QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11261)
RA 10912 is titled the “Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016.” It mandates and strengthens the CPD program for all regulated professions, creates CPD Councils and their secretariat, and appropriates funds, with the purpose of continuously improving professionals’ competence in line with international standards.
The State policy is to promote and upgrade the practice of professions through measures that continuously improve professional competence in accordance with international standards, ensuring professionals’ contribution to uplifting general welfare, economic growth, and national development.
CPD is the inculcation of advanced knowledge, skills, and ethical values in post-licensure specialization or in an inter- or multidisciplinary field of study for assimilation into professional practice, self-directed research, and/or lifelong learning.
CPD Programs include activities ranging from structured to nonstructured learning processes and outcomes, including formal learning, nonformal learning, informal learning, self-directed learning, online learning activities, and professional work experience.
They aim to: (1) enhance and upgrade competencies and qualifications under the PQF, AQRF, and ASEAN MRA; (2) ensure international alignment through career progression/specialization mechanisms; (3) develop quality-assured mechanisms for validating/accrediting/recognizing learning outcomes including work experience and prior learning; (4) maintain core and develop advanced/new competencies responsive to labor market needs; and (5) recognize professionals’ contributions to national welfare and growth.
They implement CPD programs for all regulated professions and: (a) organize CPD Councils and promulgate guidelines; (b) review existing and new CPD programs; (c) formulate and issue procedures and guidelines; (d) coordinate with academe, agencies, and stakeholders; and (e) coordinate with agencies on mechanisms/guidelines for grant and transfer of CPD credit units.
Each CPD Council has a chairperson and two (2) members, under supervision of the concerned PRB: (1) chairperson—member of the PRB chosen by the PRB; (2) first member—president/officer of the AIPO/APO authorized by its board, or if absent, a PRC-designated person from a list of three recommenders; (3) second member—president/officer of the national organization of deans/department chairpersons, or if absent, a PRC-designated person from a list of three recommenders.
The chairperson’s term is coterminous with incumbency in the PRB unless replaced by the PRB with PRC approval. The first and second members have a two (2)-year term unless replaced via resolution by their respective organizations; PRC-appointed members may also be replaced earlier upon PRB resolution.
It must ensure adequate CPD programs, evaluate and act on applications for CPD Provider and program accreditation, monitor and evaluate implementation, upgrade accreditation criteria regularly, develop mechanisms for validation/accreditation/recognition of self-directed/prior/informal/online learning and work experience, conduct research for international alignment, issue operational guidelines with PRC and PRB approval, and perform other incidental functions.
A CPD Council Secretariat is created at PRC Central and Regional Offices to provide technical, administrative, and operational support to CPD Councils and PRBs. It is headed by an Executive Director appointed by the PRC.
Yes. Section 10 states that CPD is a mandatory requirement in the renewal of PICs (Professional Identification Cards) of all registered and licensed professionals under PRC regulation.
Under Section 11, all duly validated and recognized CPD credit units are accumulated and transferred in accordance with the Pathways and Equivalencies of the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF).
Section 12 requires the PRC and PRBs, in consultation with AIPO/APO, CSC, other agencies, and stakeholders, to formulate and implement a Career Progression and Specialization Program for every profession, and it must form part of the CPD.
Yes. Section 13 provides that all concerned government agencies and private firms/organizations employing professionals shall include CPD as part of their human resource development plan and program.
Implementation is included in PRC programs; funding is included in PRC annual submissions for the General Appropriations Act. The funds cover regular operations of CPD Councils including monitoring CPD conduct. The PRC reviews and approves proposed budgets, considering reasonable travel expenses, honoraria/allowances, and per diems for official CPD Council functions.
Section 15 requires PRC and PRBs, in consultation with AIPO/APO and stakeholders, to promulgate IRR within six (6) months from effectivity. A PRB may prescribe requirements or procedures pertinent to the specific profession, provided these do not contravene RA 10912 and its IRR.
Fraudulent acts are punishable under the Revised Penal Code, New Civil Code, and other applicable laws. Besides those penalties, a guilty professional faces suspension or revocation of PRC Certificate of Registration and/or Certificate of Specialization. Government officials/employees involved may also face administrative penalties under anti-graft laws, the Administrative Code, and the Code of Conduct.
RA 10912 takes effect fifteen (15) days after complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.