Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 10912 (Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016)

Declaration of Policy (Section 2):
- The State shall promote and upgrade the practice of professions in the country.
- The State shall institute measures to continuously improve the competence of professionals in accordance with international standards.

Definition of Terms (Section 3):
- Defines key terms such as "accreditation", "AIPO/APO", "ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework", "ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement", "competence", "Continuing Professional Development (CPD)", "CPD Council", "CPD credit unit", "CPD Program", "CPD Provider", "formal learning", "informal learning", "learning outcomes", "lifelong learning", "nonformal learning", "online learning activities", "pathways and equivalencies", "Philippine Qualifications Framework", "prior learning", "professional", "qualification", "quality assurance", and "self-directed learning".

Strengthening the CPD Program (Section 4):
- CPD Programs shall be formulated and implemented for each regulated profession to:
    - Enhance and upgrade competencies and qualifications of professionals (Section 4a)
    - Ensure international alignment of competencies and qualifications (Section 4b)
    - Ensure development of quality assured mechanisms for validation, accreditation and recognition of learning outcomes (Section 4c)
    - Ensure maintenance of core competencies and development of advanced competencies (Section 4d)
    - Recognize contributions of professionals in uplifting general welfare, economic growth and development (Section 4e)

Nature of CPD Programs (Section 5):
- CPD Programs consist of activities ranging from structured to nonstructured activities with learning processes and outcomes, including:
    - Formal learning (Section 5a)
    - Nonformal learning (Section 5b)
    - Informal learning (Section 5c)
    - Self-directed learning (Section 5d)
    - Online learning activities (Section 5e)
    - Professional work experience (Section 5f)

Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of PRC and PRBs (Section 6):
- PRC and PRBs shall undertake overall implementation of CPD Programs, including:
    - Organize CPD Councils for each regulated profession and promulgate guidelines (Section 6a)
    - Review existing and new CPD Programs (Section 6b)
    - Formulate, issue, and promulgate guidelines and procedures for implementation (Section 6c)
    - Coordinate with academe, government agencies, and stakeholders (Section 6d)
    - Coordinate with agencies in development of mechanisms and guidelines for credit transfer (Section 6e)

CPD Council (Section 7):
- A CPD Council shall be created for each regulated profession under the PRB.
- Composition: Chairperson (PRB member), first member (AIPO/APO representative), second member (academe representative)
- Term of office: Chairperson (coterminous with PRB incumbency), first and second members (2 years)

Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of CPD Council (Section 8):
- Ensure adequate provision of CPD Programs (Section 8a)
- Evaluate and act on applications for accreditation of CPD Providers and Programs (Section 8b)
- Monitor and evaluate implementation of CPD Programs (Section 8c)
- Assess and upgrade criteria for accreditation (Section 8d)
- Develop mechanisms for validation, accreditation and recognition of various learning processes (Section 8e)
- Conduct research, studies and benchmarking for international alignment (Section 8f)
- Issue operational guidelines with approval of PRC and PRB (Section 8g)
- Perform other related functions (Section 8h)

Secretariat (Section 9):
- A CPD Council Secretariat shall be created at PRC Central and Regional Offices to provide support.
- Headed by an Executive Director appointed by PRC.

CPD as Mandatory Requirement (Section 10):
- CPD is made a mandatory requirement for renewal of Professional Identification Cards (PICs) of all registered and licensed professionals.

Recognition of Credit Units (Section 11):
- All validated and recognized CPD credit units earned shall be accumulated and transferred in accordance with the Philippine Qualifications Framework.

Career Progression and Specialization (Section 12):
- PRC, PRBs, in consultation with stakeholders, shall formulate and implement a Career Progression and Specialization Program as part of CPD.

Role of Government Agencies and Private Sector (Section 13):
- All concerned agencies and private firms employing professionals shall include CPD as part of their human resource development plan and program.

Funding (Section 14):
- Implementation shall be included in PRC programs, with funding included in annual General Appropriations Act.
- Funding shall be used for regular operations of CPD Councils and monitoring of CPD Programs.
- PRC shall review and approve proposed budget for each CPD Council.

Implementing Rules and Regulations (Section 15):
- PRC, PRBs, in consultation with stakeholders, shall promulgate IRR within 6 months from effectivity of the Act.
- PRBs may prescribe own requirements or procedures pertinent to the specific profession, provided it does not contravene the Act and IRR.

Fraud Relating to CPD (Section 16):
- Fraudulent acts shall be punishable under Revised Penal Code, New Civil Code and other applicable laws.
- Professionals found guilty shall also be suspended or have PRC registration/certification revoked.
- Government officials/employees found guilty shall also be subject to administrative penalties under anti-graft laws, Administrative Code and Code of Conduct.

Separability Clause (Section 17)
Repealing Clause (Section 18)
Effectivity (Section 19): 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.