Saint Louis University (SLU) proudly co-hosts the 60th Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) Convention celebrating the theme “60 Years of Philippine Psychology: Celebrating Glocal Milestones and Navigating Trends in Research and Practice” from 26 September 2024 until 28 September 2024 at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center and SLU Main Campus, Baguio City.
Rev. Fr. Gilbert Sales, CICM, PhD, commenced the convocation, welcoming the delegates and attendees, as SLU devoted itself to accommodating them until the last day of the event. He recognized in his speech the collective efforts of PAP in maintaining the excellence of Psychology programs and research in the country. Fr. Gilbert Sales also commended the association’s strong commitment to thrive “for fundamental innovations that cultivate supportive settings for individuals to seek assistance without being stigmatized,” in the communities.
“Your ingenious practices and inclusive schemes have successfully correlated gaps for easy access to mental health services, demonstrating that the health of each individual is in essence related to the well-being of our communities,” the SLU President added.
Aside from Fr. Sales, among the SLU representatives present during the opening of the event were current Chairperson of PAP-Northern Luzon, Andrew S. Macalma, PhD; School of Advanced Studies Dean Faridah Kristi C. Wethrick, PhD; School of Teacher Educaiton and Liberal Arts Dean Mary Pauline E. Namoca, PhD; School of Accountancy, Management, and Information Studies Dean Glory I. Dela Pena; Department Head of Psychology Ylona Veronica A. Bayod, RPsy, RPm; Department Head of Hotel and Tourism Management Benny Polon; along with some students from the Psychology Department and Psyche Society to learn about the latest advancements and developments of the Psychology field from various experts
The celebration of the 60th PAP Convention was officially declared open by the President of Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP), Ver E. Reyes, PhD, giving honor to Psychology experts and practitioners from different countries all over the world attending the event.
The President of the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS) Germán Antonio Gutiérrez, PhD then established the theme of the convention, bringing to light the reliance of the Philippines on Western theories and its application in the country’s psychological practices. He also urged Filipino Psychologists to continue producing local studies that could benefit Philippine Psychology. Dr. Macalma then positively acknowledged the gap and said that “it was actually a very good eye-opener, especially for the practice of psychology in the Philippines,” continuing that “it opened the possibilities of really coming up with indigenous Filipino psychology.”
Opening programs for Day 1 were held at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center. Plenary events and fellowship night for Day 2 were also held at the same venue.
PAP Sessions successfully conclude in SLU
On the third and final day of the PAP Convention, 28 September 2024, simultaneous learning sessions were held at the Waldo Perfecto Building, the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen, CICM-Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA) Theater and Fr. Francis Gevers Hall in the Diego Silang Building.
Participants described the sessions as both informative and educational. Erika Lairit, a Psychology faculty member from National University-Laguna who attended Learning Session A1 at Gevers Hall, shared her thoughts: “Yung natutunan ko dito is very women-empowering, kasi they also apply the female psychology on the approach. Kaya so far, so good, and looking forward also sa mga pwede pa naming matutunan.”
As the sessions concluded, the Head of the Psychology Department of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) Ylona A. Bayod, RPsy, RPm, expressed her fulfillment in being able to mobilize the Psychology interns to provide assistance throughout the convention. “It’s fun naman. Tiring pero fulfilling kasi it’s our first time na ma-held yung convention dito sa Baguio City tapos it’s the 60th anniversary of PAP. Masaya kasi at least na-host natin sila, we made them feel welcome, at home… and we did our best to give them the best venue for the PAP Convention,” she shared.
Ms. Bayod also noted that the Psychology interns had a hand in the success of the convention, handling tasks such as packing over 1,500 participant kits, managing registration, selling PAP merchandise, and providing manpower. Moreover, the SLU Hotel and Tourism Management (HTM) students were also recruited to assist with setting the participants’ food.
Many participants also mentioned how the University was able to showcase congeniality, which was a big help especially to those who are not from the city.
Carla Janine Macaraeg, a Licensed Psychometrician from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, remarked, “Very conducive yung mga facilities. And then warm yung welcome ng mga tao, mga usherettes, simula sa gate hanggang dito [Waldo Perfecto Building].”
Through co-hosting the PAP Convention, SLU has demonstrated its commitment to service, leaving the participants with a lasting impression of the University’s warm hospitality.
SLU’s cooperation with the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) are in consonance with the CICM Advocacy of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (Article by Andreanna Martin & Keziah Vestidas, UIO Interns | Photos by Agnes Dela Pena & Arnmari Dela Cruz, UIO Interns)
