Catanduanes pharmacists began to take on a higher profile last Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, when they celebrated World Pharmacists Day and inducted a new set of officers that would likewise lead them to venture into the grassroots.
In congratulating the Catanduanes Pharmacists Association (CAPhA) in a recorded video, Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA) National President Dr. Aleth Therese L. Dacanay advised the group’s officers led by Fermin Joel S. Bagadiong Jr. to steer the chapter to new milestones and reminded them to lead with integrity while staying committed to elevating the profession in the island province.
Likewise, she updated the pharmacists group on the legacy projects being implemented under her leadership, including the completion of a comprehensive database system by 2026 and the final stages of the Philippine Practice Standards for Pharmacists 2.0 by the end of next year.
The PhilPSP 2.0 will provide Common Competency (CC) Standards as well as competency standards for five major areas of pharmacy practice in the Philippines: Academic Pharmacy (AP), Industrial Pharmacy (IP), Community and Institutional Pharmacy (CIP), Hospital Pharmacy (HP), and Public Health Pharmacy (PHP).
The PPhA is also following up its application for accreditation as a provider of training programs to enhance professional development as it seeks to provide a roadmap for pharmacy education and practice through a review of the Pharmacy Law.
It is also organizing hybrid regional conferences with free registration for members, specialized training programs, vital participation in the Universal Health Care program in improving access to medicines, the launching of Task Force PAGASA to foster growth and welfare through competitive salaries, and the completion of its Learning Center.
Inducted by Viga Mayor and fellow pharmacist Jennifer Tuplano at the Victor Hall were Bagadiong as CAPhA chapter president; Juncesar D. Magtangob, vice president; Demie T. Posada, secretary; Josephine Geromo-Ma, treasurer; Raymund G. Alberto, auditor; Annaliza Tolod-Tarraya, PRO; and Jennifer Tuibeo-Sarmiento and Russel Geromo-Santos as business managers.
Serving as advisers are Arlene P. Arcilla, Diogena S. Garcia, Flordeliz Usero, and Jehan Almojuela-Icamen.
Mayor Tuplano said CAPhA officers carry the crucial responsibility to sustain and advance the Association’s mission and vision, with their commitment to upholding professional excellence, promoting ethical practices, and embracing innovation to strengthen the role of pharmacists as indispensable healthcare partners in Catanduanes.
She noted that the new generation of pharmacists in Catanduanes is embracing the rapid advances in technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) which is revolutionizing how pharmacists manage patient care, optimize medication therapies, and enhance health outcomes.
“The proactive adaptation of these technologies by our pharmacists will elevate healthcare delivery to new heights—more personalized, efficient, and preventive—firmly positioning the Association as a key driver of health innovation in the region,” Tuplano stated.
On the other hand, former DOH regional director Napoleon Arevalo remarked that the association has work to do in facing the challenges posed by the PPhA president and the Viga mayor, especially in enhancing their presence in the grassroots.
He expressed hope that the Catanduanes State University would expand its health sciences course offerings to include pharmacy, medical technology and radiologic technology.