First Filipino Adventist psychologist honored for efforts in mental health

The American Psychological Association (APA) Citizen Psychologist Award was given to Dr. Rhalf Jayson F. Guanco of the Adventist University of the Philippines on August 2022 in Minneapolis, USA, according to the Society for General Psychology (APA Division 1) announcement.

The APA Citizen Psychologist Award is granted to a person who has undertaken an initiative that addresses a challenging problem and enhances the well-being of individuals in one or more communities. The first Filipino Adventist psychologist to receive this esteemed honor is Dr. Guanco.

Candidates for recognition submit applications that demonstrate evidence of ongoing contributions, either to multiple initiatives or to one project that significantly influences social justice and/or the general welfare of the community. The submission will be thoroughly evaluated by the APA Division 1 awards committee. 

In 2017, Guanco collaborated with the Southern Asia-Pacific Division's Health Ministries Department's mental health team under the direction of Dr. Lalhaine Alfanoso, SSD Health Director, to create several Mental Health curriculum and programs that may be used throughout the division. These gave a platform for additional discussion of what mental health is and a platform from which to engage communities and inform people about the importance of mental health. More and more members of the church and other communities in the SSD territory are realizing how important it is to take control of our mental health in the face of the pandemic. Three mental health summits have already been held since 2020 as part of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division's advocacy for bettering people's social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

Dr. Rhalf Jayson F. Guanco, also known as "Doc RJ," is a practicing clinical psychologist and psychometrician. He is currently employed as an assistant professor in the Adventist University of the Philippines' undergraduate and graduate psychology programs, where he instructs major courses in psychology. As an educator, researcher, motivational speaker, and clinician, he blends his educational background, clinical experiences, life experiences, and spirituality to inspire others to reach their full potential and bring them closer to Christ.  Rhalf was born in Narra, Palawan, the third son of Romulo Salcedo Guanco (deceased) and Lorna Ferrer Guanco. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Palawan State University, a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Adventist University of the Philippines, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from that same institution before graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Additionally, he maintains active membership in several national and international associations, including the American Psychological Association, the Psychological Association of the Philippines, International Association of Applied Psychology, and is currently the Newsletter editor and representative of the Philippines in the International Neuropsychological Society. Last but not least, Rhalf is the Adventist Mental Health Association president and a mental health and assessment consultant for the Mental Health Initiative of the SDA Church's Health Ministries Department in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.

“Words can't express how thankful I am to God and to everyone who has helped me grow and develop professionally and given me support. This accomplishment is a huge milestone in my professional career, and I am humbled and truly honored by this. I never thought I'd be qualified, but God has a mysterious way of working things out,” Guanco said.

Rhalf is committed to applying psychology that is supported by research in his practice. He works with children, adolescents, and adults who have behavioral problems, neurodevelopmental problems, depression, anxiety, or other mood-related disorders, as well as a variety of other problems that may require efficient intervention, such as family problems, academic difficulties or other clinical problems. One of his favorite quotes from the Spirit of Prophecy is, "We are all woven together in the great web of humanity, and whatever we can do to benefit and uplift others will reflect in blessing upon ourselves.” 

Guanco holds the view that those who love Christ will go to carry out his works and serve people selflessly until He comes. The Citizen Psychologist Award committee was led by Dr. Joseph P. McFall.

Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department