Dates of Submission of Nominees for OPYA 2021 Rescheduled

 

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced the rescheduling of the dates of submission of the nomination for the Outstanding Professional of the Year Award (OPYA) and Outstanding Accredited Professional Organization (OAPO) from April 6, 2021 to May 17, 2021. 

The announcement on the change of dates of the deadline for submission of nominations was sent through a Memo from the Office of PRC Commissioner Yolanda Reyes dated April 6, 2021. This was because of the reimposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the Greater Manila Area, which consists of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal and due to numerous requests received from the APOs/AIPOs.

This would give additional time for the APOs/AIPOs and the various PRBs to look for qualified nominees for the OPYA.

Search for Outstanding Professional of the Year Awardee 2021

 

It is with great excitement to announce to all of you there aeronautical engineers that the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has opened the nominations for the 2021 Outstanding Professional of the Year Award (OPYA) for all of its 43 professions. The OPYA recognizes "the hallmarks of integrity, responsibility, competence, excellent service, and valuable contributions to the professions."

In a letter to the PRB Chairperson Jun Ferreras dated February 10, PRC Commissioner Yolanda Reyes is requesting the PRB of Aeronautical Engineering (PRB-AER) to submit three (3) qualified nominees from our profession on or before April 16, 2021. 

In this regard, the PRB-AER is coordinating with the Society of Aerospace Engineers of the Philippines (SAEP) in the search for prospective nominees not only nationwide but also throughout the world. The search might be hampered with the current situation of the quarantine brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, but it must be done nevertheless with dedication and adherence to the criteria set forth by the Commission.

A little background on the OPYA is in order. The PRC began the bestowal of the OPYA in 1997 to acknowledge the acheivement and service of professionals who excel in their respective fields of professional endeavor. Considered as the highest distinctions conferred by PRC to a professional, the OPYA, together with other awards, are given during the Awards Night, being the highlight of the PRC Anniversary Celebration and the Professional Regulation Week, which is observed every year from June 16 to 22 by virtue of Proclamation No. 118, Series of 1987.

The following are the criteria for the nominees:

Detailed criteria are as follows:

The Screening & Selection Committee for OPYA shall conduct a panel interview of the nominees and shall individually rate the nominees in accordance with the criteria set forth by the Commission. The ratings shall be tallied to determine the highest-ranked nominees qualified for the award.

The PRC is looking forward to our active participation in this prestigious endeavor and our attendance to the 2021 PRC Awards.

PRC Issued Public Advisory Recognizing the Heroism of Filipino Professionals

The Professional Regulation Commission has issued a public advisory in which it recognizes the heroism of our professionals in the time of COVID-19 pandemic by granting or awarding Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit units (CUs) to all registered professionals who are providing essential services. The initiative is under the CPD's Informal Learning, Professional Work Experience and Self-Directed Learning.

Professionals who wish to avail of the said grant shall submit Certification from Institution, Agency, Entity or own Declaration, as may be applicable.

The CPD Councils shall issue their respective advisories to assist and guide the applicants on the award of CPD credit units.

This is under PRC Res. No. 1239 s.2020.

For details and guidelines on its availment, please click the link below:

https://www.prc.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2020-1239_0.pdf

What are Informal Learning, Professional Work Experience or Self-Directed Learning? Or how can a professional earn CUs through these means acknowledging the fact that professionals are constrained from attending CPD programs and activities that entail mass gathering due to the imposition of social distancing during this time of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency?

The PRC is reiterating the ways of learning that can earn CPD CUs by issuing Res. No. 1240 s.2020.

To understand these CPD ways of learning, the following PRC Resolutions elaborated on the matter:

[From Res. No. 1208 s. 2019]:

a. INFORMAL LEARNING (IL)

This refers to learning that occurs in daily life and which can contribute to a qualification. Examples:

1. Reading of books, magazines, journals, and the like that will develop leadership, management, and other skills;

2. Learning how to use cross platform Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and instant messaging using cloud-based video conferencing tool to meet with co-workers;

3. Learning how to prepare gluten-free meals and baked products; and

4. Learning how to do gardening for home consumption of organic vegetable and fruits.

b. PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE (PWE)

This refers to practice at work place that is directly related to profession.

Examples:

1. Reading of books, magazines, journals, and the like on how to improve knowledge and skills in the field of professional practice;

2. Learning how to fashion wheelchairs for pediatric patients with special needs;

3. Learning how to design homes for the elderly population;

4. Learning how to design modules for online teaching;

5. Learning ways of collecting and disseminating information to faculty and students who are studying by distance education; and

6. Providing professional consultancy services to clients.

[From Res. No. 1197 s.2019]

c. SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING (SDL)

This refers to the learning activities such as online training, local/international seminar, non-degree courses, institution/company-sponsored training programs, and the like, which did not undergo CPD accreditation but may be awarded CPD units by the respective CPD Council. These activities are driven by one's need and motivation to learn either through a professional activity or volunteer engagement.

Professional Activity (PA) - refers to activity which promotes and facilitates enhancement of knowledge, skills and values as a professional.

Volunteer Engagement (VE) - refers to activity done under the ambit of social responsibility, which may or may not directly involve the practice of profession, but may help in the development of the professional in the social milieu.

d. ONLINE LEARNING ACTIVITIES (OLA)

These refer to structured or unstructured learning initiatives, which make use of the internet and other web-based Information and Communication Technology solutions. [Sec. 3(p), Art. I of the CPD Act of 2016]

Additional Info:

The PRC is extending the acceptance of Undertaking until December 31, 2021 to enable the professionals to apply for the renewal of their Professional Identification Card (PIC) even without or incomplete CPD units.

For details of the Resolution, please click the link below:

https://www.prc.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2020-1240ReteratingWays.pdf

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First PRC Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Councils Meeting via Zoom

The 1st Video Conference Meeting of the CPD Councils under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) was conducted on May 22 via Zoom. The event was conducted in two time schedules: The Health & Technology Clusters meeting was held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM followed by the Business, Education, and Social (BES) & Engineering Clusters from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. The meeting was called by PRC Commissioner Ar. Yolanda D. Reyes, the Oversight for CPD.

Two major agenda were taken up and discussed. The first one was the granting or awarding of equivalent CPD credit units (CUs) to all professionals providing essential services during the state of public health emergency due to corona virus disease 2019. This is pursuant to PRC Resolution No. 1239 (s. 2020). 

The discussion was moderated by Hon. Bernadette Reyes of the Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy. She laid out the pertinent provisions of PRC Res. No. 1239. First of all, this is one way of recognizing and appreciating the unselfish and brave efforts or heroism of the professionals in combating the disease. The frontliners will get a maximum of 45 CUs and the volunteers will be awarded a maximum of 25 CUs. There will be documentation to be submitted as part of the requirements, describing the activities of the professional. The organization or the company that a professional is working for should issue the certification and may no longer need notarization. The CUs earned by the frontliner or volunteer professionals may be used up to two renewals of their Professional Identification Card (PIC). In fact, a professional can earn the maximum of 70 CUs, if he started as a frontliner, then volunteered later. 

During the discussion, Hon. Lourdes David of the Board of Librarians presented their draft resolution to the participants. The draft resolution could be used as a template for the resolutions of other CPD Councils. The CPD Councils were given a liberal mandate to formulate and determine the activities to be covered by their  own resolutions pursuant to PRC Res. No. 1239.

The PRC and the CPD Councils would want to emphasize that the granting of equivalent CUs to frontliners and volunteers is only effective during the quarantine period.

The second agenda was on the granting or awarding equivalent CPD credit units (CUs) to professionals under Informal learning (IL) and Professional Work Experience (PWE) as other means to earn CUs during this quarantine period caused by the covid-19 disease. This is pursuant to PRC Res. No. 1240. The reason behind this is because mass gatherings are not allowed, as in holding of seminars, conventions, training or workshops. A professional can still earn CUs during the quarantine period even if he/she's not a frontliner or volunteer, even if she's just staying at home. PRC Res. No. 1240 also extends the acceptance of undertaking for the renewal of the PIC until December 31, 2021.

Hon. Lourdes David, chairperson of the Committee for Informal Learning & Professional Work Experience, discussed briefly what Informal Learning (IL) and Professional Work Experience (PWE) are. IL may or may not be related to the profession whereas PWE is work related. These are covered under PRC Res. No. 1208 (s. 2019).

Hon. Randolf Vicente of the Board of Geodetic Engineering presented their draft matrix of CUs for IL and PWE, based on their original operational guidelines (OG). Com. Reyes emphasized the need to formulate guidelines adapting to the 'new normal' situation. Hon. Vicente showed the various ways on how can a professional earn CUs during the new normal. One is through private study; a professional can read books, journals, articles, technical manuals, etc. He/she can also write articles or make research online. Another way is through interactive discussion online with experts, both local and international. In the matrix presented by Hon. Vicente, there should be a means of assessment of the learning outcomes. An applicant for the CPD CU should submit a kind of summary report of the activities undergone. This is for monitoring purposes to determine the kind of knowledge a professional has learned. And in doing so, to share the knowledge and information learned with other professionals. 

Com. Reyes also encouraged CPD providers, most of which are also the Accredited Integrated Professional Organizations (AIPOs) of the professions, to conduct CPD activities online, like webinars or online training/courses. If the providers are giving it for free to professionals, then they are exempt from paying the program accreditation fees.

Last topic discussed was the issue pending in Congress on the House Bills to repeal CPD law. The PRC has prepared its position paper on the issue, particularly why professionals need CPD and on what we lose if CPD is removed. Of the utmost concern is the contribution of professionals to public safety and welfare and they need CPD to maintain and be updated. Our commitments to international professional organizations will be affected and our global competitiveness will be compromised. We will be left behind and not be at par with international standards which are required for qualifications and professional alignment. Com. Reyes encouraged the attendees to help PRC disseminate its stand on the issue.

The CPD Council for Aeronautical Engineering was represented by its chairman, Hon. Ernesto Ferreras Jr. and its two council members, Dr. Jayjack Manzano and Engr. Jabel Jay Abella. Also present was Hon. Redentor Malia, PRB Member.

As per Zoom count, at one time, a total of 76 participants was recorded, may be even more, if not for the unstable signals experienced by some participants. Kudos to the CPD Division for hosting the event, particularly to Dr. Ma. Ellen Quinicio and staff.

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Draft of the transitory Operational Guidelines for CPD of aero engineering

The long-awaited final draft of the Operational Guidelines (OG) during the transition period of the Continuing Professional Development for the aeronautical engineering profession was presented to the CPD Review Committee of the PRC by Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) Chairman Engr. Jun Ferreras with CPD 2nd Member Engr. Jabel Abella at the PRC Main Office on September 10, 2019. This was pursuant to Commission Resolution No. 2019-1146 (s.2019) entitled "Amending Relevant Provisions of Resolution No. 1032 (s.2017) otherwise known as the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act 1092, known as the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Act of 2016."

PRB Chairman Jun Ferreras presenting the aero engineering transitory Operational Guidelines: CPD needs transitory period for implementation

The final draft of the transitory OG has been thoroughly deliberated and consulted with stakeholders in various venues such as the General Assembly (April 13) and Aero Engineers' Summit (July 23).

Among other provisions, the new transitory OG will have the following features:

1. OFW aero engineers (all professional OFWs for that matter) are no longer required to earn credit units (CUs) to renew their PRC IDs.

2. Newly licensed aero engineers are exempted for renewal during the first three years.

3. Only 15 CUs are required for renewal.

4. The three (3) major areas of the aero engineering CPD are temporarily suspended. There are no more minimum CUs to be earned from any of the three (3) areas. Meaning, the 15 CUs required can be earned from any of the three (3) alone.

5. Excess CUs earned can still be used for the next renewal period.

6. SAEP can now apply for program accreditation not less than 15 days from date of event.

7. All applications for accreditation are automatically approved if there's no feedback from the CPD Council (after 10 days for CPD programs; after 15 days for self-directed learning).

8. There's now specifically mentioned requirements of online training programs for accreditation.

9.  Government agencies and private employers are encouraged to apply as CPD providers.

10. In-house training and capacity-building activities of government agencies & private companies can be accredited and considered as CPD compliance.

11. Those who have already executed an undertaking will be required to comply with only fifteen (15) CUs.

The CPD Council for Aeronautical Engineering consists of Engr. Ernesto Ferreras Jr. as the Chairman and representing the PRB, Dr. Jay Jack Manzano as 1^st Member and Engr. Jabel Jay Abella as 2^nd Member representing the academe. 

At the moment, SAEP is  the only accredited CPD Provider for the aeronautical engineering profession. Other aviation entities have expressed their interest in applying but no applications have been received from them yet. For this year, the CPD Council has approved applications of SAEP for credit unit accreditation for the following: SAEP Annual General Assembly (April 13) and Aero Engineers’ Professional Summit (July 23).

Aero Engineering CPD Council (Jun Ferreras & Jabel Jay Abella) and the PRC CPD Review Committee

The PRC CPD Review Committee is chaired by PRC Commissioner Yolanda D. Reyes and co-chaired by Ms. Bernadette M. Reyes of the PRB of Physical & Occupational Therapy, with 10 members coming from different PRBs.

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Mid Year Performance Assessment & Re-Planning Conference 2019

Excellence in all areas of professional practice...

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) held its annual MidYear Performance Assessment & Re-Planning Conference (MYPA) at the Diamond Hotel on July 23-24, 2019. With the theme "Building a Culture of Excellence and Social Responsibility" resource persons talked about on various issues affecting the professional practices and regulations in the country and international arena.

Hon. Jun Ferreras during the MYPA 2019

The conference dealt on issues relevant to the professions today as they were presented and discussed by various resource persons. Welcome remarks and guidelines for presentors were delivered by PRC Commissioner Jose Cueto, Jr. PRC Commissioner Yolanda Reyes delivered her message to the participants and PRC Chairman Teofilo Pilando, Jr. set the direction of the conference discussion in his message.

Highlight of the conference was the awarding of certificates to persons who made significant contribution to the profession and society as a whole. Certificate of Recognition was awarded to Director Rodrigo Balaqui, Jr. of PRC Tuguegarao Regional Office for CSC Most Client-Friendly Award for Region II. 

Dir. Balaqui of PRC Tuguegarao receiving the Certificate of Recognition

Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Mayor Joseph Evangelista of Kidapawan, Cotabato for offering facilities for OSC.

Mayor Evangelista of Kidapawan for the Certificate of Appreciation

Other persons were also awarded or recognized for their efforts and contributions to PRC and the professions.

Congratulations, MYPA 2019 awardees...

Various topics were presented and discussed by resource persons, such as: Highest Priority Issues and Concerns across the Four Clusters by Hon. Julita Toledo of the PRB of Respiratory Therapy; Dr. Lucila Tibigar, PRC Test Consultant, talked about TOS, Peer Review, Item Analysis & Quality of Exam Questions; Atty. Arnel Ramon, Chief of Legal Division-NCR dealt on Administrative Cases; Atty. Ma. Liza Hernandez, OIC-Director of Regulation Office, presented on Conduct of Inspection & Monitoring; Atty. Lovelika Bautista, Chief of PRB Secretariat Division, touched on Oath-Taking Ceremonies Issues. Mr. Lord Louis Valera, OIC-Director of International Affairs Office, talked about MRA & MRPQ: Problem of Mobility; Hon. Bernadette Reyes, Chairman of CPD Program Management Committee, presented Updates on CPD.

Hon. Den Malia (front), Hon. Jun Ferreras, & members of the Engineering Cluster

Fellowship night followed at the end of the session on the first day of the conference.

PRBs of Aero Engineering

PRC Commission Proper & PRBs of the Engineering Cluster

At the Diamond Hotel...

MYPA, one more time...

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6th Aero Engineers' Summit 2019

2019 Aero Engineers' Summit at the PICC

The Professional Regulatory Board of Aeronautical Engineering (PRBAeE) and the Society of Aerospace Engineers of the Philippines (SAEP) jointly held the 6th Aero Engineers' Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on July 13. The annual event was an invitation-only affair and was participated by aero engineers holding key positions in aviation companies, government offices and schools. 

Participants from the industry, academe, government agencies...

Participants came from: FEATI University, PATTS College of Aeronautics, Air Force Research & Development Center (AFRDC), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), PAL Express (PALEx), FAST Aviation Academy, Dornier Technology Philippines, SIA Engineering Philippines (SIAEP), Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR), Royal Air Philippines, Airbus Helicopters Philippines, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD), INAEC Aviation Corp. and of course from SAEP and PRBAeE.

Dr.-Engr. Jay Jack Manzano, SAEP President, on SAEP's strategic plans...

Dr.-Engr. Jay Jack Manzano, SAEP President, talked about SAEP's strategic plans during his term. He also presented a program on Career Progression for aeronautical engineers based on the Philippines Qualifications Framework. He revealed an aircraft project to be sponsored by SAEP and an aviation institution.

PRBAeE Chairman, Engr. Ernesto Ferreras Jr. talked about the Aero Engineering Bill, especially the comments made by Atty. Lovelika Bautista, Chief of PRC's PRB Secretariat Division. Points were clarified by the Summit body and it was decided to add more description to the aero engineering areas mentioned in the draft. The Chairman also presented details of the amended Operational Guidelines for the aero engineering CPD program. Moreover, he talked about the Career Progression and Specialization (CPS) Program for registered aero engineers under PRC. He asked for support and commitment from the participants by providing inputs through email.

PRB Member Engr. Den Malia on protocols during Ocular Inspections/Visits...

PRBAeE Member Engr. Redentor Malia presented the protocols or guidelines during Ocular Visits to aviation firms and schools. He explained the purpose and objectives of the visits and elaborated on the approach and methodology to be performed by the Inspection & Monitoring Team (IMT) during the visit. Further, Engineer Malia explained the main activities of the IMT and the eight areas that compose the scope of the inspection, based on the provisions of PD 1570 (the Philippine Aeronautical Engineering Decree), RA 10912 (the Continuing Professional Development Act) and RA 8981 (the PRC Modernization Law). Then he added the post-visit policies and procedures, including the issuance by the IMT of the Executive Summary report based on its findings and recommendations.

SAEP Director for Goverment Engr. Gilbert de Guzman on procedures for revision of PCARs...

Engr. Gilbert de Guzman, representative from the CAAP and SAEP Director for Government, announced CAAP's revision of the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCARs). He enjoined the participants to submit any proposals for inclusion in the PCARs. The Summit body decided to prepare a joint position paper by the PRBAeE and SAEP regarding proposals to include aero engineering practices in the PCARs.

SAEP Treasurer Engr. Jhune Naval, moderator, assisted by Engr. Joefreim Delicano of Feati U...

An open forum followed after all resource persons have delivered their presentations.

Engrs. Jun Ferreras, Jay Jack Manzano, Den Malia, & Gilbert de Guzman during the open forum...

Engr. Egz Aguilar II, emcee...

Engrs. Lem Banal (SAEP Secretary), Joefreim Delicano, & John Decena...from Feati University...

Engr. Jabel Jay Abella, SAEP Vice President, delivered the closing remarks. The event was emceed by Engr. Egz Aguilar, SAEP Auditor and moderated by Lorenzo Naval Jr., SAEP Treasurer. 

Engr. Jabel Abella, SAEP Vice President, delivered the closing remarks...

Engrs. Ferreras, Jun Fajardo (SAEP Director for Airlines), Gilbert de Guzman (SAEP Director for Government), Felix Jarmin Jr. (CAAP) & Rey Roca  (SAEP Director for Academe)

Engrs. Den Malia, Jay Jack Manzano & Jun Ferreras

Engrs. Janos Reyes (Dornier Tech), Tasha Palugod (Airbus Helicopters Phil.) & Jun Ferreras

Aero Engineers all geared up

1st row: Engrs. Jun Raras (PALEx), Ryan Cauntay (Royal Air Phil.), 2nd row: Janos Reyes (Dornier Tech), Benjie Simbulan (PALEx), & Tasha Palugod (Airbus Helicopters Phil.)

Engrs. Jhune Naval (PATTS), Jun Fajardo (PALEx), Constantine Cano (INAEC), & Robin Rabin (PALEx)...

Engrs. JC Amores, Hilbert Temporosa & Denis Desolo (PATTS)

Engrs. Janos Reyes (Dornier Tech), Benjie Simbulan (PALEx) & Tasha Palugod (Airbus Helicopters Phil.)

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