by Carina L. Cayon

Davao City (18 June) -- The Professional Regulation Commission in the region has kicked off on Wednesday (June 16) a week-long celebration of its 37th year anniversary with the distribution of pencils to indigent pupils in time for the opening of classes.

Imelda Solon, head of the information and records management unit of PRC-XI, stated in a telephone interview that the celebration highlights an outreach program wherein the office provides a total of 6,000 pencils.

Solon said that 2,000 pencils were distributed through the local television networks ABS-CBN and GMA-7 which received 1,000 each, during the opening program on Wednesday.

She said that another 1,000 pencils will be given through the Assumption Parish, and 3,000 pencils will be coursed through the Department of Education on June 22.

Solon said that another highlight to undertake is the "PRC on wheels" wherein they will accept applications for renewal of licenses on June 21 in Maco, Compostela Valley.

According to Solon, the celebration also features activities for the PRC personnel in the region such as a free administration of the AH1N1 vaccines to be given on June 18 through the City Health Office.

Another activity for the personnel is a healthy lifestyle seminar to be conducted by the Department of Health on June 21.

She said that 29 PRC personnel were also treated to an island hopping in the Island Garden City of Samal last June 12.

The week-long celebration which anchored on this year's theme "Convergence of Filipino Professionals Towards Global Challenges" started with a thanksgiving mass held on June 16 at St. Anthony de Padua Parish.

After the mass, a motorcade followed participated in by PRC's accredited professional organizations such as Davao Medical Society, Philippine Nurses Association, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers, Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines, Institute of Electronic Engineers of the Philippines, Inc., Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists, Inc. and Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers.