Those Nagging Questions

1. May A non-Registered Guidance Counselor attend the IPCAP Convention in Cebu?

I just received a phone call half an hour ago from a PGCA member inquiring:

Caller: Father, I am a PGCA member but I am not a Registered Guidance Counselor. May I attend the IPCAP Convention in Cebu?

Me: Oh yes. The IPCAP Convention is not simply for the Registered Guidance Counselors. It is for ALL STAKEHOLDERS of THE PROFESSION.

Caller: Thank you Father. Akala ko only for the RGCs talaga yan.

Me: Yah, I admit that was the observation in Dumaguete as well. There were those who had wanted to attend. However, they were not allowed by their superiors because of the same observation that this was only for the RGC's. Upon reconsideration, we decided to STATE PLAINLY: the IPCAP national Convention in Cebu is OPEN TO ALL WHO HAVE A STAKE IN THE GUIDANCE and COUNSELING PROFESSION. So please feel free to come.

Caller: Thank you Father. I was concerned baka sipain ako.

Me: Hahaha. Whoever gave you such a comment is mistaken. 1st, let it be clear though that IPCAP membership is reserved for those who have the PRC ID. That is something the organization is for. However, our activities are for those who would like to be informed about "post-RA 9258 conditions" of the GC profession, and further honed in their knowledge and skills because we have workshops and even lecture series.

Caller: That's interesting Father because I am a psychotherapist, but lack Guidance units. Kaya hindi na ako nagpa-license. May kilala nga ako na may lisensya pero di naman niya alam kung anong gagawin niya afterwards.

Me: Well, kinuha niya, panindigan niya ang lisensya na yan. As for you, there is still the Psychology Bill which I will be talking about in tandem with RA 9258 in our lecture series for the next two days. So, don't feel hopeless.

Caller: Father, paano pag wala akong lisensya? Pwede pa din kaya?

Me: Well, for me, the law is clear. Nasa nagpapatupad na yan kung talagang i-aaply nila yan. Pag nadakip ka o may nagreport sa iyo, what can you do? Ano defense mo?

Caller: Oo nga Father. Anyway, that has been my work for a long time now, so let's see na lang.

Me: Well, please email me about yourself and your specialty because I've been having emails requesting for referral for professional services.

Caller: O sige, Father, will do that. Thanks Father. See you in Cebu.

So I hope this nagging question #1 is answered VERY VERY CLEARLY.

In fact, pre-registration is now ongoing and I have been busy receiving and printing the pre-registration forms and deposit slips of our pre-registrants so the Official Receipt will be made ready by our Treasurer. This will also let us prepare the number of kits for the participants. So, those who Pre-registered will be given priority. Pre-Registration Period or EARLY Bird is only until March 5, 2009. Baka may gustong humirit diyan ng March 6.

In fact, I received a text inquiry IS IT POSSIBLE TO PAY BY POSTAL MONEY ORDER? I first inquired with the Treasurer, who replied that he is not familiar with this system. My reply to the inquirer who had no BDO in her place was:

Go ahead, send your Postal Money Order addressed to

IPCAP c/o Fr. Bernardo R. Collera, SVD
IPCAP Secretary
Catholic Trade Bldg,
1916 Oroquieta cor Tayuman Sts.
Sta. Cruz, 1099 Manila

Text me when you have done that, and bring your deposit slip when you come to Cebu. Email also your Pre-registration Form as well as scan the deposit slip if you have the facility and email that scanned document.

The CHED and DepEd endorsements are also ready. I can email them upon request.


2. MAY NEXT BATCH PA BA NG OATH TAKING FOR LICENSURE UNDER THE GRANDFATHER'S CLAUSE?

To answer this question, I'd like to quote Kuting (remember the one who informed us about the complete list of those who passed for the Grandfather's Clause and scheduled for oath taking last March 1, 2009?) who texted me this:

"Good afternoon po. Just to share with you, I called up PRC and was able to talk to Ms Let Marcelo. She said that there's no need to worry for those who were not included in the 4th batch because most of the docs from regional PRC offices and those who submitted last Jan. has not been evaluated yet by the PRB and the PRC. There will be another oath taking according to her on May 10 po...Salamat po..."

So, malinaw po. The message is still in my mobile phone, saved para may basehan tayo. You are free though to call PRC yourself: (02) 314-0018. Let us know what you were told. Thanks and God bless.

3. Father, di pa ba pwede mag-asawa ang pari?

Nagging question talaga! haha