EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 266 July 25, 1995

INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION (CPE) PROGRAMS OF THE VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARDS (PRBs) UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC)

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 14, Article XII of the Constitution, "The sustained development of a reservoir of national talents consisting of Filipino scientists . . . professionals . . . high-level technical manpower . . . shall be promoted by the State." (Underscoring supplied)

WHEREAS, by virtue of the provisions of Sections 5(a) and 6(a) of P.D. 223, as amended, the Professional Regulating Commission (PRC), hereinafter called the Commission, is empowered to adopt policies, such as the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs designed to enhance and maintain high professional, technical, and ethical standards in the practice of the professions for implementation by the respective Professional Regulatory Boards (PRB), hereinafter called the Board;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Executive Order No. 56, dated February 9, 1993, the Office of the President exercises administrative supervision over the Commission;

WHEREAS, the various professions play a crucial role in nation-building;

WHEREAS, it is imperative to impose upon registered professionals the completion of the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs adopted by the concerned Board as a pre-requisite for the renewal of their licenses;

WHEREAS, the professionals who undertake the CPE programs are enabled not only to upgrade or improve their technical knowledge and skills but also to keep abreast with modern trends and technology in their respective professions, thereby assuring the rendition of highly qualitative professional service(s) that will be globally competitive under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the same time securing the safety and protection of the public;

WHEREAS, the confidence and patronage of the public in a professional depend upon his competence and the quality of service rendered resulting from his acquisition of updated technical knowledge and skill;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Sec. 1. The completion by professional licensees of the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs adopted by all Boards is hereby imposed as a mandatory requirement for the renewal of professional licenses.

Sec. 2. The Commission is hereby authorized to undertake measures to implement effectively the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs adopted by the Boards (PRBs) under the Commission's supervision and control.

Sec. 3. The Commission shall, after consultation with and upon recommendation of the various Boards, issue the necessary standardized guidelines and procedures for the implementation of the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs which shall embody the following:

A. CPE objectives, definition, nature, and rationale.

B. Creation of CPE Council, Composition, Term of Office, Functions of Council, and meetings.

C. CPE Programs and Activities: accreditation of conventions, conferences, seminars, workshops, etc., credit requirements, exemptions, and other related matters.

D. Sanctions.

Sec. 4. Repealing Clause. - Any executive issuances, orders or provisions thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive Order are deemed modified or repealed.

Sec. 5. Effectivity. - This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 25th day of July, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-five.