The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) will conduct nursing board examinations in Bohol for the first time in the agency’s history, with the exams set for Aug. 29-30, 2026, at Tagbilaran City College, PRC-7 Regional Director Narcival “Randy” Taquiqui confirmed.
Some 417 examinees are expected to take the board exams locally, according to Taquiqui, who called former Bohol 1st District Cong. Atty. Edgar M. Chatto to relay the news after what he described as years of lobbying.
Taquiqui said the milestone fulfills a long-standing request Chatto made during his time as congressman of Bohol’s first district.
He said an earlier attempt to bring the nursing board exams to the province did not push through due to security reasons, which he clarified referred to a lack of manpower at the regional office to prepare examination materials.
The director said he personally pursued the request Chatto made during his incumbency and pledged to personally deliver the examination questionnaires to Bohol for the nursing board.
Bohol has previously hosted PRC criminology and teacher licensure examinations, both of which Taquiqui attributed to Chatto’s initiative in establishing an offsite PRC office in the province.
Traced to Chatto’s term
Taquiqui said the PRC’s offsite presence in Bohol began during Chatto’s incumbency, when the congressman provided fixtures, furniture and other materials to help set up the office.
He said the PRC-Bohol office is now located on the third floor of the old capitol building, fronting St. Joseph Cathedral, and that the agency has just renewed its five-year lease to remain at the site.
He also extended his gratitude to Rep. Geesnell “Baba” Yap and Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap for allowing the PRC to use Tagbilaran City College as the venue for the criminology, teacher and now nursing board examinations.
He likewise thanked Gov. Aris Aumentado, whom he described as supportive of the office’s needs during his term as governor.
Taquiqui said he admires Chatto’s advocacy for the environment, noting it aligns with his own environmental concerns.
He added that he is glad to be in Bohol, saying his goal is to bring PRC services closer to the people.
Aside from the nursing board exams, Taquiqui reiterated that it was through Chatto’s initiative that the PRC set up its Bohol office, paving the way for the criminology and teacher licensure exams to be held locally.
To recall, Chatto was responsible for establishing the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) satellite office in Bohol.
For his part, Chatto said professionals in Bohol may now file license renewals directly at the PRC office in the province.