62 of 101 scheduled licensure exams conducted in 2021 —PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) was able to conduct 62 out of 101 licensure examinations scheduled for 2021, its chairperson said Saturday.

Interviewed at the Laging Handa briefing, PRC chairperson Teofilo Pilando Jr. said the number is greater compared to 11 out of 85 examinations conducted in 2020.

"Of course, hindi naging madali ang pagsasagawa ng examinations last year dahil ongoing pa rin ang pandemya, at saka pabago-bago pa rin ang community quarantine classifications, travel restrictions, at safety protocols. But we were able to conduct these examinations," Pilando said.

(Of course, conducting examinations last year was not easy because the pandemic was ongoing, and community quarantine classifications, travel restrictions, and safety protocols kept changing.)

He reported that only the dentist practical examinations in the National Capital Region (NCR) was postponed this 2022 amid the surge of COVID-19 cases. However, the exams pushed through in other regions.

Pilando said almost 1,500 examinees were affected in the cancellation.

The PRC is eyeing to push through with the Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE) in selected cities overseas this year, provided the COVID-19 restrictions would allow in the Philippines and in the host countries.

Pilando added that the PRC is considering making COVID-19 vaccination a requirement for those taking the licensure exams. —LBG, GMA News