Psychological Association of the Philippines
PARTIAL REGISTRY OF CERTIFIED PSYCHOLOGY SPECIALISTS

Below is a partial list of certified psychologists in the different divisions of the PAP. Please note that the certification issued on these psychologists is valid from July 2009-May 2013.

Certified Clinical Psychologists
1. Aguilar, Maria Teresa F.
2. Alcala, Ma. Araceli B.
3. Alianan-Bautista, Evangeline S.
4. Apruebo, Roxel A.
5. Batalla, Tomas Alejo S.
6. Briones, Zachele Marie M.
7. Buan, Nenita F.
8. Bulatao, Jaime
9. Camero , Mariglo V.
10. Carandang, Maria Lourdes A.
11. Castronuevo-Ruga, Evangeline R.
12. Catalan, Noemi
13. Catipon, Maria Aurora Assumpta P.
14. Cezar, Queenie Romina A.
15. Cue, Miriam P.
16. Dayan, Natividad
17. De Asis ,Ma. Blesila G.
18. De Guzman, Rosalito G.
19. Dey-Trivino, Maria Louise P.
20. Enriquez , Ma. Cristina Salud H.
21. Fernandez , Karina Therese G.
22. Fernando , Priscilla G.
23. Garcia, Washington C.
24. Go, Tita A.
25. Jurisprudencia, Jerry J.
26. Lara, Yolanda Y.
27. Laydia, Maria Lourdes R.
28. Lim, Cora E.
29. Marin, Marisa V.
30. Melgar, Maria Isabel E.
31. Mogol, Christian Vernon M.
32. Ng, Rizason Go tian
33. Lozada, Orencita V.
34. Pilapil, Alicia N.
35. Ramos, Maria Lourdes L.
36. Rosuelo, Maria Jinky M.
37. Salud , Annarosa D.
38. Saplala , J. Enrique G.
39. Sison, Beatrix Aileen L.
40. Sison, Johanna Marie O.
41. Sison, Patricia C.
42. Tan, Maria Melinda G.
43. Tarroja, Ma. Caridad H.
44. Teopaco, Arvin M.
45. Vicente, Nathaniel R.
46. Villar, Imelda
47. Villasor, Maria Teresa G.
48. Yenko, Rose Marie J.

Certified Counseling Psychologists
1. Agot, Ellen Q.
2. Aileen Rose T. Jimenez
3. Balatay, Nancy A.
4. Bance, Lucila O.
5. Bobis, Catherine A.
6. Camero, Mariglo V.
7. Carandang, Maria Lourdes A.
8. Clemeña, Rosemarie S.
9. Cue, Miriam P.
10. Dayan, Natividad A.
11. Gamueda, Siegfred F.
12. Hocson, Sheila Marie G.
13. Jacob, Floranie P.
14. Maria Regina Pamela Y. Rosales
15. Mary Joy G. Orallo
16. Munarriz, Natividad
17. Ong Ante, Patrick A.
18. Palac, Cleofe C.
19. Shao, Rosa C.
20. Teresita Ocsan Cruz
21. Umali, Ma. Concepcion V.
22. Valle, Joanne Rachelle L.
23. Villasor, Eduardo G.

Certified Assessment Psychologists
1. Abacan, Lorenzo S.
2. Abrenica, Alexa P.
3. Arias, Antero Rosauro Jr. V.
4. Balatay, Nancy A.
5. Bance, Lucila O.
6. Batongbacal, Donna L.
7. Bulatao, Ma. Aurora B.
8. Camero, Mariglo V.
9. Cue, Miriam P.
10. Dayan, Natividad
11. Dayan, Reginaldo Mauro A.
12. Dela Rosa, Anna Maria Kathleena J.
13. Dy, Polly C.
14. Eleosida, Isabelle S.
15. Felipe, Abraham
16. Galura, Editha L.
17. Gatchalian, Mariflor J.
18. Gerong, Andres S.
19. Guerrero, Ana Maria T.
20. Gustillo-Villasor, Maria Teresa
21. Ledesma, Lourdes K.
22. Lumbre, Leo Christian P.
23. Mendoza, Leonor Lynette Fortunata C.
24. Montenegro, Susan Theresa G.
25. Munarriz, Natividad
26. Pilapil, Alicia N.
27. Reyes, Rachel C.
28. Reyes, Rowena A.
29. Rodriguez, Antonieta A.
30. Rosuello, Maria Jinky M.
31. Salud, Annarosa D.
32. Santos, Thelma L.
33. Sison, Johanna Marie O.
34. Suba, Elizabeth S.
35. Tarroja, Ma. Caridad H.
36. Teopaco, Arvin M.
37. Teves, Lizza P.
38. Valdez, Elma V.
39. Vicente, Nathaniel R.
40. Ylaya, Gina R.

Certified Developmental Psychologists
1. Antonio, Angelito Z.
2. Carandang, Maria Lourdes A.
3. Castronuevo-Ruga, Evangeline R.
4. Fajardo, Maricar P.
5. Manaligod, Ma. Paz Consolacion A.
6. Masilungan, Maria Theresa C.
7. Sabino, Carmen M.
8. Tayaban, Ma. Teresa B.

Certified Social Psychologists
1. Ebal, Gerald James Y.
2. Estuar, Ma. Regina Justina E.
3. Felipe, Abraham I.
4. Intal, Anna Miren G.
5. Inzon, Fr. Charlie M.
6. Licuanan, Patricia B.
7. Lupdag, Anselmo D.
8. Manalastas, Eric Julian D.
9. Mendoza, Leonor Lynette C.
10. Perez, Josephine P.
11. Tan, Allen
12. Torres, Amaryllis

Certified Educational Psychologists
1. Angeles, Marie Paz H.
2. Bernardo, Allan B.I.
3. Felipe, Abraham I.
4. Tse, Kar Him

Certified Industrial/Organizational Psychologists
1. Cue, Miriam P.
2. Hechanova-Alampay, Ma. Regina M.
3. Intal, Anna Miren G.
4. Laydia, Maria Lourdes R.
5. Luy, Jacqueline Fe R.
6. Mattison, Hiyasmin Ledi C.
7. Montenegro, Susan Theresa G.
8. Onglatco, Marylou U.
9. Tengco-Pacquing, Ma. Criselda M.
10. Pascual, Minelle M.
11. Pilapil, Cecille Ann C.
12. Reyes, Glody T.
13. Roxas, Maryfe M.
14. Samonte, Elena L.
15. Sison, Patricia C.
16. Torres, Amaryllis T.
17. Yenko, Rosemarie J.

The Psychological Association of the Philippines conferred on DR. ALLAN B. I. BERNARDO the title of Outstanding Psychologist during the 46th PAP Convention at Silliman University, Dumaguete City. Dr. Bernardo was recognized for his exemplary work and accomplishments as a teacher, mentor, researcher, leader, and psychologist.

The Outstanding Psychologist Committee was composed of former Outstanding Psychologist awardees namely, Dr. Patricia Licuanan, Dr. Ma. Lourdes Carandang, Dr. Amaryllis Torres and Dr. Allen Tan. Congratulations to Dr. Bernardo!

by J. Enrique G. Saplala

1. Certification of Psychology Specialists

2. Code of Ethics

• The Board of Directors appointed Dr. Allan Bernardo, chair of the professional and scientific ethics committee, to head the task force in compliance with the PAP charter. The board also appointed the following as members of the committee: Dr. Lourdes Carandang, Dr. Natividad Dayan, Dr. Rosalito De Guzman and Ms. Anna Guerrero. The Task Force on the Code of Ethics was convened last February 27, 2009 at Cravings Katipunan Avenue, QC.
• The Code of Ethics was ratified by the board on July 17, 2009. Copies of the code will be posted in our website soon.

3. Psychology Bill

• The Psychology Bill Task Force Committee task force composed of Drs. Lucy Bance, Lota Teh, Allan Bernardo, Caring Tarroja, J. Enrique Saplala and Isabel Melgar were invited to be part of the Technical Working Group (TWG)to review and finalize the Psychology Bill last December 3, 2008 at the House. There was a follow up meeting on the bill on the months of January and February 2009 and the bill was approved by the Lower House on June 9, 2009.
• We are awaiting the second and final reading of the bill before it is submitted to the office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines for approval. Update: The second hearing would be held on August 24, 1:00 p.m. at the Senate. Senator Panfilo Lacson is sponsoring the bill.

4. Continuing Professional Education

• Two CPEs were held during the year: Jumpstarting your Research with Dr. Allan Bernardo and Integrating Gestalt –Competence into personal ID and professional profile with Dr. Hans Lenhard. One workshop on Performance Management Systems from the I/O Division will be held on September 19, Caritas Hall, Miriam College. The Clinical Psychology division will offer one workshop with Dr. Roger Davis this October at the PSSC. More workshops summer 2009 will also be offered by the clinical and counseling psychology division. Other CPEs will be discussed during the division meetings and the upcoming strategic planning.

5. Communication

• We have upgraded our website, www.pap.org.ph, and requested psychologist, AJ SAGMIT, to be the webmaster. Our website is also registered with the International Union of Psychologists’ directory.
• Our electronic newsletter is updated regularly by Mr. MARSHALL VALENCIA, our external relations officer. You are welcome to contribute articles to the newsletter.

6. PAPJA

• We had our PAPJA at De La Salle University last November 2008. The event was attended by close to 1,600+ students from different parts of the country. Based on the suggestions made during the PAPJA 2008 focus group discussion, a job fair and workshops related to careers in psychology were conducted. Speakers from the different fields in psychology were also invited to conduct workshops in psychology.

7. Membership in IUPsy

We have also reactivated our membership with the International Union of Psychologists last September 2009. The PAP appointed Dr. Allan Bernardo, a regular member of the IUPSY to represent PAP.

8. PAP Research Survey – being undertaken by Dr. Allan Bernardo. Details will be posted soon.

9. Response to disaster prone areas ‐ Ms. Suzette Agcaoili is presently inviting interested volunteer psychologists to be part of the core group of volunteers to give appropriate therapeuticinterventions for survivors or victims of natural or man‐made calamities.

10. Forensic psychology meeting –An interest group for psychologists practicing in a forensic setting was formed. Two meetings for psychologists working in a forensic setting were held this year: May 18 at Miriam College and August 12, 2008 at Café Antonio, Dumaguete City. Elected as overall chairperson is Dr. Naty Dayan. Dr. Jay Saplala serves as her assistant. Point persons were also elected to represent Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

 Addendum: PJP – two PJP journals were released: June 2008 and December 2008. The June 2009 and December 2009 issues would come out soon.

The 46th annual convention of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) was held in Dumaguete City, August 13-15, 2009, and co-sponsored by Silliman University. Participants arrived as early as August 11, some returning home as late as August 17. Local organizers worked closely with PAP officers and secretariat, preparing for some 350 people, but that number was far short of those who actually showed up, equaling 476! Former PAP presidents in attendance included Dr. Ma. Lourdes A. Carandang, Dr. Natividad Dayan, Dr. Lucy Bance, and Dr. Allan Bernardo.

Day 1 opening program and first plenary session was held at the luxurious Luce Auditorium at the Silliman Campus. Among those present to welcome participants were SU president Dr. Ben S. Malayang III, VPAA Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan, University Chaplain Rev. Noel Villalba, and Acting Dean for Graduate Programs Dr. Margaret Udarbe. The indefatigable PAP president Dr. Jesus Enrique Saplala ably addressed the theme of the convention in his presidential report, identifying research endeavors over the years in the different character strengths and suggesting possible areas for further investigation. Keynote speaker Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, Vice President for Programs of the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia, highlighted the Filipino strengths in kapwa or regarding others, living the faith, explaining misfortune, and, ultimately “staying alive.” Special recognition was made of PAP immediate past president, Allan Benedict I. Bernardo, this year’s lone awardee for Outstanding Psychologist, acknowledged for his work as teacher, mentor, researcher, leader, and psychologist.

Plenary session speakers had their own take on the theme, sharing work that has captured their interest in recent years, inspiring, and modeling their own philosophy: On leadership, Nena Alcuaz-Reyes (Center for Leadership and Change, Inc.); on integrity, Ma. Angeles G. Lapeña (De La Salle University); on spirituality, Mila Du-Lagrosa (Asian Institute of Management); on forgiveness, clinical and organizational psychologist Frederick A. Boholst; on social intelligence, Rosalea Araneta de Leon (West Visayas State University); and, on love for learning, Allan B. I. Bernardo (De la Salle University).

The theme was reflected as well in over 120 oral paper presentations covering such wide-ranging interests that included hope theory, forgiveness therapy and pagpapatawad, police personality types, depression among the elderly, resilience among athletes, mga bilanggo, abuse survivors, and gay men, understanding hazing, movie audiences, Filipino domestic helpers, thanatology, pakikipagkapwa, utang na loob, Filipino social entrepreneurship, burial rituals, the social Pinoy, and psychometric properties and analysis of psychological tests. The 18 posters had their own variety, displaying research on such diverse samples as preschool children, nursing students, college faculty, public high school students, male homosexuals, male police officers, and child rapists. Each of the six continuing education workshops provided at least one thing of interest to all—through play therapy techniques and developing wellness centers in schools, the assessment center and testing in court, and performance management systems and the Jung in fairy tales.

The membership meeting was well attended. There were 12 nominees presented to take over six vacancies in the PAP board of directors. Jay Saplala updated members on the certification of psychologists and the status of the psychology bill. Division meetings were then chaired by Ces Conaco (social psychology), Liane Alampay (developmental psychology), Isabel Melgar (clinical psychology), and Gina Hechanova (I/O psychology).

(prepared by Marge Alvarez)

            The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) has been giving recognition to distinguished psychologists for their remarkable achievements since its Silver Anniversary in 1988 through the Outstanding Psychologist Award.  The PAP has awarded twelve (12) prominent psychologists since.

             The PAP continues this tradition of recognizing psychologists who have contributed substantially to the development of the field of Psychology in the Philippines by launching the Search for Outstanding Psychologists for 2009.

             Through the Outstanding Psychologist Award, the PAP also aims to support psychologists and encourage them to be active in and dedicated to their field and thus have a meaningful impact on the discipline, their community and society.

 Qualifications for the Outstanding Psychologist Award

 Nominees for the Outstanding Psychologist Award must:

1. possess good moral character, with unquestionable ethical practice and behavior; and

2. have done outstanding work in the different aspects of the discipline:

         a.  teaching or training

         b. research and publications

         c. practice of the profession in one’s area of expertise

        d. building institutions and the discipline of Psychology

        e. national or international recognition and impact.

 Nomination Process

             To register nominations for the Outstanding Psychologist Award, please send in a one/ two-paged nomination letter highlighting the qualifications of the nominee and a copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae to:

Outstanding Psychologist Awards Committee

Psychological Association of the Philippines
PSSCenter, Commonwealth Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City 1101
E-mail: pap_1962_08@yahoo.com

Deadline for submission of nominations is Friday, July 24, 4P.M.

FOR MORE DETAILS, please call telephone no. 453-8257 or e-mail PAP.

PAP was informed last June 9  by the staff of House Representative Ana York Bondoc that the Committee Report 2160 (sub bill 6512 Psychology Bill) has been approved on 3rd reading last June 3. The report has been transmitted to the senate and the assigned senate committee will accordingly schedule a hearing as soon as the senators are available.  After the committee hearing, the bill will go through second and third reading in the Senate.  Once approved in both Lower and Upper House, the bill will finally be transmitted to the Office of the President. Meanwhile, below is the current version of the Psychology bill.

Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

 FOURTEENTH CONGRESS

Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _____________

________________________________________________________________

Introduced by Representatives Anna York P. Bondoc, M.D., Raul T. Gonzalez,Jr., Thelma Z. Almario,

AN ACT

TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF PSYCHOLOGY CREATING FOR THIS PURPOSE A PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

            Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled

Article I – TITLE

SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Psychology Act of 2009.”

Article II – STATEMENT OF POLICY

SEC. 2. Statement of Policy. – The State recognizes that psychologists have an important role in nation-building and development. It also acknowledges the diverse specializations of psychologists and the diverse functions specific to the varied specializations. In particular, it recognizes the significance of the psychological services that practicing psychologists provide to diverse types of clients, but also recognizes the need to protect the public by preventing inexperienced or untrained individuals from offering psychological services. Hence, it shall nurture competent, upright, and assiduous psychologists whose standards of practice and service shall be excellent and globally competitive through the administration of inviolable, effective and credible licensure examinations and the imposition and promotion of regulatory measures, programs and activities that enhance their professional growth and well-being.

Article III – DEFINITION OF TERMS

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) “Psychology” is the scientific study of human behavior. It involves the application of scientific methods to inquire into the biological, cognitive, affective, developmental, personality, social, cultural, and individual difference dimensions of human behavior;

(b) “Practice of Psychology” consists of the delivery of psychological services that involve application of psychological principles and procedures for the purpose of describing, understanding, predicting and influencing the behavior of individuals or groups, in order to assist in the attainment of optimal human growth and functioning. The delivery of psychological services includes, but is not limited to: 1) Psychological Interventions: psychological counseling, psychotherapy, psychosocial support, coaching, psychological debriefing, group processes, and all other psychological interventions that involve the application of psychological principles to improve psychological functioning of individuals, families, groups, and organizations; 2) Psychological Assessment: gathering and integration of psychology-related data for the purpose of making a psychological evaluation, accomplished through a variety of tools, including individual tests, projective tests, clinical interviews, and other psychological assessment tools, for the purpose of assessing diverse psychological functions including cognitive abilities, aptitudes, personality characteristics, attitudes, values, interests, emotions and motivations, among others, in support of psychological counseling, psychotherapy and other psychological interventions; 3) Psychological Programs: development, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of psychological treatment programs and other psychological intervention programs for individuals and/or groups;

(c) “Psychologist” means a natural person who is duly registered and holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card as professional psychologist, issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology and the Professional Regulation Commission pursuant to this Act for the purpose of delivering the different psychological services defined in this Act.

(d) “Psychometrician” means a natural person who holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card as psychometrician issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology and the Professional Regulation Commission pursuant to this Act. As such, he or she shall be authorized to do any of the following, provided, that such shall at all times be conducted under the supervision of a licensed professional psychologist: (1) Administering and scoring of objective personality tests, structured personality tests, pen-and-paper intelligence, achievement, and interest tests, excluding projective tests and other higher level forms of psychological tests; (2) Interpreting results of the same and preparing a written report on these results; (3) Conducting preparatory intake interviews of clients for psychological intervention sessions.

ARTICLE IV – PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY

SEC. 4. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology. – There is hereby created a Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology, hereinafter called the Board, a collegial body under the administrative control and supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, which shall be composed of a Chairperson and two (2) members appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list of three (3) nominees for each position. The list of nominees shall be submitted to the Commission by the integrated and accredited national organization of psychologists. The Board shall be organized not later than sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 5. Qualifications of the Chairperson and the Members of the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology. – The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall, at the time of their appointment and for the course of their term, possess the following qualifications:

(a) A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines;

(b) At least thirty-five (35) years of age;

(c) Possess good moral character;

(d) Hold a Doctorate Degree in Psychology conferred by a university, college or school in the Philippines or abroad duly recognized and/or accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED);

(e) Have at least ten (10) years of practice in psychology and psychometrics in a duly recognized institution, clinic, or center, as well as at least five (5) years of teaching experience in the field of psychology;

(f) Be a registered and licensed psychologist, except in the case of the first members of the Board who shall automatically be conferred a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card in psychology and psychometrics upon appointment to the Board;

(g) Is neither an officer, trustee nor member of the faculty of any university, college, institute or school where a regular course in psychology is offered or taught or review classes conducted, and shall not have any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in any such institution;

(h) Is not an officer, nor hold any position other than being a member, of the integrated and accredited national organization of psychologists; and

(i) Shall not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.

SEC. 6. Term of Office. -  The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years or until their successors shall have been appointed and duly qualified. Each member of the Board may be reappointed for one (1) full term of three (3) years. The first members of the Board shall hold office for the following terms: the Chairperson for three (3) years; one member for two (2) years; and the other member for one (1) year, which shall be specified in their respective appointments. Any vacancy occurring within the term of a member shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each member of the Board shall qualify by taking the proper oath prior to the performance of his/her duties.

SEC. 7. Powers and Duties. – The Board shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) Administer and implement the provisions of this Act and promulgate as well as revise or update, as necessary, rules and regulations, resolutions and guidelines hereto: provided, that the policies, resolutions, rules and regulations issued or promulgated by the Board shall be subject to review and approval of the Commission;

(b) Supervise and monitor the registration, licensure and practice of psychologists and psychometricians in the Philippines;

(c) Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;

(d) Issue, and upon compliance with due process requirements suspend or revoke, and/or reinstate, the certificate of registration and professional identification card for psychologists and psychometricians;

(e) Adopt an official seal of the Board;

(f) Monitor the conditions and circumstances affecting the practice of psychology and psychometrics in the Philippines and adopt such measures as may be deemed lawful and proper for the enhancement and maintenance of high professional, ethical and technical standards of the profession;

(g) Issue permits to and exercise visitorial powers over agencies, institutions, associations, corporations and partnerships to verify that the persons practicing psychology and psychometrics therein are psychologists and psychometricians with valid certificates of registration and valid professional identification cards, and that they possess the necessary accreditation, skills and/or facilities to competently carrying out their functions;

(h) Assist the Commission in the formulation and implementation of the guidelines on continuing professional education for psychologists and psychometricians;

(i) Ensure, in coordination with the CHED, that all educational institutions offering the course/program of psychology strictly comply with the policies, standards and requirements prescribed by CHED for such course/program, especially in the areas of administration, curriculum, faculty, library and facilities;

(j) Prepare, adopt, issue and amend, in consultation with CHED, syllabi for the licensure examination subjects;

(k) Investigate and, when warranted, hear administrative cases involving violations of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations as hereinafter promulgated, and any applicable code of ethics and/or code of professional standards. For this purpose, it may issue subpoena testificandum and subpoena duces tecum to secure the appearances of witnesses and the production of documents in connection therewith:  Provided, that the Board’s decision, resolution or orders rendered in administrative cases shall be subject to review only on appeal;

(l) Perform such other functions and duties as may be lawfully delegated to it, or as it may deem necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act. 184

SEC. 8. Compensation and Allowances. - The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall receive the same compensation and allowances as those received by the Chairperson and Members of the existing regulatory boards under the Commission, as provided in the charter of the Commission and in the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 9. Removal or Suspension of Members of the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology. – Any member of the Board may, upon the recommendation of the Commission upon observance of due process and completion of the proper investigation, be suspended or removed by the President from office for cause, such as gross neglect of duty, incompetence, malpractice, behavior unbecoming of a psychology professional, immorality, unethical or dishonorable conduct, final conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude, any act of graft and corruption, and participation in the manipulation of or any dishonesty relative to the licensure examinations and/or the registration process.

SEC. 10. Administrative Supervision over the Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat and Support Services. -  The Board shall be under the administrative supervision and control of the Commission. All records of the Board, including documents relative to the licensure examinations as well as administrative and other investigative cases conducted by the Board, shall be kept in the custody of the Commission. The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall provide the Secretariat with necessary support services to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

Article V – Licensure Examinations

SEC. 11. Examinations Required. -  All applicants for registration to practice psychology and psychometrics shall be required to pass a licensure examination for psychologists and psychometricians to be conducted by the Board in such places and dates, and subject to such requirements, prescribed by the Commission.

SEC. 12. Qualifications of Applicants for the Licensure Examination for Psychologists. – Any person may apply to take the examination for registration and licensure as a psychologist after furnishing evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant:

(a) is a Filipino citizen, a permanent resident, or a citizen of a foreign state/country which extends reciprocity to the Philippines relative to the practice of the profession;

(b) holds at least a Master’s degree in Psychology conferred by a university, college or school in the Philippines or abroad recognized/accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and has obtained sufficient credits for the subjects covered in the examination;

(c) has undergone a minimum of TWO HUNDRED HOURS of supervised practicum/internship/clinical experience RELATED TO SERVICES ENUMERATED IN PAR. (B) OF  SEC. 3 OF THIS ACT and under the auspices of a licensed psychologist or other licensed mental health professional;

(d) is of good moral character; and

(e) has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude.

SEC. 13. Qualifications of Applicants for the Licensure Examination for Psychometricians. – Any person may apply to take the examination for registration and licensure as a psychometrician by furnishing evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant:

(a) is a Filipino citizen, a permanent resident, or a citizen of a foreign state/country which extends reciprocity to the Philippines relative to the practice of the profession;

(b) holds at least a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology conferred by a university, college or school in the Philippines or abroad recognized/accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and has obtained sufficient credits for the subjects covered in the examination;

(c) is of good moral character; and

(d) has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude.

SEC. 14. Examination Subjects for Psychologists. – The licensure examination for psychologists shall cover the following subjects:

(a) Advanced Theories of Personality

(b) Advanced Abnormal Psychology

(c) Advanced Psychological Assessment

(d) Psychological Counseling and Psychotherapy

SEC. 15 Examination Subjects for Psychometricians. – The licensure examinations for psychometricians shall cover the following subjects:

(a) Theories of Personality

(b) Abnormal Psychology

(c) Industrial Psychology

(c) Psychological Assessment

THE BOARD MAY RECLUSTER, REARRANGE, MODIFY, ADD OR EXCLUDE AND PRESCRIBE SUBJECTS FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS AND PSYCHOMETRICIANS AS THE NEED ARISES.

SEC. 16. Registration without Examination for Psychologists. – A person who possesses the qualifications required to take the examination for registration as a psychologist pursuant to the provisions of this Act may be registered without examination: Provided, that the applicant files with the Board within three (3) years after its creation an application for registration and issuance of certificate of registration and professional identification card by submitting credentials satisfactory to the Board that the applicant had, ON or prior to the effectivity of this Act, fulfilled the requirements under either subparagraph (1), (2), or (3) herein:

(1) Obtained a doctoral degree in Psychology and had accumulated three (3) years of work experience in the practice of psychology in the Philippines;

(2) Obtained a Master’s degree in Psychology and accumulated a minimum of five (5) years of work experience in the practice of psychology in the Philippines;

(3)  Psychologists or employees who hold positions as psychologists presently employed in various government or private agencies, who have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, accumulated a minimum of ten (10) years of work experience in the practice of psychology as a psychologist, and who have UPDATED THEIR professional education in various psychology-related functions.

SEC. 17. Registration Without Examination for Psychometricians. -  A person who possesses the qualifications required to take the examination for registration as a psychometrician may be registered without examination: Provided, that the applicant files with the Board within three (3) years after its creation an application for registration and issuance of a certificate of registration and professional identification card by submitting credentials satisfactory to the Board that the applicant before the effectivity of this Act had obtained a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and had accumulated a minimum of two (2) years’ full time work experience in the practice of psychometrics in the Philippines.

SEC. 18. Ratings in the Examination. – To be qualified as having passed the licensure examination for psychologists and psychometricians, a candidate must have obtained a weighted general average of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for all subjects, with no grade lower than sixty percent (60%) in any given subject.  An examinee who obtains a weighted general average of seventy-five percent (75%) or higher but obtains a rating below sixty percent (60%) in any given subject may retake such subject or subjects within the next two (2) years, and upon obtaining a rating of at least seventy-five percent (75%) in each such subject, shall then be deemed to have passed the licensure examination.

SEC. 19. Report of Ratings. – The Board shall submit to the Commission an official report detailing the ratings obtained by each examinee within ten (10) calendar days after the examination, unless such period is extended for just cause.

Article VI – Registration

SEC. 20. Oath of Psychologists and Psychometricians. – All successful examinees qualified for registration and all qualified applicants for registration without examination shall be required to take an oath to uphold the profession before any member of the Board or any officer of the Commission authorized to administer oaths, prior to entering into the practice of psychology or psychometrics in the Philippines.

SEC. 21. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card. – A certificate of registration and professional identification card shall be issued to all successful examinees and registrants without examination upon compliance with all the legal requirements, including payment of fees, prescribed by the Commission. The certificate of registration shall bear the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and Members of the Board, indicating that the person named therein is entitled to practice the profession with all the privileges and concomitant responsibilities appurtenant thereto. The said certificate shall remain in full force and effect until suspended or revoked in accordance with this Act. A professional identification card bearing the registration number, date of issuance and validity term of three years, duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, shall likewise be issued to every registrant who has paid the prescribed registration fee. Upon expiration of the professional identification card, the psychologist and psychometrician may renew the same upon proof of compliance with continuing education requirements prescribed by the Board and/or Commission.

SEC. 22. Disclosure of Registration Information. – The psychologist or psychometrician shall be required to indicate his/her registration and professional identification card number and date of issuance, the duration of validity, including the professional tax receipt number on each document signed, used or issued in connection with the practice of his/her profession.

SEC. 23. Non-issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card. – The Board shall not register nor issue a certificate of registration or professional identification card to any person convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude, has been found guilty by a judicial or other duly constituted tribunal of immoral or dishonorable conduct, or has been medically diagnosed to be of unsound mind. In the event of non-issuance of the certificate for any reason, the Board shall furnish the applicant a written statement setting forth the reasons for such denial, which statement shall be incorporated to the records of the Board.

SEC. 24. Foreign Reciprocity. – No foreigner shall be admitted to the Psychology or Psychometrics licensure examinations unless he/she proves that the country of which he/she is a citizen either:

(1) admits Filipino citizens to the practice of psychology or psychometrics without need for registration and issuance of a certificate of registration/professional identification card;

(2) allows Filipino citizens to practice psychology or psychometrics without restriction; or

(4) allows Filipino citizens to practice the same after an examination on terms of strict and absolute equality with nationals of said country.

SEC. 25. Practice Through Special Temporary Permit. – Special temporary permits may be issued by the Board, subject to the approval by the Commission and payment of appropriate fees, to the following persons:

(1) Licensed psychologists or psychometricians from foreign countries/states who are internationally acknowledged specialists or outstanding experts in psychology or psychometrics, provided that their services are important and necessary either due to the lack or inadequacy of available local specialists or experts or in recognition of their potential contribution to the promotion and advancement of the practice of psychology or psychometrics through transfer of technology;

(2) Licensed psychologists or psychometricians from foreign countries/states whose services shall be free and offered exclusively to indigent patients in a particular hospital, center or clinic; and

(3) Licensed psychologists or psychometricians from foreign countries/states employed as exchange professors to teach psychology or psychometrics in schools, colleges, universities offering psychology or psychometrics courses or programs.

The permit shall detail the conditions thereof which shall, among other things, include the effectivity period of not more than one (1) year subject to renewal, and the specific place of practice such as the clinic, hospital, center, school, college, university offering the course of psychology or psychometrics. The Board, subject to the approval by the Commission, shall prescribe rules and regulations on the implementation of this particular section.

SEC. 26. Suspension or Revocation of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card or Cancellation of a Special Temporary Permit. - The Board shall have the power, after notice and hearing, to suspend or revoke the certificate of registration and professional identification card or to cancel special temporary permits granted pursuant to this Act on any ground set forth in Section 30 of this Act or any of the instances hereunder:

(a) Procurement of a certificate of registration and/or professional identification card, or special temporary permit by fraud or deceit

(b) Allowing an unqualified person to advertise or to practice the profession by using one’s certificate of registration or professional identification card or special temporary permit

(c) Violating or conspiring to violate any of the provisions of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations, the code of ethics or code of professional standards promulgated hereinafter by the Board

(d) Manifest physical or mental incompetence to render psychological services with reasonable skill and safety to his/her clients/patients

(e) Professional misconduct or negligence in the performance of duties as a psychologist or psychometrician

(f) Engaging in the practice of the profession during the period of one’s suspension.

SEC. 27. Reinstatement. – A psychologist or psychometrician whose certificate of registration has been revoked may apply to the Board for reinstatement at any time after two (2) years from the date of revocation of said certificate. The application shall be in writing and shall conform to requirements hereinafter prescribed by the Board. No certificate of registration or professional identification card shall be reinstated unless the Board is satisfied that a good cause exists to warrant such reinstatement. Issuance of a new certificate of registration or professional identification card, or special temporary permit in lieu of one that has been lost, destroyed or mutilated shall be subject to applicable rules prescribed by the Commission.

SEC. 28. Appeal from Judgment. – The decision of the Board shall ipso facto become final fifteen (15) days from receipt of the decision by the respondent unless an appeal has been filed with the Commission within the same period. The Commission’s decision on appeal may be further appealed before the Court of Appeals within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof.

SEC. 29. Rights of the Respondent. – The respondent psychologist or psychometrician shall have the right to be represented by counsel at all stages of the proceedings as well as to speedy disposition of his/her case. He/she shall have the right to confront witnesses against him/her in addition to such other rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

Article VII – Privileged Communication and Professional Integration

SEC. 30. Rights to Privileged Communication for Psychologists and Psychometricians. – A psychologist or psychometrician cannot without the consent of the client/patient, be examined on any communication or information disclosed and/or acquired in the course of giving psychological services to such client. The protection accorded herein shall extend to all pertinent records and shall be available to the secretary, clerk or other staff of the licensed psychologist or psychometrician. Any evidence obtained in violation of this provision shall be inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.

SEC 31. Integration of the Profession. – The profession shall hereinafter be integrated by consolidating all practitioners into one national organization of registered and licensed psychologists and psychometricians, which shall be recognized and accredited by the Board, subject to approval of the Commission. A psychologist or psychometrician duly registered and licensed by the Board and the Commission shall automatically become a member of said organization and shall receive the benefits and privileges, as well as be subject to all responsibilities and obligations, appurtenant thereto upon payment of the required fees and dues. Membership in the integrated organization shall not be a bar to membership in any other association of psychologists and/or psychometricians.

Sec. 32. Code of Ethics and Code of Practice for Psychologists and Psychometricians. – The Board shall adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics and Code of Practice for Psychologists and Psychometricians prescribed and issued by the accredited professional organization of psychologists.

Article VIII – Prohibited Acts, Penalties and Enforcement of this Act

SEC 33. Prohibited Acts. (1) No person shall:

(a) Engage in the professional practice of psychology or psychometrics nor represent himself/herself as a professional practicing psychologist or psychometrician without a valid certificate of registration/valid professional identification card, or a valid special temporary permit granted by the Board pursuant to this Act

(b) Represent himself/herself to be a licensed and authorized practicing psychologist or psychometrician during the time that his/her certificate of registration has been suspended or revoked or professional identification card without being renewed, or special temporary permit cancelled

(c) Allow any other person to use his/her certificate of registration and professional identification card or special temporary permit for any purpose, regardless of whether such act actually enables the unqualified individual to engage in the practice of psychology or psychometrics

(d) Use, exhibit and/or misrepresent as his/her own the certificate of registration and/or professional identification card or special temporary permit of another

(e) Give any false, inaccurate, misleading or incomplete information to the Board in order to obtain a certificate of registration or professional identification card or special temporary permit

(2) No corporation, partnership, association or entity shall operate a psychology or psychometrics office, center, clinic, or otherwise engage in the practice or allow the practice psychology or psychometrics within its premises, without securing a permit therefor from the Board. Such permit shall be issued only after the Board is satisfied that such establishment is competently staffed by a psychologist and equipped with sufficient and adequate psychology-related instruments and facilities

(3) A violation of any provision of this Act or of its implementing rules and regulations shall be penalized accordingly.

SEC. 34. Penalties. – Any person who violates any provision of this Act or its implementing rules and regulations shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than three (3) years, or a fine of not less than Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the Court.

SEC. 35. Injunction. – The Board may initiate action to enjoin, restrain, and/or prosecute any individual, corporation, association, partnership or entity engaging in the practice of psychology and psychometrics in violation of this Act.

SEC. 36. Enforcement. -  It shall be the duty of all duly constituted law enforcement agencies and officers of national, provincial, city or municipal governments to uphold and enforce the provisions of this Act and to investigate and prosecute or cause the investigation and prosecution of any person violating the same.

Article IX – Miscellaneous Provisions

SEC. 37. Funding Provision. – The Chairperson of the Commission shall immediately hereinafter include in the Commission’s programs the prompt implementation of this Act, funding of which shall be provided for in the Annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 38. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within ninety (90) days after the constitution of the Board, it shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations, subject to approval of the Commission, to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 39. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act shall at any time be found to be unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder thereof not affected by such declaration shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 40. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, rules or regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 41. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its complete publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

The deadline for the first batch of certified psychology specialists is over, with a whopping total of 195 applicants beating the April 30 cut-off date. Clinical psychology had the most number of applicants (72), followed by assessment psychology (44), counseling psychology (32), industrial/organizational psychology (16), educational psychology (15), developmental psychology (8) and social psychology (8). Submissions came from as far as places like Baguio, Palawan and Zamboanga.

The “early bird award” goes to MARICAR FAJARDO who submitted her application for Educational Psychology & Developmental Psychology on Feb 19.  PEACHY FERNANDO was the last person to beat the deadline when she submitted her application and documents for Counseling Psychology on April 30 at 5:00 pm. According to Linda Sevilla and Mercy Mondejar of the PAP secretariat, the submission of applications peaked on April 30, 2009 with a total of 43 applications received. Most of the applications came from Metro Manila with a total of 108 applications. Interestingly, one hundred applications were submitted through courier service or express mail.

All submitted applications and documents will be reviewed by a committee of past PAP presidents who received automatic certifications by virtue of a board resolution last September 12, 2008. The certifications were granted to them in recognition of their important contribution to their respective area of specialization.  The first batch of certified psychology specialists will be posted as soon as all applications and documents are reviewed and screened.

(article by J. Enrique G. Saplala)

The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) is pleased to announce its call for nomination for the Fr. Jaime C. Bulatao Award for Teaching for 2009.

The Fr. Jaime C. Bulatao Award for Teaching is an award for outstanding teaching in any field of psychology. This award is given to an individual who embodies the ideals of Fr. Bulatao as a teacher. The recipient of this award is one who, like Fr. Bulatao, instills in students a genuine love for learning by inspiring them to explore, experience, and experiment.

Nomination Criteria:

     The nominee must be a psychology teacher who:

         1.  has been teaching psychology subjects for the past 3 years (for a full-

              time faculty) and past 5 years (for a part-time faculty)

         2.  is a PAP member

         3.  preferably has at least an MA/MS degree in Psychology

Nomination Process:

A. The nomination may be submitted by the Chairperson of the home department of the nominee, or by any other school administrator, or by colleagues.

    The nominator will submit a brief letter addressed to the Chair of the Award

    Committee which includes the following:

        1.  complete name  of the nominee

        2.  name and complete address of the nominee’s school

        3.  contact no. and e-mail address of the nominator

        4.  reasons why the nominee deserves to win the Award

B. The nominator, in cooperation with the nominee, must submit the following:

     1.  nominee’s current CV which includes his/her detailed teaching history

     2.  evidence of the nominee’s ability to inspire students to explore, experience, and experiment, such as course evaluation, written testimony of peer, and testimony of students (current or past) 

     3. an essay by the nominee on My Teaching Philosophy (maximum of 500 words)

     4. a 15-minute video clip of actual teaching by the nominee

Selection Process and Administration of the Award:

The PAP will constitute an Award Committee that will include senior members of the PAP who are not nominees for the Award. The finalists will be invited for a panel interview. The recipient of the Award will be notified through a letter by the Award Committee Chair. The Award will be given during the Annual Convention of the PAP in Dumaguete City in August 2009.

Deadline for Submission: June 25, 2009

Please submit both hard and soft copies of all the required materials (please refer to the Nomination Process above) using the following address:

     The Award Committee

     Room 210, Philippine Social Science Center (PSSC)Building

     Commonwealth Avenue

     Diliman, Quezon City

For any questions about the Fr. Jaime C. Bulatao Award for Teaching, please contact Dr. Lota A. Teh at lateh@ateneo. edu.

photo by: Judex12

The 46th Annual National Convention of PAP will be in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental on August 13-15, 2009. The convention is co-sponsored by Silliman University and has the theme “Character Strengths of the Filipino: A Positive Response to Current Challenges.”

This year’s convention will feature the Keynote Address of Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann (United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia, Hong Kong), a distinguished social psychologist and educator, awarded one of the Outstanding Psychologists during PAP’s 2002 convention. The convention will also feature several plenary lectures clustered into three areas: courage and justice, humanity and temperance, and wisdom and knowledge. Plenary speakers include Dr. Ma. Carmen Alcuaz-Reyes (Ateneo De Manila University), Dr. Rosalea Araneta-De Leon (West Visayas State University), Dr. Allan Bernardo (De La Salle University), Dr. Frederic Boholst (University of San Carlos),  Dr. Mila Lagrosa (Asian Institute of Management), and Prof. Ma. Angeles Lapena (De La Salle University). The convention will be packed with research paper presentations and symposia by psychologists from different universities and organizations in the country.

Check out the PAP website for more details. http://www.pap.org.ph/

March 3, 2009

Dear colleagues,

I just like to give you an update on what has been happening on the Psych Bill forefront:

The PAP core group composed of Drs. Allan Bernardo, Lucy Bance, Lota Teh, Isabel Melgar, Caridad Tarroja and I have gone through the Technical Working Group meeting with the House of Representatives last February 12. In that meeting, allied professionals from the medical sector, guidance counselors, social workers and other psychologists like former PAP president, Dr. Imelda Villar, and PAP board member, Dr. Chit Salonga, came to meet, discuss and agree on a final version of the bill. The TWG version of the Psych Bill was emailed to us last night and this is the version which will be transmitted to the Senate.

Last February 26, Drs. Isabel Melgar, Caring Tarroja and I through the help of psychologists, Ms. Lala Balajadia-Alcala, lobbied the bill at the senate. The group met the staff of Sen. Trillanes, Mr. Joey Tunac and Atty. Mara. We learned that because of Sen. Trillanes present situation, Sen. Lacson was requested to take over civil service commission matters, which included the Psych Bill. Meanwhile, we will be meeting Sen. Lacson tomorrow to lobby and hopefully, expedite the passage of the bill.

Finally, the Psych bill has to pass committee in both houses. Usually, if the bill is approved on the third reading at the House and has no amendments, it will be transmitted to the Senate. If there are no further amendments, the Senate enrolls the bill and is transmitted to the Office of the President.

I’ll keep you updated about other developments soon.

Best,

J. Enrique G. Saplala