PRC-13 chief: “We have more to offer for all professionals”
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY -- Highlighting its newly-opened satellite office in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Caraga Dir. Cheryll P. Elicano, assured to serve more Caraganons in the different parts of the region, as she shared their ongoing programs and services, and other developments for all the professionals, during the recent episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, held at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, this city.
The PRC is a national government agency under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as an attached agency.
"Our mandate is to administer, implement and enforce the regulatory laws and policies of the country with respect to the regulation and licensing of the various professions and occupations under its jurisdiction, including the enhancement and maintenance of professional and occupational standards and ethics and the enforcement of the rules and regulations relative thereto," she said.
Dir. Elicano, recalled that PRC-13 Regional Office was created pursuant to Republic Act 8981 and inaugurated on March 9, 2019.
"Since the establishment of the PRC Regional Office XIII in Fiscal Year 2019, the office has been consistent and committed in providing support to the Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) with the Commission’s mandate in the administration of licensure examinations, registration of professionals and regulation of the professions in the region. Likewise, this office has been in the forefront in recommending plans, policies, programs, guidelines, and standards relative to the administration of examinations and in Continuing Professional Development, as well as establishing and maintaining linkages with government agencies and non-government institutions," she underscored.
PRC maintains the accuracy and integrity in handling licensure examinations in the region by partnering with highly qualified professional government employees.
"PRC administers licensure examinations of regulated professions including the processing of application and conduct of the licensure examination," she said.
"The Commission also conducts the following: initial registration of successful examinees; renewal of Professional Identification Card (PIC); duplicate for PIC; issuance of certificates of registration; certification and authentication (good standing, PRC ID Card, registration, board rating and passing), state board verification; application for change of status; application for correction of date of birth; application for correction of name; investigation, adjudication, and conduct of legal research and opinion; inspection, monitoring; accreditation of firms, institutions and continuing development program," added Elicano.
"We have other services such as the face-to-face oathtaking; virtual oathtaking hosting/co-hosting; mobile outreach; technical assistance; stakeholder's engagement/consultation; career guidance assistance program; and social responsibility programs," the director disclosed.
For the effective implementation of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD), she emphasized that CPD is crucial for professionals to maintain the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and safety in the services.
"It also empowers professionals to stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices, enabling them to deliver innovative and effective solutions," she added.
Through process optimization, digital transformation, and strict adherence to Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) compliance, the PRC Caraga has made substantial improvements in its service delivery. The adoption of online platforms and digital tools has also enabled clients to access the services remotely.
Elicano further revealed that the House of Representatives has approved a bill to extend the validity of PRC certification cards and registration certificates from the current three years to five years.
“House Bill No. 9764 was unanimously passed with the aim to reducing the frequency of renewals and easing the pressure on PRC’s appointment systems,” she recalled. (JPG, PIA-Caraga)
