fervent wish that You all grow in knowledge and wisdom so that decades from now, You will be able to do Your share of keeping the flame of the profession burning brightly, ever brightly.

Value Your professional status well because it is only a privilege, not a right. The state can take away that status if it is not put to good use.

Before You formally take Your Oath, I now charge You with the following duties, tasks and responsibilities:

1. You must always keep valid and updated Your Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) identification card (representing Your renewable license to practice) and You must always safeguard Your Architect's Certificate of Registration and Architect's Seal, especially from unauthorized use by others, even Your kin;

2. You must strive to know by heart the laws and regulations that govern the practice of architecture in the country, not limited to Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9266 (The Architecture Act of 2004), its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the 2006 Code of Ethical Conduct; the 1979 Standards of Professional Practice; and derivative regulations periodically issued by both the PRBOA and the PRC; Your knowledge of laws governing the practice must necessarily include Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 1096 (the 1977 National Building Code of the Philippines or NBCP), R.A. No.9514 (the Fire Code) and Batas Pambansa (B.P.) No. 344 (the Law on Accessibility for the Disabled) among others;

3. You must hold public interest above Your Client's and above Your own and You must strive to be fair at all times in all of Your dealings, for You represent an honorable profession, this would necessarily include paying Your taxes properly and trying to help our country in any way You can:

4. You must actively support the Integrated and Accredited Organization of Architects (IAPOA), of which You shall become members as prescribed by law;

5. You must willingly share Your knowledge with other future aspirants to the profession; and

6. You must always work for the advancement and benefit of the architectural profession and You must find it in Your hearts and minds to have the will and the courage to always fight for and advocate the profession wherever You will be.

Do You accept these duties and responsibilities as the new Registered and Licensed Architects (RLAs) of the land?