Privacy Policy — Philippine Academy of Microbiology, Inc. (PAM)

Section 1

Information We Collect

In the course of processing applications, certifications, CPD compliance, and registry verification, PAM may collect:

• Identity and contact information — full name, address, email, and phone number;
• Educational and professional background — degrees, PRC license details, employer, and work experience submitted with applications and nominations;
• Certification records — RMicro/SMicro status, examination results, CPD units, and Diplomate/Fellow conferment history;
• Payment information related to certification and membership fees, such as PNB deposit or transfer references; and
• Technical information collected automatically when you visit pam.org.ph, such as browser type and pages visited, for basic site analytics.

Section 2

How We Use Your Information

PAM uses personal data to:

• Evaluate applications for certification, nomination, and membership;
• Maintain and publish the Public Registry of certified Diplomates and Fellows for verification purposes;
• Track CPD compliance and process certification renewal or reinstatement;
• Send official notices — exam schedules, CPD reminders, oath-taking and conferment announcements; and
• Respond to inquiries sent to connect@pam.org.ph and improve PAM's services and website.

Section 3

Public Registry Disclosure

A limited set of certification data — name, certification category (Diplomate or Fellow), and year conferred — is published in the Public Registry so that employers, government agencies, and the public can verify an individual's active certification status. This disclosure is necessary to fulfill PAM's mandate as the national certifying body. Contact information, examination scores, and payment details are never published in the Registry.

Section 4

Sharing of Information

Aside from the Public Registry disclosure described above, PAM does not sell or rent personal data. Information may be shared with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. (PSM), or relevant government agencies where required for accreditation, verification, or compliance with Philippine law, or with PAM's officers and committees strictly for the purpose of evaluating an application or complaint.

Section 5

Data Retention and Security

PAM retains certification and membership records for as long as necessary to maintain the integrity of the Public Registry and to comply with its governance obligations under its Constitution and By-Laws. PAM applies reasonable organizational and technical safeguards to protect personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Section 6

Your Rights Under the Data Privacy Act

Under Republic Act No. 10173 (the Data Privacy Act of 2012), you have the right to:

• Be informed of how your personal data is processed;
• Access and request correction of your personal data;
• Object to certain processing, subject to PAM's legal and regulatory obligations as a certifying body; and
• File a complaint with the National Privacy Commission if you believe your data privacy rights have been violated.

To exercise any of these rights, contact PAM at connect@pam.org.ph.

Section 7

Cookies and Website Analytics

pam.org.ph may use minimal cookies or similar technologies to keep the site functioning correctly and to understand general usage patterns. These do not identify you personally and are not used for advertising.

Section 8

Changes to This Policy

PAM may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in its practices or in applicable law. The updated policy will be posted on this page. For questions about this Privacy Policy, contact connect@pam.org.ph.