Reformat of the LEA Archl Design Subject

In October 2009, the PRC approved the PRBoA Resolution to REFORMAT the Architectural Design and Site Planning Subject (the "Subject"), which comprise forty percent (40%) of the licensure examination for architects (LEA).
Once officially confirmed by the PRC for administration in the January 2010 Manila LEA, the Subject will then be a NON-DRAFTING ("KNOWLEDGE-based") examination and will also be of the multiple short situational problem, multiple choice format (with sketching and calculations required but not graded). The Subject mode being superseded is a single long situational problem format requiring a manually drafted solution (considered a "SKILL-based" examination).
Once confirmed for the January 2010 Manila LEA, the future examinees shall be allowed to bring copies ONLY OF Rules VII and VII of the 2004 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of P.D. No. 1096, otherwise known as the 1977 National Building Code of the Philippines/ NBCP to DAY 2 of the Manila LEA.
The said PD 1096 Rules could be readily downloaded for free at the Latest Publications section of the PRBOA website i.e. posted at the following dates:

a) 2009-12-13 Rule VII of 2004 IRR of PD1096/ 1977 NBCP
(or 2008-06-07 Natl Bldg Code IRR Rule VII);

b) 2009-12-13 Rule VIII of 2004 IRR of PD1096/ 1977 NBCP
(or 2008-06-07 Natl Bldg Code IRR Rule VIII) and

c) 2009-12-13 Correct Tables of Rule VII Guidelines.

Once confirmed, the Examinees may NOT bring NOR use copies of the Atty. Vicente Foz version of the National Building Code sold at the National Bookstore due to apparently material deficiencies in the text of some sections of the said publication.

SOURCE: PRCBOA WEBSITE

SO NOW IT SEEMS LIKELY THAT THE EXAM IS NON-DRAFTING. WE WILL JUST BE WAITING FOR THE OFFICIAL APPROVAL OF PRC OF THE BOA RECOMMENDATION/RESOLUTION, BUT IT IS ALREADY ALMOST SURE. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!