Here is a newsbyte from Manila where age was a qualifying factor in becoming a licensed interior designer. Wonder how they figured 35 years was the professional threshold and why they did not have a too old to practice number….”Hey gramps it’s time to hang it up”……”Excuse me I am only 87 young man now get off of my custom Kilim”.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

MANILA — Senators on Monday passed on third and final reading a measure that would enhance the competitive edge of Filipino interior designers through mandatory professional education and upgrade to their knowledge and skills.

Senate Bill 3139, which will amend Republic Act 8534 or the Philippine Interior Design Act of 1998, was approved by 20 senators without opposition or abstention.

Under the bill, the minimum number of nominees for the Board of Interior Design will be reduced from five to three while removing the age qualification of 35 years old. The passing rate for the licensure exam will also be lowered from 75 percent to 70 percent weighted general average.

Moreover, the regulation on the issuance of special permits of foreign interior design professionals will be maximized so the arrangement will also benefit the Filipino counterpart.

“Many Filipino interior designers have attained international recognition and have been admitted in different international organizations for interior design. Some countries like Malaysia have even patterned their licensing and regulatory laws concerning interior design from our laws,” said the bill’s sponsor Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

Violators of the proposed measure face a fine from P300,000 to P1,000,000 and/or imprisonment of six months to three years. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/09/11/senate-passes-updates-interior-design-law-242164