COTABATO CITY – One of the agreements reached during the 13th meeting of the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) last Feb. 24 in Manila was the establishment of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
This concern was raised by Labor Minister Muslimin G. Sema during the IGRB meeting.
As an immediate response, the PRC Central Office instructed its regional counterpart in the Region 12, the PRC Regional Office XII in Koronadal City, to conduct an ocular visit for a possible office space in Cotabato City.
An envoy from the PRC led by Regional Director Rotelo B. Cabugsa, together with other PRC 12 officials paid courtesy visit to Minister Sema, who was joined by MOLE officials, on Wednesday, March 29, to further discuss the details to fast-track the establishment of service center.
The service center will offer services to Bangsamoro professionals such as applications for initial registration of PRC license, PRC ID renewal, registration for professional examinations, and requests for certification and authentication, and even hold examinations.
According to RD Cabugsa, the PRC caters forty-four (44) professions.
He also said, the establishment of PRC in the region, particularly in Cotabato City will attract schools to open more courses/degree programs.
Moreover, the Bangsamoro professionals will benefit from this initiative as they will no longer be needing to go to other regions to transact with the PRC.
During this meeting, PRC XII Chief for Licensure and Registration Division Marzokie M. Mocsir, said approximately 30% of the clients they cater are coming from BARMM.
He also emphasized that putting up of the service center requires at least 150-200 sq. m. space, strong internet connection, and most importantly the security of the area.
Meanwhile, Minister Sema who showed enthusiasm on this endeavor, hoped the establishment of service center will be realized within the year.
It is anticipated that review centers will also follow once the PRC is established in the region.
On the same day, an ocular visit to prospected office building was conducted and a welcome dinner for the PRC envoy was hosted by the ministry during the evening.