Dr. Renz Argao is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Argao Health Inc. He is a Registered Psychologist and Psychometrician, a Certified Specialist in Clinical Psychology by the Psychological Association of the Philippines, a Diplomate of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, and an internationally certified expert in psychotrauma. He is also currently a Member of the World Health Organization Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential.
His work as clinical psychologist includes 15 years 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 (Governing Board) and of the International Executive Committee. During the 10th World Assembly of Religions for Peace in Lindau, Germany in 2019, he was elected Coordinator (Chair) of the International Youth Committee. He has led and organized multi-faith actions on youth empowerment, environmental and climate action, humanitarian response, disarmament, positive peace, wellbeing, and diversity and inclusivity. He has also convened interfaith youth peace conferences in the national and international level, bringing together youth leaders and empowering them towards collective action. Dr. Renz served as keynote speaker, resource speaker, and/or panelist in high level meetings and international conferences in various parts of the world such as in Japan, New York, Krakow, Lindau, Brussels, Yangon, Jakarta, Seoul, Manresa, and Phnom Penh. He was also a resource speaker on various fora organized by the World Health Organization, the United Nations Political Forum, Adyan Foundation, KAICIID, Religions for Peace, and other international and local organizations. 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 works 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, where he also served as former Graduate School Community Development Coordinator, Supervising Psychologist of the UST Psychotrauma Clinic, and Consultant for Gender and Development Inclusivity Matters in Higher Education of the Office for Student Affairs. Dr. Renz also served as a faculty member at the University of the Assumption, Far Eastern University, San Beda University, Angeles University Foundation, and has served as Psychology Department Chair of the College of the Holy Spirit Manila. He has conducted hundreds of seminars, workshops, and training on mental health, psychosocial support, traumatic stress, and clinical psychology.
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.
