The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC; Filipino: Komisyon sa Regulasyong Pampropesyonal[2]) is a three-man commission attached to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Its mandate is to regulate and supervise the practice of the professionals (except lawyers, who are handled by the Supreme Court of the Philippines) who constitute the highly skilled manpower of the country. As the agency-in-charge of the professional sector, the PRC plays a strategic role in developing the corps of professionals for industry, commerce, governance, and the economy.

Professional Regulation Commission
Komisyon sa Regulasyong Pampropesyonal

Professional Regulation Commission Central Office in Sampaloc, Manila
Agency overview
FormedJune 22, 1973 (1973-06-22)
JurisdictionPhilippines
HeadquartersP. Paredes corner Nicanor Reyes (Morayta) Streets, Sampaloc, Manila
Annual budget1.54 billion (2021)[1]
Agency executives
Parent agencyDepartment of Labor and Employment
Websitewww.prc.gov.ph

History

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On June 17, 1950, the Office of the Board of Examiners was created through Republic Act No. 546 on June 17, 1950, under the supervision of the Civil Service Commission.[3]

The Office of Board Examiners would later be renamed as Professional Regulation Commission through Presidential Decree No. 223 on June 22, 1973, which was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos.[4] The first PRC Commissioner, Architect Eric C. Nubla assumed office on January 2, 1974.

The PRC Coat-of-Arms designed by the Heraldry Commission was officially adopted on February 1, 1974. The Commission made its offices at the burned Civil Service Commission building at P. Paredes Street in Manila. The structure later became the PRC Main Building. The PRC began issuing certificates of registration in Filipino with English translation.

In the same year, also saw the computerization of the database of registered professionals with the assistance of the National Computer Center. The Implementing Rules and Regulations of Presidential Decree 223 are promulgated on December 9 of that year.

In 1975, PRC began issuing computer-printed registration cards with one-year validity. PRC starts accrediting professional organizations.

On December 5, 2000, President Joseph Estrada signed the Republic Act No. 8981, known as the PRC Modernization Act of 2000.[5] The Implementing Rules and Regulations of the act were adopted on February 15, 2001.

Functions

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Executive

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Administer, implements, and enforces the regulatory policies of the national government, including the maintenance of professional and occupational standards and ethics and the enforcement of the rules and regulations relative thereto.

Quasi-Judicial

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Investigates cases against erring examinees and professionals. Its decisions have the force and effect of the decisions of a court of law, with the same level of authority as a Regional Trial Court. After the lapse of the period within which to file an appeal, Commission decisions become final and executory.

Quasi-Legislative

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Formulates rules and policies on professional regulation. When published in the official gazette, these rules have the force and effect of law.

Mandate

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Republic Act 8981, otherwise known as the "PRC Modernization Act Of 2000", mandates the following:[5]

  • Institutionalization of centerpiece programs
  1. full computerization
  2. careful selection of Professional Regulatory Board members, and
  3. monitoring of school performance to upgrade quality of education
  • Updating of organizational structure for operational efficiency and effectiveness;
  • Strengthening of PRC's enforcement powers, including regulatory powers over foreign professionals practicing in the country;
  • Authority to use income for full computerization; and
  • Upgrading of compensation and allowances of Chairperson to that of a Department Secretary and those of the Commissioners to that of Undersecretary.

Regulated professions

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Under the Commission are the forty-three (43) Professional Regulatory Boards which exercise administrative, quasi-legislative, and quasi-judicial powers over their respective professions. The 43 PRBs which were created by separate enabling laws, perform these functions subject to review and approval by the Commission:

  • Prepare the contents of licensure examinations. Determine, prescribe, and revise the course requirements
  • Recommend measures necessary for advancement in their fields
  • Visit / inspect schools and establishments for feedback
  • Adopt and enforce a Code of ethics for the practice of their respective professions
  • Administer oaths and issue Certificate of Registration
  • Eligibility to Work at any Government offices whether National or Local.
  • Investigate violations of set professional standards and adjudicate administrative and other cases against erring registrants
  • Suspend, revoke, or reissue Certificate of Registration for causes provided by law

Professional Regulatory Boards [6]

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Accredited Professional Organization (APO)

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Agriculture

  • Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA)[7]

Architecture and Design

  • National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP)
  • Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA)
  • Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID)
  • United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)

Business

Communication and Information Science

  • Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI)

Engineering

Health Sciences

  • Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP)
  • Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists, Inc. (IPAO)
  • Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP)
  • Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET)
  • Philippine Association of Radiologic Technologists (PART)
  • Philippine Association of Speech-Language Pathologists (PASP)
  • Philippine Dental Association (PDA)
  • Philippine Medical Association (PMA)
  • Philippine Nurses Association (PNA)
  • Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc. (PPHA)
  • Philippine Physical Therapy Association (PPTA)

Natural Sciences

  • Geological Society of the Philippines (GSP)
  • Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP)
  • Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP)
  • Philippine Society of Fisheries, Inc. (PSF)
  • Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA)
  • Society of Filipino Foresters (SFF)

Public Administration

  • Chamber of Customs Brokers (CCB)
  • Philippine Association of Community Development (PACD)

Social Sciences

  • Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI)
  • Philippine Guidance Counseling Association, Inc. (PGCA)
  • Professional Criminologist Association of the Philippines (PCAP)
  • Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, FY 2021: H. PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION" (PDF). Department of Budget and Management. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
  2. ^ Narvaez, Eilene Antoinette; Macaranas, Edgardo, eds. (2013). Mga Pangalan ng Tanggapan ng Pamahalaan sa Filipino (PDF) (in Filipino) (2013 ed.). Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino. p. 6. ISBN 978-971-0197-22-4. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 29, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  3. ^ "Republic Act No. 546". Legislative Digital Resources. Senate of the Philippines. June 17, 1950. Archived from the original on March 3, 2024. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  4. ^ "Presidential Decree No. 223, s. 1973: CREATING THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION AND PRESCRIBING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Republic Act No. 8981". Supreme Court E-Library. Supreme Court of the Philippines. December 5, 2000. Archived from the original on September 1, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  6. ^ "Professional Regulatory Boards, Professional Regulation Commission".
  7. ^ Pauig, Yovina-Claire (May 15, 2018). "e-Learning for agriculture and fisheries". e-extension.gov.ph. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
  8. ^ "A Brief History about PICPA". Philippine Daily Inquirer. July 16, 2006. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
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