December 1, 2022 | Edward Rodríguez | DSS | Adventist World
The American Psychological Association (APA) awarded its Citizen Psychologist Award to professor and researcher Rhalf Jayson F. Guanco, of the Adventist University of the Philippines. Guanco received the award in August 2022 in Minneapolis, United States, according to an announcement from the Society for General Psychology (APA Division 1).
According to the APA, the APA Citizen Psychologist Award is given to an individual who has undertaken an initiative to solve a difficult problem and improve the well-being of individuals in one or more communities. The first Filipino Adventist psychologist to receive this esteemed honor is Guanco.
Candidates for recognition submit applications that demonstrate ongoing contributions, either to multiple initiatives or to a project that significantly influences social justice and the general well-being of the community. The application is carefully evaluated by the APA Division 1 Awarding Committee.
In 2017, Guanco collaborated with the mental health team of the Department of Health Ministries of the Asia-South Pacific Division (DSS), under the leadership of Lalhaine Alfanoso, Director of Health of the DSS, to create several mental health programs and curricula that could be used across the division. These programs have deepened the discussion about what mental health is and have engaged communities and educated people about the importance of mental health.
More and more members of the church and other communities in the DSS territory are realizing how important it is to take charge of mental health in the face of the pandemic. Three Mental Health Summits have already been held since 2020 as part of DSS’s advocacy for improving people’s social, emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being.
Guanco, also known as “Doc RJ”, is a practicing clinical psychologist and psychometrician. He is currently employed as an assistant professor in the undergraduate and graduate psychology programs at Philippine Adventist University, where he teaches major psychology courses. As an educator, researcher, motivational speaker, and clinician, he combines his training, clinical experiences, life experiences, and spirituality to inspire others to reach their full potential and bring them closer to Christ.
Guanco was born in Narra, Palawan, the third son of Lorna Ferrer Guanco and Romulo Salcedo Guanco. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Palawan State University, a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the Adventist University of the Philippines, and a doctorate in counseling psychology, with high honors.
Additionally, he is an active member of several national and international associations, including the American Psychological Association, the Psychological Association of the Philippines, the International Association of Applied Psychology, and is currently the newsletter editor and representative of the Philippines. within the International Society of Neuropsychology.
Guanco is also president of the Adventist Mental Health Association and a mental health and assessment consultant for the DSS Mental Health Initiative.
“Words cannot express how grateful I am to God and to everyone who helped me grow and develop professionally and supported me,” Guanco said. “This achievement is a huge milestone in my professional career, and I am humbled and truly honored by it. I never thought I would be qualified, but God has a mysterious way of working things out. »
Mr. Guanco said he is committed to applying research-based psychology in his practice. He works with children, adolescents, and adults who have behavioral issues, neurodevelopmental issues, depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders, as well as a variety of other issues. that may require intervention, such as family problems, school difficulties and other clinical problems.
One of his favorite quotes from Adventist Church co-founder Ellen G. White is: “We are links in the great chain of mankind, and we cannot without towards each other. (The Gospel Ministry, p. 325.3). Guanco believes that those who love Christ will go out and do his works and serve people selflessly until he comes.
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