PRC launches online license renewal

THE long wait for renewal of professional license at the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC)-Baguio is finally over.

PRC officials led by Commissioner Jennifer Manalili and Regional Director Teofilo Gaius Sison announced recently the start of the Online Renewal of System of professional license to expedite release of license cards from the usual 4 to 5 months wait to only 10 days.

Manalili said PRC-Baguio is their pilot area for the Online Renewal System after also launching the Online Application System for incoming PRC examinees a few months ago in some universities in the city.

The commissioner, who officially launched the project Wednesday morning, said the primary aim of the project is to increase the capability of their system to print identifications of professionals at a shorter period of time.

She said professionals previously wait for several months to receive their renewed professional IDs. But in the new system, professionals will no longer wait for their licenses from Manila as machines will be procured in the regional offices will mean release of these IDs in a matter of days.

She said with the newly procured ID machines expected to arrive next month, they will be able to process renewal of IDs in a matter of days while ensuring the new computerized system is auditable and transparent, useful in their goal of eliminating fake professionals.

To further decongest their regional office that are now processing some 46 professions, the PRC will now process renewal of licenses in all SM malls, Savemore and Hypermarkets in the country. This is also to further lessen the long lines experienced in regional offices.

Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Edilberto Carabbacan was the first professional to try the new system as he renewed his Civil Engineering license with PRC last August 29.

Carabbacan said that as regional head of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, he will help partner both agencies especially professionals and contractors to renew their licenses using the online renewal system.

In the future, Manalili said they will also conduct an expanded walk-in examination in the fields of metallurgical engineering and marine engineering to further ease applicants in obtaining their licenses.

She said with the availability of the computerized system and the ID production machines, they will be able to pursue their ultimate goal, which is to renew license in a matter of minutes similar to license renewal in the Land Transportation Office.

The PRC is expecting more clients in the near future with the continued professionalization of many careers in the country especially with the recent opening of psychology and real estate broker board examinations.