PRC launches “Safe Card”, draws support from prominent leaders in Cebu

LAPULAPU CITY – The Philippine Red Cross launched the “Safe Card” in Cebu on January 14 at the Savoy Hotel, Newtown Mactan Lapulapu City with prominent leaders and organizations pledging support to register and or sponsor their employees, especially those working in the healthcare sector, like volunteers and rescuers.

For only P1,200 a year, PRC's “Safe Card” is a membership and preparedness program that connects members to the organization's nationwide network of trained responders and PRC Services such as blood, disaster management, health, safety, welfare, and WASH, while serving as a gateway to active volunteerism.

"The Safe Card is about preparedness, protection, and participation. It allows Filipino to be part of the Red Cross mission, ready to respond, ready to help, and ready to save lives when emergencies strike,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon shared at the launching and press conference, Wednesday.

Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (CPDRRMO), Ret. Col. Dennis Francis Pastor, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) Asst. head, Connie Jane Cuyos, PRC-Cebu Chapter chair, Anton Perdices and Lapulapu-Crordova Chapter chair, Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho, PRC board of directors, with national government agencies, private organizations, as well as representatives from major industrial and economic zones, acknowledged the crucial benefits of the “Safe Card”.

According to CDRRMO Pastor, Capitol has already enrolled all its responders and healthcare workers with the Safe Card to help strengthen its community preparedness, volunteerism, and access to emergency services across Cebu Province.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang added that with the Safe Card program, PRC aims to build a stronger base of trained volunteers and prepared citizens. This program strengthens the 143-volunteer network and ensures that help is always within reach, especially during disasters and emergencies.

With P1,200 a year, the members are provided with these personal accident-related benefits: P300K accidental death, disablement and dismemberment; P300K unprovoked murder and assault; P10K accident-related medical reimbursement; P5K accident- related burial assistance and P200/day daily hospital allowance (Maximum of 60 days).

To register, just fill out the membership enrolment form; pay through payment channels or to PRC Chapters near you; send the proof of payment via the online form or email to cebu@redcross.org.ph and get your membership ID at the PRC National HQ or chapter near you.   For inquiries and more information on the Safe Card, follow the official RC social media pages and for any emergencies, contact the PRC Hotline 143. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

PRC launches modernized computer-based licensure exam system in Cebu

CEBU CITY – The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)-Region VII launched and opened today, February 10 its modernized computer-based licensure examination (CBLE) system center in Cebu located at the 4th Floor of GMC Plaza Bldg., Legaspi Extn cor M.J. Cuenco Ave., Brgy. San Roque, Cebu City with PRC Commissioner Oversight Atty. Erwin Enad led the ribbon cutting, blessing and opening the testing center. 

“We officially launched the 8^th computer-based Licensure Examination of PRC in Cebu, marking a significant step towards digital transformation. This new system is expected to enhance efficiency by saving time, space, and resources compared to traditional pen-and-paper exams,” PRC Commissioner Oversight, Atty. Erwin Enad said in his opening message during the launching event.

The Cebu CBLE system is administering the Respiratory Licensure Exam on February 11, the very first computer-based licensure exam here, on which results release date set on February 14.  Examinees will benefit from a user-friendly interface, faster processing, and potentially earlier result releases, Enad revealed.

 

The initiative is also seen as a strategic move to stimulate local economic activities, promote the Cebu City testing center to attract more examinees and foster regional competition among testing centers.

Enad said that the shift to digital testing is part of PRC's mandate to computerize all licensure examinations, aligning with the administration's digital transformation roadmap. The new system will streamline the examination process, saving time, space, and resources compared to traditional pen-and-paper exams.

Examinees will benefit from a more efficient test-taking experience, including the ability to type answers directly on laptops and faster processing times and also allow examinees to move through the exam at their own pace and skip questions as needed, he added.

“Faster processing of exams will enable results to be released on the final day of the examination or even sooner, significantly reducing wait times. For the Respiratory Licensure Exams on February 11, the maximum release time for results will be four days, with the first release expected on February 14,” Enad said.

Geographic impact and competitive dynamics

According to PRC-7 regional director Narcival Taquiqui, the inauguration of a computer-based licensure examination by the PRC Cebu Regional Office, signals a significant advancement in the assessment and certification of professionals. This modernization aims to enhance efficiency, security, and convenience in the licensure process.

The shift to digital testing brings benefits such as faster processing and results due to automation, thereby improving the overall credibility and efficiency of examinations, underscoring the PRC's commitment to maintaining professional standards and ensuring a globally competitive workforce, Taquiqui said.

“The new CBLE system here brings numerous advantages for both examinees and the PRC as an institution.  This is the 8^th CBLE center in the country now and we’re making it accessible to all clients with available sluts at 282 per exam in Cebu.  PRC pushes for all small and medium capacity licensure exams must already be computer-based nationwide,” Taquiqui added.

The new system will benefit examinees from Cebu City and neighboring provinces, fostering an effective and efficient way of conducting examinations, noting the strategic location of PRC-7 in major transportation hubs, making it accessible to a larger pool of examinees.

“This will encourage friendly competition among regional testing centers, with Cebu City being a strategic choice due to its regional presence. The presence of PRC in Cebu contributes to economic activities, stimulating both formal and informal sectors through increased business activities related to examinations,” Enad said.

Enad noted that the multiplier effect of PRC's presence highlights the positive impact on local economic activities and the new system is seen as a strategic move to enhance service delivery and attract more examinees to Cebu City.

Enad extended his heartfelt gratitude to all involved in the launch and looks forward to welcoming clients to the new chapter of service delivery, a system that is part of a broader effort to modernize the licensure examination process. (Photos: MBCNewman)