Revised National Plumbing Code of the PhilippinesHistory of Plumbing Practice The birth of the plumbing profession in the Philippines is traced back to the 17th cennuy. The WALLED CITY kiown as Intramuros was established by the Spaniards as a model community, The Friar Engineers who built the government buildings, residential and other structures, incorporated European standards in their plumbing installations. During the 18 and 19" centuries, the Filipino plumbers were assigned the task of maintaining, repairing and/or remodeling plumbing systems in all “pueblos” or towns including churches, convents and government buildings. The recognized plumbers then were called upon by the “‘lustrados” or the elite group to act as consultants of plumber journeymen on matters pertaining to plumbing installations in villas and mansions, PLUMBING took a great leap at the rum of the 20th century with the-arrival of the American soldiers, engineers, Thomasite teachers, doctors and evangelists. Health and hygiene became priority when epidemics including cholera, leprosy. schistosomiasis and other contagious diseases engulfed the Philippines. Alarmed, Governor General Harrison issued a letter of instruction on proper waste disposal in all municipalities. Sometime in 1902, the PLUMBING TRADE was duly recognized by the government. The City of Manila was the model community. Master Plumber John F. Hass became the first Chicf of the Division of Plumbing Construction and Inspection. ‘Through the initiative of the Filipino Master Plumbers, a plumbing code based on the Plumbing Code of the United States was incorporated into the Building Code for the City of Manila. In 1935, Francisca Geronimo, Mariana de Ocampo, Igmidio Suarez, Fnsehio Mina, Jose Rivera, Raymundo Reyes, Sr, Roberto Feliciano, Gregorio Lazaro, Raymundo Gumapac, John Jones, Trinitario Ortiz, Valentin Casupanan, Catalino Casupanan, Crispin Francisco, Teodoro Pastor, Comelio Odvina and Jesus ‘Tanghal Dera organized the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP) end had it registered with the Securities and Exchange Cammission Initiated by NAMPAP, the Department of Public Services of the City of Manila was created by an Act of Congress. City Ordinance 2411, otherwise known as “the Plumbing Code for the City of Manila” was enacted in consultation with NAMPAP. The practice of plumbing was eventually placed under the Department of Public Services, Manila ‘The National Government, through the Bureau of Public Works, and other cities and municipalities adopted the Plumbing Code of Manila. NAMPAP speatheaded the enactment of a law regulating the practice of master plumbing in the Philippines. viiIn 1954, the Third Congress of the Republic of the Philippines in its Second Session, approved after the third reading House Bill No. 962. This became Republic Act. No.1378. On June 18, 1955, R.A. 1378, otherwise known as the "PLUMBING LAW OF THE PHILIPPINES" was signed by President Ramon Magsaysay. ‘On January 28, 1959, the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines prepared by the NAMPAP was promulgated and approved by Malacaflang, NAMPAP also assisted in the passage uf the Taw cieating the National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA). ‘In 1966-1969, the Board of Examiners for Master Plumbers and the NAMPAP prepared a Curriculum for Plumbing Engineering that was approved by the Department of Fducation and was first introduced at the Feati University. ‘On November 28, 1967, the First Amendment to the National Plumbing Code was approved, which effected the inclusion of "Asbestos-Cement Pipe" as an approved plumbing material Before Martiat Law in 1972, Republic Act No. 6541 otherwise known as the "Building Code of the Philippines” was passed with the "National Plumbing Code of 1959" as referral code in full text In 1996, NAMPAP President JAIME M. CABASE spearheaded the updating of the Revised National Plumbing Code. Finally, in October 1999, NAMPAP submitted the Dratt Code to the Board of Master Plumbers (BOMP) Chaired by Engr. FORYUNAIO. H. AMOSCO. After careful review, the Professional Regulation Commission under ‘Chairman HERMOGENES POBRE adopted the Revised Plumbing Code of 1999 which His Excellency, President JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA approved last December 21, 1999 pursuant to Section 4 of R.A. 1378 known as the Plumbing Law. In order to continuously upgrade the technical expertise of Master Plumbers and propagate the growth of the plumbing industry, NAMPAP have caused the holding of regular National Convention as well as Regional Conferences such as LUZON, VISAYAS and MINDANAO, es well as the Midyear Forum where manufacturers, dealers and suppliers of plumbing tools, equipment, materials and services are given the ‘opportunity to conduct product presentations for the benefit of the plumbing practitioners