Quezon City, Philippines — The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) hosted a courtesy and learning visit of the American Psychological Association (APA) Delegation on 15 September 2025 at the PRC-NCR Office, Eton Centris, Cyberpod 2, 14th Floor, Conference Room, Quezon City.

The engagement kick-started the 14-day educational exchange program of the APA in the Philippines, which includes site visits to hospitals, trauma centers, academic institutions, and government agencies in Manila and Cebu. At PRC, the focus was on strengthening professional linkages, exploring reciprocity opportunities, and deepening understanding of the licensure, regulation, and quality assurance systems for psychology and other professions in the country.

Among the key participants were Hon. Miriam P. Cue, Chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) of Psychology; Atty. Arnel G. Ramon, Director of the Licensure Office; Dr. Daryl G. Morato, Chief of the Test Development Division; and Atty. Melisa Jane Comafay Yeachana, Director of the International Affairs Office (IAO) and other PRC officers. Representatives from the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) were also in attendance, including Dr. John Manuel R. Kliatchko, Vice President, and Dr. Marc Eric S. Reyes, Ex-Officio.

The PRC, through the International Affairs Office (IAO), presented the mandates and functions of the PRC, its key programs and activities, and the professions it regulates. On the other hand, the Licensure Office shared how the Philippine licensure process works for various regulated professions and the corresponding regulatory frameworks that safeguard professional practice.

The APA delegates, led by Senior Director Dr. Amanda Clinton, actively engaged in the discussions, raising critical concerns and issues, particularly the common ethical issues faced by Filipino psychologists and how regulators are addressing the same. Inquiries on the possibility of Filipinos who studied psychology in the United States to take the Board Licensure Examination in the Philippines were also raised. These questions sparked robust dialogue, reflecting shared concerns on professional mobility, reciprocity, international standards, and recognition of qualifications. The exchange highlighted the ethics of the psychology profession as central to ensuring public trust, protecting client welfare, and upholding professional integrity. It also provided a platform to share best practices and explore strategies to further strengthen mental health and psychosocial services globally.

Concluding the meeting, Hon. Cue expressed the Board’s intention and interest to pursue reciprocity agreements that would surely benefit both Filipino and American psychology professionals. Dr. Clinton, who has previously served as a resource speaker during international conferences of PRC and PRB-Psychology under the International Commitments Fund (ICF); and who worked closely with Hon. Cue and in advancing international standards, also affirmed the value of sustained collaboration in strengthening globally aligned practices in the field of psychology.

As emphasized by Director Yeachana, the PRC stands ready to support these initiatives, recognizing the vital role of international cooperation in uplifting standards and expanding opportunities in the profession.

#PRCUpdates
#PRCInAction