“Anong ginagawa ng Pharmacist? Nagtitinda ng gamot?”
There are questions we repeatedly encounter from the first day of school in the BS Pharmacy program, even until the posting of our tarpaulins when we finally pass the board exam, even until today. If you’re not sacrificing your nightlife for work in the hospital, or you don’t sacrifice your whole weekend for work in the manufacturing company, then you are just the so-called “glorified salesperson”, in Leigh man’s term,“tindera sa botika”.
An article from Collins published in October 2013 states that many people have that for long thought that the only skill of the pharmacists is to read and decode the doctor’s illegible handwriting. Pharmacists have always been seen as glorified salespersons because the work of pharmacists is to dispense over-the-counter medication (Collins Mwai, 2013).
Are we involved? Should we care?
This perspective is very common in this country. This was believed to be the superficial root cause of “brain drain” in which high percentage of pharmacy graduates in the Philippines prefer to migrate to other countries not just for the rate of salary but also to gain proper acknowledgment as what they deserve and not just to be simply recognized as a glorified salesperson. Imagine you are dreaming of being called a doctor as what other countries recognize their pharmacists but you end up being simply recognized as a salesperson with diploma and licence. This is a great concern for pharmacy professionals and pharmacy students because life in the pharmacy course is not normal. It is not rudimentary to encounter hundreds and thousands of medical terms, level-up computations that are sensitive to wrong answers because every single thing always deals with the life of people, different counseling points in every medication, different mode of actions of every tablets, capsule, and other dosage forms, hundreds of toxicities and their respective treatments, memorizing by heart all the standard guidelines in practice, and so much more.
Pharmacy profession branches different fields to choose from, community, hospital, pharmaceutical industry, and even in academe and business management, that pharmacists have become an integral provider of healthcare products and services. However, despite this vital role, the majority of the public still perceive us with a nameplate on our uniform saying “I am just a glorified salesperson”. This is no surprise that as time passes by, graduates of BS Pharmacy became fewer and fewer because students even failed to recognize the enormous mainstream of opportunities a degree of pharmacy unlocks.
I am not just a Future Pharmacist, I am a Pharmacist of the Future!
Ask yourselves, after how many years in college, do you deserve this perception
Of course not! Who would have wanted to be known as a shopkeeper with a diploma and license? After all we’ve been through during college, after all the failures and breakdowns, after all the things we let go just to pass the quizzes and exams, even our health that we began not to prioritize, after all these rocky mountains we’ve been through for 4, 5, 6, and so many years, nobody wants to have a nameplate on the eyes of the public saying “I am a glorified salesperson”.
The role of the pharmacists is not limited in dispensing medications, standing in a store for long hours waiting for the shift to end. Pharmacists ensure that patients get quality health services and products. Pharmacists are also engaged in research, academe, manufacturing or any branches of the profession. These branches the fact that pharmacy as a profession and discipline is strongly entangled and consolidated by both fundamental and applied science to solve real-world problems encountered particularly within the healthcare setting. The Pharmacy course is empowered with loads of opportunities and not just limited to work in a small drugstore.
The Pharmacy course highly aims to equip graduates who are good at problem-solving and decision-making and innovative thinkers as the creator of ideas.
UMak as Top Performing Pharmacy School under Category B
By: Don Carlo Buera December 11, 2019
2018-2019 Clinical Graduation of COAHS: Center of Pharmacy, at the University of Makati
With all twenty six (26) examinees passing the August 2019 Pharmacist Licensure Exam, the University of Makati has been considered one of the top performing pharmacy schools in the Philippines under Category B. The school is deemed top performing under Category B if it has achieved a passing rate of 100% with 15 to 49 examiners.
The list of passers is as follows: Arianne Alor, Mariane Joy Amores, Mawen Anuncio, Kathalene Aquino, Amanah Bangon, Azel Joy Camacho, Vincent Cerujano, Anton Crucillo, Jet Cristian Daquis, Sarah Joyce Estanislao, Jericho Lance Gonito, Angeline Kaye Isaguirre, Karen Itable, Sarah Ladi, James Valdwin Larioza, Leah Marcelino, Rizza Mae Marcos, Maricon Maximo, Mila Nulud, Isah Joy Pamoraga, Angelo Penos, Clarisse Kaye Rosaria, John Cedric Sanchez, and Resa Velasco.
The University of Makati has consistently shown its excellence in pharmacy education having a passing rate of 100% in the licensure examination last March 2018 and 92.86% last August 2018. The Pharmacy Licensure Exam, held twice every year, is a requisite for graduates of the BS Pharmacy program to be licensed professional pharmacists. The exam consists of six modules that test the examiners’ knowledge regarding the science and practice of pharmacy.
Center of Pharmacy: General Assembly Successfully Held
By: Lourie Buenaventura December 11, 2019
Center of Pharmacy – General Assembly Conclusion. Photo taken by: Rhea Mae Padua
Faculty members and students from the Center of Pharmacy (COP) participated in the annual General Assembly of the Center at the Volleyball Court, 12th floor, HPSB at the University of Makati on July 3, 2019, stressing the theme “One COP, always with you in your BS Pharmacy journey.”
It was officially started with the welcome address of Prof. Justine Marie Ocampo, RPh, MSPh, Executive Director of the Center of Pharmacy. “Let us pull each other up,” said Dr. Maria Nenette Cariaga, RPh, MSPh, College of Allied Health Studies Dean in her inspirational message. She highlighted that the assembly intends to make college life more meaningful by knowing and helping each other in their pharmacy journey. It was followed by the Oath Taking of newly-elected officers of the Circle of Hygeia was lead again by the Executive Director Prof. Justine Marie Ocampo, RPh, MSPh. and afterward introduced the faculty members of the Center of Pharmacy. The event was enjoyed by everyone with the pressure of games and activities such as Human Bingo, “The Boat Is Sinking,” and blindfolded human train.
Students from different year levels were applauded in performing their intermission numbers that showcase their talent such as singing, dancing and even acting. As the program continued, the Circle of Hygiea showed a video about the accomplishments and recognition gained by the College throughout the years. Selected Pharmacy students from different year levels initiated the fashion show focusing on the “Do’s and Don’ts” on wearing different attire from required uniform up to laboratory and corporate attire. Before the program ended sub-organizations of the Center were introduced; Hygeian Arts Guild, Pharmacopages, Apothecalympics Sports Club, and Pharmaherbs that aim to strengthen one’s talent.
ONE COAHS 2019: A Celebration of Oneness
By: Catherine Sadian December 11, 2019
Opening Night of ONE COAHS Pageant by performance of Arts De La Scene. Photo Taken by: Justine Miralles
Last July 17 10 24, 2019, the College of Allied Health Studies once again celebrated the annually held tradition, the ONE COAHS 2019. Hosted the week-long celebration was the Center of Pharmacy with the theme “Crafting Harmony through Weaving Shades of Capabilities” in coordination with the other centers which furnished set of activities that marked a strong bond among the three centers. ONE COAHS is celebrated in accord to the annual tradition of commemorating the ever-growing spirit of oneness among the three centers-Center of Pharmacy, Center of Nursing, and Center Imaging Health Studies. The Dean of the College, Dr. Maria Fay Nenette M. Cariaga, RPh, MSPharm, recalls that through peaks and valleys the college remained as “One College, One Team and One Family” she proudly stated.
Awarding of the One COAHS Debacle Competition by: Shane Indias
“The Debaters Have Spoken in the Debacle 2019”
The Debacle Competition was firstly held in the morning of July 17 at HPSB Room 901. Six teams with three debaters from different centers battled up and took a stand for the several timely topics in healthcare including “Brain Drain” and “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Field.” It is a matter of persuasion and confidence but only one team made it until the end. Mr. Don Buera from Center of Pharmacy, second year level, was awarded as the Best Debater among the other 17 participants of the competition.
Team comprised of the three centers competing in the “Pautakan 2019” by: Shane Indias
Pautakan 2019 – A Battle of the Brains
In the afternoon of July 23, came forth the PAUTAKAN 2019 held at HPSB Room 901. The oral quiz bee competition was in a Year Level category. Three teams from each year level, comprised of three members from different centers, accepted the brain-to-brain challenge. Flashed on big screen were not less than 15 questions which attested the wit brought by the participants with them. Teams that scored highest from every year level were awarded as winners. Winners from the Center of Pharmacy are Charina Ancheta from Fourth year level; Anne Nicole Policious from Third year level; Catherine S. Sadian from Second year level; and Rey Ann Sabugaa from First year level.
MIMS Making an introduction to their company. By: Shane Indias
Last July 24, in partnership with the College of Allied Health Studies and Circle of Hygiea, booths of sponsor companies were brought closer to all the Herons at the Lobby area of Administration Building, University of Makati. Some of the participated companies were Family DOC, Celtrione, Makati Medical Center, MIMS, and Mary Kay. Then, afternoon of the same day, as inspirational talk was held in the Grand Theatre of the University.
The Newly Crowned Ms. COAHS 2019: Helen Bless Capco, along with Dr. Maria Fay Nanette M. Cariaga, RPh, MSPh. Photo taken by: Justine Miralles
New MR. & MS. COAHS 2019 Finally Crowned:
“ “What a glamorous night!” uttered by the Dean as she welcome everyone to the highlight of ONE COAHS 2019 at the University of Makati, Grand Theatre on the near dusk of July 24. With its tribal theme, the Center of Pharmacy successfully executed the last shot of the celebration wherein 20 candidates, 10 males and 10 females from different centers wowed the audience as they ramped on stage wearing confidence and smile.
The host also served a bunch of intermission numbers performed by talented students including Arts de La Scene from Center of Pharmacy, UMak Singlahi, Code Blue Dance Group of Center of Nursing and others. The college faculty members also gave a jam to the audience with their performance.
Before the night ended, the crowd intensified their cheers as runner-ups are named. At last, the final verdict came and reigned the crown and the title were Mr. COAHS 2019, Neo France Juaneza, first year level from the Center of Nursing and Ms. COAHS 2019 Helen Bless Capco, first year level from the Center of Imaging Health Studies.
UMaK Competes in the 10th Patient Counseling Event
By: Noreen Jemima Gonda December 11, 2019
The 10th Patient Counseling Event (PCE) with the theme “Safe and Effective Medicines for All” was successfully held on November 16, Saturday, at Arellano University-Manila but hosted by the 2018 PCE winner’s school, Centro Escolar University (CEU)- Makati.
It was made possible through Young Pharmacists Group (YPG) in partnership with the Federation of Junior Chapters of the Philippine Pharmacists Association (FJPPhA), Junior Philippine Pharmacists Association Beta Chapter Makati, and Arellano University.
PCE 2019 was joined by 16 Pharmacy schools all over the Philippines. These includes: University of Santo Tomas (UST), Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation, Centro Escolar University – Manila, Angeles University Foundation, University of Makati, Adamson University, Our Lady of Fatima (OLFU) -Valenzuela, St. Paul University Philippine, National University (NU), Saint Louis University- Baguio, University of the Philippines (UP) – Manila, The Philippine Women University, University of Perpetual Help Dr. Jose G. Tamayo Medical University Binan, Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), and Negros Oriental State University.
Keynote speaker Ms. Christine Aileen C. Benosa, RPh, MPH, Secretary General of Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Association, highlighted the importance of conducting patient counseling by pharmacists to avoid unwanted adverse drug reaction, possible management on its side effects, and to obtain optimum benefits of the medicine.
She also engaged with the audience by presenting cases and brain exercises, to identify in which part the pharmacist can give intervention. On the other hand, the second keynote speaker Dr. Maria Donnabelle U. Dean, Vice President of Philippine Pharmacy Association of Luzon, further discussed the theme of the event by supplementing examples of how pharmacists can provide safe and effective medicines for all.
After the lunch break, the competition proper kicked off. In the elimination round, each school was given 5 minutes to research and another 5 minutes to counsel. Five schools were allowed to proceed to the final round. Based on the judges decision, these are Adamson University, OLFU – Valenzuela, The Philippine Women University, Negros Oriental State University, and St. Paul University Philippines. The final leg of the competition was immediately held live at the Theater Hall of Arellano University.
The finalists were judged by the following criteria: attending (15%), active listening and empathic responding (15%), interviewing (20%), influencing (25%), and content (25%). OLFU – Valenzuela bagged first place in the competition, Philippine Women University won second place, followed by St. Paul University of the Philippines for third place. The winning school is set to be the host for the next PCE event this 2020.
UMaK – Center of Pharmacy Celebrates World Pharmacists’ Day
By: Kim Javines & Moses Ching December 11, 2019
World Pharmacist’s Day Event Conclusion in the Center of Pharmacy. Photo taken by: Ma. Lovely Castro
World Pharmacists’ Day was celebrated by the students and the faculty members of the Center of Pharmacy. They conducted an event on 25th of September 2019 at the 10th floor, Health & Physical Science building, at 6:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon. The said event was hosted by Mr. John Bryn S. Mondragon, the President of the Circle of Hygeia. In the morning, Mr. Chris John Pertimos led the all levels inside of Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (BSP) program to beget a human arrangement of the Rx symbol with 93 student volunteers and 7 professors. After the successful arrangement stated above, the scheduled event followed. It was facilitated by the Circle of Hygeia lead by the Vice President, Ms. Hanna Lace Donato and the Academic Coordinator, Mr John Christian Varona.
In Room 1012, different students with different advocacies of Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA) stood out as they share their voices and made an inspirational but life-changing lecture related to their respective advocacies. The student speakers excellently expressed themselves in sharing their knowledge as well as promoting their advocacies to the audience. Afterwards, the patient counseling contest was led by Ms. Hanna Lace Donato together with her companions, the contestants were given a chance to showoff the major skills of a pharmacist. The next program was the Quiz Bee, that was led by Mr. John Christian Varona & Mr. John Bryn Mondraggon. It was a good setting of collaboration between different year levels as they battle their way out to earn first prize in this contest.
Then, the last was the Debacle where two of the National Debacle Champions namely Mr. Jet Christian Daquis & Mr. Emmanuel Caballero , led the competition. The mechanics of the debate followed the British Parliamentary style in which the government, supports the notion, and the opposition, the side that disagrees with the notion, formally discussed their viewpoints. Each member was assigned a position depending on their assigned take on the notion and each participant was given seven minutes to deliver their speech.
The event ended with the awarding ceremony of the participants. For WPDx Advocacy Talk, in the solo category, the champion was Ms. Lourie Buenaventura with her Advocacy: Antimicrobial Stewardship. The 1st runner-up was Ms. Justine Miralles with her Advocacy: Pharmacists For Mental Health and the 2nd runner-up was Mr. Paul Llave with his Advocacy: Pharmacy TB Dots Initiative. For the pair category, the champions were Kristine Togonon and Armane Uson with their advocacy: Pharmacy Information Services. The 1st-Runner up were Ms. Judy Ann Saluta & Ms. Jenyl Festin with their advocacy: Pharmacy TB Dots Initiative, and the 2nd Runner-up were Ms. Julianne Sagun and Ms. Tracy Zhane Quiñones with their advocacy: Smoking Cessation. For the Debacle, the team of Ms. Joycemay Andaya and Mr. Karl Ramirez were declared the as the winning team, and Ms. Joycemay Andaya was awarded as Best Speaker in the competition.
Credits: Centro Escolar University -1st Runner-up winner Catherine Sadian & Paul Llave
The search for the next pharmacy youth advocate was hosted by the Centro Escolar University-Makati together with the Federation of Junior Chapters of the Philippine Pharmacist Association (FJCPPhA) in partnership with Junior Philippine Pharmacist Association – Beta Chapter Makati that was held last November 17, 2019. The pharmacy youth advocates were represented by four schools namely Adamson University, St. Paul University Philippines-Tuguegarao, Centro Escolar University-Manila and the University of Makati. The PYA pageant proper was mainly divided into 3 categories. First, each pair will have a presentation of their chosen topic and it must be delivered with a time limit of 10 minutes. The topics that were discussed are following: First, we have “End the Stigma, Stop the Spread” which was presented by Mr. Dominic C. Moreno and Ms. Isabela M. Salamanca of CEU-Manila, this was to raise the awareness of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) cases in the country such as HIV and AIDS.
The second topic was addressed by Mr. Mike Angelo N. Onjeras and Ms. Ysabel L. Sumabat of St. Paul University Philippines-Tuguegarao entitled “Project HERB CUREe: Nakakasiguro Gamot ay Laging nasa Bakod” this was to tell the people that plants can be used as alternative medicine. The third pair, Mr. John Marion R. Medina and Ms. Sheena Loran O. Calvento of Adamson University discussed the topic “FSL: Future Service Leader” to know the importance of Filipino sign language and us pharmacists and other healthcare professionals should educate them. Lastly, the University of Makati which was represented by Mr. Peter Paul Llave and Ms. Catherine Sadian introduced the topic “Safety and Effectiveness is Our Goal; Medication Adherence is Our Call” in relation to a worldwide issue called Antimicrobial Resistance, the misuse and adherence of medication leading to ineffectiveness of the drug. The second category is that each pair will showcase their talents in relevance to their topic. Adamson University, St. Paul University Philippines-Tuguegarao and Centro Escolar University-Manila exhibited their own talent through singing in a very primitive way of composing a song. While University of Makati rendered their talent portion by generating a poem through spoken poetry.
In the final category, pharmacy youth advocates will deliver their final message that serves as an inspiration to pharmacy students and as well to empower them in accordance to their advocacy. The University of Makati-College of Allied Health Studies-Center of Pharmacy is stupendous with the effort of our 2 candidates in joining the Pharmacy Youth Advocates with the guidance and support of Ms. Jan Maverin Cruz, Professor from Center of Pharmacy. For the awards, Centro Escolar University-Manila garnered the most friendly award, Adamson University landed on 2nd runner-up, University of Makati grasped 1st runner-up and the Champion for the Pharmacy Youth Advocate 2020 was St. Paul University Philippines-Tuguegarao which nipped a 0.5 difference between University of Makati advocates, it was truly a great journey for them to bring home the crown. That’s why next year’s host for PYA is St. Paul University Philippines-Tuguegarao
Pharmacopages is the news and information page for the Center of Pharmacy – College of Allied Health Studies in the University of Makati. This page will bring updates to the Center of Pharmacy concerning the events that have happened. In partnership with the Circle of Hygeia, this e-paper will also provide upcoming announcements to the students and faculty.
EDITORIAL STAFF:
Editor in Chief: Shane Anne Indias
Writers:
Don Carlo Buera
Catherine Sadian
Kim Javines
Moses Ching
Lourie Buenaventura
Noreen Jemima Gonda
Jathniel Porlares
Layout Artist: Moses Ching & Chris John Pertimos
Editorial Cartoonist: Chris John Pertimos
Advisers:
Prof. Justine Marie Ocampo, RPh, MSPharm
Prof. Vladimir Guillermo, RPh, PharmD
Contributors:
Circle of Hygeia , Center of Pharmacy, College of Allied Health Studies
Contact US:
College of Allied Health Studies Faculty—9th Floor, HPSB Bldg. University of Makati, J.P. Rizal Ext, West Rembo, Makati City. 1215 Metro Manila
Pharmacopages 