GOOD NEWS FOR COUNSELORS!!!

We just finished the IPCAP Meeting this afternoon. It lasted from 9AM - 5PM, and we still sat down looking at the prospects with this licensure thing right in our midst. The Good News for us is that the IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations) of RA9258 is currently STILL with the lawyers to ensure its smooth implementation. This implies that for as long as it has not yet been published in the Gazette, RA9258 remains simply a law in need of mechanisms to govern its implementation by the PRB. Hence, what remains for us is to ready our documents as has already been mentioned in previous blogs on this matter, particularly for us who want to apply for licensure under the Grandfather's Clause. In fact, an official word shall be published in the print, television and and radio media straight from PRBGC or Professional Regulatory Board of Guidance & Counseling.

The first direct implication for this is that of March 19, 2007. Remember the date? It's supposed to be the beginning of our personal application at PRC for the licensure under the Grandfather's Clause. (Wow, that's 2 days from now!) But as of now, we need to remember that actually, according to Dr. Luz Guzman who herself had the dates announced at Alliance Graduate School, Quezon City last Feb. 19, 2007 where she was asked for some specific dates, she had emphasized that all the dates she gave are to be considered TENTATIVE, yes, TENTATIVE. This means that plans are plans, and they may be moved to a later date. And with the current situation being such, that the IRR has not yet been submitted to the Gazette for publication, future dates may have to be entertained. There are implications that need to be considered lest there be too much adverse effects on our practice of the profession. So, rejoice! But also be watchful! Be ready! Already now, gather your documents as suggested. The only addition required was the marriage certificate for women (for ethical and other purposes like family name change?). Please read my previous blog below (just scroll down, and even check the February entries where I mentioned something about PRB Updates) about it. The dates mentioned there are TENTATIVE. Just wait for an official word from the PRC/PRBGC itself. Their word will always be the last one. Mine here is simply to echo what I heard and understood. It may be good enough though while there is no official word yet, particularly as we encounter our own jitters in this process.

There has been observed a general behavior these days among us, and that is our panicky, jittery feelings reflected in our frantic efforts to be clarified about the law even as we gather our documents. The best thing is to sober down and read the law that has been given to us since 2004. You may also read it in my blog here. The IRR that will be published in the Gazette (and which we will have a copy later) shall be in a different format and may have some other changes subject to the ongoing ratifications with our colleague-counselors the PGCA Board is doing all over the country. Trust that the PRBGC is doing its best to even out the playing field, so to say. Even the licensure questions to be formulated for the 1st Board exams (even the date mentioned earlier will have to be looked at as TENTATIVE also!!!) will have to take into consideration a standard curriculum used in all schools offering the courses in Guidance and Counseling and/or Counseling Psychology. Anyway, review classes will be offered, and this time, they will be done in schools where Guidance & Counseling or Counseling Psychology courses are offered. Even students from other schools may enrol for review there, just as professors conducting the review may not necessarily be only those who teach in that school where the review sessions are conducted.

That's all for now. I need to rest. It's Sunday tomorrow, and I still have a Mass to celebrate. God bless and take care. Yes, do pass this blog to others so as to keep us from developing hypertension in our jitters...