Holy Cross College of Davao (HCDC) hosted a career symposium on May 12, 2023, at the Sedes Sapientiae, aiming to acknowledge the crucial role of registered psychologists in different fields. Themed “Psychology with Endless Boundaries,” the event provided valuable insights, information, and inspiring testimonies to encourage students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSPsych) degree.
Distinguished HCDC alumni, now registered psychologists and psychometricians, graced the occasion. Notable attendees include Ms. Gladys Margaret F. Barreto, a Juris Doctor and successful businesswoman; Ms. Corazon C. Laquihon, an accomplished entrepreneur; Mr. Dennis Mabayao, Program Coordinator at the Archdiocesan Social Action Center and DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM; Ms. Kathlynn Keith J. Abaquita, Guidance Counselor at Ateneo de Davao University; Mr. Silvino P. Josol Jr., the Head Psychologist at the Guidance Office of the University of Mindanao; Ms. Julie Ann G. Escudero, a Psychologist and Psychometrician at New City Commercial Corporation; Ms. Marchie L. Escobal, Administrative Officer at the Department of Education; Ms. Aireen P. De Lara, a Registered Psychologist and Head of VisMin, Vanguard Psychological Testing Center; and Ms. Marie Grace Labado, a Psychometrician and Field Officer at the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Dr. Teresa P. Fabiania, HCDC Vice President for Academic Affairs, stressed the vital role of psychology professionals in the community. She urged attendees to embrace new possibilities and enrich their professional journey through sharing thoughts, experiences, and plans.
Silvino P. Josol Jr., a Holy Crossian who secured the eighth position in the October 2019 Psychologist Licensure Examination, emphasized the importance of humility in becoming exceptional practitioners. He reminded students to listen to their clients and counselees, considering them as the experts of their own lives, regardless of theories or scientific perspectives.
“We are an expert at some point in our field and we are expert in mental health but the one sitting in front of us, our client and our counselee are the expert of their lives so we have to be humble enough to listen to them regardless of the theory, regardless of our scientific perspective. So, the first key to become a better psychologist or psychology practitioner in the future is to be humble all the time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kathlynn Keith J. Abaquita, an HCDC alumna and current Guidance Counselor at Ateneo de Davao University, expressed her gratitude to her alma mater for shaping her into the person she is today. Abaquita highlighted her involvement in the Student Supreme Government and the valuable lessons of servant leadership she learned during her time at HCDC, which continue to guide her in various community roles. She currently serves as the Secretary of the Davao Association of Guidance Counselors in Region XI.
The BSPsych program, currently with 368 students, holds Level 3 accreditation from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU).