Discussing salient points and information on the promotion and propagation of the subjects of Psychology and Guidance and Counselling among ASEAN member-states, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) hosted a three-day event titled “First International Conference for ASEAN Guidance Counselors” last November 23 to 25, 2022 at the Diamond Hotel, Malate, Manila.

Spearheaded by PRC’s International Affairs Office (IAO), the conference was graced by the PRC Chairperson, Hon. Charito A. Zamora; PRC Commissioners, Hon. Jose Y. Cueto, Jr. and Hon. Erwin M. Enad; Professional Regulatory Board of Guidance and Counseling (PRBGC) Chairperson, Hon. Luzviminda S. Guzman; PRC IAO Director, Atty. Melisa Jane B. Comafay; IAO-International Development Division (IDD) Chief, Ms. Michelle Loise Saquido-Marcial; and other PRC officials and employees. The said event was also participated by the delegates from the 8 ASEAN member countries and other local school and government guidance counselors.

With its theme: "Coming Together for a Collaborative Network of ASEAN Counselors", PRC maintained a common goal throughout the whole session in which the participants can collaborate and participate in benchmarking and sharing various innovations and best practices deemed important to the field of Guidance Counselling.

Addressing this shared goal, PRC Chairperson Zamora said in her keynote speech, “I hope that through this three-day conference, you will be able to forge international linkages, pursue a collaborative partnership with the practitioners, and address the current challenges and trends in the practice of profession.”

Aligning with the event’s theme, Commissioner Enad also stated, “I take it that this three-day international event provides an interdisciplinary platform for ASEAN counselors to present and discuss innovation, best practices, concerns, even challenges and practical solutions encountered in the field of Guidance Counselling which will eventually facilitate the mutual recognition of professional qualification of Guidance Counsellors between ASEAN region.”

The participants also showcased various similarities and differences in their approaches and treatment of Guidance and Counselling thru panel discussion and matrix presentation.

Ultimately, Commissioner Cueto told in his address, “There will be no mutual recognition if we don’t have trust in our own education system. Exchange of information should not end in this event but must advance to the point of recognizing each other’s educational system, quality assurance, and practice standards.”

Capping off the three-day conference, the participants vowed to continually support and give their commitment towards mutual recognition of giving emphasis and importance on the subjects of Psychology and Guidance Counselling, while wrapping up with a cultural tour along Manila.

PRC continues to uphold its mandate, vision, and mission among its stakeholders, to provide quality service to all professions, and the public.