Where should an Architectural firm be registered according to Philippine standards?

An architectural firm in the Philippines should be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This is because the SEC is the government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the registration of corporations, partnerships, and other entities, which includes architectural firms. Registration with the SEC ensures that the firm operates as a legal entity within the country and complies with local corporate laws and regulations.

Moreover, registration with the SEC provides the firm with certain advantages, such as the ability to enter into contracts, own property, and ensure that the interests of shareholders are protected. This establishes a formal structure for the business, which is crucial for maintaining professionalism and accountability in any architectural practice.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes: the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) deals primarily with labor issues and employment regulations; PAG-IBIG provides housing loans and savings programs; and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is primarily focused on the registration of businesses for sole proprietorships and trade marks, but not for corporations like architecture firms. Thus, the SEC is the correct and necessary agency for an architectural firm’s registration in the Philippines.