Dr Renz Christian Argao

Dr Renz Christian Argao is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Argao Health Inc. He is a Registered Psychologist and Psychometrician, and a Diplomate of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. His work as clinical psychologist includes over a decade of experience in clinic administration, case management, psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and mental health and psychosocial support services. He has also led and managed a portfolio of projects and programs on psychosocial rehabilitation of communities affected by the armed conflicts in the Central Mindanao region and communities affected by typhoons and natural disasters. His project portfolio also includes capacity-building programs and psychosocial support services for community volunteers, youth, military, local government units, civil society, and religious leaders. He has worked with various companies, schools, and institutions in the delivery of psychological services to employees and students, development of mental health policies in the workplace, and conduct of mental health programs for various organizations. Dr Argao has also published journal articles on student mental health.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr Renz is a peace activist and is engaged in faith-based diplomacy and development work through Religions for Peace, the world’s largest and most representative multi-religious coalition, where he also serves as a Member of the World Council of Religious Leaders and of the International Executive Committee. During the 10^th World Assembly of Religions for Peace in Lindau, Germany in 2019, he was elected Coordinator (Chair) of the International Youth Committee and the Global Interfaith Youth Network. He has organized multi-faith actions on youth empowerment, environmental protection, humanitarian response, and diversity and inclusivity. In recognition of his work, the University of Santo Tomas conferred him the Quezon Leadership Award in 2020 for his singular ability to lead projects and programs.

Dr Renz is instrumental in strengthening the interfaith youth networks in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific Region through his capacities as the former Youth Coordinator of Religions for Peace Philippines and Co-Moderator of the Asia-Pacific Interfaith Youth Network (APIYN). He is currently the Deputy Secretary General of Religions for Peace Philippines and Moderator (President) of APIYN. He also serves in the Executive Committee of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace.

Dr Renz also worked in the academe, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology. He is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School. He has also conducted hundreds of seminars, workshops, and training on mental health, psychosocial support, traumatic stress, and clinical psychology.

Dr Renz is the Co-founder and Partner for Learning and Development of SmarterOne Philippines, an on-line continuing professional development start-up. He is a National Adviser of the Youth for Mental Health Coalition and is one of the hosts of WalwalSesh: The Podcast.

He earned his Doctor of Philosophy major in Clinical Psychology degree, magna cum laude, at the University of Santo Tomas, where he also finished his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree, magna cum laude. In 2022, he was named The Outstanding Alumni of Angeles University Foundation, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree.