One of IPCAP's Board of Trustees, Dr. Carmelina E. Barrera of PAPSHP has requested the following to be blogged. It may be relevant for Registered Guidance Counselors who have teaching loads as well. Please read along.
October 27, 2008
Dear Colleagues:
Greetings!
The Philippine Association for Teachers of Educational Foundations (PATEF) and College of Education of the Philippine Normal University is pleased to invite you to its 2008 Mid-Year National Convention with the theme: “Issues, Challenges and Prospects of the New Teacher Education Curriculum (CMO No.30 Series, 2004) Implementation” on December 3 - 4,2008 at the Audio-Visual Theater, PNU, Taft Avenue, Manila.
This gathering of teacher educators, administrators of TEIs and other stakeholders in education intends to provide participants with: 1) a thorough understanding of the NTEC prescriptions and implications; 2) a discussion of issues and concerns on the Field Study Program; 3) knowledge of the required competencies of teachers; 4) and various implementation schemes of The New Teacher Education Curriculum.
The registration fee is two thousand pesos (Php.2,000.00) inclusive of convention kit, snacks, and lunch. Participants from government institutions may charge this amount against their local funds, subject to availability and the usual auditing rules and regulations. The active members may avail of a 10% discount upon presentation of their membership ID.
For further inquiries, please call telephone nos. (02)4001186, 09167519251, 09185384981 or email us at patef_org@yahoo.com Attached is a copy of the program. The DepEd and CHED memoranda will be issued later.
Looking forward to your attendance in this important professional gathering.
Truly yours,
CARMELINA E. BARRERA
President
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Pics of the IPCAP 2008 National Convention Invite
This is the invitation letter of IPCAP's 1st National Convention this coming Nov. 21-22, 2008 at the University of the East Conference Hall, C.M. Recto Ave., Manila. Please help us disseminate this information to fellow Registered Guidance Counselors. Those who would like to have this document may email me or anyone of the Board of Trustees so that we can send the document via email attachment. I have just tried printing from the picture of the document and it does look quite the same as the original invitation. In times like these that we have, the electronic tools we have can prove very helpful to keep us from wasting precious resources.
Registration begins today. Please RESERVE EARLY, informing us about your intention and payment of fees to attend so we can ready a space for you. The problems we've been meeting at every Convention may best be avoided if we reserve ahead of time. Contact information is provided in the letter. Help make this Convention something different from what we've had previously. RGC na po tayo ngayon, and it would be best for us to do things properly. Yes, let us know too about your need for CHED, DepEd and TESDA memoranda so we can ready them for you ahead of time. Thanks and see you at the Convention.
Yes, you might notice that we have set this Convention in three different settings and time: Nov. 21-222, 2008 at the University of the East Conference Hall, Manila; Jan. 23-24, 2009 at Silliman University in Dumaguete, and Feb. 20-21, 2009 at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University. This is to keep us from having a chaotic process and really attend well this growth-enhancing, knowledge increasing, and bond-enriching event among ourselves. We can best serve our needs when we attend to them in the least stressful manner.
Hence, while the Convention in Manila is primarily for RGCs in the Luzon area, RGCs from the Visayas and Mindanao may reserve early. We have already received some reservations from Zamboanga and Silliman which can be very helpful as we prepare the Convention in those areas. Welcome po! Remember there are limits in space. We will announce here updates about the registration process.
RUMORS
Remember the story I blogged here, about the father who wanted his son to marry the daughter of Beell Gayts so that he can become the Vice-President of the Word Bank? It tells about the power of rumors. The oral-tradition can be quite difficult to handle, hence the need for documentation. Hence, any word about us or about the licensure, or requirements for the Grandfather's Clause, may be as good as the air - meaning TALK is CHEAP. So, the best way is to have the documents ready about one's claims. This can keep us less stressed. I have done that here myself in whatever statements I have made. This manner makes information credible and reliable.
Thanks and God bless
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Yes, The IPCAP National Convention Invitation
After the President and the Vice-President shall have signed, I shall be uploading the picture of the said document posted in here. Please invite fellow RGCs who may not have the chance to access the internet and view this invitation. Let's pray that what we do will end up in the best interests of the profession and fellow practitioners.
The Invitation Letter
October 28, 2008
Dear fellow Guidance Counselors,
Congratulations to all Registered Guidance Counselors (RGCs)!
As we and our profession are honored and recognized, have you ever asked these questions:
What are my new (added) responsibilities and tasks as an RGC?
What are the implications of the Guidance Counseling Act?
How does the licensure affect my career path?
How am I accountable to my clients and the Law as a RGC?
If so, the Integrated Professional Counselors Association of the Philippines (IPCAP,) the first and only SEC-registered Guidance and Counseling–related organization of Registered Guidance Counselors invites you to answer together these questions and many others in our 1st National Convention with the theme: "The Professional Guidance Counselor & The Law: Status & Prospects" on Nov. 21-22, 2008 at the University of the East Conference Hall, C. M. Recto Avenue, Manila. We will also hold this event at the Silliman Universtiy in Dumaguete on January 23-24, 2009 for RGCs in the Visayas, and on February 20-21, 2009 at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City for Mindanao RGCs. RGCs from the Visayas and Mindanao may best attend the Convention there than flock to Manila, although everyone is welcome, too.
Our main goal is to help one another take our first baby steps as a licensed guidance counselor successfully and beneficially. Former Bohol Congressman Eladio Jala, the sponsor of the House Bill Version of the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004 will be our Keynote Speaker. An orientation to IPCAP will set the parameters of this organization as inspired by Article III Sec. 21 of R.A. No. 9258. Experts from within and outside our profession will present their fundamental understanding of various topics such as (1) the implications of the Law to guidance and counseling practice in different work settings; (2) our professional and legal accountabilities; (3) dealing with human rights issues such as the rights of children, women and men; and (4) career prospects and opportunities. In all presentations, emphasis will be given to promote a rich exchange of thoughts and experiences to bond us together as RGCs.
Let us work together for the betterment of our profession at this crucial time. Do invite other colleagues in your area to attend this first integration event for all RGC’s.
Sincerely yours
Sgd. Julian Ramos Montano, Ph.D.
Vice-President and Convention Chair
Noted:
Sgd. Dr. Rosa Maria I. Llanes, Ed.D.
President
Registration fee of Php2,000.00 (non-refundable but transferable) covers your participation in the convention, kit, program, hand-outs, certificate of participation, 2 lunches, and 4 snacks.
IPCAP membership fee is Php500.00.
Payments in cash or check payable to IPCAP may be deposited at any branch of Banco de Oro (BDO E. Rodriguez Branch, Q.C. Current Account # 220-084-661). An express lane will be set up for those who register this way. For more information, please contact Dr. Julian Montano (julmont3@yahoo.com or 0917-502-6992) or Fr. Bernardo R. Collera, SVD [berngu721@gmail.com or 0919-6236605, 0927-3842739 or (02) 711-1320 to 21] about your check/deposit slip and Application Form submission. Log on to counpsychphil.blogspot.com for updates.
Onsite payment and registration is also acceptable. The CHED, DepEd, and TESDA memoranda are available upon request.
WELCOME TO IPCAP and grow as an RGC! God bless
The Invitation Letter
October 28, 2008
Dear fellow Guidance Counselors,
Congratulations to all Registered Guidance Counselors (RGCs)!
As we and our profession are honored and recognized, have you ever asked these questions:
What are my new (added) responsibilities and tasks as an RGC?
What are the implications of the Guidance Counseling Act?
How does the licensure affect my career path?
How am I accountable to my clients and the Law as a RGC?
If so, the Integrated Professional Counselors Association of the Philippines (IPCAP,) the first and only SEC-registered Guidance and Counseling–related organization of Registered Guidance Counselors invites you to answer together these questions and many others in our 1st National Convention with the theme: "The Professional Guidance Counselor & The Law: Status & Prospects" on Nov. 21-22, 2008 at the University of the East Conference Hall, C. M. Recto Avenue, Manila. We will also hold this event at the Silliman Universtiy in Dumaguete on January 23-24, 2009 for RGCs in the Visayas, and on February 20-21, 2009 at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City for Mindanao RGCs. RGCs from the Visayas and Mindanao may best attend the Convention there than flock to Manila, although everyone is welcome, too.
Our main goal is to help one another take our first baby steps as a licensed guidance counselor successfully and beneficially. Former Bohol Congressman Eladio Jala, the sponsor of the House Bill Version of the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004 will be our Keynote Speaker. An orientation to IPCAP will set the parameters of this organization as inspired by Article III Sec. 21 of R.A. No. 9258. Experts from within and outside our profession will present their fundamental understanding of various topics such as (1) the implications of the Law to guidance and counseling practice in different work settings; (2) our professional and legal accountabilities; (3) dealing with human rights issues such as the rights of children, women and men; and (4) career prospects and opportunities. In all presentations, emphasis will be given to promote a rich exchange of thoughts and experiences to bond us together as RGCs.
Let us work together for the betterment of our profession at this crucial time. Do invite other colleagues in your area to attend this first integration event for all RGC’s.
Sincerely yours
Sgd. Julian Ramos Montano, Ph.D.
Vice-President and Convention Chair
Noted:
Sgd. Dr. Rosa Maria I. Llanes, Ed.D.
President
Registration fee of Php2,000.00 (non-refundable but transferable) covers your participation in the convention, kit, program, hand-outs, certificate of participation, 2 lunches, and 4 snacks.
IPCAP membership fee is Php500.00.
Payments in cash or check payable to IPCAP may be deposited at any branch of Banco de Oro (BDO E. Rodriguez Branch, Q.C. Current Account # 220-084-661). An express lane will be set up for those who register this way. For more information, please contact Dr. Julian Montano (julmont3@yahoo.com or 0917-502-6992) or Fr. Bernardo R. Collera, SVD [berngu721@gmail.com or 0919-6236605, 0927-3842739 or (02) 711-1320 to 21] about your check/deposit slip and Application Form submission. Log on to counpsychphil.blogspot.com for updates.
Onsite payment and registration is also acceptable. The CHED, DepEd, and TESDA memoranda are available upon request.
WELCOME TO IPCAP and grow as an RGC! God bless
Monday, October 27, 2008
The IPCAP National Convention Invitation
For those awaiting this matter, my apology for the slight delay. Things are on their way and we would like to publish one without glitches so everyone is ready. Do help us pray for this event. This is like delivering the first baby, ensuring that it gets out healthy and strong. Indeed, there have been "pro-abortionists" around who are trying to keep its birth from happening, but I bet there are many among us who'd like to have happiness and order in our midst through this upcoming birth.
-----------------------------------
In the meantime, let me share you what I received from the email (thanks to Willy and my batch 81 in high school classmate Butch) and help us see what's happening in this global recession process we're into. yesterday at Mass, I explained to a boy who asked me in my homily what "global recession means." The mother's explanation after the Mass was easier to understand: "Global recession" means that your baon may not be as much as we had before because your dad's take home pay has been reduced because the business is not that good, and earnings are not as high as before, and which means we may not be able to buy as much as we wanted like before. So we have to prioritize our expenses; buy the essentials first, and limit on the non-essentials." The boy enjoyed listening to her mom explaining to him as she hugged him from his back. I enjoyed the sight as I was taking off my chasuble. Parents can really be best at these things. I can only facilitate as a registered Guidance Counselor. haha
------------------------------------
First some humor (thanks Butch):
hi everyone,
There's a joke going around regarding this global financial crisis. A little laughter may probably ease some of our pains. Here it goes:
They say that when Europe farts only the Europeans can smell it;
When China farts, the US smells and thinks that something fishy may be going on;
But when the US farts, the world exclaims "oh my god, we are really in deep shit!"
Well, that mighty wall might be tumbling down but you know it's kind of scary when America really goes down and the dollar is worthless. That may really cause a global meltdown.
But as Charisse says, it seems that the Philippines is ok. Well, it's because we are always in recession, we are already immune so to say. So we just can't feel it anymore. hehe joke only. Oh woh, just hope everything turns out ok.
My reply: We're praying God be with us through all this!
-----------------------------------
Something that might stir up the Industrial or Organizational Counselors among us:
A good reading material for Mr. Greenspan--might give him some insights why the American economic meltdown!
CORPORATE AMERICA
A Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (General Motors) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.
On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.
The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action. Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing.
Feeling a deeper study was in order, American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion. They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.
Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager. They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the 'Rowing Team Quality First Program,' with meetings, dinners and free pens and a certificate of completion for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses.
The next year the Japanese won by two miles.
Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower (a reduction in work-force)
for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and
canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year's racing team was "out-sourced" to India .
Sadly, the End.
However, sad, but oh so true! Here's something else to think about: Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US, claiming they can't make money paying American wages. Toyota has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US.
The last quarter's results:
Toyota makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses. Ford folks are still scratching their heads.
The lesson is: punta na tayo sa Amerika. Ayoko nga. Bisita pwede. Pera daw nila gagawing Amero: a currency combination of America's, Canda's and Mexico's. God help us, and bless us.
-----------------------------------
In the meantime, let me share you what I received from the email (thanks to Willy and my batch 81 in high school classmate Butch) and help us see what's happening in this global recession process we're into. yesterday at Mass, I explained to a boy who asked me in my homily what "global recession means." The mother's explanation after the Mass was easier to understand: "Global recession" means that your baon may not be as much as we had before because your dad's take home pay has been reduced because the business is not that good, and earnings are not as high as before, and which means we may not be able to buy as much as we wanted like before. So we have to prioritize our expenses; buy the essentials first, and limit on the non-essentials." The boy enjoyed listening to her mom explaining to him as she hugged him from his back. I enjoyed the sight as I was taking off my chasuble. Parents can really be best at these things. I can only facilitate as a registered Guidance Counselor. haha
------------------------------------
First some humor (thanks Butch):
hi everyone,
There's a joke going around regarding this global financial crisis. A little laughter may probably ease some of our pains. Here it goes:
They say that when Europe farts only the Europeans can smell it;
When China farts, the US smells and thinks that something fishy may be going on;
But when the US farts, the world exclaims "oh my god, we are really in deep shit!"
Well, that mighty wall might be tumbling down but you know it's kind of scary when America really goes down and the dollar is worthless. That may really cause a global meltdown.
But as Charisse says, it seems that the Philippines is ok. Well, it's because we are always in recession, we are already immune so to say. So we just can't feel it anymore. hehe joke only. Oh woh, just hope everything turns out ok.
My reply: We're praying God be with us through all this!
-----------------------------------
Something that might stir up the Industrial or Organizational Counselors among us:
A good reading material for Mr. Greenspan--might give him some insights why the American economic meltdown!
CORPORATE AMERICA
A Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (General Motors) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.
On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.
The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action. Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing.
Feeling a deeper study was in order, American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion. They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.
Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager. They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the 'Rowing Team Quality First Program,' with meetings, dinners and free pens and a certificate of completion for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses.
The next year the Japanese won by two miles.
Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower (a reduction in work-force)
for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and
canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year's racing team was "out-sourced" to India .
Sadly, the End.
However, sad, but oh so true! Here's something else to think about: Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US, claiming they can't make money paying American wages. Toyota has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US.
The last quarter's results:
Toyota makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses. Ford folks are still scratching their heads.
The lesson is: punta na tayo sa Amerika. Ayoko nga. Bisita pwede. Pera daw nila gagawing Amero: a currency combination of America's, Canda's and Mexico's. God help us, and bless us.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Yes, Laugh But Think Too
A Filipino-Chinese friend emailed me this story below, and to avoid any racial slur which the BBC had just done an apology to the Philippines for (kasi alipustain ba kaya naman nila ang Pinay bilang _e_ object), I omitted the nationality of the businessman. I hope Bill will take this rather lightly, he being such a known figure that causes joy among many people. Whoever is the source of this story will realize his/her ingenuity, and my gratitude in taking liberty with his creativity. Happy reading.
Business School 101
Rajpatek (father): I want you to marry. I will introduce you to a girl.
Son: I will choose my own bride!!!
Rajpat: But the girl is Beell Gayts' daughter...
Son: Well, in that case... ok
Next Rajpatek approaches Beell Gayts.
Rajpatek: I have a husband for your daughter...
Beell Gayts: But my daughter is too young to marry!
Rajpatek: But this young man is a vice-president of the Word Bank.
Beell Gayts: Ah, in that case... ok
Finally Rajpatek goes to see the president of the Word Bank.
Rajpatek: I have a young man to be recommended as a vice president.
President: But I already have more vice-presidents than I need!
Rajpat: But this young man is Beell Gayts' son-in-law.
President: Ah, in that case... ok
And that, my friend, is how some people do business.
-----------------
You might have noticed that there was a lot of name dropping as well as verbal distorts. Hence, the father in the story is liable for his distorts: forcing his son to marry someone too young, forcing Beell to give away his too young daughter to a fictitious figure, and forcing the Word Bank to have as vice-president who maybe a bum.
The moral of the lesson is: get to the bottom of what is claimed. Duping one can enter into if sufficient supports, particularly evidences are not on hand. Hence, the son, Beell, and the Word Bank may have been duped into believing what they simply heard.
In short, evaluate before deciding. We priests interview the couples who come for marriage and have their marriage banns announced so that sufficient time is granted before the ritual consummation is done. Those who know the truth but don't say anything due to fear and, hopefully not, indifference, may be as liable as the one who first started the duping.
Remember, true joy is when deception is not there.
Paalala lang po! God bless
Business School 101
Rajpatek (father): I want you to marry. I will introduce you to a girl.
Son: I will choose my own bride!!!
Rajpat: But the girl is Beell Gayts' daughter...
Son: Well, in that case... ok
Next Rajpatek approaches Beell Gayts.
Rajpatek: I have a husband for your daughter...
Beell Gayts: But my daughter is too young to marry!
Rajpatek: But this young man is a vice-president of the Word Bank.
Beell Gayts: Ah, in that case... ok
Finally Rajpatek goes to see the president of the Word Bank.
Rajpatek: I have a young man to be recommended as a vice president.
President: But I already have more vice-presidents than I need!
Rajpat: But this young man is Beell Gayts' son-in-law.
President: Ah, in that case... ok
And that, my friend, is how some people do business.
-----------------
You might have noticed that there was a lot of name dropping as well as verbal distorts. Hence, the father in the story is liable for his distorts: forcing his son to marry someone too young, forcing Beell to give away his too young daughter to a fictitious figure, and forcing the Word Bank to have as vice-president who maybe a bum.
The moral of the lesson is: get to the bottom of what is claimed. Duping one can enter into if sufficient supports, particularly evidences are not on hand. Hence, the son, Beell, and the Word Bank may have been duped into believing what they simply heard.
In short, evaluate before deciding. We priests interview the couples who come for marriage and have their marriage banns announced so that sufficient time is granted before the ritual consummation is done. Those who know the truth but don't say anything due to fear and, hopefully not, indifference, may be as liable as the one who first started the duping.
Remember, true joy is when deception is not there.
Paalala lang po! God bless
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Update on Matters: Letter to PRC Chair, 2nd Board Exams Schedule & 4th/5th Batches Deadlines, & IPCAP
I just had a talk with Dr. Luz Guzman, member of the Board of Guidance and Counseling at the PRC this afternoon before 2PM today Oct. 23, 2008. She relayed to me that Judge Nicolas Lapena Jr.'s wife passed away Wednesday last week (must be Oct. 15, 2008) and was buried last Sunday (must be Oct. 19, 2008). He reported only yesterday for work. Condolences po to our PRC Chair. I myself shall include you and your family in my masses, and your wife's eternal rest in God. Requiescat in pace!
Drs. Guzman and Rosales as Board of Guidance and Counseling were furnished a copy of my letter to the PRC, and Dr. Guzman is willing to follow up that for us. I feel hopeful that the Board and PRC will seriously consider the matter I have raised if only those who must be licensed will be able to get their license under the Grandfather's Clause (Art. II Sec. 14 of R.A. No. 9258). Mimisahan ko ito, and please include this in your prayers. What we pray for is the good of all RGC's so that we can all continue to practice our profession for the good of our people.
She also mentioned that there will be a 5th batch under the Grandfather's Clause the deadline for submission being based on a better understanding of the law, as well as the date for the 2nd Board Exam. Here is her text message:
"Deadline for the last or 5th batch for the Grandfather's Clause is APRIL 26, 2009. The deadline for the 4th batch is January 26, 2009. The 2nd Board exam in Guidance and Counseling is on August 27-28, 2009." Didn't she also mention in my conversation with her that the oath taking is sometime near Valentine's Day, that Guidance Counselors be loving people (including tough love to be true love) hehe. Hey, can't we call this batch the Valentine's Batch! Kami sa September can be called the Confucius Batch because Sept. 28 is the feastday of Confucius, the Chinese sage who proposed reordering our relationships if we are to achieve peace in heaven and earth.
Muchas Gracias mi Senyora. Deo bendice! Dios te agngina, Apo. Yan ang tunay na APO haha. No need for PRC accreditation!
On IPCAP
Applications for IPCAP membership have been coming. I've been receiving texts and phone calls on it. Congratulations in advance to the new applicants who are already RGC's. We even got an email inquiring if we intend to accept non-RGC, Masters level pa naman sila. Ikinagagalak po naming ipabatid na tinatanggap po namin ang mga RGC po. When you get your RGC ID from the PRC, welcome na po kayo!
Again, Let me share here that you may get the application through any one of our IPCAP Board of Trustees (please see an earlier blog on that) or through me. Just email berngu721@gmail.com and I shall attach the Application Form in my reply to you as soon as I get your email. You may deposit the membership fee in the bank account stated in the Application Form. Send your application with the requirements either to the IPCAP address mentioned in the Application Form or straight to me
Fr. Bernardo R. Collera, SVD
IPCAP Secretary
Catholic Trade Bldg.
1916 Oroquieta corner Tayuman Sts.
Sta. Cruz, 1099 Manila
Tel. # 711-1320 to 21
Mobile #s: 0919-6236605; 0927-3842739
The IPCAP stands for Integrated Professional Counselors Association of the Philippines (IPCAP), Inc. It is a legitimate SEC-registered organization, bagong-bago as in a newborn babe (kaya lang may original sin pa rin ba? Nabinyagan na po, thanks God!), duly indorsed by the PRC for SEC registration with SEC Registration No. CN200811283. In no way should IPCAP be stopped from forming itself as this is a guaranteed right under our Philippine Constitutions. We formed this group, we who came together since Feb. 04, 2006, and included the word INTEGRATED because that is what we intend to do: INTEGRATE all RGC's all over the country, without coercion or invalid integration, without padrino or padrina. It was formerly without that magic word INTEGRATED (PCAP po ito dati) but we realized then that the law has always been our foremost inspiration and guide, so we included that fortunate word. I had to write the SEC to allow us to use our name which is not in any way similar to any other, unique na unique po talaga to, and thanks God, we're here.
So, no one has the right to take that away from us until we lay it down ourselves, just as no one has the power to take away the right to join associations for one's development and especially the profession's - Guidance and Counseling in the Philippines. Anyone who keeps anybody from joining us may not be respecting the Bill of Rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Philippines. Anybody other than the current Board of Trustees may not be able to accurately describe the IPCAP. Hence, in order that no one gets to misinterpret us, do address your questions to us, not just to anybody. We do not give anybody the right to misrepresent us. I bet nobody really wants to do that, di ba po?
We do not claim to be the APO mentioned in the law because we have not yet petitioned the PRC to be one. If I shall use the developmental psychology framework, baby pa po ang IPCAP, sana tulungan itong makalakad rather than saktan at apihin para malumpo ('wawa naman ano?). Wag naman po sanang pababain ang ating self-esteem by anybody among us. Child abuse po iyan, and we are advocates for the promotion, defense and protection of the young, including the young at heart and the "once younged." Doing abusive behaviors can never be said of us who claim to help others. I know no one among us who intends to do those kasi maling-mali po talaga ang mga yan. Kasalanan po talaga! Remember what Jesus said? "Their (the children's) angels face God in heaven" (Mt. 18,10).
Nevertheless, let it be known that IPCAP was formed at the time there was yet no Board of Guidance and Counseling. And I can attest to everybody that it was at the IPCAP Meetings when the names of the current members of the Board of Guidance and Counseling were suggested and supported, hence its formation only in 2007! Remember that it took two full years (tagal po!) before the Board of Guidance and Counseling was constituted. IPCAP needed no title or PRC Resolution to do its role for the profession. We simply worked silently, seriously and carefully. Thus, I can say that IPCAP has played a very special role in making sure that the law, signed in 2004 be DULY IMPLEMENTED. I am not claiming any honor, just reiterating a fact for us who may have short memories. In fact, the IPCAP history is enshrined in my earlier blogs.
We could not organize a federation. That was a lost cause twice attempted before we were called together (see blog on the Federation document); and the law never mentioned any federation at all. What the law required is an INTEGRATION of all RGC's. Hence, amidst opposition and accusation that with IPCAP is the death of other Guidance and Counseling-related organizations (maybe this is developmentally significant: di ba old people have immediate premonitions of impending imminent death?), we have kept in mind that we will nurture the RGC professional and all Guidance and Counseling organizations. Just look at our fruit: the FPCAP! Ask any of the founders of that organization, and they will proclaim to you the truth. So, for those who may be entertaining paranoid thoughts, please, cure yourself from those thoughts for God's sake! We have no daggers with us. Only the truth that sets us free! And since we intend to always consider the good of all organizations and their members, the Board of Trustees is composed of RGC's from different organizations. Ok po ba?
Hence, when you become a member of the IPCAP, we assure you that our concerns will be topmost for each one of us, the Board of Trustees and the members. Membership here is not obligatory as we are not the APO. It is a right we have the option to exercise responsibly, respecting the rights of others. My personal advocacy is based on legal and moral perimeters. That I can assure everyone as a shepherd. We may not be the organization with the most number of members (anyway, there are only 885 RGC's yet), but with God's blessings and our cooperation in his graces, we shall overcome all obstacles placed before us and increase as we have the one who multiplies Bread and Provides for us all.
We have no secrets to hide, cover or ignore. We remember what Jesus said: "There will be no secret that will not be known." We are open to grow through both nurture and discipline. We intend to be transparent for fear of being discovered "holding the bag" so to say. As proof of that, while we have authorized the President or the Vice-president AND the Treasurer for bank transactions, we have already passed a Board Resolution that they may only do that WITH A BOARD RESOLUTION that carries a majority of the Board, complete with clear parameters to avoid a nasty future that might test our friendships. That provision the Board has decided is enshrined in my certification to the Bank as IPCAP Secretary. Our friendships shall be based on a spirit of professionalism. We will be friends to each other, making sure that the other does not do what is wrong; we will dare to responsibly correct what needs to be corrected. That's our way of respecting each other as professionals, with or without a PhD. It is in this spirit that we are inviting every RGC and even those who have applied to be an RGC to become a member of IPCAP.
Yes, as regards the November 2008 event (21-22), it is just being polished, and I shall immediately blog that here. Pray before Monday Oct. 27, 2008 the invite shall be released.
Aw yes, I got a comment that it is in conflict with the PGCA rerun thing. No intent to compete po. It just so happened that that's the decided time for everyone in the Board since those who are coming are already RGC's, although there may be those who have already applied for the 4th batch of the Grandfather's Clause, welcome po din kayo. And, here's the catch, di po last yan. So relax and pray. God bless
Drs. Guzman and Rosales as Board of Guidance and Counseling were furnished a copy of my letter to the PRC, and Dr. Guzman is willing to follow up that for us. I feel hopeful that the Board and PRC will seriously consider the matter I have raised if only those who must be licensed will be able to get their license under the Grandfather's Clause (Art. II Sec. 14 of R.A. No. 9258). Mimisahan ko ito, and please include this in your prayers. What we pray for is the good of all RGC's so that we can all continue to practice our profession for the good of our people.
She also mentioned that there will be a 5th batch under the Grandfather's Clause the deadline for submission being based on a better understanding of the law, as well as the date for the 2nd Board Exam. Here is her text message:
"Deadline for the last or 5th batch for the Grandfather's Clause is APRIL 26, 2009. The deadline for the 4th batch is January 26, 2009. The 2nd Board exam in Guidance and Counseling is on August 27-28, 2009." Didn't she also mention in my conversation with her that the oath taking is sometime near Valentine's Day, that Guidance Counselors be loving people (including tough love to be true love) hehe. Hey, can't we call this batch the Valentine's Batch! Kami sa September can be called the Confucius Batch because Sept. 28 is the feastday of Confucius, the Chinese sage who proposed reordering our relationships if we are to achieve peace in heaven and earth.
Muchas Gracias mi Senyora. Deo bendice! Dios te agngina, Apo. Yan ang tunay na APO haha. No need for PRC accreditation!
On IPCAP
Applications for IPCAP membership have been coming. I've been receiving texts and phone calls on it. Congratulations in advance to the new applicants who are already RGC's. We even got an email inquiring if we intend to accept non-RGC, Masters level pa naman sila. Ikinagagalak po naming ipabatid na tinatanggap po namin ang mga RGC po. When you get your RGC ID from the PRC, welcome na po kayo!
Again, Let me share here that you may get the application through any one of our IPCAP Board of Trustees (please see an earlier blog on that) or through me. Just email berngu721@gmail.com and I shall attach the Application Form in my reply to you as soon as I get your email. You may deposit the membership fee in the bank account stated in the Application Form. Send your application with the requirements either to the IPCAP address mentioned in the Application Form or straight to me
Fr. Bernardo R. Collera, SVD
IPCAP Secretary
Catholic Trade Bldg.
1916 Oroquieta corner Tayuman Sts.
Sta. Cruz, 1099 Manila
Tel. # 711-1320 to 21
Mobile #s: 0919-6236605; 0927-3842739
The IPCAP stands for Integrated Professional Counselors Association of the Philippines (IPCAP), Inc. It is a legitimate SEC-registered organization, bagong-bago as in a newborn babe (kaya lang may original sin pa rin ba? Nabinyagan na po, thanks God!), duly indorsed by the PRC for SEC registration with SEC Registration No. CN200811283. In no way should IPCAP be stopped from forming itself as this is a guaranteed right under our Philippine Constitutions. We formed this group, we who came together since Feb. 04, 2006, and included the word INTEGRATED because that is what we intend to do: INTEGRATE all RGC's all over the country, without coercion or invalid integration, without padrino or padrina. It was formerly without that magic word INTEGRATED (PCAP po ito dati) but we realized then that the law has always been our foremost inspiration and guide, so we included that fortunate word. I had to write the SEC to allow us to use our name which is not in any way similar to any other, unique na unique po talaga to, and thanks God, we're here.
So, no one has the right to take that away from us until we lay it down ourselves, just as no one has the power to take away the right to join associations for one's development and especially the profession's - Guidance and Counseling in the Philippines. Anyone who keeps anybody from joining us may not be respecting the Bill of Rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Philippines. Anybody other than the current Board of Trustees may not be able to accurately describe the IPCAP. Hence, in order that no one gets to misinterpret us, do address your questions to us, not just to anybody. We do not give anybody the right to misrepresent us. I bet nobody really wants to do that, di ba po?
We do not claim to be the APO mentioned in the law because we have not yet petitioned the PRC to be one. If I shall use the developmental psychology framework, baby pa po ang IPCAP, sana tulungan itong makalakad rather than saktan at apihin para malumpo ('wawa naman ano?). Wag naman po sanang pababain ang ating self-esteem by anybody among us. Child abuse po iyan, and we are advocates for the promotion, defense and protection of the young, including the young at heart and the "once younged." Doing abusive behaviors can never be said of us who claim to help others. I know no one among us who intends to do those kasi maling-mali po talaga ang mga yan. Kasalanan po talaga! Remember what Jesus said? "Their (the children's) angels face God in heaven" (Mt. 18,10).
Nevertheless, let it be known that IPCAP was formed at the time there was yet no Board of Guidance and Counseling. And I can attest to everybody that it was at the IPCAP Meetings when the names of the current members of the Board of Guidance and Counseling were suggested and supported, hence its formation only in 2007! Remember that it took two full years (tagal po!) before the Board of Guidance and Counseling was constituted. IPCAP needed no title or PRC Resolution to do its role for the profession. We simply worked silently, seriously and carefully. Thus, I can say that IPCAP has played a very special role in making sure that the law, signed in 2004 be DULY IMPLEMENTED. I am not claiming any honor, just reiterating a fact for us who may have short memories. In fact, the IPCAP history is enshrined in my earlier blogs.
We could not organize a federation. That was a lost cause twice attempted before we were called together (see blog on the Federation document); and the law never mentioned any federation at all. What the law required is an INTEGRATION of all RGC's. Hence, amidst opposition and accusation that with IPCAP is the death of other Guidance and Counseling-related organizations (maybe this is developmentally significant: di ba old people have immediate premonitions of impending imminent death?), we have kept in mind that we will nurture the RGC professional and all Guidance and Counseling organizations. Just look at our fruit: the FPCAP! Ask any of the founders of that organization, and they will proclaim to you the truth. So, for those who may be entertaining paranoid thoughts, please, cure yourself from those thoughts for God's sake! We have no daggers with us. Only the truth that sets us free! And since we intend to always consider the good of all organizations and their members, the Board of Trustees is composed of RGC's from different organizations. Ok po ba?
Hence, when you become a member of the IPCAP, we assure you that our concerns will be topmost for each one of us, the Board of Trustees and the members. Membership here is not obligatory as we are not the APO. It is a right we have the option to exercise responsibly, respecting the rights of others. My personal advocacy is based on legal and moral perimeters. That I can assure everyone as a shepherd. We may not be the organization with the most number of members (anyway, there are only 885 RGC's yet), but with God's blessings and our cooperation in his graces, we shall overcome all obstacles placed before us and increase as we have the one who multiplies Bread and Provides for us all.
We have no secrets to hide, cover or ignore. We remember what Jesus said: "There will be no secret that will not be known." We are open to grow through both nurture and discipline. We intend to be transparent for fear of being discovered "holding the bag" so to say. As proof of that, while we have authorized the President or the Vice-president AND the Treasurer for bank transactions, we have already passed a Board Resolution that they may only do that WITH A BOARD RESOLUTION that carries a majority of the Board, complete with clear parameters to avoid a nasty future that might test our friendships. That provision the Board has decided is enshrined in my certification to the Bank as IPCAP Secretary. Our friendships shall be based on a spirit of professionalism. We will be friends to each other, making sure that the other does not do what is wrong; we will dare to responsibly correct what needs to be corrected. That's our way of respecting each other as professionals, with or without a PhD. It is in this spirit that we are inviting every RGC and even those who have applied to be an RGC to become a member of IPCAP.
Yes, as regards the November 2008 event (21-22), it is just being polished, and I shall immediately blog that here. Pray before Monday Oct. 27, 2008 the invite shall be released.
Aw yes, I got a comment that it is in conflict with the PGCA rerun thing. No intent to compete po. It just so happened that that's the decided time for everyone in the Board since those who are coming are already RGC's, although there may be those who have already applied for the 4th batch of the Grandfather's Clause, welcome po din kayo. And, here's the catch, di po last yan. So relax and pray. God bless
Monday, October 20, 2008
Joke, Something New in PRC & Update on Letter to PRC Chair
The following joke I got from Fr. Munachi’s email for the 29th Sunday Homily.
Back to School
It was the first day of school. As the principal made his rounds, he heard a terrible commotion coming from one of the classrooms. He rushed in and spotted one boy, taller than the others, who seemed to be making the most noise. He seized the lad, dragged him to the hall, and told him to wait there until he was excused.
Returning to the classroom, the principal restored order and lectured the class for half an hour about the importance of good behavior. Now," he said," are there any questions?
"One girl stood up timidly. "Please sir," she asked, "May we have our teacher back?"
"Where exactly is your teacher?"
"He's in the hall, sir."
-----------------
Hahaha. Interesting huh? For all we know, by not knowing who people are, we might be dragging them out of their places and put ourselves into shame.
-----------------
“Where are you going sir?” asked the guard at the second floor of the PRC Building where the Commissioners' Offices are. “To Dr. Rosas’ office sir.” “Please sign here,” as he opened his logbook and gave me the pen. "Ha? Bago 'to a," I said to him as I wrote my name, 2PM was the time, where I was to go, and signed. When IPCAP went there last Oct.8, 2008, none of us was ever asked to sign any logbook whatsoever, as attested by another IPCAP Officer when I told the story. What could be happening here? That happened last Friday, Oct. 17, 2008.
Anyway, I went as I wrote “letter delivery” on the logbook. Dr. Rosas was in a meeting. I gave the letter to his secretary for his signature.
While waiting, I decided to follow up with the PRC Chair’s Office my letter to Hon. Lapeña. The Secretary pored into her logbooks but could not find an entry for my letter which she stamped RECEIVED on Oct. 8, 2008. I told her that I don’t remember having signed anything in her logbook then, and that my big mistake was not having placed the date of my letter, but that I it blogged nonetheless immediately after it was received. She told me that she has things/communications entered the logbook herself. She inquired if I had my letter, perhaps to see the truth of my purpose. I was not carrying the letter where the stamp was made, but I pretty remembered that occasion, being the same time IPCAP went to PRC Commissioner Dr. Rosas; I also told the lady that a few days back I called up to follow up on the letter. The man who replied to me on the phone (next time I should ask for a name, right?) said that it was with the Registration Division (I had this blogged immediately). After about 15 minutes of looking for the letter entry in the logbooks, the lady told me it was not there, and started asking the two males in their tables about the matter. “Would you remember about a letter on Guidance and Counseling?” One seemed to not know anything although he picked up some folders in his drawers (he was seated at the table at back of the secretary); the other (wearing a brown jacket and a little darker in complexion) told me that he had it forwarded to Dr. Rosas for comment. I was advised to ask Dr. Rosas about it. “Okey, I will just have to wait then,” I told them as I left the PRC Chair’s Office.
At Dr. Rosas’ Office, the guy was still busy, so I just decided to have the letter delivered, and stamped RECEIVED. I had carried ten copies for him to sign and distribute; I wanted just one stamped “Received”; instead, the original was taken, stamped by the secretary, who returned to me the rest of the copies, stamping on it RECEIVED. I then hurriedly left the place, and texted fellow IPCAP Officers about the matter.
I drove back to my room here in CTM, and looked for the letter to Hon. Lapeña, and called back the PRC Chair’s Office. I told the lady there that maybe she would need confirmation about the matter, that right now I have the letter in my presence and it is stamped RECEIVED, dated Oct. 8, 2008, and that she might want to record it in her logbook.
---------------
Guess what thought came to me? Actually it's a question: Is there a cover-up taking place? Just a thought, yes, because this is one way to prove if I really went there, and if the letters I delivered were indeed RECEIVED, or else, I could be easily identified as HALLUCINATING. Haha. A hallucinating Guidance Counselor! I could be really doing that, but the evidences won’t lie. Want a picture of the letter placed here huh! But even if I don't, I trust these people simply mean business. What is being "professional" all about then?
-----------
At the GCC Convention, Dr. Rosas mentioned quite a few things: that the PRC is now looking into work plantillas for Guidance Counselors in TESDA; that the PRC is looking for a third member of the Board of Guidance and Counseling, preferably one from the Industry to supplement the present OIC Dr. Lily Rosqueta-Rosales, the “Carl Rogers of the Philippines” and Dr. Luz Guzman, PRBGC Member. What I waited for was spoken: that he hopes that the organizations coming together may be able to find an APO for Guidance and Counseling…” I had wanted to get a clarification on the matter. But I was not a paying participant (I only paid for yesterday’s Convention, P2,000.00) even if I was allowed to listen to his talk, so I just waited until the emcee thanked everyone for coming, or did they still have the raffles?
------------
Anyway, I decided to go home. Dr. Chit Salonga of PGCA came along and rode with me to Tayuman where CTM is. On the car she mentioned her ordeal that day of going to the Heritage Hotel, her taking the orange jeep, thinking it would go to Heritage, only to find herself at the Mall of Asia where she took a taxi to Heritage. I took the chance to inquire about the question “Does PGCA have the Accredited Certificate as APO by the PRC? Nakabayad na ba?” All she could say was that I look into the PGCA website. I told her I saw the PRC Resolution No. 292 Series of 2005 which may have been superseded, amended or repealed by the Rules and Regulations promulgated in 2007. Remember that in the Rules and Regulation of R.A. No. 9258, PGCA is interim APO only, not APO. She couldn’t say anything more on that.
Oh yes, Chit mentioned to me that it was in a forum in FEU (I think I was in the U.S. at that time) when it was announced that the APO is PGCA. The problem I have observed is that in the application form for the Grandfather's Clause, nowhere do I see PGCA mentioned as APO, but only the word APO, in parentheses pa. It should be easy to say "the king is naked" (remember the story?) What has been announced has not been documented. Why omit such a very important declaration if there was no problem being worked on? So in fact this problem has been LINGERING for quite some time now and may not have been really addressed. I really hope I am wrong. You know what I am afraid of? That future PGCA officers may have even more difficulties to encounter as they work on these problems because they simply are very difficult to resolve. I believe there are others who can solve them by simply acknowledging the truth from where the more appropriate approaches can be taken! By the way, what is the term limits for the PGCA Officers? I will work on this information as soon as I get it.
Yes, she asked if I was going to Cagayan de Oro for the Midyear. I asked her "What for?" She couldn't answer. If it were a Membership meeting, I'd be going, but since we all know what it is for, then my active presence and participation at the National Convention last May for the Invocation, participation, and paper presentations moderation works have been enough proof of active participation in the Guidance and Counseling profession.
I pray that we take the road of truth: it will set us free and will only make it easier to resolve certain matters that I have mentioned already in my previous blogs. As long as there are efforts to avoid or mask the truth, the problem will remain haunting our history and even the profession.
So why be afraid to admit and state categorically, not just announce, but write down for all to read and know that PGCA has not been able to pay the APO dues and therefore not yet really APO? State that it is only interim APO. Fact is: yes, it was given the "APO"-hood by virtue of PRC Resolution No. 292 Series of 2005. And in 2007, the Rules and Regulations gave it the status of INTERIM APO-hood. But when Dr. Llanes went to PRC to pay its dues, she was not allowed. What were these all about then? It is from these facts that we can track a better route. Until when is the interim period? I was told that it should be until the 1st Board Exams shall have been done.
Is this matter on the APO really important? One colleague told me it doesn’t seem to be so: that it may not be the concern of many or majority. That maybe it is only a concern of the organizations! How do we know this to be so?
That perception seems hard to prove and may be useless to prove or even cite in the first place. Its importance as agency in the process of professionalization is enshrined in the law and in the rules and regulations for the law's implementation. As I reflect on this agency in relation to us the professionals, the more I realize its importance in terms of modeling for the profession, and of course the legitimacy of the requirements set for all to follow and comply with. I know that there are people who go out of their way to borrow money just to attend seminars at this time while it is not required in the law. It has no APO certification, and that the law does not require what we are paying about: why go into such a nonsense! Require those seminars for renewal of licenses! Require membership ONLY TO THE LEGITIMATE APO!
Another colleague mentioned to me that we cannot simply let this matter go, because if we don’t care, we will be having a collorum that will further pull us down anywhere here or abroad! I agree with you po! There are efforts to simply ignore matters rather than really head-on handle the bull by its horns. There are people who have been empowered and how I pray they really use that power – is it called “political will”? Are we but feigning ignorance? Sorry po! It doesn’t fit PhD’s! My God help us!
Let’s pray that the PRC will not give us an APO that has problems. That the PRC and the Board of Guidance and Counseling really show us one whose heart and being as an organization will address the needs of the profession, unsaddled by a past tainted by officers who are not willing to acknowledge where they failed us, nor willing to do something to correct what must be corrected!
Let me speak as a Catholic priest this time: In confession, the second principle inseparable from contrition so that the absolution becomes effective is called AMENDMENT! Without this, mere contrition wouldn’t be enough since it doesn’t guarantee the person confessing one’s sins a life free from what one is saying sorry about. Yes indeed, it can be self-incriminating, but if one so resolves, and by RETRIBUTION corrects/amends one’s ways, one truly acknowledges the mercy of God. In short, when we say sorry, we vow to do all the best that we can to avoid the same sin; and in the words of Zacchaues in the Gospel of St. Luke, “if I have defrauded anyone, I will give back one half of my property…”
If only we realize the value of retribution! Yes we are human and have made mistakes, even really big mistakes. With contrition and retribution, the Guidance and Counseling profession can be really guaranteed its effects on us as Guidance Counselors and in our clients who so badly need real models for real personal change and that will ultimately positively affect social order and development.
God bless
Back to School
It was the first day of school. As the principal made his rounds, he heard a terrible commotion coming from one of the classrooms. He rushed in and spotted one boy, taller than the others, who seemed to be making the most noise. He seized the lad, dragged him to the hall, and told him to wait there until he was excused.
Returning to the classroom, the principal restored order and lectured the class for half an hour about the importance of good behavior. Now," he said," are there any questions?
"One girl stood up timidly. "Please sir," she asked, "May we have our teacher back?"
"Where exactly is your teacher?"
"He's in the hall, sir."
-----------------
Hahaha. Interesting huh? For all we know, by not knowing who people are, we might be dragging them out of their places and put ourselves into shame.
-----------------
“Where are you going sir?” asked the guard at the second floor of the PRC Building where the Commissioners' Offices are. “To Dr. Rosas’ office sir.” “Please sign here,” as he opened his logbook and gave me the pen. "Ha? Bago 'to a," I said to him as I wrote my name, 2PM was the time, where I was to go, and signed. When IPCAP went there last Oct.8, 2008, none of us was ever asked to sign any logbook whatsoever, as attested by another IPCAP Officer when I told the story. What could be happening here? That happened last Friday, Oct. 17, 2008.
Anyway, I went as I wrote “letter delivery” on the logbook. Dr. Rosas was in a meeting. I gave the letter to his secretary for his signature.
While waiting, I decided to follow up with the PRC Chair’s Office my letter to Hon. Lapeña. The Secretary pored into her logbooks but could not find an entry for my letter which she stamped RECEIVED on Oct. 8, 2008. I told her that I don’t remember having signed anything in her logbook then, and that my big mistake was not having placed the date of my letter, but that I it blogged nonetheless immediately after it was received. She told me that she has things/communications entered the logbook herself. She inquired if I had my letter, perhaps to see the truth of my purpose. I was not carrying the letter where the stamp was made, but I pretty remembered that occasion, being the same time IPCAP went to PRC Commissioner Dr. Rosas; I also told the lady that a few days back I called up to follow up on the letter. The man who replied to me on the phone (next time I should ask for a name, right?) said that it was with the Registration Division (I had this blogged immediately). After about 15 minutes of looking for the letter entry in the logbooks, the lady told me it was not there, and started asking the two males in their tables about the matter. “Would you remember about a letter on Guidance and Counseling?” One seemed to not know anything although he picked up some folders in his drawers (he was seated at the table at back of the secretary); the other (wearing a brown jacket and a little darker in complexion) told me that he had it forwarded to Dr. Rosas for comment. I was advised to ask Dr. Rosas about it. “Okey, I will just have to wait then,” I told them as I left the PRC Chair’s Office.
At Dr. Rosas’ Office, the guy was still busy, so I just decided to have the letter delivered, and stamped RECEIVED. I had carried ten copies for him to sign and distribute; I wanted just one stamped “Received”; instead, the original was taken, stamped by the secretary, who returned to me the rest of the copies, stamping on it RECEIVED. I then hurriedly left the place, and texted fellow IPCAP Officers about the matter.
I drove back to my room here in CTM, and looked for the letter to Hon. Lapeña, and called back the PRC Chair’s Office. I told the lady there that maybe she would need confirmation about the matter, that right now I have the letter in my presence and it is stamped RECEIVED, dated Oct. 8, 2008, and that she might want to record it in her logbook.
---------------
Guess what thought came to me? Actually it's a question: Is there a cover-up taking place? Just a thought, yes, because this is one way to prove if I really went there, and if the letters I delivered were indeed RECEIVED, or else, I could be easily identified as HALLUCINATING. Haha. A hallucinating Guidance Counselor! I could be really doing that, but the evidences won’t lie. Want a picture of the letter placed here huh! But even if I don't, I trust these people simply mean business. What is being "professional" all about then?
-----------
At the GCC Convention, Dr. Rosas mentioned quite a few things: that the PRC is now looking into work plantillas for Guidance Counselors in TESDA; that the PRC is looking for a third member of the Board of Guidance and Counseling, preferably one from the Industry to supplement the present OIC Dr. Lily Rosqueta-Rosales, the “Carl Rogers of the Philippines” and Dr. Luz Guzman, PRBGC Member. What I waited for was spoken: that he hopes that the organizations coming together may be able to find an APO for Guidance and Counseling…” I had wanted to get a clarification on the matter. But I was not a paying participant (I only paid for yesterday’s Convention, P2,000.00) even if I was allowed to listen to his talk, so I just waited until the emcee thanked everyone for coming, or did they still have the raffles?
------------
Anyway, I decided to go home. Dr. Chit Salonga of PGCA came along and rode with me to Tayuman where CTM is. On the car she mentioned her ordeal that day of going to the Heritage Hotel, her taking the orange jeep, thinking it would go to Heritage, only to find herself at the Mall of Asia where she took a taxi to Heritage. I took the chance to inquire about the question “Does PGCA have the Accredited Certificate as APO by the PRC? Nakabayad na ba?” All she could say was that I look into the PGCA website. I told her I saw the PRC Resolution No. 292 Series of 2005 which may have been superseded, amended or repealed by the Rules and Regulations promulgated in 2007. Remember that in the Rules and Regulation of R.A. No. 9258, PGCA is interim APO only, not APO. She couldn’t say anything more on that.
Oh yes, Chit mentioned to me that it was in a forum in FEU (I think I was in the U.S. at that time) when it was announced that the APO is PGCA. The problem I have observed is that in the application form for the Grandfather's Clause, nowhere do I see PGCA mentioned as APO, but only the word APO, in parentheses pa. It should be easy to say "the king is naked" (remember the story?) What has been announced has not been documented. Why omit such a very important declaration if there was no problem being worked on? So in fact this problem has been LINGERING for quite some time now and may not have been really addressed. I really hope I am wrong. You know what I am afraid of? That future PGCA officers may have even more difficulties to encounter as they work on these problems because they simply are very difficult to resolve. I believe there are others who can solve them by simply acknowledging the truth from where the more appropriate approaches can be taken! By the way, what is the term limits for the PGCA Officers? I will work on this information as soon as I get it.
Yes, she asked if I was going to Cagayan de Oro for the Midyear. I asked her "What for?" She couldn't answer. If it were a Membership meeting, I'd be going, but since we all know what it is for, then my active presence and participation at the National Convention last May for the Invocation, participation, and paper presentations moderation works have been enough proof of active participation in the Guidance and Counseling profession.
I pray that we take the road of truth: it will set us free and will only make it easier to resolve certain matters that I have mentioned already in my previous blogs. As long as there are efforts to avoid or mask the truth, the problem will remain haunting our history and even the profession.
So why be afraid to admit and state categorically, not just announce, but write down for all to read and know that PGCA has not been able to pay the APO dues and therefore not yet really APO? State that it is only interim APO. Fact is: yes, it was given the "APO"-hood by virtue of PRC Resolution No. 292 Series of 2005. And in 2007, the Rules and Regulations gave it the status of INTERIM APO-hood. But when Dr. Llanes went to PRC to pay its dues, she was not allowed. What were these all about then? It is from these facts that we can track a better route. Until when is the interim period? I was told that it should be until the 1st Board Exams shall have been done.
Is this matter on the APO really important? One colleague told me it doesn’t seem to be so: that it may not be the concern of many or majority. That maybe it is only a concern of the organizations! How do we know this to be so?
That perception seems hard to prove and may be useless to prove or even cite in the first place. Its importance as agency in the process of professionalization is enshrined in the law and in the rules and regulations for the law's implementation. As I reflect on this agency in relation to us the professionals, the more I realize its importance in terms of modeling for the profession, and of course the legitimacy of the requirements set for all to follow and comply with. I know that there are people who go out of their way to borrow money just to attend seminars at this time while it is not required in the law. It has no APO certification, and that the law does not require what we are paying about: why go into such a nonsense! Require those seminars for renewal of licenses! Require membership ONLY TO THE LEGITIMATE APO!
Another colleague mentioned to me that we cannot simply let this matter go, because if we don’t care, we will be having a collorum that will further pull us down anywhere here or abroad! I agree with you po! There are efforts to simply ignore matters rather than really head-on handle the bull by its horns. There are people who have been empowered and how I pray they really use that power – is it called “political will”? Are we but feigning ignorance? Sorry po! It doesn’t fit PhD’s! My God help us!
Let’s pray that the PRC will not give us an APO that has problems. That the PRC and the Board of Guidance and Counseling really show us one whose heart and being as an organization will address the needs of the profession, unsaddled by a past tainted by officers who are not willing to acknowledge where they failed us, nor willing to do something to correct what must be corrected!
Let me speak as a Catholic priest this time: In confession, the second principle inseparable from contrition so that the absolution becomes effective is called AMENDMENT! Without this, mere contrition wouldn’t be enough since it doesn’t guarantee the person confessing one’s sins a life free from what one is saying sorry about. Yes indeed, it can be self-incriminating, but if one so resolves, and by RETRIBUTION corrects/amends one’s ways, one truly acknowledges the mercy of God. In short, when we say sorry, we vow to do all the best that we can to avoid the same sin; and in the words of Zacchaues in the Gospel of St. Luke, “if I have defrauded anyone, I will give back one half of my property…”
If only we realize the value of retribution! Yes we are human and have made mistakes, even really big mistakes. With contrition and retribution, the Guidance and Counseling profession can be really guaranteed its effects on us as Guidance Counselors and in our clients who so badly need real models for real personal change and that will ultimately positively affect social order and development.
God bless
Friday, October 17, 2008
Citizenship & Membership
These thoughts came after attending the Guidance Counselors Circle 1st day of their 8th Annual Convention. And believe you me, at the end, you will be happy as I feel so happy about it and couldn't but share it with you readers of this blog.
When three of my siblings were working on their American citizenship (I bet you know someone close to you who has been granted this citizenship), including some of my nephews and nieces, they had to know certain data, and learn to sing the National Anthem. They could fail and not be granted that coveted citizenship card. What a joy to have one, I could just easily assume. They applied. They complied, were tested and found acceptable!
This citizenship model is one which is very good to emulate in the current discussions that focus on numbers. At the convention, it was announced that I was already a member of the group, and the fee for membership was already included in the fees that were paid. I spontaneously reacted in my table: "Ha? Member na ako? Di man lang ako tinanong kung gusto ko! (Of course, it's an honor to be one of them who are my friends and fellow Counselors!)" My neighbor also spontaneously reacted saying "Bakit Father, harrassed ka ba?" Sabi ko, "Hindi naman." But you know, the thought lingered in my mind, and I shared this first with Nette, one of the APSA persons there, and also told another colleague about it and also my neighbor, and now here to you, blog reader.
Membership in an organization has implications to the organization as well as to the person. How? Let me cite a Scriptural experience and then from the vantage point of the laws of the land.
At Mass this morning, I remembered Scriptures, when before the time of their 1st King - Saul - the Israelites were begging the Lord to give them a king because their neighbors had theirs. The Lord, before giving them one, sent them a prophet (I forgot his name, but I can look for it later - was it Samuel?) who told them that if they had a king, this king will demand tributes, ask for their gold, silver, cattle, obeisance, call their husbands and sons to war if the kingdom needs to do so. Of course the reaction was varied. Some said OK LANG; some said WAHH TAKOT AKO!
In short, the presence of the king will impact on the way they will live henceforth.
The same is true in organizations: once I become a member of it, I will have to take on myself certain obligations, including paying of membership dues as well as attendance at certain functions which will definitely have to be in my budget or else chances are I might lose this membership. Well, as it is, for many among us who attend these events for some ulterior motive, chances are attendance at such functions may have to be done more in the spirit of essential needs.
The other implication of my membership is on the organization. As I read the Corporate Code of the Philippines (you can download it from the SEC website for free) I realize that numbers do matter. Specially when we have to amend constitutions, vote certain Board Members out of the group or the corporation itself or other actions that will bear significant impact on the nature and quality of the corporation, we need to muster from 50% + 1 (simple majority) to 2/3 or 66% of the total numbers specified for these certain corporate actions. If these numbers are not reached, by no means may any corporate action have its legal basis.
After reading this code, I realize that I felt so relaxed. Living within the law, social order is guaranteed among the people. Certain parameters are set such that we need not resort to underhanded ways for interests that affect the majority's welfare. In short, the law has become a tool to free me from my sinful subjectivity.
As a religious, I then realized that the crucifixion sacrifice of Jesus Christ has kept me to be even more free! I am guaranteed forgiveness and I am given another chance. Would that I make good with the chances I have, or else the God of history may be unkind to me. All I am called then to do is to live within the freedom of the children of God.
As an afterthought, malikot man sa isip, pero tanggapin na natin, anyway there's no harm intended and I intend to affirm it in fact, I realized the state of our profession these days where we seem to really have no APO. Among the significant considerations invoked is NUMBERS! IS THERE A RACE TO BE APO HERE? I have told one colleague this: How I wish and pray that EVERY COUNSELING-RELATED ORGANIZATION READY ITSELF TO BE APO ANYTIME FOR THE SAKE OF THE PROFESSION! Would that we were all into organizations, specifically into those that will cater to our needs and help us resolve our problems when we encounter them.
At the IPCAP, one of the things we have done was to communicate the implications of R.A. No. 9258 to fellow Counselors. The fruit of this collegial action at IPCAP is the birth of the Family and Pastoral Counseling Association of the Philippines (FPCAP), Inc. which is mainly to become the group that will focus on the family, marital and pastoral counseling area. Other organizations of similar character may always ally themselves with it, or FPCAP may ally with them too. Hence, with this model, I wanted to share yesterday at the floor but lacked time: that maybe it's time to organize a School Counselors Association of the Philippines (SCAP) so that we can come up with certain standards for RGC's involved in the school setting. Or maybe ComCAP - Community Counseling Association of the Philippines. Or maybe still: Clinical Counseling Association of the Philippines CliCAP. IPCAP is not to kill organizations as seemingly opined in certain quarters. What IPCAP values and intends to promote is the development of the Guidance and Counseling profession, specifically in affording all possibilities so that each sector be given the chance to address in a more focused (Specialized) manner its own needs, and the needs specifically of each member. Mind you, after hearing Dr. Cruz's very animated talk, the legal accountabilities of Guidance Counselors have become a very strong concern among us. Maliit na nga ang sweldo natin, ang bigat pa ng trabahao natin, kakasuhan pa! Dios Kong mahabagin! Bonding together and helping each other will be a wise and appropriate step to take.
All the best! God bless
When three of my siblings were working on their American citizenship (I bet you know someone close to you who has been granted this citizenship), including some of my nephews and nieces, they had to know certain data, and learn to sing the National Anthem. They could fail and not be granted that coveted citizenship card. What a joy to have one, I could just easily assume. They applied. They complied, were tested and found acceptable!
This citizenship model is one which is very good to emulate in the current discussions that focus on numbers. At the convention, it was announced that I was already a member of the group, and the fee for membership was already included in the fees that were paid. I spontaneously reacted in my table: "Ha? Member na ako? Di man lang ako tinanong kung gusto ko! (Of course, it's an honor to be one of them who are my friends and fellow Counselors!)" My neighbor also spontaneously reacted saying "Bakit Father, harrassed ka ba?" Sabi ko, "Hindi naman." But you know, the thought lingered in my mind, and I shared this first with Nette, one of the APSA persons there, and also told another colleague about it and also my neighbor, and now here to you, blog reader.
Membership in an organization has implications to the organization as well as to the person. How? Let me cite a Scriptural experience and then from the vantage point of the laws of the land.
At Mass this morning, I remembered Scriptures, when before the time of their 1st King - Saul - the Israelites were begging the Lord to give them a king because their neighbors had theirs. The Lord, before giving them one, sent them a prophet (I forgot his name, but I can look for it later - was it Samuel?) who told them that if they had a king, this king will demand tributes, ask for their gold, silver, cattle, obeisance, call their husbands and sons to war if the kingdom needs to do so. Of course the reaction was varied. Some said OK LANG; some said WAHH TAKOT AKO!
In short, the presence of the king will impact on the way they will live henceforth.
The same is true in organizations: once I become a member of it, I will have to take on myself certain obligations, including paying of membership dues as well as attendance at certain functions which will definitely have to be in my budget or else chances are I might lose this membership. Well, as it is, for many among us who attend these events for some ulterior motive, chances are attendance at such functions may have to be done more in the spirit of essential needs.
The other implication of my membership is on the organization. As I read the Corporate Code of the Philippines (you can download it from the SEC website for free) I realize that numbers do matter. Specially when we have to amend constitutions, vote certain Board Members out of the group or the corporation itself or other actions that will bear significant impact on the nature and quality of the corporation, we need to muster from 50% + 1 (simple majority) to 2/3 or 66% of the total numbers specified for these certain corporate actions. If these numbers are not reached, by no means may any corporate action have its legal basis.
After reading this code, I realize that I felt so relaxed. Living within the law, social order is guaranteed among the people. Certain parameters are set such that we need not resort to underhanded ways for interests that affect the majority's welfare. In short, the law has become a tool to free me from my sinful subjectivity.
As a religious, I then realized that the crucifixion sacrifice of Jesus Christ has kept me to be even more free! I am guaranteed forgiveness and I am given another chance. Would that I make good with the chances I have, or else the God of history may be unkind to me. All I am called then to do is to live within the freedom of the children of God.
As an afterthought, malikot man sa isip, pero tanggapin na natin, anyway there's no harm intended and I intend to affirm it in fact, I realized the state of our profession these days where we seem to really have no APO. Among the significant considerations invoked is NUMBERS! IS THERE A RACE TO BE APO HERE? I have told one colleague this: How I wish and pray that EVERY COUNSELING-RELATED ORGANIZATION READY ITSELF TO BE APO ANYTIME FOR THE SAKE OF THE PROFESSION! Would that we were all into organizations, specifically into those that will cater to our needs and help us resolve our problems when we encounter them.
At the IPCAP, one of the things we have done was to communicate the implications of R.A. No. 9258 to fellow Counselors. The fruit of this collegial action at IPCAP is the birth of the Family and Pastoral Counseling Association of the Philippines (FPCAP), Inc. which is mainly to become the group that will focus on the family, marital and pastoral counseling area. Other organizations of similar character may always ally themselves with it, or FPCAP may ally with them too. Hence, with this model, I wanted to share yesterday at the floor but lacked time: that maybe it's time to organize a School Counselors Association of the Philippines (SCAP) so that we can come up with certain standards for RGC's involved in the school setting. Or maybe ComCAP - Community Counseling Association of the Philippines. Or maybe still: Clinical Counseling Association of the Philippines CliCAP. IPCAP is not to kill organizations as seemingly opined in certain quarters. What IPCAP values and intends to promote is the development of the Guidance and Counseling profession, specifically in affording all possibilities so that each sector be given the chance to address in a more focused (Specialized) manner its own needs, and the needs specifically of each member. Mind you, after hearing Dr. Cruz's very animated talk, the legal accountabilities of Guidance Counselors have become a very strong concern among us. Maliit na nga ang sweldo natin, ang bigat pa ng trabahao natin, kakasuhan pa! Dios Kong mahabagin! Bonding together and helping each other will be a wise and appropriate step to take.
All the best! God bless
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Acknowledging The Readers & Making Comments
Since we placed here a HIT COUNTER and a LIVE TRAFFIC MAP last Oct. 6, 2008, over a thousand visits ("hits") have been done (check your "HIT" number at the right side of this blog), including the counts made everytime I publish a new article here. That's barely ten days today, Oct. 16 as I write this acknowledgment, and to all who came this side of the world wide web: Thank You! Please Come Again. What you get here is free, except your time which you must spend to get what's here. This blog may have taken your interest specially because it has become a source of information that has helped many in resolving certain questions, and even in pursuing them, hoping to arrive at satisfactory resolutions.
In the last two days, I have been receiving emails about the comments made to certain articles in here. The emails ask me to publish, or reject certain comments. They help me understand how the matters placed here affect others. We all get affected in one way or the other, greatly or not so greatly. Some of us easily get in touch with what's happening in us; some have difficulty and may need to act it out first before getting to know what's in us as an effect by the stimulus. There are those who would like to verbalize their comments, while others decide to keep their thoughts to themselves. We are really a FREE PEOPLE. My only intention is to share the truth that I see from this side of my world. And honestly, through your comments, I feel happy to realize that I am not the only one who sees that truth. And when I see someone else who sees the other side or aspect of the truth, that broadens my understanding of the truth. So, commenting is encouraged in this site.
Hence, if you would like to make comments, please feel free about sharing them. I will definitely get them as this system emails them to me, and gives me the choice to accept or reject them (which is true in ordinary life, di ba?). You might want to do that by going to the Comments portion at the end of each article and then click on that portion. If you're the first to make comments, what you will see is 0 Comments. If there was someone else who made comments, those previous comments can be read from that part as you click it; and you might want to join in the exchange, so do feel free. You have a choice to identify or keep your anonymous. Your thoughts shall be valued though.
In this way, we pursue a truth that sets us free. God bless
In the last two days, I have been receiving emails about the comments made to certain articles in here. The emails ask me to publish, or reject certain comments. They help me understand how the matters placed here affect others. We all get affected in one way or the other, greatly or not so greatly. Some of us easily get in touch with what's happening in us; some have difficulty and may need to act it out first before getting to know what's in us as an effect by the stimulus. There are those who would like to verbalize their comments, while others decide to keep their thoughts to themselves. We are really a FREE PEOPLE. My only intention is to share the truth that I see from this side of my world. And honestly, through your comments, I feel happy to realize that I am not the only one who sees that truth. And when I see someone else who sees the other side or aspect of the truth, that broadens my understanding of the truth. So, commenting is encouraged in this site.
Hence, if you would like to make comments, please feel free about sharing them. I will definitely get them as this system emails them to me, and gives me the choice to accept or reject them (which is true in ordinary life, di ba?). You might want to do that by going to the Comments portion at the end of each article and then click on that portion. If you're the first to make comments, what you will see is 0 Comments. If there was someone else who made comments, those previous comments can be read from that part as you click it; and you might want to join in the exchange, so do feel free. You have a choice to identify or keep your anonymous. Your thoughts shall be valued though.
In this way, we pursue a truth that sets us free. God bless
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Update on Letter to PRC Chair Lapeña
I still remember that three days after we sent our Aug. 12-dated IPCAP Letter to the PRBGC regarding the Qualification for the Board Exams in Guidance and Counseling, Dr. Lily Rosqueta-Rosales answered us within three days (as shown in her Aug. 15-dated reply) although I got it towards the end of the month due to my retreat.
I also noticed that the response of the Licensing Division in PRC responded in a week's time as shown in its Aug. 19-dated reply. That's very impressive indeed, very professional, very much the way it is: Professional Regulations Commission!
Inspired by this efficiency of response, I called up the PRC Chair's Office this morning before lunch (Oct. 14, 2008 today) to follow up on my letter. I was asked about the tenor of the letter. My response seemed to have satisfied the inquirer, and after a few minutes, he came back to the phone to tell me that it was forwarded to the Registration Department for comment. Let's pray that we get a favorable response.
Let's pray that they will keep the record. God bless
I also noticed that the response of the Licensing Division in PRC responded in a week's time as shown in its Aug. 19-dated reply. That's very impressive indeed, very professional, very much the way it is: Professional Regulations Commission!
Inspired by this efficiency of response, I called up the PRC Chair's Office this morning before lunch (Oct. 14, 2008 today) to follow up on my letter. I was asked about the tenor of the letter. My response seemed to have satisfied the inquirer, and after a few minutes, he came back to the phone to tell me that it was forwarded to the Registration Department for comment. Let's pray that we get a favorable response.
Let's pray that they will keep the record. God bless
There is This Time to Laugh
Yes, in the midst of busy-ness and serious-ness, let's laugh aloud for our mental health and overall well-being. Isn't humor one of the wonders of human living? Without laughter, life can be drab, joyless (not the one we use for the dishes ha?), but with laughter, the abdominal muscles can be exercised, giving us a good dose of oxygen that enlivens the circulation system, which facilitates relaxation, thereby giving a greater chance to be objective in life. Laughter suggests that friendship is not far behind, and that all problems can be resolved.
The following was sent me by Dr. Susana Estanislao, RGC. Thanks Susan.
By the way, before proceeding, let me CAUTION you: if you have a heart problem which might be aggravated by too much laughter, please don't proceed. But if God wants you to go away laughing, like a priest I know (Fr. Braganza, SVD in 1984?) it's your choice. For all you know, the following will reveal a lot about what's in your mind. Have no fear. Let the truth set you free and be responsible.
Ready?
LOOSEN UP!
A first-grade teacher was having trouble with one of her students, the teacher asked the boy, "What is your problem?"
Boy answered, "I'm too smart for the first-grade. My sister is in the third-grade and I'm smarter than she is! I think I should be in the third-grade too!"
The Teacher had enough. She took the Boy to the principal's office.
While the boy waited in the outer office, the teacher explained to the principal what the situation was. The principal told the teacher he would give the boy a
test and if he failed to answer any of his questions he has to go back to the first-grade and behave. She agreed.
Boy was brought in and the conditions were explained to him and he agreed to take the test.
Principal: "What is 3 x 3?"
Boy: "9".
Principal: "What is 6 x 6?"
Boy: "36".
And so it went with every question the principal thought a third-grade should know. The principal looks at the teacher and tells her, "I think this boy can go to the third-grade. "
The teacher says to the principal, "I have some of my own questions. Can I ask him ?"
The principal and the boy both agreed.
The teacher asks, "What does a cow have four of that I have only two of?"
Boy: after a moment, "Legs."
Teacher : "What starts with a P and ends in s, is in your pants that you have but I do not have?"
Boy: "Pockets."
Teacher : "What starts with a C and ends with a T, is hairy, oval, delicious and contains thin whitish liquid?"
Boy: Coconut
Teacher: What goes in hard and pink then comes out soft and sticky?
The principal's eyes open really wide and before he could stop the answer, the Boy was taking charge.
Boy: Bubblegum
Teacher: What does a man do standing up, a woman does sitting down and a dog does on three legs?
The principal's eyes open really wide and before he could stop the answer...
Boy: Shake hands
Teacher: Now I will ask some "Who am I" sort of questions, okay?
Boy: Yep.
Teacher: You stick your poles inside me. You tie me down to get me up. I get wet before you do.
Boy: Tent
Teacher: A finger goes in me. You fiddle with me when you're bored. The best man always has me first.
The Principal was looking restless, a bit tense.
Boy: Wedding Ring
Teacher: I come in many sizes. When I'm not well, I drip. When you blow me, you feel good.
Boy: Nose
Teacher: I have a stiff shaft. My tip penetrates. I come with a quiver.
Boy: Arrow
Teacher: What word starts with a 'F' and ends in 'K'that means lot of heat and excitement?
Boy: Firetruck
Teacher: What is it that all men have one of, it's longer on some men than on others, the pope doesn't use his and a man gives it to his wife after they're married?
Boy: SURNAME
Teacher: What part of the man has no bone but has muscles, has lots of veins, like pumping, & is responsible for making love?
Boy: HEART.
The principal breathed a sigh of relief and said to the teacher:
"SEND THIS BOY TO COLLEGE!, I GOT THE LAST TEN
QUESTIONS WRONG MYSELF !"
How could you! You had other thoughts in mind. Grabe ka, Principal. I think you should consult the Guidance Counselor. haha God bless
The following was sent me by Dr. Susana Estanislao, RGC. Thanks Susan.
By the way, before proceeding, let me CAUTION you: if you have a heart problem which might be aggravated by too much laughter, please don't proceed. But if God wants you to go away laughing, like a priest I know (Fr. Braganza, SVD in 1984?) it's your choice. For all you know, the following will reveal a lot about what's in your mind. Have no fear. Let the truth set you free and be responsible.
Ready?
LOOSEN UP!
A first-grade teacher was having trouble with one of her students, the teacher asked the boy, "What is your problem?"
Boy answered, "I'm too smart for the first-grade. My sister is in the third-grade and I'm smarter than she is! I think I should be in the third-grade too!"
The Teacher had enough. She took the Boy to the principal's office.
While the boy waited in the outer office, the teacher explained to the principal what the situation was. The principal told the teacher he would give the boy a
test and if he failed to answer any of his questions he has to go back to the first-grade and behave. She agreed.
Boy was brought in and the conditions were explained to him and he agreed to take the test.
Principal: "What is 3 x 3?"
Boy: "9".
Principal: "What is 6 x 6?"
Boy: "36".
And so it went with every question the principal thought a third-grade should know. The principal looks at the teacher and tells her, "I think this boy can go to the third-grade. "
The teacher says to the principal, "I have some of my own questions. Can I ask him ?"
The principal and the boy both agreed.
The teacher asks, "What does a cow have four of that I have only two of?"
Boy: after a moment, "Legs."
Teacher : "What starts with a P and ends in s, is in your pants that you have but I do not have?"
Boy: "Pockets."
Teacher : "What starts with a C and ends with a T, is hairy, oval, delicious and contains thin whitish liquid?"
Boy: Coconut
Teacher: What goes in hard and pink then comes out soft and sticky?
The principal's eyes open really wide and before he could stop the answer, the Boy was taking charge.
Boy: Bubblegum
Teacher: What does a man do standing up, a woman does sitting down and a dog does on three legs?
The principal's eyes open really wide and before he could stop the answer...
Boy: Shake hands
Teacher: Now I will ask some "Who am I" sort of questions, okay?
Boy: Yep.
Teacher: You stick your poles inside me. You tie me down to get me up. I get wet before you do.
Boy: Tent
Teacher: A finger goes in me. You fiddle with me when you're bored. The best man always has me first.
The Principal was looking restless, a bit tense.
Boy: Wedding Ring
Teacher: I come in many sizes. When I'm not well, I drip. When you blow me, you feel good.
Boy: Nose
Teacher: I have a stiff shaft. My tip penetrates. I come with a quiver.
Boy: Arrow
Teacher: What word starts with a 'F' and ends in 'K'that means lot of heat and excitement?
Boy: Firetruck
Teacher: What is it that all men have one of, it's longer on some men than on others, the pope doesn't use his and a man gives it to his wife after they're married?
Boy: SURNAME
Teacher: What part of the man has no bone but has muscles, has lots of veins, like pumping, & is responsible for making love?
Boy: HEART.
The principal breathed a sigh of relief and said to the teacher:
"SEND THIS BOY TO COLLEGE!, I GOT THE LAST TEN
QUESTIONS WRONG MYSELF !"
How could you! You had other thoughts in mind. Grabe ka, Principal. I think you should consult the Guidance Counselor. haha God bless
Monday, October 13, 2008
IPCAP Application Form for Membership
During these past few days, application forms for membership in the Integrated Professional Counselors Association (IPCAP), Inc., a SEC-registered and PRC-indorsed professional organization of Registered and Licensed Guidance Counselors (RGC's) have been coming. There were those who deposited their membership fees in the bank account of the Association; others sent their checks payable to IPCAP, mailing their application forms with the requirements included. Others got their Application Form through email. Still others simply texted me and other IPCAP Board of Trustees/officers for their Application Forms.
Whichever way is convenient for you, here are the following ways you can apply for membership which at the moment is reserved for RGC's:
1. Email me (the Contact Information for this mode is mentioned at the right side of this blog, beside the Hit Counter); you may also email any of the following Board of Trustees (email address after their mobile numbers below)
2. Text me how I can send the application form (Mobile numbers are also mentioned in the Contact Information area); you may also contact any of the following IPCAP Board of Trustees who have been provided copies of the IPCAP Membership Forms:
Dr. Elvira Ramos, RGC (CDAP or Career Development Association of the Philippines)
Cell: 0917-8714033
Email: elvieramos888@yahoo.com
Avelina L. Mandin, RGC (GCC or Guidance Counselors Circle, Inc.)
Cell: 0917-9224183
Email: abmandin@yahoo.com.ph
Mr. Cesar Cong, RGC (PACC or Philippine Association of Christian COunselors)
Cell: 0917-6078427
Email: cesarcong@tri-isys.com
Dr. Nena Barrera, RGC (PAPSHP or Philippine Association of Psycho-Social Helping Professionals)
Cell: 0905-6607876
Email: titanen_barrera@yahoo.com
Dr. Rosa Ma. I. Llanes, RGC (PGCA or Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association)
Cell: 0917-8460590/0917-8460591
Email: rosellanes29@yahoo.com
Dr. Julian R. Montano (PACERS or Philippine Association for Counselor Education, Research & Supervision)
Cell: 0917-5026992
Email: julmont3@yahoo.com
Dr. Alda Perlita S. Polestico (PGCA/FPCAP or Family and Pastoral Counseling Association of the Philippines)
Cell: 0919-2958475
Email: apspolestico@gmail.com
Mr. James Tan (FPCAP or Family and Pastoral Counseling Association of the Philippines)
Cell: 0917-7936693
Email: jamesmalou@yahoo.com
We are currently preparing an event for all RGC's this coming Nov. 21-22, 2008 in cooperation with a University here in Manila which has given us their venue for free! Yes, which means our expenses will definitely be alleviated. Please wait for this announcement in the coming days.
The 4th IPCAP Board of Trustees Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday Oct. 15, 2008 at 2PM in the same place.
Have I mentioned that you may also call me via landline? Do call at (02)-711-1320 to 21. We shall handle your queries, for the Application for IPCAP Membership.
God bless our efforts to make this organization one that keeps integrity, professionalism, active, practicing and updating in Counseling, and a strong sense of affiliation in an association RGC members truly belong to. It's time RGC's live this out.
Welcome to IPCAP.
Whichever way is convenient for you, here are the following ways you can apply for membership which at the moment is reserved for RGC's:
1. Email me (the Contact Information for this mode is mentioned at the right side of this blog, beside the Hit Counter); you may also email any of the following Board of Trustees (email address after their mobile numbers below)
2. Text me how I can send the application form (Mobile numbers are also mentioned in the Contact Information area); you may also contact any of the following IPCAP Board of Trustees who have been provided copies of the IPCAP Membership Forms:
Dr. Elvira Ramos, RGC (CDAP or Career Development Association of the Philippines)
Cell: 0917-8714033
Email: elvieramos888@yahoo.com
Avelina L. Mandin, RGC (GCC or Guidance Counselors Circle, Inc.)
Cell: 0917-9224183
Email: abmandin@yahoo.com.ph
Mr. Cesar Cong, RGC (PACC or Philippine Association of Christian COunselors)
Cell: 0917-6078427
Email: cesarcong@tri-isys.com
Dr. Nena Barrera, RGC (PAPSHP or Philippine Association of Psycho-Social Helping Professionals)
Cell: 0905-6607876
Email: titanen_barrera@yahoo.com
Dr. Rosa Ma. I. Llanes, RGC (PGCA or Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association)
Cell: 0917-8460590/0917-8460591
Email: rosellanes29@yahoo.com
Dr. Julian R. Montano (PACERS or Philippine Association for Counselor Education, Research & Supervision)
Cell: 0917-5026992
Email: julmont3@yahoo.com
Dr. Alda Perlita S. Polestico (PGCA/FPCAP or Family and Pastoral Counseling Association of the Philippines)
Cell: 0919-2958475
Email: apspolestico@gmail.com
Mr. James Tan (FPCAP or Family and Pastoral Counseling Association of the Philippines)
Cell: 0917-7936693
Email: jamesmalou@yahoo.com
We are currently preparing an event for all RGC's this coming Nov. 21-22, 2008 in cooperation with a University here in Manila which has given us their venue for free! Yes, which means our expenses will definitely be alleviated. Please wait for this announcement in the coming days.
The 4th IPCAP Board of Trustees Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday Oct. 15, 2008 at 2PM in the same place.
Have I mentioned that you may also call me via landline? Do call at (02)-711-1320 to 21. We shall handle your queries, for the Application for IPCAP Membership.
God bless our efforts to make this organization one that keeps integrity, professionalism, active, practicing and updating in Counseling, and a strong sense of affiliation in an association RGC members truly belong to. It's time RGC's live this out.
Welcome to IPCAP.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
EVENTS of ORGANIZATIONS & Complaints
1. PAPSHP Philippine Association of Psycho-Social Helping Professionals
This CHED Memorandum is for an invitation to the PAPSHP Convention. After reading the letter below and you'd like to get a copy of the invitation, you may also email me and I shall attach you their invitation. Herein is their letter which I had just received this afternoon Oct. 12, 2008:
September 27, 2008
Dear Sir/Madam:
The Philippine Association of Psycho-Social Helping Professionals (PAPSHP), in cooperation with the Philippine Normal University (PNU), will hold its 10th National Convention on October 23-25, 2008 at the Teachers’ Camp in Baguio City. The theme of the Convention is “The Psycho-Social Helping Professions: Issues, Trends and Challenges.”
The Convention aims to enable participants: 1. to develop an awareness of their significant role as psycho-social helping professionals in various spheres or disciplines; 2. to strengthen their competencies in addressing concerns involving the profession, the students, the family, and the community in general; 3. to acquire knowledge and insights on continuing programs and initiatives toward effective instruction, counseling, and family life; 4. to enhance their competencies as practitioners who deal with psycho-social relationships; and 5. to update themselves in terms of developments as well as current issues, problems and challenges in the psycho-social helping professions.
Expected participants are teachers, guidance counselors, social workers, psychologists, administrators, principals, supervisors, superintendents and professors from public and private educational institutions.
A registration fee of Four Thousand Pesos (Php 4,000) shall be charged to cover expenses for lodging, seminar kit, 6 snacks, 3 lunch, 3 dinner and certificates of participation. Payments in cash can be deposited to PAPSHP Landbank Account #1981067270. Original copies of deposit slips are to be presented during the Convention as proofs of payment. There are only limited slots available for live-in participants.
For inquiries and reservations/confirmation of attendance, please contact the undersigned at mobile phone no. 09294834745, telefax no. 4040267 (PNU OSASS), or e-mail address fgvendiveljr@yahoo.com.
Truly yours,
FORTUNATO G. VENDIVEL JR.
President (2007-2009)
2. FPCAP
The Family and Pastoral Counseling Association of the Philippines (FPCAP), Inc. invites everybody to its event. Please click the picture on the left side for a clearer view of the invitation. Their contact numbers are mentioned in there.
3. The Guidance Counselors Circle (GCC) Inc. also invites us to its 8th Annual Convention with its theme "Understanding the International Standards for Counseling Programs and its Relevance to the 21st Century." It shall be held on October 16-17, 2008 at the CSB Angelo King International Center, Arellano Ave. cor Estrada St. Malate, Manila. Herein is their Letter of Invitation posted at the left side of the Invite (sayang I don't have its jpeg format for posting here, but let's see if I can find a way to append it here while there's still time):
September 01, 2008
Dear Fellow Counselors,
I am pleased to inform you that the Guidance Counselors’ Circle Inc. (GCC), in cooperation with the Asian Psychological Services and Assessment Corporation (APSA), will be holding its 8th Annual Convention on October 16-17, 2008 at the CSB Hotel– Angelo King International Center, Arellano Ave. cor Estrada St. Malate, Manila.
The theme for this year’s convention will be “Understanding the International Standards for Counseling and its Relevance to the 21st Century”
In line with the theme, the lectures and workshops will focus on three domains: Academic, Career and Personal Development. These include Appreciating the ASCA National Model for Counseling, Pastoral Counseling, Legal Accountabilities of Guidance Counselors, Heart Sense: Guiding Students Towards Emotional Wellness, Learning Intervention for Students at Risk: A Guidance Counselor’s Perspective, and Preparing Students for the World of Work
We look forward to being with you in this convention.
Cordially,
Rose Marie Salazar- Clemeña, Ph.D.
President
Seminar Fee:
Php 3950.00
The registration fee is inclusive of lunch, AM & PM snacks for 2 days, certificate and seminar materials.
Group Rate: For schools with more than two participants, the 3rd, 4th participants and beyond, will be charged Php 1500/ day only.
For reservations, you may also call Nette/Rolly/Teng/Jenny or Meann at (02)5221746; 5271901. They have a form you are to fill out (I hope we can have one here so you can) fax to (02) 5257238; (02) 5257277 on or before October 14, 2008.
I emailed for 1 Day's fee: P2,000 ang sagot.
4. PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS (PACC)
Ms. Jane Lee provides us with this invitation to their PACC Seminars:
Date: Nov. 22, 2008
Time: 1:30 - 5:00 PM
SEMINAR on ASSESSMENT TOOLS FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY CHALLENGED KIDS: Focus on Draw a Person, Thematic Apperception, Sentence Completion Test.
Speaker: Charity Orense.
Registration Fee: P300.
For more information: call tel. # 867-1961; or text 09052237688.
For the organizations, in your certification of attendance, do mention your SEC Certification Number and the date of SEC Registration as proof of legitimacy. The more recent, the more legitimate.
Regarding COMPLAINTS
I had the chance to call Dr. Luz Guzman, who mentioned to me that she is still a few years shy of 70 (thanks Ma'am for this clarification), and she mentioned that if there are complaints, text messages won't suffice. Responsibility about complaints needs to be shown by providing documents as evidence, and have them filed officially with the Board of Guidance and Counseling, which has a quasi-judicial character in its nature and actions (Article II Sec. 5 (j), (k), (l), (m), (n), and (s) of R.A. No. 9258, OUR Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004). It is high time we act with a sense of courage and honesty rather than irresponsibly and in a base-minded approach. While policing our ranks is a noble act (remember that if the policemen and women don't do their jobs, the thieves will have a grand time! - "if the cat is away...), keeping the 8th Commandment in mind is more proper since it still holds: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbors."
God bless
Friday, October 10, 2008
IPCAP MEETS THE PRC
For the past four days since the Hit Counter was installed, I noticed that from the time I open the blog, there have been consistently TEN readers in the first hour of the day. Whoever you are, thank you for following up matters in this blog. It is my pleasure to do this because the Guidance and Counseling profession in the Philippines is in its initial (baby/infant) phase, and I believe we deserve to start in the right direction. Guidance Counselors are people who are to be trusted, and if we begin this profession on the wrong foot, part of that trust may be in peril.
Last Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Nilo Rosas welcomed us into his office. Present were the IPCAP Board of Trustees who represent their respective organizations in a personal manner: Dr. Rose Llanes, RGC (PGCA), Dr. Elvira Ramos, RGC (CDAP), Dr. Nena Barrera, RGC (PAPSHP), Cesar Cong, RGC (PACC), Avelina L. Mandin, RGC (GCC), Dr. Perlie Polestico (PGCA/FCAP) and Sr. Leticia Allado (RGS). There are currently nine members of the IPCAP Board of Trustees including Mr. James Tan of FPCAP, and Dr. Julian Montano of PACERS. I was there as Secretary of IPCAP and also for PACERS. We were all happy to note that WE ARE ALL PGCA too. We took our oath. We were given the Certificate of Membership. And yes, let this be said again as I said many times in my previous blogs: Thanks to PGCA for its service to the profession.
Dr. Nilo Rosas himself framed the meeting in these words as he welcomed us into his office since the PRC Conference Room was occupied: to thresh out issues and discuss the Guidance and Counseling profession in the Philippines. The first ten minutes appeared to be our rapport building stage, after which Atty. Carlos Almelor was brought in since he is PRC's "institutional memory." Atty. Almelor discussed the points from the legal point of view, being "of legal mind," and the dialogue ensued. Among the points which I specifically underlined included the following: (1) the fact of obliging all RGC’s to be PGCA members, applying surreptitiously the legal stipulation of automatic membership therein despite the fact that PGCA is not the APO but only interim; (2) that we were not consulted about it, and (c) there was no introduction of the organization to us in order for us to make a choice.
One of the questions that was raised was Atty. Almelor's note that the interim APO has "priority" in becoming APO: "just what do you mean by "priority"?" Then he started to note that actually there are three probable directions to go: (a) dissolve all organizations to come up with an APO - to which there was a comment that this is tyrannical and dissolution may not be that simple; (b) elect from among the organizations who shall be the APO. Of course, PGCA is the run-away winner, what with everybody forced in despite the fact that she is not the APO but only interim APO; and the third was forgotten by Dr. Nilo Rosas when he mentioned it at the first ten minutes. This third direction was also not explicitly mentioned, but I bet what you have in mind might be the same as mine.
Sr. Letty went straight to the point, and let me account for it as I still remember: she prefaced it with the thought that it's actually better were we all simple and uneducated because we live within our natural resources, but the moment education comes in, one notes that there are interests involved that clutters the relationships, including the economic and political angles. In simple terms, money and leadership. Leadership becomes that of a clique's but when someone comes in and notices that something is wrong, that person is ostracized and persecuted, talked about negatively (in Tagalog, sinisiraan) to the point that the message conveyed becomes cluttered and muddled. Didn't I remember Jesus alluded to in this statement?
The discussions then went into the conditions of the APO's in the Philippines: that in some professions, there have been organizational conflicts, but resolutions were reached, and that there is a history among organizations which shows the propensity for being found with "hands in the cookie jar," in short financial improprities. Atty. Almelor noted that one of the requirements for an APO to be renewed or accepted is the audited financial report. This thus becomes a very ticklish portion in the process, and yes I prayed that there be no fishy business involved in the process. I hope we uphold professionalism, which the PRC seems to really pursue, hence the renewal of APO-hood every 3 years. IPCAP managed to present its understanding of the situation and the conditions obtaining our present situation.
The one hour and a half meeting ended with a meeting with Dr. Rosas next week where Presidents or their representatives will decide on the mechanics needed to resolve this matter on the APO. Sr. Letty was requested by Dr. Rosas to convene the meeting in the RGS compound.
Evaluating the event, I realize that the PRC officers whom we dialogued with were open and ready to face the truth. At first, they sounded really bent on one side. But after we have presented what we know to be true and objectively substantiated with data, I saw a change in perspective. In fact, if I were to mention this here, Dr. Rosas had even mentioned to Dr. Villar in his meeting with the PGCA Board together with the PRBGC in a hotel here in Manila last week to answer my questions. What was even more interesting was the requirement that organizations tell everything to its members. This is a challenge all of us in organizations will have to practice if we are to remain intact in our integrity and professionalism.
Let me herein suggest that if the planned meeting were to be any fruitful and direct, let all the organizational Presidents or their representatives bring along their respective SEC certificates of incorporation, their Constitution and By-Laws, and their audited reports. In this way, it would be easier to choose, neither because of numbers nor history but because of integrity and consistency, the REAL APO. Let’s face it: PGCA has the numbers which it got albeit in a manner on question at this time, and the history, but maybe without sufficient documentary and consistent integrity. We could have avoided this problem if at the beginning there was honesty and clarity of intentions backed by a solid grounding. No amount of numbers or history will ever suffice to survive if the spirit of professionalism is not there.
Let's pray that the Presidents or their representatives in that meeting think about the bigger majority, i.e., their organization's members, and their Constitutions before they ever commit anything. We have laws that govern us, and authorized people to follow the law, and it is their sworn duty to uphold everyone's well-being.
Last Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Nilo Rosas welcomed us into his office. Present were the IPCAP Board of Trustees who represent their respective organizations in a personal manner: Dr. Rose Llanes, RGC (PGCA), Dr. Elvira Ramos, RGC (CDAP), Dr. Nena Barrera, RGC (PAPSHP), Cesar Cong, RGC (PACC), Avelina L. Mandin, RGC (GCC), Dr. Perlie Polestico (PGCA/FCAP) and Sr. Leticia Allado (RGS). There are currently nine members of the IPCAP Board of Trustees including Mr. James Tan of FPCAP, and Dr. Julian Montano of PACERS. I was there as Secretary of IPCAP and also for PACERS. We were all happy to note that WE ARE ALL PGCA too. We took our oath. We were given the Certificate of Membership. And yes, let this be said again as I said many times in my previous blogs: Thanks to PGCA for its service to the profession.
Dr. Nilo Rosas himself framed the meeting in these words as he welcomed us into his office since the PRC Conference Room was occupied: to thresh out issues and discuss the Guidance and Counseling profession in the Philippines. The first ten minutes appeared to be our rapport building stage, after which Atty. Carlos Almelor was brought in since he is PRC's "institutional memory." Atty. Almelor discussed the points from the legal point of view, being "of legal mind," and the dialogue ensued. Among the points which I specifically underlined included the following: (1) the fact of obliging all RGC’s to be PGCA members, applying surreptitiously the legal stipulation of automatic membership therein despite the fact that PGCA is not the APO but only interim; (2) that we were not consulted about it, and (c) there was no introduction of the organization to us in order for us to make a choice.
One of the questions that was raised was Atty. Almelor's note that the interim APO has "priority" in becoming APO: "just what do you mean by "priority"?" Then he started to note that actually there are three probable directions to go: (a) dissolve all organizations to come up with an APO - to which there was a comment that this is tyrannical and dissolution may not be that simple; (b) elect from among the organizations who shall be the APO. Of course, PGCA is the run-away winner, what with everybody forced in despite the fact that she is not the APO but only interim APO; and the third was forgotten by Dr. Nilo Rosas when he mentioned it at the first ten minutes. This third direction was also not explicitly mentioned, but I bet what you have in mind might be the same as mine.
Sr. Letty went straight to the point, and let me account for it as I still remember: she prefaced it with the thought that it's actually better were we all simple and uneducated because we live within our natural resources, but the moment education comes in, one notes that there are interests involved that clutters the relationships, including the economic and political angles. In simple terms, money and leadership. Leadership becomes that of a clique's but when someone comes in and notices that something is wrong, that person is ostracized and persecuted, talked about negatively (in Tagalog, sinisiraan) to the point that the message conveyed becomes cluttered and muddled. Didn't I remember Jesus alluded to in this statement?
The discussions then went into the conditions of the APO's in the Philippines: that in some professions, there have been organizational conflicts, but resolutions were reached, and that there is a history among organizations which shows the propensity for being found with "hands in the cookie jar," in short financial improprities. Atty. Almelor noted that one of the requirements for an APO to be renewed or accepted is the audited financial report. This thus becomes a very ticklish portion in the process, and yes I prayed that there be no fishy business involved in the process. I hope we uphold professionalism, which the PRC seems to really pursue, hence the renewal of APO-hood every 3 years. IPCAP managed to present its understanding of the situation and the conditions obtaining our present situation.
The one hour and a half meeting ended with a meeting with Dr. Rosas next week where Presidents or their representatives will decide on the mechanics needed to resolve this matter on the APO. Sr. Letty was requested by Dr. Rosas to convene the meeting in the RGS compound.
Evaluating the event, I realize that the PRC officers whom we dialogued with were open and ready to face the truth. At first, they sounded really bent on one side. But after we have presented what we know to be true and objectively substantiated with data, I saw a change in perspective. In fact, if I were to mention this here, Dr. Rosas had even mentioned to Dr. Villar in his meeting with the PGCA Board together with the PRBGC in a hotel here in Manila last week to answer my questions. What was even more interesting was the requirement that organizations tell everything to its members. This is a challenge all of us in organizations will have to practice if we are to remain intact in our integrity and professionalism.
Let me herein suggest that if the planned meeting were to be any fruitful and direct, let all the organizational Presidents or their representatives bring along their respective SEC certificates of incorporation, their Constitution and By-Laws, and their audited reports. In this way, it would be easier to choose, neither because of numbers nor history but because of integrity and consistency, the REAL APO. Let’s face it: PGCA has the numbers which it got albeit in a manner on question at this time, and the history, but maybe without sufficient documentary and consistent integrity. We could have avoided this problem if at the beginning there was honesty and clarity of intentions backed by a solid grounding. No amount of numbers or history will ever suffice to survive if the spirit of professionalism is not there.
Let's pray that the Presidents or their representatives in that meeting think about the bigger majority, i.e., their organization's members, and their Constitutions before they ever commit anything. We have laws that govern us, and authorized people to follow the law, and it is their sworn duty to uphold everyone's well-being.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Letter to PRC Chair Hon. Ret. Justice Nicolas Lapeña Jr.
Right after I finished writing the Minutes of the Meeting of the IPCAP Board of Trustees, I decided to finish my letter to the PRC Chair. We were to have a meeting with Dr. Nilo Rosas at the PRC, hence it was just right that I submit the letter to him and copy furnish the PRBGC. Although I forgot to put in the date of my submission this afternoon, I hope PRC will place that in their logbook since both copies were received today, Oct. 8, 2008. This is a case between ACTIVE PRACTICE vs. ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIP which in no way is required in the law. Do share with fellow Guidance Counselors about this matter so we get ourselves updated about these developments. And let us pray that we get a favorable reply. I believe we who have been helping people need all the help we can get from people who have the ability to help us. Happy reading!
Oct. 8, 2008
Hon. Nicolas Lapeña Jr.
Secretary
Professional Regulations Commission
P. Paredes St., Sampaloc Manila
Dear Hon. Lapeña,
Peace!
I personally write you to seek help for our Guidance and Counseling profession which has been effectively legitimized under Republic Act No. 9258 or the “Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004”, signed into law by the current President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on March 2004. I have myself just taken my oath as registered Guidance Counselor last Sept. 28, 2008 at the Manila Hotel, Teacher’s Day in China as it is also the day when we remember the sage Confucius. I used to work in Christ the King Seminary as Guidance Counselor, teaching psychology subjects there, and handling the admission procedures (test administration, scoring, feedback) of the seminary; I also did counseling and consulting at the Sarnelli Center for Street Children in Baclaran, Parañaque City. At the moment I am based here in Catholic Trade preparing for my dissertation in Counseling Psychology at the De La Salle University. I am a lifetime member of the Philippine Association for Counselor Education, Research and Supervision (PACERS), having served in its Board from 2004-2008, and had served as its President for the past two years (I finished my term already as stipulated in our PACERS Constitution). I am also the Secretary of the Integrated Professional Counselors Association of the Philippines (IPCAP), Inc., a duly SEC-certified professional organization of licensed and registered Guidance Counselors, indorsed by the Professional Regulation Commission for SEC registration. I run a blog named Counseling Psychology in the Philippines (counpsychphil.blogspot.com) which people all over the world have accessed for purposes which they find in it. This letter itself shall be found in the said blog after it shall have been received properly.
At the moment, the Guidance and Counseling profession has no legitimate Accredited Professional Organization (APO) accredited by the PRC. This was evident in the Program distributed to us at the Oath Taking Ceremonies for the 3rd Batch of Licensees under the Grandfather’s Clause or Section 14 of R.A. 9258, and the 1st batch of Guidance and Counseling Board Exam passers. We are aware that the PGCA is the INTERIM APO or IAPO as stipulated in the Rules and Regulations of R.A. No. 9258. However, even this title was not used, further raising questions about the organization’s qualification to be one, which was raised when its former President Dr. Rosa Ma. I. Llanes, RGC went to pay for its APO dues at the PRC sometime last year 2007.
Despite this fact, the PGCA has been the sole provider of the two certificates of Active Membership and Good Moral Character (GMC). I would remember that there were revisions in this matter starting with the 2nd batch. The 1st batch of oath takers under the Grandfather’s Clause were required to attend two PGCA events, one National (either a National Convention or Midyear) and one Local (any PGCA local chapter) and had to register as member, in order to merit the said certificates required in filing at the PRC under the Grandfather’s Clause (Sec. 14) of R.A. No. 9258. For the 2nd and 3rd batches, and even until now, the “local” requirement was reconsidered in such a way that participation in any of the events sponsored by any of the existing Guidance and Counseling (GC)-related organizations, e.g., PACERS (Philippine Association for Counselor Education, Research and Supervision; PACC (Philippine Association for Christian Counseling), CDAP (Career Development Association of the Philippines), etc. may replace the PGCA local chapter event. Certificates of active membership from any of these said organizations, together with membership fee (P500) and certification fee (P100) paid to PGCA were required instead to satisfy the RR’s stipulation, something which may have gone beyond what is basic in complying with the law. For indeed, under what reason or legitimate basis must every Grandfather’s Clause applicant be required to become a member in an organization which has not yet the official documents as the PRC’s Accredited Professional Organization? Sad to say but we missed to raise this question before in our individual efforts to gather our requirements and qualify to be granted the PRC ID as RGC.
Now, in the 4th batch of applicants for the Grandfather’s Clause, touted to be the last batch before the period of the Grandfather’s Clause finally ends on January 26, 2009 (some say it’s March 2, 2009?), many applicants may not be able to satisfy the requirement of attending the PGCA events, much less other GC-related organizations’ sponsored events, thereby closing on them the chances to be licensed under Sec. 14 of the law. This begs the question about the legitimacy of the said requirement, namely that the certificates of active membership and GMC be provided by PGCA which is not the APO.
Reading thoroughly the law gives one the realization that Sec. 14 or the Grandfather’s Clause of R.A. 9258 does not require from practicing and academically-qualified applicants active membership in any organization. Let me cite the pertinent provision herein (my italics):
Article III Sec. 14 of R.A. No. 9258 Registration Without Taking Licensure Examination states: “A person who possesses the pertinent qualifications required for admission in the examination for registration as a guidance counselor pursuant to the provisions of this Act may be registered without examination: Provided, That the applicant files with the Board within two (2) years after its creation, an application for registration and issuance of a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card by submitting credentials showing that the applicant before the effectivity of this Act:
a) Had been doctoral and masters degree holders in Guidance and Counseling with at least three (3) years of teaching experience in Guidance and Counseling courses and/or full-time counseling practice for the same period;
b) Had passed at least eighteen (18) units of Master’s level courses in Guidance and Counseling such as Counseling Techniques/Theories, Organization and Administration of Guidance Services, Tests and Measurements, Group process, Counseling and Career Guidance Counseling; and have at least seven (7) years of experience in counseling work; and
c) Had completed academic requirements for a master’s degree in guidance and counseling and have five (5) years experience as full-time guidance counselors.
I am conscious of the powers, functions, duties and responsibilities of the Board which are stipulated in Article II Sec. 5 of the law. Concededly, among these would include paragraphs (b), (i), (r) and (s). Let me quote them as follows (my italics):
Sec. 5. Powers, Functions, Duties and Responsibilities of the Board. The Professional Regulatory Board shall have the following specific powers, duties and responsibilities:
(b) Determine and evaluate the qualifications of the applicants for registration with or without licensure examinations and for issuance of special permits;
(i) Promulgate …administrative policies, orders and issuances, to carry out the provisions of this Act;
(r) Adopt such measures necessary and proper for the maintenance of high ethical and professional standards in the practice of the profession; and
(s) Perform such other functions and duties as may be necessary to effectively implement this Act.
In applying these said powers, functions, duties and responsibilities of the Board, the PRBGC had not considered the fact that even in Sec. 13, Qualifications for Examinations, no organizational membership is ever required for those who are to take the Board Exams in Guidance and Counseling. None of the above mentioned powers grants the Board the right to omit a portion of the law, namely the beginning of Sec. 14 Article III which alludes to Sec. 13 Article III of R.A. No. 9258. Let me quote in here this said portion of R.A. No. 9258:
Article III Sec. 13. Qualifications for Examinations. In order to qualify for the examination, an applicant must, at the time of filing the application, be:
(a) a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines or a foreigner whose country has reciprocity with the Philippines in the practice of Guidance and Counseling;
(b) has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a competent court; and
(c) holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Guidance and Counseling or in other allied disciplines and a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from an institution in the Philippines or abroad recognized and accredited by the CHED.
I therefore think that the Board of Guidance and Counseling may have therefore acted in such a way that it has interpreted the law to exclude from having their license ACTIVELY PRACTICING AND ACADEMICALLY-QUALIFIED Guidance Counselors who cannot afford (particularly those living in remote areas, poor settings), those who simply had no chance to attend conventions (by will or circumstances), and many others in their particular situations. It is sad to note that the Board of Guidance and Counseling has missed this very essential point of contention evident in Sec. 14 Article III of R.A. No. 9258, namely “A person who possesses the pertinent qualifications required for admission in the examination for registration as a guidance counselor pursuant to the provisions of this Act may be registered without examination.” Does this therefore constitute a violation of the law by way of omission? Herein cited in toto is the particular portion of the Rules and Regulations they implemented 15 days after its publication in the Manila Standard newspaper last Sept, 2007 (my italics):
The Rules and Regulations of R.A. No. 9258 or “RR of R.A. No. 9258” Rule III Sec. 14 Registration Without Examination states: “The Board shall grant to any person who possesses the pertinent qualifications which will be evaluated and approved upon application and payment of the required fees a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card as a Guidance Counselor without taking the Licensure Examination who … possesses the requirements contained in Sec. 14 of R.A. No. 9258, and who qualifies under any of the following three (3) categories:
a. Had been a Doctoral or Masteral degree holder in guidance and counseling with at least three (3) years of teaching experience in guidance and counseling courses and/or full time counseling practice for the same period;
b. Had passed at least eighteen (18) units of Masteral level core courses in guidance counseling such as Counseling Theories, Tools and Techniques, Organization and Administration of Guidance Services, Psychological Tests and Measurement, Group Process/Group Facilitating, and Career Guidance; and have at least seven (7) years of experience in counseling work;
c. Had completed academic requirements for a master’s degree in guidance and counseling and had five (5) years as full-time guidance counselor/part time guidance counselor with officially designated teaching load in guidance and counseling.
The following documents in addition to (a) to (e) enumerated in Sec. 13 hereof (Certificate of Live Birth from the NSO, in Security Paper; Marriage contract from the NSO in Security Paper [for married female applicants]; college diploma with indication therein of graduation date and S.O. number unless it is required; T.O.R with indication therein of date of graduation and S.O. unless the latter is not required; and NBI clearance) shall be submitted in support of the above requirements:
1. Certificate of Good Moral Character from the employer, and two other certifications in his his/her community one of which must be issued by the Barangay Captain/Chairman in the community where the applicant resides or works;
2. Ombudsman and NBI clearance for government employed applicants or NBI clearance for private-employee applicants;
3. A Certificate of Active Membership and Good Moral Character from the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) to be issued by the President and two (2) other officers; and
4. Two (2) copies of Passport size I.D. pictures with name tags.
Those who qualify under any of the foregoing categories shall be given two (2) years starting from the creation of the Board of Guidance and Counseling (January 26, 2007) within which to apply for registration without examination under Sec. 14, Art. III of R.A. No. 9258.
Note again that the conditions set at the beginning of Sec. 14 have been sordidly missed out, making the Board impose a requirement that was not even intended in the law!
Having all these considered, after a phone conversation-cum-consultation with current Board of Guidance and Counseling member Dr. Luz Guzman, 1st RGC of the land, imbued with compassion and spirit of justice for our fellow practicing yet deserving but currently unlicensed Guidance Counselors in the country who desire to follow the law, may I therefore present the following to your Commission’s attention and serious consideration:
1. That this said requirement in the Rules and Regulations (Rule III, Sec. 14 c 3) be lifted, namely A Certificate of Active Membership and Good Moral Character from the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) to be issued by the President and two (2) other officers based on the following reasons:
a. Sec. 14, Article III of R.A. 9258 inheres a certain generosity Grandfathers have in granting the license to those practicing Guidance Counselors who have satisfied the required years of practice and academic requirements. Membership in any organization is nowhere alluded to nor essentially required for getting one’s license and continue one’s professional practice in Guidance and Counseling, nowhere in this pertinent Section, and neither in Sec. 13. What needs to be emphasized here, which the Grandfather’s Clause aims to affirm and support is ACTIVE PRACTICE and not organizational membership, something definitely not essential in qualifying to take Board Exams. While the first portion of Sec. 14 has been missed out, the above mentioned requirement has not been deliberated by the Board in consultation with other GC-related organizations and their members. This may be understandably so since both (including the former late Chair Dr. Rhodelia L. Gabriel) members in the current Board of Guidance and Counseling are lifetime members of PGCA. We would have wanted to see a more consultative Board whom the organizations and their members have access to and may consult with. I just happen to be at the IPCAP deliberations where Drs. Gabriel and Guzman were regular participants upon invitation.
b. The qualified applicant actually already carries with him/her other certificates of good moral character as stipulated in the RR: from one’s employer, parish priest priest (pastor and imam referred here), and one’s barangay Chairperson. The Ombudsman and NBI certificates are also requirements to prove one’s good moral standing in the community, work and faith/religion affiliation. This added requirement may actually be redundant while sometimes viewed as a fund-raising strategy.
c. The PGCA is not the legitimate APO, and for whatever unknown reason appears to refuse to use the title INTERIM APO the RR has granted it. Even at this period of interregnum, or interim period, the designated organization’s roles and functions appear to have been assumed rather than discussed and agreed among other organizations. This favoritism lurking under the “franchise” granted to PGCA to give this redundant document may have actually kept those deserving PRACTICING and ACADEMICALLY-QUALIFIED Guidance Counselors from getting their licenses for many reasons the law says nothing against. Shall the Board of Guidance and Counseling then expend its energies after the interregnum period in chasing and accusing before the courts of the land these said unlicensed but reliable Guidance Counselors who may have lost their chance while there was chance?
2. That the other, more reliable certifications of good moral character from the applicant’s Employer, Religious Leader and Barangay Chair, vis-à-vis the Ombudsman (for government-affiliated applicants only) and NBI certificates stand as sufficient requirements to show one’s good moral standing in the community, Church or religious affiliation, and employment in the country.
3. After the PRC may have decided, convinced of the palpability of the above reasons and the second matter above, and specially because of the emergency status in the law’s implementation, let the Guidance Counselors and Guidance Counseling-related organizations then be informed about whatever changes or rational arrangements the PRBGC and the PRC may deem right to be done. We at IPCAP are willing to help in disseminating and communicating your lawful decision.
Hon. Secretary Lapeña, the Guidance and Counseling profession is urgently in need of your action on this communication. We are grateful to your serious consideration prayed for so sincerely in this letter. May God bless you and your fellow Commissioners. I remain sincerely yours
In the Divine Word,
Sgd Fr. Bernardo R. Collera, SVD RGC
IPCAP Secretary
Cc: PRBGC, IPCAP files and other organizations on request (blogged in counpsychphil.blogspot.com)
Oct. 8, 2008
Hon. Nicolas Lapeña Jr.
Secretary
Professional Regulations Commission
P. Paredes St., Sampaloc Manila
Dear Hon. Lapeña,
Peace!
I personally write you to seek help for our Guidance and Counseling profession which has been effectively legitimized under Republic Act No. 9258 or the “Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004”, signed into law by the current President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on March 2004. I have myself just taken my oath as registered Guidance Counselor last Sept. 28, 2008 at the Manila Hotel, Teacher’s Day in China as it is also the day when we remember the sage Confucius. I used to work in Christ the King Seminary as Guidance Counselor, teaching psychology subjects there, and handling the admission procedures (test administration, scoring, feedback) of the seminary; I also did counseling and consulting at the Sarnelli Center for Street Children in Baclaran, Parañaque City. At the moment I am based here in Catholic Trade preparing for my dissertation in Counseling Psychology at the De La Salle University. I am a lifetime member of the Philippine Association for Counselor Education, Research and Supervision (PACERS), having served in its Board from 2004-2008, and had served as its President for the past two years (I finished my term already as stipulated in our PACERS Constitution). I am also the Secretary of the Integrated Professional Counselors Association of the Philippines (IPCAP), Inc., a duly SEC-certified professional organization of licensed and registered Guidance Counselors, indorsed by the Professional Regulation Commission for SEC registration. I run a blog named Counseling Psychology in the Philippines (counpsychphil.blogspot.com) which people all over the world have accessed for purposes which they find in it. This letter itself shall be found in the said blog after it shall have been received properly.
At the moment, the Guidance and Counseling profession has no legitimate Accredited Professional Organization (APO) accredited by the PRC. This was evident in the Program distributed to us at the Oath Taking Ceremonies for the 3rd Batch of Licensees under the Grandfather’s Clause or Section 14 of R.A. 9258, and the 1st batch of Guidance and Counseling Board Exam passers. We are aware that the PGCA is the INTERIM APO or IAPO as stipulated in the Rules and Regulations of R.A. No. 9258. However, even this title was not used, further raising questions about the organization’s qualification to be one, which was raised when its former President Dr. Rosa Ma. I. Llanes, RGC went to pay for its APO dues at the PRC sometime last year 2007.
Despite this fact, the PGCA has been the sole provider of the two certificates of Active Membership and Good Moral Character (GMC). I would remember that there were revisions in this matter starting with the 2nd batch. The 1st batch of oath takers under the Grandfather’s Clause were required to attend two PGCA events, one National (either a National Convention or Midyear) and one Local (any PGCA local chapter) and had to register as member, in order to merit the said certificates required in filing at the PRC under the Grandfather’s Clause (Sec. 14) of R.A. No. 9258. For the 2nd and 3rd batches, and even until now, the “local” requirement was reconsidered in such a way that participation in any of the events sponsored by any of the existing Guidance and Counseling (GC)-related organizations, e.g., PACERS (Philippine Association for Counselor Education, Research and Supervision; PACC (Philippine Association for Christian Counseling), CDAP (Career Development Association of the Philippines), etc. may replace the PGCA local chapter event. Certificates of active membership from any of these said organizations, together with membership fee (P500) and certification fee (P100) paid to PGCA were required instead to satisfy the RR’s stipulation, something which may have gone beyond what is basic in complying with the law. For indeed, under what reason or legitimate basis must every Grandfather’s Clause applicant be required to become a member in an organization which has not yet the official documents as the PRC’s Accredited Professional Organization? Sad to say but we missed to raise this question before in our individual efforts to gather our requirements and qualify to be granted the PRC ID as RGC.
Now, in the 4th batch of applicants for the Grandfather’s Clause, touted to be the last batch before the period of the Grandfather’s Clause finally ends on January 26, 2009 (some say it’s March 2, 2009?), many applicants may not be able to satisfy the requirement of attending the PGCA events, much less other GC-related organizations’ sponsored events, thereby closing on them the chances to be licensed under Sec. 14 of the law. This begs the question about the legitimacy of the said requirement, namely that the certificates of active membership and GMC be provided by PGCA which is not the APO.
Reading thoroughly the law gives one the realization that Sec. 14 or the Grandfather’s Clause of R.A. 9258 does not require from practicing and academically-qualified applicants active membership in any organization. Let me cite the pertinent provision herein (my italics):
Article III Sec. 14 of R.A. No. 9258 Registration Without Taking Licensure Examination states: “A person who possesses the pertinent qualifications required for admission in the examination for registration as a guidance counselor pursuant to the provisions of this Act may be registered without examination: Provided, That the applicant files with the Board within two (2) years after its creation, an application for registration and issuance of a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card by submitting credentials showing that the applicant before the effectivity of this Act:
a) Had been doctoral and masters degree holders in Guidance and Counseling with at least three (3) years of teaching experience in Guidance and Counseling courses and/or full-time counseling practice for the same period;
b) Had passed at least eighteen (18) units of Master’s level courses in Guidance and Counseling such as Counseling Techniques/Theories, Organization and Administration of Guidance Services, Tests and Measurements, Group process, Counseling and Career Guidance Counseling; and have at least seven (7) years of experience in counseling work; and
c) Had completed academic requirements for a master’s degree in guidance and counseling and have five (5) years experience as full-time guidance counselors.
I am conscious of the powers, functions, duties and responsibilities of the Board which are stipulated in Article II Sec. 5 of the law. Concededly, among these would include paragraphs (b), (i), (r) and (s). Let me quote them as follows (my italics):
Sec. 5. Powers, Functions, Duties and Responsibilities of the Board. The Professional Regulatory Board shall have the following specific powers, duties and responsibilities:
(b) Determine and evaluate the qualifications of the applicants for registration with or without licensure examinations and for issuance of special permits;
(i) Promulgate …administrative policies, orders and issuances, to carry out the provisions of this Act;
(r) Adopt such measures necessary and proper for the maintenance of high ethical and professional standards in the practice of the profession; and
(s) Perform such other functions and duties as may be necessary to effectively implement this Act.
In applying these said powers, functions, duties and responsibilities of the Board, the PRBGC had not considered the fact that even in Sec. 13, Qualifications for Examinations, no organizational membership is ever required for those who are to take the Board Exams in Guidance and Counseling. None of the above mentioned powers grants the Board the right to omit a portion of the law, namely the beginning of Sec. 14 Article III which alludes to Sec. 13 Article III of R.A. No. 9258. Let me quote in here this said portion of R.A. No. 9258:
Article III Sec. 13. Qualifications for Examinations. In order to qualify for the examination, an applicant must, at the time of filing the application, be:
(a) a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines or a foreigner whose country has reciprocity with the Philippines in the practice of Guidance and Counseling;
(b) has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a competent court; and
(c) holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Guidance and Counseling or in other allied disciplines and a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from an institution in the Philippines or abroad recognized and accredited by the CHED.
I therefore think that the Board of Guidance and Counseling may have therefore acted in such a way that it has interpreted the law to exclude from having their license ACTIVELY PRACTICING AND ACADEMICALLY-QUALIFIED Guidance Counselors who cannot afford (particularly those living in remote areas, poor settings), those who simply had no chance to attend conventions (by will or circumstances), and many others in their particular situations. It is sad to note that the Board of Guidance and Counseling has missed this very essential point of contention evident in Sec. 14 Article III of R.A. No. 9258, namely “A person who possesses the pertinent qualifications required for admission in the examination for registration as a guidance counselor pursuant to the provisions of this Act may be registered without examination.” Does this therefore constitute a violation of the law by way of omission? Herein cited in toto is the particular portion of the Rules and Regulations they implemented 15 days after its publication in the Manila Standard newspaper last Sept, 2007 (my italics):
The Rules and Regulations of R.A. No. 9258 or “RR of R.A. No. 9258” Rule III Sec. 14 Registration Without Examination states: “The Board shall grant to any person who possesses the pertinent qualifications which will be evaluated and approved upon application and payment of the required fees a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card as a Guidance Counselor without taking the Licensure Examination who … possesses the requirements contained in Sec. 14 of R.A. No. 9258, and who qualifies under any of the following three (3) categories:
a. Had been a Doctoral or Masteral degree holder in guidance and counseling with at least three (3) years of teaching experience in guidance and counseling courses and/or full time counseling practice for the same period;
b. Had passed at least eighteen (18) units of Masteral level core courses in guidance counseling such as Counseling Theories, Tools and Techniques, Organization and Administration of Guidance Services, Psychological Tests and Measurement, Group Process/Group Facilitating, and Career Guidance; and have at least seven (7) years of experience in counseling work;
c. Had completed academic requirements for a master’s degree in guidance and counseling and had five (5) years as full-time guidance counselor/part time guidance counselor with officially designated teaching load in guidance and counseling.
The following documents in addition to (a) to (e) enumerated in Sec. 13 hereof (Certificate of Live Birth from the NSO, in Security Paper; Marriage contract from the NSO in Security Paper [for married female applicants]; college diploma with indication therein of graduation date and S.O. number unless it is required; T.O.R with indication therein of date of graduation and S.O. unless the latter is not required; and NBI clearance) shall be submitted in support of the above requirements:
1. Certificate of Good Moral Character from the employer, and two other certifications in his his/her community one of which must be issued by the Barangay Captain/Chairman in the community where the applicant resides or works;
2. Ombudsman and NBI clearance for government employed applicants or NBI clearance for private-employee applicants;
3. A Certificate of Active Membership and Good Moral Character from the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) to be issued by the President and two (2) other officers; and
4. Two (2) copies of Passport size I.D. pictures with name tags.
Those who qualify under any of the foregoing categories shall be given two (2) years starting from the creation of the Board of Guidance and Counseling (January 26, 2007) within which to apply for registration without examination under Sec. 14, Art. III of R.A. No. 9258.
Note again that the conditions set at the beginning of Sec. 14 have been sordidly missed out, making the Board impose a requirement that was not even intended in the law!
Having all these considered, after a phone conversation-cum-consultation with current Board of Guidance and Counseling member Dr. Luz Guzman, 1st RGC of the land, imbued with compassion and spirit of justice for our fellow practicing yet deserving but currently unlicensed Guidance Counselors in the country who desire to follow the law, may I therefore present the following to your Commission’s attention and serious consideration:
1. That this said requirement in the Rules and Regulations (Rule III, Sec. 14 c 3) be lifted, namely A Certificate of Active Membership and Good Moral Character from the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) to be issued by the President and two (2) other officers based on the following reasons:
a. Sec. 14, Article III of R.A. 9258 inheres a certain generosity Grandfathers have in granting the license to those practicing Guidance Counselors who have satisfied the required years of practice and academic requirements. Membership in any organization is nowhere alluded to nor essentially required for getting one’s license and continue one’s professional practice in Guidance and Counseling, nowhere in this pertinent Section, and neither in Sec. 13. What needs to be emphasized here, which the Grandfather’s Clause aims to affirm and support is ACTIVE PRACTICE and not organizational membership, something definitely not essential in qualifying to take Board Exams. While the first portion of Sec. 14 has been missed out, the above mentioned requirement has not been deliberated by the Board in consultation with other GC-related organizations and their members. This may be understandably so since both (including the former late Chair Dr. Rhodelia L. Gabriel) members in the current Board of Guidance and Counseling are lifetime members of PGCA. We would have wanted to see a more consultative Board whom the organizations and their members have access to and may consult with. I just happen to be at the IPCAP deliberations where Drs. Gabriel and Guzman were regular participants upon invitation.
b. The qualified applicant actually already carries with him/her other certificates of good moral character as stipulated in the RR: from one’s employer, parish priest priest (pastor and imam referred here), and one’s barangay Chairperson. The Ombudsman and NBI certificates are also requirements to prove one’s good moral standing in the community, work and faith/religion affiliation. This added requirement may actually be redundant while sometimes viewed as a fund-raising strategy.
c. The PGCA is not the legitimate APO, and for whatever unknown reason appears to refuse to use the title INTERIM APO the RR has granted it. Even at this period of interregnum, or interim period, the designated organization’s roles and functions appear to have been assumed rather than discussed and agreed among other organizations. This favoritism lurking under the “franchise” granted to PGCA to give this redundant document may have actually kept those deserving PRACTICING and ACADEMICALLY-QUALIFIED Guidance Counselors from getting their licenses for many reasons the law says nothing against. Shall the Board of Guidance and Counseling then expend its energies after the interregnum period in chasing and accusing before the courts of the land these said unlicensed but reliable Guidance Counselors who may have lost their chance while there was chance?
2. That the other, more reliable certifications of good moral character from the applicant’s Employer, Religious Leader and Barangay Chair, vis-à-vis the Ombudsman (for government-affiliated applicants only) and NBI certificates stand as sufficient requirements to show one’s good moral standing in the community, Church or religious affiliation, and employment in the country.
3. After the PRC may have decided, convinced of the palpability of the above reasons and the second matter above, and specially because of the emergency status in the law’s implementation, let the Guidance Counselors and Guidance Counseling-related organizations then be informed about whatever changes or rational arrangements the PRBGC and the PRC may deem right to be done. We at IPCAP are willing to help in disseminating and communicating your lawful decision.
Hon. Secretary Lapeña, the Guidance and Counseling profession is urgently in need of your action on this communication. We are grateful to your serious consideration prayed for so sincerely in this letter. May God bless you and your fellow Commissioners. I remain sincerely yours
In the Divine Word,
Sgd Fr. Bernardo R. Collera, SVD RGC
IPCAP Secretary
Cc: PRBGC, IPCAP files and other organizations on request (blogged in counpsychphil.blogspot.com)
On the Feedjit Traffic Monitor & Hit Counter
I accessed this blog in another computer, checked the Feedjit Live Traffic Map, and lo and behold: everyone has a device to know where this blog gets read! One even gets to know what portions of the blog have been read so far, or have been accessed repeatedly. Thanks talaga to the IPCAP member who introduced me this technological wonder which gives everyone the chance to see for oneself the evidences, so to say, indeed a self-help to overcoming one's doubts and answering one's questions. It's even possible to literally locate oneself. Of course there is a certain level where the system tells you its limitations, like showing you inside a room in front of your computer.
How do you do that?
1. At the right side of this blog is the Feedjit Live Traffic Map (saw that?). Under it is a map with red dots. The box even writes "Recent Visitors".
2. Follow the instruction "Click the Map to zoom in," (your cursor will indicate so, then you'll be brought into a zoomed world map where you'll see the flags indicating that this blog has been accessed/visited there.
3. You may further zoom in by just clicking the + in the scale at the upper left of the map (nakita mo ba?) or zoom out by clicking the - at the lower end. These show you on a clearer manner where the reader is actually located.
4. At the upper right side of the map are three words: MAP, SATELLITE and HYBRID. Click the Satellite and you'll be seen an areal view, zoom in to get closer, zoom out if limitation is reached. The Hybrid combines the features of the map and the Satellite picture. One gets to see the street name where the flag is. This is what I mean by literally getting to know who is visiting this site, or your site later.
4. The cursor arrows above the + sign indicate the possible directions you can go. Use it to find the place you may want to go. When you point your cursor, it will show you "Pan Down," "Pan Up," "Pan Left," "Pan Right" and the map will move as you direct it with your cursor.
5. If you want to know what have been read, click the flag and the list will be given to you. Those in blue indicate that it has been read once. If the underlined topic is in red, chances are it has been accessed again. Clicking those words in line will bring you to the actual portion of this blog which was read, and that line of words will be read all the time since you have accessed it yourself with your action.
Actually, if you are familiar with maps when you travel, this one is very much like that. You even get to see the streets where the reader is on.
Just to note the first observations, there were visitors from the following four countries last Monday: UAE (Dubai), Hongkong, Japan and the Philippines. Japan showed two flags, hence two sites then. Within the same day, two more were added. On the second day, visitors from the US, UK, Thailand, Malaysia, Ivory Coast and Australia accessed the site. There were only four flags in the US Map. Today Oct. 8, 2008 there are already five, as Canada came in and Indonesia. Welcome. Thank you for the visit.
The Hit Counter
The number you see in the Hit Counter Box indicates the number of times this site has been visited since it was installed last Oct. 6, 2008. Hence, it may not show the number of loyal followers of this blog (or your blog or site in case you may want to download this technology there).
There was the suggestion that it show the actual number of visitors by using the "tag every unique user," meaning every time someone new comes in. I think the Feedjit Live Traffic Map should suffice for now. At least one gets to know where the visitor comes from. Welcome po!
As I discovered this, I thought maybe there may be literally a communication going on among people, in the likes of: "Check mo 'tong blog na 'to: counpsychphil.blogspot.com may bagay na dapat tayong malaman..." It may even be verbally done, in offices, schools, industry. Literally, as long as your computer is on the site, you can easily access it.
Now I know that people know something. Hope we do something. We at IPCAP are doing something, and we shall communicate to you what we think and need to do. Yes, all RGC's are invited to apply for membership. We are scheduling an event for the whole country starting this November, so please brace up for these events. We have considered the situation of the Counselors and would want to ensure we don't have to overspend or spend unnecessarily. So, there you are.
Yes, if you have anything to share with me, don't worry because if ever I blog your ideas, your name remains only for you and me, but your thoughts become a pool for others to consider. Your criticisms and observations are welcome. No one is perfect and we all can learn from one another. Please feel free. God bless
How do you do that?
1. At the right side of this blog is the Feedjit Live Traffic Map (saw that?). Under it is a map with red dots. The box even writes "Recent Visitors".
2. Follow the instruction "Click the Map to zoom in," (your cursor will indicate so, then you'll be brought into a zoomed world map where you'll see the flags indicating that this blog has been accessed/visited there.
3. You may further zoom in by just clicking the + in the scale at the upper left of the map (nakita mo ba?) or zoom out by clicking the - at the lower end. These show you on a clearer manner where the reader is actually located.
4. At the upper right side of the map are three words: MAP, SATELLITE and HYBRID. Click the Satellite and you'll be seen an areal view, zoom in to get closer, zoom out if limitation is reached. The Hybrid combines the features of the map and the Satellite picture. One gets to see the street name where the flag is. This is what I mean by literally getting to know who is visiting this site, or your site later.
4. The cursor arrows above the + sign indicate the possible directions you can go. Use it to find the place you may want to go. When you point your cursor, it will show you "Pan Down," "Pan Up," "Pan Left," "Pan Right" and the map will move as you direct it with your cursor.
5. If you want to know what have been read, click the flag and the list will be given to you. Those in blue indicate that it has been read once. If the underlined topic is in red, chances are it has been accessed again. Clicking those words in line will bring you to the actual portion of this blog which was read, and that line of words will be read all the time since you have accessed it yourself with your action.
Actually, if you are familiar with maps when you travel, this one is very much like that. You even get to see the streets where the reader is on.
Just to note the first observations, there were visitors from the following four countries last Monday: UAE (Dubai), Hongkong, Japan and the Philippines. Japan showed two flags, hence two sites then. Within the same day, two more were added. On the second day, visitors from the US, UK, Thailand, Malaysia, Ivory Coast and Australia accessed the site. There were only four flags in the US Map. Today Oct. 8, 2008 there are already five, as Canada came in and Indonesia. Welcome. Thank you for the visit.
The Hit Counter
The number you see in the Hit Counter Box indicates the number of times this site has been visited since it was installed last Oct. 6, 2008. Hence, it may not show the number of loyal followers of this blog (or your blog or site in case you may want to download this technology there).
There was the suggestion that it show the actual number of visitors by using the "tag every unique user," meaning every time someone new comes in. I think the Feedjit Live Traffic Map should suffice for now. At least one gets to know where the visitor comes from. Welcome po!
As I discovered this, I thought maybe there may be literally a communication going on among people, in the likes of: "Check mo 'tong blog na 'to: counpsychphil.blogspot.com may bagay na dapat tayong malaman..." It may even be verbally done, in offices, schools, industry. Literally, as long as your computer is on the site, you can easily access it.
Now I know that people know something. Hope we do something. We at IPCAP are doing something, and we shall communicate to you what we think and need to do. Yes, all RGC's are invited to apply for membership. We are scheduling an event for the whole country starting this November, so please brace up for these events. We have considered the situation of the Counselors and would want to ensure we don't have to overspend or spend unnecessarily. So, there you are.
Yes, if you have anything to share with me, don't worry because if ever I blog your ideas, your name remains only for you and me, but your thoughts become a pool for others to consider. Your criticisms and observations are welcome. No one is perfect and we all can learn from one another. Please feel free. God bless
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