The Professional Regulation Commission, together with representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Department of Justice, and the Senate of the Philippines signed an Inter-Agency Agreement on the Protection of Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Stateless Persons in the Philippines at the Philippine International Convention Center last Friday, 2 February 2018.

The Inter-Agency Agreement aims to institutionalize the mechanisms in providing appropriate assistance and services to individuals labeled as Persons of Concern (POCs). It also signifies the commitment of PRC, as a member agency, in implementing, administering, and enforcing the regulatory policies with respect to the licensing, regulation and monitoring of various professions under its jurisdictions, including the development of POC sensitive guidelines for the practice of the professions considering their uncommon circumstances.

The Philippine Government, through the Inter-Agency Steering Committee, shall ensure the protection and assistance of POCs in the country through the institutionalization of policies that would improve their access to rights and services and create a favorable and safe environment for them.