This paper summarizes experimental and analytical research efforts conducted in Mexico since 1986 to successfully implement the passive energy dissipation and seismic isolation of structures in practice, among them the development of design procedures and seismic guidelines to be included in building codes in the near future. The paper presents and up-to-date report of all the structures currently with passive energy dissipation devices and base isolation in Mexico, and some information of applications for other Latin-American countries. Particular emphasis will be made on current research trends in Mexico devoted to improve design methods, as well as to include specific design guidelines for the updated version of the Manual of Civil Structures, a model code to be published tentatively in 2008.