On November 11, 1962, a small group of psychologists gathered at Selecta Restaurant along C.M. Recto Avenue for what would later be considered one of the most defining moments in Philippine Psychology. They came from different institutions, drawn to that single place by a common purpose. From the University of the Philippines (UP) came the Chairperson of the country's first Department of Psychology, Dr. Agustin Alonzo, Fr. Jaime Bulatao, S.J. founder of the Department of Psychology and the Central Guidance Bureau of the Ateneo de Manila University, was also present. With them were Dr. Sinforoso Padilla, who established the Psychological Clinic at UP, and Dr. Jesus Perpinan, who founded the Psychological Clinic at Far Eastern University. Dr. Mariano Obias was also present at that historic meeting presided over by Dr. Alfredo Lagmay of UP, which saw the birth of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP).

Two months later, the PAP ushered in the new year by electing its first set of officers. It was on January 1, 1963 when Dr. Sinforoso Padilla became the Association's first President, Dr. Alfredo Lagmay the first President-elect, Fr. Jaime Bulatao, S.J. the first Executive Secretary, and Dr. Estefania Aldaba-Lim the first Treasurer. Atty. Narciso Albarracin, who helped the group with their incorporation papers, was sworn in as the Legal Counsel of the Association.

The first plenary meeting was held on March 30, 1963 at the Ateneo de Manila University in Padre Faura. Dr. Sinforoso Padilla delivered the presidential address. After that, the group held monthly meetings and picnics where scientific researches were presented.

In January, 1964, the first annual national convention was held at the NSDB Science Pavilion on the corner of Taft Avenue and Herran (now Pedro Gil), Manila. The high point of the convention was a Symposium on the Filipino Personality which was later published as a book and remains one of the classics in Philippine psychology.

What is AIPO?

Refers to the concerned Board and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) for a given profession which is specifically mandated by the provision of the Professional Regulatory Law (PRL) to integrate the professionals into one national organization and where the membership therein by professionals is automatic and mandatory.

What is PAP's role as AIPO?

1. To define the professional responsibilities of its members;
2. To ensure that its members adhere to the Code of Ethics, Responsibilities, and highest professional and technical standards;
3. To improve the standards of the profession through effective collaboration with the Board and the PRC;
4. To look into the conditions affecting the practice of the profession and to propose policies or measures to the Board of the PRC for its improvement;
5. To ensure the welfare, and the best interest as well as harmonious relationship among its members; and
6. To report violations of the PRL to the PRC, through the office of the Legal Service, for possible prosecution or filling of a complaint.

Accredited Professional Organization qualification is established for the promotion of the benefit and welfare of the professionals of one discipline, the advancement of their profession, and the attainment of other professional ends.

The rights and privileges of an AIPO shall enjoy, within the period of the validity of its accreditation, the following are:

1. To represent the profession for which such organization has been established and accredited;
2. To submit nominees for vacant positions in the Board;
3. To bid for the yearly award for the outstanding professional organization;
4. To nominate for the annual outstanding professional of its profession;
5. To designate a representative to sit as the 1st member of the CPD Council;
6. To be part of the oath-taking ceremony of the new professionals;
7. To represent the profession in the Monitoring Committee for the ASEAN MRAs, if applicable; and
8. To exercise analogous rights and privileges under the law.