Requirements for PGCA Good Moral Certificate

I have received the following letter and made inquiries to answer the point raised. Here it is:

"Dear Sir,
Good day... since the deadline of filing for non-examination will be in January 29, 2009. my concern is certificate of active membership and good moral character from APO. I don't think i can possibly secure since PACERS convention is set in September. there will 4 months left until deadline comes in January. To be an active member is one of the requirements. pls inform me the best thing to do."

My response:

I am assuming that you must have read the blog and the requirements, and therefore may be looking for a clearer list of requirements for the PGCA good moral character certificate. You will need the following certificates (3 lahat)- 1 from your barangay captain, 1 from your pastor or parish priest, 1 from your employer, all acclaiming your good moral character.

According to Ms. Malou Chavez, "Every applicant needs to have attended 1 PGCA National Convention or Midyear (which in this year will be held sometime October 2008), and 1 local, meaning PGCA Chapter or any counseling-related organization event like PACERS' Midyear Workshops in Cebu on Sept. 4-5 - please see my blog for more inofrmation. (With these certificates of attendance) You will need to pay the membership fee of P500, + P100 for the APO Good Moral Certificate. Isabay mo na lahat when you attend the PGCA Midyear in October. PGCA should have people involved in this.

"All the best. Hope you have in the meantime accomplished or collated your other requirements which you may submit at the Regional Office of PRC. There is an application paper at the PRC Regional (I believe so) which you need to fill in and accomplish (and attach your documents to this application paper). If you don't have or can't get in your PRC Regional Office, let me know so that I can ask PACERS to bring along copies of the PRC Application for those who may need it will be able to get it during the Cebu Midyear 2008).

I hope this response has answered your questions. I shall be posting your message (sans your name) in my blog so that others may find the answer. Thanks and God bless. Take care."

The response I gave above I have inquired from Ms. Malou Chavez of PGCA (Secretary), and PRC. For more information, please contact PRC at (02) 314-0018. All the best and God bless.

First Board Exam for Guidance & Counseling Set

The June 22, 2008 Sunday publication of the Manila Bulletin published a news from the Professional Regulation Commission setting the first board exams for Guidance and Counseling. I am copying it verbatim, I was hoping to find the link so you can go to the site yourself and see it, however, the archives section of the Manila Bulletin of June 22, 2008 hasn't one. One of those whom I texted about the news replied to me that indeed the news is there. So, you can go get the paper to read it for yourself. Here it is nevertheless (my highlights):

“The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced the holding of the first written Guidance and Counseling Licensure Examination on Aug. 21 and 22 to give enough time for information dissemination of the examination syllabi and to allow the graduating students of the second semester of 2007-2008 and summer 2008 to take the examination.

“The qualification requirements for the written examination are Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree in Guidance and Counseling; Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree in Allied Disciplines with core subjects in Guidance.

“The examinee should also have units in the following subjects: Philosophical, Psychological and Sociological Foundations of Guidance; Counseling Theories, Tools and Techniques; Psychological Testing; Organization, Administration and Supervision of Guidance Services and Program Development; Group Process or Group Guidance; and Career Guidance or Occupational or Vocational Guidance.

“Applicants should submit several documents with their application. These are National Statistics Office Birth Certificate in security paper, NSO Marriage Certificate in security paper, Transcript of Records with scanned picture and remarks “For Board Examination Purposes Only,” NBI Clearance; four colored passport-size picture with complete nametag; and examination fee of P900.”

Now this is history taking place. All the best to everyone. God bless

PACERS Midyear Workshops 2008

This year's Midyear Workshops of the Philippine Association for Counselor Education, Research & Supervision (PACERS) is scheduled on Sept. 4 & 5, 2008 at the Crown Plaza, Cebu City. Their theme is a carry-over of the National Convention last February 2008: "Nurturing A Research Culture in the Counseling Profession." There will be four workshops of which every participant may be able to attend two since each concurrent workshop is for a day.

For more information you may email berngu721@gmail.com or estanislaos@dlsu.edu.ph or call (02) 536-0226. For those who are applying for their license to practice Guidance & Counseling under the Grandfather's Clause of RA 9258 (please see my previous blog entry on the RA), attendance in these workshops counts as one local organization participation required primarily to get the PGCA Certificate of Good Moral Character from Dr. Lucy Bance, current PGCA Treasurer. The Grandfather's Clause will end in January 2009. Hurry while there are opportunities.

God bless and all the best to my colleagues.

What's UP with IPCAP?

There have been two batches of Counselors now who took their oath and were given their license to practice Guidance and Counseling in the country. As announced in my previous blog entry, there is a third batch whose deadline for submission of application is AUG. 08, 2008, the second Friday of the month of August. Dr. Emy Villar, the President-elect of PGCA after the May 14-16, 2008 National Convention, and one of the Incorporators of IPCAP has asked for a meeting of IPCAP which she suggested to call off just a few minutes ago this morning June 18, 2008 (about 9:15AM). She echoed to me the concerns about IPCAP. In fact, she mentioned that at the oath-taking, those who took the oath were issued certificates of membership to PGCA, then interim APO while in fact there is NO PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION yet ACCREDITED by PRC! Where is IPCAP and what's up with IPCAP?

The Integrated Professional Counselors Association of the Philippines, (IPCAP) Inc. is currently being registered with SEC. Cesar Cong of PACC, elected IPCAP Treasurer and myself of PACERS, elected IPCAP Secretary have reserved our company name at SEC and forwarded the SEC endorsement to PRC for comment and endorsement as APO, all in compliance with the set requirements of RA 9258. We are following up on this. Developments will be posted here and will be officially texted to all concerned, particularly the Incorporators and those who need to be involved.

There have been questions about IPCAP being formulated/constituted by non-licensed members. As an organization, it was through the PGCA President Dr. Rose Llanes' initiative that counseling-related organizations' representatives came and formed this group (please read previous entries in this blog). We have elected the officers of IPCAP. Our main task is to ensure its registration as a legitimate professional organization of Guidance Counselors. IPCAP is not just one of those counseling-related groups. We came together in view of the requirements of RA9258. Hence if ever we are officers of IPCAP, we have actually only constituted ourselves as the incorporators of IPCAP, and not its members. The membership of IPCAP is stipulated in RA 9258, Article III, Section 21. No one among the Incorporators may aggrandize unto oneself IPCAP membership sans the license granted by PRC, a sine qua non for membership. Hence, those among the incorporators who are not licensed may not become a member of IPCAP simply because the license is the sole indicator of being a professional Guidance Counselor. At least they have done their part to form this group for the good of the profession of Guidance and Counseling in the Philippines.

There has been formulated an IPCAP Constitution. It can be a working document for the first official meeting after SEC shall have granted IPCAP its official papers. Only after that meeting shall it be submitted to SEC, and its formulation shall then have been duly made by licensed Guidance Counselors.

What thus awaits us at this time are the following things to be achieved:
1. First official IPCAP meeting - to be called by the current officership in order to set up its legitimate structure. SEC's Form 9, a proforma for all non-stock corporations is currently being followed. It is really a must that currently licensed Guidance Counselors show up at this meeting, for we are obliged for ourselves and our posterity, and for the country.

2. Draft its Official IPCAP Constitution - we may use the one formulated while we were being organized and constituted as a working draft. As a regular step, ratification by the membership shall make it official, and for submission to SEC and PRC.

3. Determine its activities and functions for the development of the profession and its practitioners.

Questions including the following I'd like to share my thoughts on:

A. What took us this long?

- PGCA has been the interim APO since RA 9258 was signed in 2004; however, there are problems in the organization which keep it from being accredited by PRC! Among those that I know involve official acts that need to be done in view of documentary requirements. We are well aware of the current situation PGCA is in! These acts require a miracle - first of all humility of those involved, as well as organizational restructuring that will take time (and millions!) before PGCA can ever be accredited. Like other counseling-related organizations, PGCA has members who cannot be licensed simply because they may not have satisfied RA 9258. PGCA had 3 years as interim APO, and that time is now passe. Meanwhile, IPCAP was organized last February 4, 2006, not to be a federation of Counseling-related organizations but in fulfillment of what RA 9258 had stipulated. With IPCAP now organized, complete with the steps necessary to solidify itself, we pray that the current steps be blessed by God and work as APO.

B. What about those who paid to PGCA, thinking that it was the APO?

- Actually, this financial matter can be resolved easily. PGCA has already granted IPCAP through a Board Resolution last year its seed money of P50K, duly deposited in the bank and managed currently by licensed Counselors. Besides, whatever may have been paid to PGCA as APO may be forwarded to IPCAP after it shall have been granted its official status. PGCA in the meantime shall have been earning the interests which should be left with the organization as a token of sincere gratitude.

C. How about the other Counseling-related organizations? How are these orgs in relation to and will be affected with the organization and accreditation of IPCAP?
- There are current serious concerns about the life of these organizations. The current economic state of the country, including each licensed Counselor's pocket may impact on the organizational membership. Who can afford to pay membership fees in two organizations? The one required of each licensed Counselor is the IPCAP. The rest will therefore be a second priority. But this is not intended by IPCAP, for its set-up was legally mandated.

- Nowhere in the current IPCAP Constitution says anything against other organizations. What IPCAP needs to do however, and this needs to be properly founded, is to help in the accreditation of these said organizations. Accreditation may have implications for the conduct of seminars which can be credited for CPE or continuing professional education required to renew the license to practice Guidance and Counseling. Counseling-related organizations will thus be challenged to look into oneself and see what specific area in Counseling it can contribute. This is clear in the specialization-orientation evident among other professions, e.g., medicine, law, etc. Only then shall the said organizations be assured of life and membership. Wouldn't that be exciting and really challenging?

I have other things to write about and will include this in my next blog. Your reactions and comments please feel free to communicate to my email: berngu721@gmail.com

God bless

Batch 3 of RA 9258 Grandfather's Clause License Application Submission Deadline

In my latest conversation with Dr. Rose Llanes when I visited her at PGH where she had her medical check-up, she mentioned that the deadline for the submission of application for license under the Grandfather's Clause of RA 9258 or the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004 is on Aug. 08, 2008. After that the date for the oath taking of the third batch of Guidance Counselors will be set. So, all the best to those who are working on their documents.

Thus, there are now over 300 licensed Guidance Counselors in the Philippines. There were over a hundred who first took their oath (First Batch), and 250+ for the second batch. Will there be more for the third batch? God bless and take care

PGCA 44th Annual Convention INVOCATION

The following was my prayer during the Invocation portion of the PGCA 44th Annual Convention and Workshops:

Our loving Heavenly Father, Your grace has brought us all here today to convene this year's event of the PGCA. We thank and praise you! It was also through Your will that all will learn to live as your beloved sons and daughters, entrusting gifts to those You have deemed the task of helping others - the Guidance Counselors. Bless each and everyone here present today that we may live up to the mission You have entrusted to us.

Our Lord, Friend, Counselor and Savior Jesus Christ, You have shown us through Your life the way to fulfill the Father's plan. You gave Your life in order that we may learn and understand what loving service is all about. You lived and moved about with people, and became intimately involved in the struggles we all face to be free, strong, generous, compassionate, and empowered with life as we all came from the One Who truly lives and gives life.

Holy Spirit, our Paraclete, hover over us and recreate each one here anew, that whatever we do, think, feel and envision will always be aligned with whatever the Father has planned for all of us. Stay with us. Inspire us. Make us docile to Your promptings so that we may truly be Yours and for others.

All our concerns we pray them to you: for our fellow Counselors who are in situations of difficulty, both in body, work, money and spirit, accompany them with Your strength, peace and joy. And for our fellow Counselors who have died, especially Drs. Gabriel, our first PRB Chair, and former PGCA President Naomi Ruiz, we ask Your forgiveness for their failings and sins, and in Your mercy, grant them your peace and joy together with the angels and saints.

For You, Father, Son, & Holy Spirit live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

One of the Counselors attending the event approached me and requested a copy of the above prayer, and so that others may also get it (as I only had 1 handwritten copy then), I told her I'd blog it here. You may copy it, and may I request that this site be cited too so that others can read the news in here, particularly as the field of Guidance and Counseling, and/or Counseling Psychology in the Philippines continues to grow and become more participative in Philippine society. May God bless us all.

PGCA 44th Annual Convention & Workshops News

By this time, the 44th PGCA Annual Convention & Workshops should have been over. It opened at the Century Park Hotel last May 14, 2008 and was attended by over a thousand Counselors from all over the country. The theme was: "The Professional Counselor in Action." There were three panels that discussed the role and relationships of Counselors vis-a-vis other professionals including the psychologist, the psychiatrist, the physician, the lawyer, the social worker, as well as institutions. Many among us may have worked in tandem with at least one of these professions in our work settings. Reflecting on the format of the panels, three areas where Counselors may be actively involved would be the school setting, the hospital, and the community or institutional settings.

The first panel particularly gave a clear team approach in doing counseling, particularly when there is a need for case management. In this panel, what seemed missed out in the discussion was the social worker who many also be involved in the school setting.

The second panel became more obviously about Counseling in the hospital setting. The two speakers very much gave an idea about working with those clients having physical ailments like cancer, etc. However, it was rather unfortunate that the profession that wasn't represented there, although it was in the program was the lawyer. This is one of the areas that we may need to get more training and continuing education in. In fact, one of the participants approached me after the paper presentation session inquiring about this matter, in anticipation of legal implications of one's current practice.

The third panel dealt with some social concerns, particularly as the social worker's role was discussed in tandem with the Guidance Counselor's which was looked at from the Consultation frame. The last speaker was the CEO of one of the substance rehabilitation centers.

One message was clear: that now that Counseling is a profession, we will have to work side by side other professionals, and we may need to know our "turf," our weaknesses, our strengths, the pitfalls and the challenges of harmoniously relating with others who also work for our clientele. Indeed this matter anticipates more developments to consider. By the way we do things we can promote or demote Counseling as a profession.

Since there were just too many participants which challenged the PGCA Board, I was asked to shoe myself in as moderator of the last panel discussion. Even if I am only considered an affiliate member of PGCA, but due to our collaboration with the other Counseling-related organizations at the IPCAP, it was an honor to pitch in my skills. I already opened the event with an Invocation which I shall blog in my next entry.

NEXT TWO DAYS: May 15-16, 2008 Events

The next two days saw similar formats of events. The first two hours were filled with four groups of paper presentations and mini workshops. Then the next seven hours were for concurrent workshops, at least 8 per day. These were all jampacked, with the rooms really overflowing with interested presentors, listeners and facilitators. Again I pitched in as moderator for the concurrent paper presentations, particularly on papers presented regarding Classroom Related Behaviors (2nd day), and Stress and Healing (3rd day).

If I were to make a countdown of what has been printed in the Programme, there were 17 papers presented, as well as 17 workshops. I bet there were workshops that did not push through due to the many surprises that took place, including the sickness of many in the PGCA Board, the illness of some of their loved ones which definitely took some Board Members away from more active involvement, really stressful that warranted all the help they could get, and I saw many. May this spirit continue so that PGCA can survive the professionalization process, a challenge each Counseling-related professional organization will similarly have to face. My hope and prayer is that we work harmoniously among ourselves in our specific specializations and also other professions. All the best and God bless to our efforts and Actions!

On Memories: Something to reply to & share

Allow me to post some questions below. They may make you feel uncomfortable for a while as you read along. If so, I hope you'll find a way to resolve it. Finding a Counselor may help.

If you'd like to reply, email me at berngu721@gmail.com and write on the Subject - On Memories: Something to reply to & share


Thanks for participating in this online research. God bless

Are you ready? Here are the questions. Please don't proceed if you're not. Just scroll down and you'll find the questions.












1. Have you been deeply hurt? How many times? By whom?
4. Have thoughts/memories on that/those hurt/s ever come back to you? How often?
6. What thoughts/memories came back? Please describe them freely if possible
7. WHEN did they come back to you? Describe too your personal situation/s or condition/s when they came back
8. What did you do when they came back?




Please state your gender, and age in your reply. Other information you'd like to share please feel free to mention. Whatever data you'll mention shall be kept in strict confidence.

This is part of a personal research on memories.

Thank you. God bless

In Memoriam of Dr. Gabriel: A Sharing

Having gotten the permission of the writer, I am blogging here the following comments upon reading here the news of Dr. Gabriel's passing away. Here it is:

April 16, 2008
Dear Padre;
I dunno why pero we were conversing since April 11 pa. Kanina while I tried to refresh my computer suddenly nakita ko yung update po ninyo dun sa counseling psychology website and it read: PRB Chair Dr. Rhodelia Gabriel Passed Away. I was floored, hindi po ako makapaniwala.

Remember nasabi ko before na we had chance to work with though indirectly? kasi po I am working with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Central Office. I work specifically with the Office of Programs and Standards po, Director's Office. Sa amin po dumadaan ang mga request for indorsements ng mga activities for evaluation. the latest is that the PGCA will hold an annual convention on May 14-16. kahit na medyo mahal ang fee padre, inapprove ang bossing ko and recommended for indorsment naman sya.Soemhow nalalaman ko kung may activities ang mga organizations.

Anyway, I know Mam Gabriel cuz i had chance to work with her. Many times I had encounter with her, kasi dito po sa CHED we created a Technical Committee for Guidance and Counseling which is under Technical Panel for Teacher Education. I have been a witness to the dedication of this woman. Alam nyo po it really saddens me to know shes gone kasi the last time nakausap namen sya she is in the hospital. Actually I asked her po na kung maari she could lend me some books she used in guidance and counseling since na retired na sya (hand me down ba padre, ganun).Tapos last thing hindi na po sya sumasagot sa call or text namen. I contacted my collegues who work for TP Teacher Ed just this moment and I conveyed the same news and we are all shocked. We contacted Mam Llanes (who is also a member of CHED TCGC) and she confirmned it also.

God bless Mam Gabriel. Sure I/we will miss her.

Thanks for your blog padre.

JAY

PRB Chair Dr. Rhodelia Gabriel Passes Away

While preparing for a major event, just this morning April 15, 2008, I received a text message from PGCA President Dr. Rose Llanes that our Professional Regulatory Board of Guidance and Counseling Chair Dr. Rhodelia Gabriel has just passed away. Dr. Perlie Polestico sent me a text message from Bernie Gabriel (must be related to Dr. Gabriel) about it too. I called up Dr. Llanes to inquire about her death. She mentioned that Dr. Gabriel's blood condition apparently deteriorated that led to death.

I bet the whole Guidance and Counseling profession now mourns the death of its first Chair. We will surely miss her. I had good times with her in some of the IPCAP meetings where she and Dr. Luz Guzman, one of the three in the PRBGC attended.

Eternal rest grant unto Rhodelia O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. I shall be offering my Mass tomorrow for her. Please pray for her. I heard from Dr. Llanes that the funeral is scheduled on Saturday April 19 in Los Banos, Laguna where she lives. Hope to get more information which I can post here about the matter. Fr. Francisco Bustamante, S.J., current PACERS Board Member texted back and noted: "I'm sad to learn that she has gone HOME ahead to our God. For her journey I'll say a MASS for RESURRECTION..."

P.S. I noticed that the blog I made before this edited one was dated a day earlier. Hence I had to include the date when I got the news because maybe time moves faster in my side here.

The NBI Clearance Part III

From the Fingerprinting section, one goes to thte Registration Section, Step 6 Picture #1 below. The man who collected my application form told me to cue in the next step.

Picture #1: Step 6

Here in Step 7, releasing, my O.R. was required. In less than a minute, my NBI Clearance form was printed on official paper. It said there that I had NO RECORD N FILE. Thanks God! This certificate I was given is Valid for one year from date of issue. It printed in there NOT VAID for TRAVEL ABROAD. The other half wrote PERSONAL COPY.

Picture #2: Releasing

Wow! That was in less than an hour! I believe this system of the NBI is systematic albeit not so convenient. Imagine the long cues I would have wasted had I gone earlier. A fellow priest went there in the morning at 7AM, and he finished everything by 930AM. In my case, since I went there in the afternoon, actually I left the seminary a little before 3PM and reached there a quarter past 4PM, and before 5PM I had my clearance released! Thanks NBI.

On my way down, I noticed this sign: Renewal Kiosk (Picture # 3 below). It's on the same floor as Step 1. It is where I will go when I need to get another clearance next time, a year from now, i.e., if I will need one again!

Picture #3: For Renewal

See the sign EXIT - that's another stairs where I went down to the tiangge labyrinth of shops, of course a different way from the one I passed by on my ascent to this and other levels.

Hope this blog has kept your anxieties from debilitating you. It's an exciting trip which one needs to set time for. 3-4PM daily appears to be the most convenient time to go. Ready your money always, and be watchful. I think we Filipinos love to really stick together. I noticed that during the cueing, the guy at my back did not bother with boundaries. Is this a product of riding the LRT where nary a space between persons can be found during rush hours? But that's another blog to make, but not here.

Have a great time then. God bless and take care.

The NBI Clearance Part II

After the Payment Counter, I saw this sign leading to a staircase going up the next floor.

Picture #1: Sign for Steps 2-4

These ladies are on their way down, but I climbed it and another one like it before I came down to take a picture of it. Thanks to the ladies (was one of them a counselor?) who unwittingly posed as they made their way down.

Picture # 2: The Stairs

There was another one sign I saw after Steps 2 - 4. It also led to another stairs one has to ascend. You see the sponsor? Thanks Chow King.

Picture # 3

As one reaches the level for Steps 5 - 6, one sees this sign on the wall: Picture # 4. ne has to go to the right where one will find Step 5 for Fingerprinting.

Picture # 4: Sign upon arriving at Level 5

Picture # 5 below shows the Finger Printing Section. See the tables? There is supposed to be a person assigned to each and one has to cue in for one's turn to have all 5 fingers inked for printing. In every box on the table where one will have one's finger printed, there was a sign which read: "Ink remover P2, only for those who want." I prepared my P2, but ended up using my handkerchief to wipe off the ink on all my fingers, both hands: first my thumb, then each of the fingers, then all four fingers and again the thumb. The same process was done with my left hand. All these finger prints were made on the application form.

Picture # 5: Finger Printing

There are two more steps. Please see next blog. Have a nice day! God bless

The NBI Clearance: For Licensure Purpose

One of the requirements to get the Professional License in Guidance and Counseling is the NBI Clearance. It is an official document which states that the applicant has no legal encumbrances. Good professional Guidance Counselors should not be liable for any misdemenour - or misterdemenour - if you wish. And while I was waiting for my turn in the many cues I had to line up, the thought of taking puctures and having this experience blogged came up. Hence, as I recount below, you will see the pictures. I thought about those who might want to have an orientation to the place, hence the use of this present blog. Enjoy the trip with me.



So, yesterday, April 9, I went to the NBI in the afternoon. In the morning, shortly before lunch, since I was scheduled to get some materials outside, I decided to put all these "outings" in one trip. I called up the NBI and got information that the best time to go is between 3PM-4 every Thursday and Friday. I asked the lady at the telephone if she could help me see if someone else has my name (in which case document release will take time). Believe you me! There were 11 Bernardo Collera in their list. She mentioned 1 from Benguet, 1 from Laguna, and then here in Manila. But when I told her where I was born and my middle name, I was the only one. Thank God.! That meant my doucment would be released immediately.
So I went to the Carriedo NBI Clearance Center. I could have gone to the Quezon City Hall as well, but since my trip was convenient via LRT, I decided to go there instead. The NBI Clearance Center is found not in the Isetann Shopping Center. In fact, in my telephone call to the NBI, I got the impression that the NBI was in one of the floors there. But, the NBI Clearance Center stands in the opposite diagonal side of the Isetann Shopping Center.



From LRT 2, I walked towards the LRT 1 D. Jose Station where I took the train towards Baclaran. I think the Carriedo Station comes right after D. Jose on the way to Central Station. I walked back to Isetann Shopping Center where I asked the guard where the NBI Clearance Center is. He showed me with his hand where it was - AYUN - and there I went where I saw the big sign NBI Clearance Center .



I realized that I was walking through a labyrinth of shopping stalls - a tiangge environment, but complete with signs: NBI This Way. I just followed the signs until I reached the stairs. Was it the 3rd or 4th floor where I saw a big board which showed the flow one has to go to get the clearance? From there, I went forward to the counter to pay the entry fee of P20, and I got a pink slip as proof of payment. Then I saw a cue to the spot where I got the Application Form after I showed my pink slip. This is the spot I am mentioning here. Picture #1:

Picture #1: Get Application Form Spot

Here in Picture #2 below is Step 1: Payment Counter. While cueing up for my turn, I filled in the data required in the form given in Picture #1. I paid P115 only. An Official Receipt was given. There at this payment counter is posted Step 2. I shall be posting the Directions for Steps 2 - 4 in my next blog since this blog entry only allows 5 pics at most. Steps 2-4 are in the next floor.

Picture # 2: Payment Counter

In Picture # 3 below, I had to cue so that the lady there could place a bar code on my application form, sticking the pink slip in there together. She asked for an ID, and I showed my Driver's License. Then off I went to Step 3 which was just in front of Step 2.

Picture # 3: Data Check

At Step 3, Picture # 4 below, there was a lady who typed in (encoding) the data I provided in my application form. She clarified my address if it was right, and after that, off to Step 4.

Picture # 4: Quick Search

Everyone loves this next step. When one's turn comes, just stand in front of the webcam, look at it and then the computer photographer asked for my application form where she stamped something. The O.R. was not needed to be shown.

Please check the next blog for the next steps. I'd like to post it together with the other pics. K? Please don't get the impression that I left the place after this Step. Haha.

God bless.

IPCAP Updates 2008

Some people have been asking me about what's up with the IPCAP, i.e., the Integrated Professional Counselors' Association of the Philippines, and why we've not been meeting lately. Truth is, we met only once since the Christmas 2007 holidays, and the next weeks caught us bitten by the BUSY bug and other "skirmishes." But right now, the application papers of IPCAP are at the SEC. Rest assured, IPCAP shall meet as soon as the SEC Registration is ready. Let's pray that we can be registered sooner to serve out the role IPCAP is given under RA9258.

IPCAP does pose a crisis for most counseling-related organizations. For one, most of the licensed counselors (Grandfathered and board exam passers) may only want to join IPCAP as this is stipulated in the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004, thereby effectively reducing the membership in these counseling-related organizations. These organizations however may still serve out its purpose as it gets accreditation in its specialty field. Hence, it is a challenge for PGCA, PACERS, PACC, CDAP, GCP, PAPSHP, and newly-organized FPCAP and other organizations to look inwards and find its specialty to offer our Counselors. While IPCAP can itself hold its own activities within the purview of its role, other counseling-related organizations may still hold their events as well. With IPCAP granting them accreditation, these organizations shall then promote Counseling specializations, in the way the medical practitioners have their own.

Indeed, a crisis can be both a threat and an opportunity. All the best then. God bless

DR. NAOMI RUIZ WRITES 30

Dr. Naomi Ruiz, one of the past PACERS officers (was she Chair during the 1996 PACERS Annual Convention held at the Robinson's Galleria?), and PGPA (now PGCA) Founding member died lat Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the Philippine Heart Center. Her remains are at the Loyola Memorial Park Chapel 1 in Marikina. She will be buried on Holy Thursday morning, March 20, 2008.

At about 6:30PM yesterday, March 17, outgoing President Fr. Bernardo R. Collera, SVD officiated a Mass for her and her family at Chapel 1 in Marikina's Loyola Memorial Park. Present were some of the PACERS Board Officers including current Chair Dr. Julian Montano, and Vice-Chair Susan Estanislao, current President-elect Dr. Leo Capeding. Lifetime PACERS members and past PACERS Board Officers Drs. Rose Clemena, Carmen Pabiton and Benny Lascano were also there to condole with the family that has generously shared us Dr. Ruiz. Yes, current CDAP President Dr. Concepcion of the Ateneo de Manila University was also with us at the Mass.


Dr. Julian Montano thanked the family during a shared homily at the Mass. He remembered Dr. Naomi as being the Chair of the Department who welcomed him when he entered DLSU way back 1996. He particularly cherishes Dr. Naomi's solemn countenance of giving each person who comes to her for even only a few minutes that personal touch of a Counselor. Dr. Rose Clemena also gave an interesting history of their relationship, and her experiences with Dr. Nao. Dr. Rose recounted that when she was about to become the Dean of the College of Education in DLSU way back 1992, she invited Dr. Nao who was retiring then from the Ateneo de Manila to Chair the Counseling & Educational Psychology Department (CEPD). Dr. Nao immediately obliged, and silently took on her new work with such unique manners. Dr. Rose remembered Dr. Nao as the "swinging grandma" because she was fun at the dance floor. Whenever the two went for shopping, Dr. Nao usually needed someone to help her carry the bags containing personalized gifts for each and everyone in her family, husband, children and grandchildren, as well as colleagues and even companions at the Office.

For my part, I shared that Dr. Naomi Ruiz was also the Chair in 1995 when I entered DLSU. She would later become my Counseling Techniques I professor who introduced me the idea of a Counseling Philosophy, a requirement in the course that was to be followed up in Counseling Techniques II under Dr. Rose. Then she again became my Family Therapy and Counseling Consultation (courses of subjects she taught me in class) professor. I specially remember her for sharing her own personal experience of Divine Providence. She once told us in class that whenever she had a child, she had a promotion in her job, God as if telling her that each child was not simply hers and her husband's but also God's own. If not for Dr. Ruiz, I would not have been able to complete my six generation Genogram or Family Tree. This latter requirement costed me an INC after the term I was in her class, because I needed a longer time to complete that Family Tree that gave me the chance to know my own family. She was also the one who invited me to join PACERS during its 1996 Annual Convention held at the Robinson's Galleria in Ortigas, Pasig. The theme then was Megatrends in Counseling.

Thanks indeed, Dr. Naomi Ruiz. When you reach heaven and see the Father, tell her to bless us everyday, and pray for us in all that we do.

Half an hour after the Mass, Dr. Susie Eala, current PACERS Corporate Secretary arrived straight from San Pablo, Laguna. Then, current PGCA Board Officers arrived, including Dr. Rose Llanes, current President, Malou Chavez, current PGCA Secretary, and Dr. Perlie Polestico. Dr. Abiva and her husband and son also arrived. A second Mass was offered at some minutes past 8PM.

Dr. Naomi Ruiz is survived by her husband Boy, and her seven children and over a dozen granchildren and one greatgrandchild. Let's pray for her eternal repose, and most especially for her family who are in their grieving moments now, particularly her own beloved husband, Engr. Boy Ruiz.

Thank you indeed, Dr. Naomi Ruiz. You have made me look at Counseling as a profession worth my life and time and being as you showed me how it is to be a good one. God bless you and your family. Pray for us.

On the first Board Exams for Guidance Counselors

A a graduate of Master of Arts in Education major in Guidance and Counseling from a state university contacted me by email. The person was planning to take the 1st licensure examination for guidance counselor here in our country. The problem is that the person doesn't know the exact date of filing for examination and final date of examination. So the email contained the request to "please send me the exact information so that I can save time and energy."

I gave the person the PRC landline (02) 3140018 so the person could do the contacting. Just the other day, I got an email with a response from Dr. Llanes, current PGCA President. Here it is:

"See web pgca.org.ph for updates. Filing April 15 and exam Aug 21-22. Convention will be on May 14-16 at Century Park Hotel, please reserve early and pass.

Dr. Llanes

I hope this information can help us in our journey towards the full professionalization of Counseling in the Philippines.

God bless

FPCAP - What's this?

On March 14, 2008 I shall be speaking before a small band of Counselors who're into something the Catholic Church is very passionate about. They have been and continue to be with us at IPCAP or Integrated Professional Counselors Association of the Philippines (IPCAP), Inc. representing the area of Family and Pastoral Counseling. I have read a letter by the PRB Chair allowing them to apply for the Grandfather's Clause. Hence, they have submitted their papers for SEC registration and in due time shall announce the formal opening of the organization that I believe hopes to promote the area of their expertise for the good of our families here in the Philippines. The group is called Family and Pastoral Counseling Association of the Philippines or FPCAP.

It is surely high time for such an organization to come up because we need to sustain this "trade" which we have been into these many years. Thanks to RA 9258, Counselors who practice in this area can be acknowledged. The field is so full of promises in terms of growing in understanding about the family and pastoral situation in the Philippines. I pray the group succeeds in its vision and mission so that we can grow as a people and as a nation, and most of all as a Christian Catholic community living in families that are mentally healthy and supportive of each other, either as couples or as parent-child or among siblings.

I shall keep this matter posted here in the coming days, and particularly my "talk" there. Stay tuned! God bless

Providing Counseling & Other Psychological Services

I'd like to articulate here my current practice of providing psychological services, and the procedural matters that may not be simply neglected lest conflicts ensue and ethics be infringed. I hope that Counseling and other fields' practitioners who read this blog may compare notes with me, or share their ideas as well. Only rocks don't change. I mean this is a way for me to keep improving wherever that is possible while there is still the chance. Email me at berngu721@gmail.com your ideas, opinions, and even criticisms. Thanks in advance.

Psychological Services & Credentials Necessary in Professional Practice
By psychological services is meant those activities wherein my training and expertise are required. Among them include: Counseling, Assessment, Consultation, Psychotherapy, including Group Process. In all of these, I have had sufficient course training from my classes in DLSU (De La Salle University). I might be accused of doing so without a Ph.D., which should hopefully come in due time. Nevertheless, I have had two years of supervised Psychological Assessment work in a respected Psychological Clinic along EDSA (Dayan's Psychological Clinic). I have done my Tests and Measurements as well as Individual, Personality, and Cognitive Assessment subjects in DLSU, the practicum requirements, as well as ongoing supervision while I was working in the said clinic. There I administered the psychological measures, did the interviews myself, scored and interpreted the tests and wrote the integration report. I have had the chance to have those reports given in feedback required of my training and practice. Most of all, the reports I wrote, while I may not have signed them myself, were presented before the courts of law here in the country, particularly when those reports were required in connection with marital annulment and even child custody cases. My current practice in Sarnelli Center for Street Children of providing psychological services similar to what I did in Dayan's Psychological Clinic attests to my continued updating of my practice. It is said that he who sings well prays twice, and that if you want to learn (better, my addition), teach. Hence, by continuing the practice I have continuing learning in the area. I even bought for my ongoing development needs the book Comprehensive Handbook of Psychological Assessment Vol. 2 Personality Assessment edited by Mark Hilsenroth & Daniel L. Segal, with Michael Hersen as Editor in Chief (2004), published in New Jersey by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Since I finished my course work, I have bought books in other areas. Updating is really necessary to continue being relevant and better informed for a more confident practice. I make sure that I have read them at least once during the year. And I am thankful that I have been allowed to teach the Introduction to Psychology and Developmental Psychology subjects here in the seminary (Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City). These have afforded me the chance to promote to the students the idea that encountering psychological problems in oneself and seeking for help via Counseling may be better than not knowing about one's problems, and even not asking for help when one has discovered them oneself, an indicator of serious psychological disorder.

As to my other credentials, these are all extant in my Transcript of Records.

Practice of Psychological Services Provision
I also do Guidance and Counseling work, as well as individual and group consultation. Together with my assistant, Rex Kho, and with some student counselors (I've had two PhD students and one still taking her M.A. units, on supervision required in their course otherwise known as practicum) we have come up with a written program for the seminarians. The student-counselor who finalized the report still has to submit that to me.

Integrity of Psychological Measures
When I started the work way back 2001, among the things I ensured was the integrity of the psychological assessment measures. Before one can use psychological measures, academic and supervised training are required. Tests are never for the purpose other than they were meant to be. Hence, test providers stringently required me my transcript of records as well as certificate of recommendation by my assessment supervisors. For me to be accredited, I had to keep in mind the ethics and principles involved in the use of the materials. Contrary to most practices that I know, I only used the originals, earned the money for procuring them, and keeping a financial status of the office in order that when we needed to get the answer sheets or add more test booklets, I was sure of getting the needed amount, sans the bureaucratic obstacles of the institution, as well as infringing on the copyright laws of the land and of the authors/publishers.

Local Norming & Test Validation
For the past three years since I started, I took upon myself the task of ensuring we were following a local norm because some of the tests were of foreign norms. I had the findings reported in a faculty and formators forum so everyone gets to understand the why of the selection process. This year, I have conducted a validation work on one personality test in order to check whether its results can be used in lieu of some assessment measures which may have become bastardized by some groups. (I wrote about this in an earlier blog, about a certain congregation which practiced on one test using the xeroxed copy of a test given at a training for such types of personnel. The results showed unbelievable scores even the National Hero Jose Rizal wouldn't have managed, much less even the best person who's come and taken the test. It was good that I had another Form of the said test, and immediately was able to prove correct my hunch borne out of practice). The study is still ongoing and is about to undergo a statistical treatment in order to show the relationship between the two. In this way, we can be informed as to whether such a test can be reliable in lieu of the bastardized material. I shall have the results published here when we shall have finished. Yes, the participants have been informed about the conduct of the test, hence the feedback they can demand from the office for their purposes.

Group Activities
We have also been able to conduct two group activities, courtesy of the student-counselor who needed to do so. For my part, I acknowledge that I still have to do so, but due to the load of work, I have yet to provide one. But it should by now be clear that the Guidance Office has done and can do even more. But I would like to ensure that the said activities have sound foundation, that is, based on expressed needs of the clientele and not as an a priori process. I mean by the latter as activities which only the Office sees fit. We may actually do so, but participation will be affected because these said activities may not be important, what a waste of badly needed resources and time! I can say this from having participated in a professional organization (PACERS) whose participation at Conventions and midyear workshops have seen increases because we seriously considered the particiapnts' needs. We reaped abundantly, and so did the participants. I would not like to be accused later of "imposing" the Counseling profession on the clients. This profession is one that advocates for a more free being. The more free an individual is, which can be had by becoming more informed, the more mature his behavior because there is agency borne out of freedom and informed choice rather than simple passivity.

Counseling Services & its Promotion, & Confidentiality
As regards Counseling, we make ourselves available for the seminarians. In fact, to promote Counseling, I have deviced a modicum for that. Seminarians, I have observed through the years, seem to have the "normal" male socialization of doing things on their own and seeking help only when the problem has become really unbearable or really problematic. Besides, there seems a negative opinion about going for Counseling or having gone through psychological assessment. Others think that doing so implies being problematic. But my training has taught me to counter this maladaptive thought, hence the steps we take to ensure client agency. I further believe that the clerics may become one of the best promoters of the Counseling profession especially when we shall have known its value because we have gone through it ourselves. Hence, after administering the test, we ready the results and announce that they can come and get it. In the feedback session, I make it clear to them that formators may need it, hence, they can submit a copy of the report to them but submit back to the office (for filing purposes) the copy which contains the seminarian's signature, the interpreter's signature, my signature and the formator's signature. In this way, I shall have kept the confidentiality clause required by the practice. We in the office have seen that there were seminarians who did not give their formators a copy of the report for reasons discussed in the Counseling session. Among these included the fear seminarians have about formators using the results of the test against them. I have always kept the philosophy that findings in the psychological tests may be best used for the development of the individual, and not against one's development. But if the formator does decide that the test results can be a good guide for the formation of the seminarian, he is basically free to do so. But at least, I shall have done my part of letting the seminarian know the results of the test(s) so that he himself may not have any difficulty deciphering the reason for expulsion as a formation strategy. I know of certain guys who have themselves opted to leave because they saw the wisdom of the test findings. The goal I want to see in the formation process is this: "Happy seminarians who know who they are, what they have, both strengths and weaknesses, so that they can have an informed decision about their choice to continue or not." In short, I would like to help them "own" their formation, rather than simply "float" or "coast along" the formation process, something which is so easy to do as has been observed in the past. In this way, we reduce unnecessary fear in the seminarian, as well as let the formators know how to respect their seminarians because of the information. Hence, only when the seminarian is sent for psychological assessment am I obliged to report (or send) directly a copy to the referring party. But even then, I make it clear to the seminarian that he too will have a copy of the report his formator gets. But for clients sent for Counseling, the only report I give to the referring party is a certification which says "such referred client has come on these dates for the said referred purposes." I cannot divulge the Counseling issues, much less volunteer them, and even the Counseling outcome. I leave it to the seminarian-client to inform the referring party the said data. This is my understanding of the confidentiality required in Counseling practice. This is the ethics that I keep in my professional practice, both for those inside the seminary, as well as outsiders who walk in or have been referred. This is the kind of Counseling I was trained in. Let it be understood as well that the Counselor always ensures the welfare of the client. Hence, only when clients are in the following cases - sexual aggression such as abuse and rape, and suicide - is the Counselor obliged to make the confidential circle wider, but always informing the client about the Counselor's commitment to the client's welfare evident in this obligation. By widening the circle of confidentiality is meant the Counselor's right or even obligation to do steps that may ensure that the client does not: get sexually offended again, or succeed in the suicide ideation or direction.

Counselor-Administration Conflict
I am right now being accused of not doing my job of assessing the seminarians the way I did before. Yes, I did not test them to see their current cognitive functioning. But I am using their previous data for the study I mentioned above. If ever psychological reports (like the ones ready for the seminarian to get) were not given to the formators, it was because the seminarians did not come for their feedback. But if the seminarians agree, and I need to first consult them since the contract is between them and the office, the ready reports are ready for release pending request. I know that this problem is not unique to my practice. It is a common experience for other counselors to have also had conflicts with school administrators because the latter may not really understand what counselors do. Hence this write-up.

The Requirement for A Psychological Referral
Other than the purposes the Guidance Office sees fit in doing testing, a referral is usually required for such test administration. In the referral letter should contain the following - the reason for referral - as this usually directs the Office about which measure to administer. Psychological assessment can be consulted so that anyone who may not have sufficient data for a clearer understanding about a phenomenon in a client my find a more reliable opinion. I'd prefer to know when the report is expected. This saves the office from useless expenses incurred in cases when clients do not want to continue with their formation anyway and the feedback won't be that easy to provide as the person may not be accessible. The Guidance Office doesn't volunteer psychological information. Only upon referral are we to supply the information based on the required psychological opinion. The seminarian-client, even lay-clients should not be made "psychological guinea pigs," something which has been done some decades ago (in my case, we were tested without telling us the results, and some of my classmates were simply asked to leave, and the reason was that they failed the psychological exams). I know of some who left quite bitterly and would have wanted to be helped which the psychological test results could have provided, at least by way of a written report, a psychoeducational strategy which can befurther looked into. There is a prevailing impression that psychological assessment can be quite intrusive, i.ei, psychological assessment is viewed as knowing things even the person himself may be quite unaware of. Privacy is something so essential for every person, and it is important that psychological practitioners remember this. Informed consent is thus an essential component in the process.

When the formator sends in the seminarian for psychological assessment, he is actually consulting the psychological practitioner for its opinion on the referral issue. The formator has the task of ensuring as much information for a clear decision. But I would like to ensure that the psychological assessment process be also used in respect for the client's need to know the results, hence the provision of a copy of the feedback report to the client. Of course, it is also fine for the client being free not to get their report and only let their formator have it. However, it is for our interest in the Guidance Office that we know the client's position, hence the feedbacking, and this information given them even prior to the assessment.

On past practices
I remember that at the beginning of my practice here in the seminary, I have provided the results of the tests to formators, with a copy provided the seminarians as well. It was done because the formator requested it - verbally at least. In fact, before I made the psychological report for the Postulants, I inquired from Bro. Eugene Orog, SVD the reason for such a referral. And I have particularly informed the formators that if they have any difficulty in giving the feedback, they may always feel free to send the seminarian back to me so we can help. I also made it clear to the seminarians that if they want to have the feedback, or maybe a better one (in case of dissatisfaction with the written report), they may always come to the Office for such purpose. There were those who did, and there were those who came because there was no explanation done in the feedback, and still some who wanted to have their copy (because the formator did not give them). This is understandable because there are times when some formators may not know about psychological testing and its findings, and much more feel inadequate about sharing the report with the seminarian. Hence our willingness to assist in the formation process. It can even be possible that the psychological report becomes a file only for filing purposes. I would not want to do this type of work. There are other jobs to be done than this.

Intake and Exit Interviews
I opined in my report last year at the Formators' Meeting that Intake as well as Exit Interviews would be good occasions for data gathering about seminarian attrition. But with the work load I have, I admit not having done the former. The latter I may yet do, but that is if I have time. Other than the Guidance Office tasks and projects I already have, I also moderate students' theses, undergraduate as well as graduate theses and even serve in their defenses.

Institutional Requirement
Besides, I have yet to hear the go-signal of the institution for such activities to be integrated into the schedule. I have gathered materials so that we can systematize the information gathered, and maybe use them for future profiling. Other institutions that I know strongly require the Intake and Exit Interviews as written in their policy: No Exit Interview, no release of credentials (TOR). This institutional policy saves the Guidance Office from the impression of "lording over" the students the services it can provide if it does so on its own. Besides, no Counselor will do so without institutional sanctions. The practice of DLSU has shown that students have been helped through the Office for Counseling and Career Services. Hence the provision of competent Counselors for its students' Counseling needs.

Nurturing a Research Culture in Counseling Practice
Yes, in response to the PACERS 32nd Annual Convention theme, one's site for professional practice can provide opportunities for research so that new information can be provided. We need to keep the ethics while we do this as well as the time and chances for that. I hope by this blog, information can be disseminated, informing those who surround the Psychological practice, either as an active practitioner, client in need of its services. In this way, the Counselors' need to be given as well the space for their own ongoing education is afforded. I remember in Dr. Emmy Liwag's talk, most counselors have sources of information about research other than journals. Among them is the internet. I raised the idea about blogging. This may be the realization of that.

Thank you for reading this material. It was worth the time and effort to enunciate whatever I have been doing that has given me life and courage to continue in this field amidst the storms and misunderstanding that come with the human situation we're all in. God bless

New PACERS Board

On February 21, 2008, elections for the new PACERS Board were held starting at 12 noon during the Convention. After four members have been elected, the old (outgoing) Board together with the newly elected ones came together and elected among themselves those who were to serve the positions in the new Board. Election among themselves took place before supper of the second night at the Bayview Park Hotel, site of the Annual Convention.

Herein is the list of the Board for this year 2008-2009:

Chair - Dr. Julian Montano
Vice-Chair - Dr. Susan Estanislao
Corporate Secretary - Dr. Susie Eala
Executive Council:
President - Dr. Leo Capeding
Vice-President - Dr. Christine Saldivar
Secretary - Dr. Benny Lascano
Treasurer - Ms. Liza Suarez
Auditor - Dr. Ruffy Ramos III
Member - Fr. Francisco Bustamante, SJ

The outgoing President Fr. Bernardo R. Collera, SVD served as Chair of the COMELEC. You are sure it was done transparently, even if the culture around the country seems different. He has served out the term limits set by the PACERS Constitutions, which is "two years per term but not more than two terms." He has served as Board Member while on the 1st year of his 1st term. On the 2nd year of the 1st term, he was elected Vice-President. Then, after he was reelected for another term of two years, he served all of these two years as President.

Here are some of the pictures during the election process:

Serious huh? Of course we do. It's our commitment and passion for the organization, and the profession at large. PACERS has been known for this in the past 32 years of its life.

The Chair is not talking about who next to elect. We keep our candidates to ourselves, and release them when the time for writing the names of our candidates comes. It was indeed fun.

We talk about other things as well but not the next person for which position. The votes on the ballots say it all. My back shows I wrote all the proceedings.

Dr. Ramos watches with controlled excitement at the voting process. He has cast his vote already while everyone was still discerning and writing the name of the next candidate.

Absent during the elections were Drs. Susie Eala and Leo Capeding. Dr. Eala had another meeting to attend to while Dr. Capeding had classes in DLSU. Their votes were consulted though, and contributed to the ones submitted during this process.

Thank God there's a new Board. Now I can rest in peace. God bless all their efforts. But if I get new data from the new Board, it would be my pleasure to post them here. In the first place, it was my membership in the PACERS Board that became the inspiration for me to open this Blog, so that I could share the "goings on" of the Board. My gratitude to everyone. I shall surely miss you. But who knows? I might be back. God bless

Some Pictures at the Annual Convention 2008

These are Drs. Julian Montano, current PACERS Chair (seated) and Ruffy Ramos III (standing) in all smiles. The turnout of this Convention was simply good, about 170+ attended! Thanks God!


That's yours truly delivering my prepared Welcome Address (you can read its full text in the next blog). I am wearing my 5-gallon Texas cowboy hat!
Pa-effect ba!

These are the Mavericks 2007-2008 PACERS Board. From the left: Dr. Julian Montano (Chair), Dr. Susana Estanislao (Vice-Chair), Dr. Susie Eala(Corporate Secretary), myself (President, Executive Council), Fr. Eku Bustamante, SJ (Vice-President), Dr. Leo Capeding (Executive Secretary), Liza Suarez (Treasurer), Dr. Ruffy Ramos (Auditor), and Dr. Benny Lascano (Member). Aren't they wonderful! Thanks, dear colleagues!

The room was packed! Coffee overflowing, the panels were intellectually stimulating, the presentations interesting, all challenging us to be active researchers as we practice Counseling in our respective fields.

h the rites of gratitude! This is me thanking our dear colleague Dr. Barbie Wong-Fernandez after the 1st panel discussion with the 10th volume of the Philippine Journal of Counseling Psychology and some other token. Thanks indeed, dear colleagues! Seated are Drs. (all Emy's coincidentally) Liwag of Ateneo, and Villar of St. Scholastica! Scientist-practitioners all!!! Muchas gracias. Dr. Liwag opened her presentation with the statement: Adam and Eve were the first scientist-practitioners! Later Dr. Villar said that our clients are to be aforded through our Counseling the freedom of choice and improvement of well-being! Dr. Barbie gave a nicely laid-out Q&A format of her presentation which proved to be very enlightening.