Who was the first registered architect in the Philippines?

Tomas Mapua holds the distinction of being the first registered architect in the Philippines, a significant milestone in the country's architectural history. He was not only instrumental in shaping modern architecture in the Philippines through his design and educational efforts, but he also established the first architecture school in the country, the Mapua Institute of Technology. His contributions laid the foundation for the professional practice of architecture in the Philippines, thereby setting a benchmark for future generations of architects. This context highlights the importance of recognizing his role within the broader narrative of Philippine architecture and the professionalization of the field.