CIVIL ENGINEERING HISTORY in the PHilippines

Summary

This script delves into the history of civil engineering in the Philippines, highlighting the Spanish era's lack of formal engineering education and the role of 'Maestro de obras.' It discusses Intramuros as the political and military base, the construction of significant structures like Fort Santiago and the Saint Augustine Church, and the impact of American colonization on engineering culture. The script also covers the establishment of engineering schools, the development of infrastructure under American rule, and the creation of key organizations like the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers. It concludes with the evolution of engineering tools and the construction of major dams and transportation systems.

Takeaways

• 🏛 Civil engineering in the Philippines during the Spanish era was practiced without formal academic titles, as there were no civil engineering schools in the country.
• 👷‍♂️ Indigenous builders, despite their capabilities, were referred to as 'Maestro de obras' or Master Builders due to social constraints.
• 🏰 Intramuros, established in 1521, served as the political, military, and administrative center for the Spaniards in Asia, with only the most powerful clans settling there.
• 🏗️ Friar Architects introduced European standards in engineering and architecture, building government structures, bridges, and churches like Fort Santiago and San Sebastian Church.
• ⛪ The Saint Augustine Church, built in 1599, is the oldest stone church in the Philippines, although it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.
• 🌉 Puente Grande, the first bridge over Pasig River, was initially a wooden bridge built in 1632 and was replaced several times due to damage from natural disasters.
• 🚰 The water system in Manila originated from the waterworks constructed by Father Juan Figuero in 1686, marking the beginning of organized water supply in the city.
• 🏗️ The introduction of reinforced concrete in the 1900s revolutionized construction, as seen in the Masonic Temple and Grand Launch of the Philippines.
• 🛣️ American rule brought significant changes with a focus on infrastructure development, including highways, bridges, schools, hospitals, and government buildings.
• 🏫 The University of Santo Tomas' Faculty of Civil Engineering, established in 1907, was the first to offer a formal degree in civil engineering in the Philippines.

Q & A

What was the status of civil engineering practice in the Philippines during the Spanish era?

During the Spanish era, civil engineering was practiced without academic titles. There were no civil engineering schools, and the local builders were called Maestro de obras or Master Builders, even if they could design and build structures with the available technology.

Who were the Master Builders equivalent to in today's terms?

Master Builders were equivalent to construction foremen or managers in today's terms.

What was the purpose of establishing the city of Intramuros?

Intramuros was established as the Spaniards' political and military base in Asia, and it also served as a center for administrative, religious, and educational institutions.

Who founded the city of Manila and when?

Miguel López de Legazpi founded the city of Manila on June 24, 1571.

What was the significance of the construction of the Saint Augustine Church in Intramuros?

The Saint Augustine Church is significant as it is the oldest stone church in the Philippines, built in 1599, and it showcases the architectural and engineering capabilities of the time despite being destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.

When was the first bridge across the Pasig River, Puente Grande, built?

Puente Grande, the first bridge across the Pasig River, was built in 1632.

What was the first suspension bridge built in Southeast Asia called, and when was it completed?

The first suspension bridge built in Southeast Asia was called Puente Colgante, and it was completed in 1852.

How did the American colonization impact the engineering culture in the Philippines?

American colonization brought drastic changes with a focus on English education, public health, free enterprise, and representative governance. It introduced military engineers and other professionals, leading to the construction of infrastructures like highways, bridges, schools, hospitals, and government buildings.

When was the University of Santo Tomas' Faculty of Civil Engineering established, and what was its initial offering?

The University of Santo Tomas' Faculty of Civil Engineering was established on May 18, 1907, with one program offering a Master of Science in Civil Engineering.

What was the Montalban Dam, also known as Wawa Dam, constructed for during the American colonial era?

The Montalban Dam was constructed to provide water needs for Metro Manila during the American colonial era.

What was the impact of the introduction of handheld calculators on engineering in the 1980s?

The introduction of handheld calculators in the 1980s revolutionized engineering by providing faster and more efficient calculations, leaving behind the old slide rule.