COVID-19 Cancellation of 2020 Special Professional Licensure Examination

The COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented global health crisis, has affected countless lives and disrupted systems across all sectors. From education and healthcare to business and international travel, the pandemic forced the world to rethink and realign many long-established plans and traditions. Among the significant disruptions that affected Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) was the cancellation of the 2020 Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE).

The Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), in its official Resolution No. 1242 Series of 2020, announced the cancellation of the 2020 SPLE, which was initially scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 2, 2020, in various host countries in the Middle East and in Singapore. This examination was a much-anticipated event for many OFWs who aspired to become licensed professionals while working abroad.

The SPLE is a yearly initiative of the PRC, in collaboration with other government agencies, to offer professional licensure examinations outside the Philippines. It serves as a vital opportunity for Filipino professionals who are currently working abroad—particularly in the Middle East—to acquire or renew their licenses without the need to return to the Philippines. Through this program, thousands of OFWs have been able to pursue professional growth and gain recognition for their competencies, which often leads to better career opportunities abroad.

For the year 2020, the SPLE was scheduled in the following cities:

• Al Ahmadi, Kuwait

• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Doha, Qatar

• Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia

• Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Manama, Bahrain

• Singapore

These locations were selected based on the large populations of Filipino workers residing and working in each city, and the availability of partner institutions and Philippine government posts capable of administering the examinations.

However, the plans were ultimately affected by the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation. By mid-2020, most of the aforementioned countries had already recorded a significant surge in COVID-19 cases. Governments across the Middle East and Southeast Asia began implementing strict COVID-related travel bans, border closures, mandatory quarantines, and health protocols to control the spread of the virus.

Given these developments, it became increasingly difficult—and unsafe—to proceed with the examination as originally scheduled. The safety of the examinees, examiners, and personnel involved became the utmost priority.

After careful assessment, the PRC, in consultation with concerned agencies such as the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and PPO Chairmen in each host country, made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 SPLE and reschedule it to a later, safer date. This decision was supported by the Philippine Embassies, Consulates, and Labor Attachés based in the affected countries. It reflected a shared understanding that COVID-19 health risks could not be taken lightly and that health and safety must come before anything else.

This cancellation, while necessary, came as a disappointment to many Filipino professionals who had long prepared for the examination. Some had spent months reviewing, saving money, and coordinating with their employers to ensure they could participate. For many, passing the SPLE was not just about obtaining a license—it was about improving their livelihoods, sending more support to their families back home, and gaining a deeper sense of achievement and purpose as professionals in a foreign land.

Nevertheless, the decision was met with understanding by the OFW community. The global situation was—and remains—extraordinary. All over the world, people were forced to cancel events, delay careers, and adjust to new realities. The postponement of the SPLE was not a failure, but a demonstration of responsible governance and compassion for the Filipino people abroad, especially amid the uncertainty brought by COVID-19.

It also served as a reminder of how fragile plans can be in the face of a COVID-related global crisis—and how adaptability, patience, and collective effort are more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live, work, and interact. It has forced us to be more flexible, to look out for one another, and to embrace difficult decisions when they serve the greater good.

For those who were affected by the SPLE cancellation, it’s important to hold onto hope. The PRC has expressed its intention to reschedule the examinations once COVID-19 conditions improve and it becomes feasible and safe to do so. There is also the potential for digital innovations and alternative assessment methods to be explored in the future, as government agencies continue to modernize their services in response to the COVID-19 challenges.

In the meantime, aspiring professionals are encouraged to continue their review and preparation. The delay can be transformed into an opportunity—an extended window to gain more knowledge, build confidence, and engage in further study. Many review centers have shifted to online platforms, making resources more accessible even during COVID-related lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Moreover, this situation underscores the importance of community support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Filipino communities abroad are known for their solidarity. Now more than ever, OFWs can support each other through shared experiences, online study groups, and information-sharing. What matters most is the continued pursuit of personal and collective progress, even in uncertain times.

As the world moves towards recovery, the hope remains that future SPLEs will not only resume but return stronger and more inclusive. The lessons from 2020 will shape how such programs are managed, ensuring they are more resilient to COVID-era disruptions and more responsive to the needs of Filipinos overseas.

In closing, while the cancellation of the 2020 SPLE was a painful but necessary decision, it also reflects our commitment to life, health, and safety above all. The Filipino spirit has always been marked by endurance, diskarte, and heart. This COVID-19 pandemic may have delayed dreams, but it has not destroyed them.

Let us all continue to stand in solidarity, keep ourselves informed and safe, and look forward to the day when the SPLE and many other postponed plans can finally take place—with renewed hope and greater purpose.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE!

Whole Document of the Cancellation of 2020 SPLE

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