Warm greetings to our delegates, colleagues, partners, and friends in the Psychological Association of the Philippines!

It is with great pride and optimism that I welcome you to the forthcoming 62nd Annual National Convention of the Psychological Association of the Philippines this September 24 to 26, 2026, at SMX Convention Center in Davao City. For over six decades now, PAP has served as the professional home of Filipino psychologists and psychometricians – advancing science, strengthening practice, and nurturing a community committed to ethical service and national development. Your presence in this convention affirms not only your dedication to the profession, but also your shared belief that psychology has a vital role to play in shaping a humane, just, and resilient Philippines.

We practice psychology amid rapid technological advances, shifting social norms, evolving mental health needs, and increasingly complex demands on professionals. In the Philippine context – marked by cultural diversity, economic disparities, disaster vulnerability, and a growing awareness of mental health – this moment calls us to reflect deeply on how we practice, whom we serve, and how we remain responsive without losing our ethical and scientific grounding.

To elevate practice is to go beyond compliance and competence. It is to continuously refine our skills, integrate evidence-based approaches with cultural sensitivity, and uphold the highest professional and ethical standards across all fields – clinical, counseling, educational, industrial-organizational, developmental, educational, social, and emerging areas of practice. As Filipino psychologists and psychometricians, we are uniquely positioned to contribute perspectives that are contextually grounded, community-oriented, and responsive to the lived experiences of our people.

This convention is meant to be as a space for learning, productive dialogue, and professional renewal. Through keynote addresses, symposia, workshops, and conversations among peers, we invite you to engage with new ideas, clarify established practices, and explore innovative ways of delivering psychological services in a changing world. More importantly, we hope this gathering strengthens our collective voice as professionals who advocate for mental health, evidence-informed policy, and accessible, ethical psychological services nationwide and across the globe.

As we move forward together, may this convention inspire us to practice psychology with courage, compassion, and critical imagination. Let us reaffirm our commitment to lifelong learning, professional solidarity, and service to the Filipino people. On behalf of the PAP Board of Trustees, I thank you in advance for engaging in this milestone. May the 62nd Annual National Convention be a meaningful and empowering experience for all.

Mabuhay ang Psychological Association of the Philippines!

John Manuel R. Kliatchko, Ph.D., RPsy
President, Psychological Association of the Philippines

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I welcome you to the upcoming Convention of the Psychological Association of the Philippines, to be held on September 24–26, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

In a rapidly shifting global landscape—marked by technological innovation, cultural transformation, and evolving human needs—psychologists and psychometricians are called to adapt, grow, and lead with integrity and compassion.

This convention is more than a gathering; it is a collective commitment to:

• Advance professional excellence through evidence-based practice, continuing education, and innovative approaches.
• Strengthen collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and communities to ensure psychology remains responsive and inclusive.
• Celebrate resilience and vision as we honor the contributions of practitioners, educators, researchers, and advocates who elevate our field.

We are privileged to welcome distinguished voices who will inspire and challenge us:

Keynote Speaker: Professor Simon Crowe, an internationally respected neuroscientist and clinical neuropsychologist from La Trobe University, Melbourne. A past President of the Australian Psychological Society, Professor Crowe brings deep expertise in clinical and forensic psychology, and will share insights on advancing psychological practice in diverse contexts.

Plenary Speaker: Professor Andik Matulessy, President of the ASEAN Regional Union of Psychological Societies (2025–2027) and current President of HIMPSI, the Indonesian Psychological Association. With over 30 years of practice as a social psychologist, he will discuss Indonesia's transition from professional self-regulation to government regulation in 2023, offering valuable comparisons with the Philippine experience.

Together, we will engage in thought-provoking plenaries, skill-building workshops, and meaningful dialogues that inspire both personal growth and collective action. Most importantly, we will reaffirm our shared mission: to serve society by promoting psychological well-being, equity, and empowerment.

I invite you to join us in Davao City—not only to learn and collaborate, but also to celebrate the vibrant culture and hospitality that make Mindanao a fitting host for this milestone event.

On behalf of the organizing committee, I extend my deepest gratitude to our partners, sponsors, and volunteers whose dedication makes this convention possible. Let us move forward with courage, creativity, and compassion as we elevate psychological practice for a changing world.

I look forward to welcoming you all.

With respect and solidarity,

Atty. Carlos N. Buan, PhD, LPT, RPm, RPsy
Chairperson, PAP Convention 2026
Psychological Association of the Philippines