On December 14, 2025, a historic milestone was celebrated in the psychological community of Western Visayas with the official inaugural oath-taking ceremony of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) – Western Visayas Chapter for its newly elected officers at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel. This momentous event signifies the beginning of a new chapter dedicated to fostering professional growth, promoting psychological well-being, and serving the community through a range of initiatives and activities aimed at elevating mental health standards in the region.
The establishment of the Western Visayas Region VI Chapter signifies a unified effort by local psychologists and psychometricians to uphold the highest standards of their profession, advocate for greater mental health awareness, and contribute meaningfully to societal development. It underscores a collective commitment to ethical practice, continuous learning, and community service, paving the way for a more resilient and mentally healthy region. Leading this pioneering chapter is a distinguished Board of Trustees, composed of dedicated professionals who exemplify integrity, expertise, and a deep passion for service. The board members include:
- President: FLORABEL S. SUAREZ, RPm
PsychVantage Psych Services Exec. Director
Former PAP National BOD Chair
- Vice President: KRISTOFFER RYAN T. GIDAYA, Ph. D, RPsy, RGC
West Visayas State University
- Secretary: ROY H. REZANO, RPm, RGC
University of San Agustin
- Treasurer: JOHN DAVE A. ABAñO, RPsy
National University (Bacolod)
- PRO: LANCE CARY D. FUENTES, Ph.D, RPsy, RPm
Riverside College
These leaders took their oath before Dr. John Kliatchko, the current President of the PAP National. Their swearing-in not only signifies their personal commitment to the profession but also symbolizes a collective pledge to uphold the standards and ethics of psychology, advocate for mental health awareness, and serve the community with integrity and compassion.
This ceremony, the formal establishment of the Western Visayas Chapter, serves as a compelling reminder of the unwavering dedication of psychologists and psychometricians to their profession. It heralds the start of a new chapter filled with opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and meaningful community service, all aimed at fostering a healthier, more psychologically resilient society in the region.
– Jahzeel Anne Jellah G. Peniero, RPm, RGC, Senior High School Guidance Counselor
FROM L-R: With Rama Lo Amedo, PAP National Board of Director, Florabel Suarez, PAP Region VI President, Kristoffer Ryan Gidaya, Vice President, Roy Rezano, Secretary, John Dave Abano, Treasurer, & Lance Cary Fuentes, PRO, with Dr. John Kliatchko, PAP National President
With Dr. John Kliatchko, the current President of the PAP National whom they took their oath with at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel.