By Mikee Natinga Norico

College of Pharmacy Batch Aeognia and distinguished guests gather for a memorable group photo, celebrating their milestone at the 8th White Coat Ceremony.

On January 13, 2025, the Central Philippine University College of Pharmacy (CPU – COP) Batch Aeognia celebrated its 8th White Coat Ceremony, with the theme “Aeognian Echoes: Resounding Ripples of Wisdom, Reaching Beyond Boundaries.” The ceremony symbolized the students’ transition to professional practice. A total of 115 senior Pharmacy students participated in the momentous event, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward becoming professional pharmacists.

The program commenced with the processional, followed by an invocation led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church. Ms. Xenia Louise Joy B. Assin, RPh, MSPharm, Officer-in-Charge of the College of Pharmacy, delivered the welcome remarks. She lauded Batch Aeognia for their perseverance and underscored the white coat’s symbolic significance as an emblem of academic achievement and responsibility.

“Your white coats are more than just a symbol of your academic achievements,” she said. “They signify your responsibility as stewards of medication and your role as part of the healthcare team. Let the knowledge and wisdom you carry echo far beyond your time here at CPU.”

Hon. Mildred Oliveros, RPh, PhD, offers invaluable insights on lifelong learning and ethical behavior in pharmacy at the 8th White Coat Ceremony.

Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President, delivered an inspirational message, acknowledging the students’ hard work and the support of their families and mentors. He highlighted CPU’s commitment to holistic Christian education and reminded the students of God’s plans for their future, citing Jeremiah 29:11-13.

“Pharmacy is not an easy course, but you persevered. I urge you not to forget your outstanding teachers and mentors because they have invested in you and provided you with the knowledge and skills needed for the journey ahead. This is who we are as a Christian institution of higher learning. And we will strive to keep this at the front and center of everything we do—not only for the good of this university and its stakeholders, but more importantly, for God’s glory, honor, and praise,” he said.

Ms. Analei C. Lasdoce, RPh, Secretary of the Young Pharmacist Group – Iloilo Guimaras Chapter, delivered an inspiring message, introducing the pillars of success: Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, and Habits (K.A.S.H). She encouraged the students to uphold empathy, compassion, and professionalism, reflecting on her own journey in the pharmacy profession.

Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President, presents a plaque of appreciation to guest speaker Hon. Mildred Oliveros, RPh, PhD, Professional Regulatory Board of Pharmacy, alongside Ms. Xenia Louise Joy B. Assin, RPh, MSPharm, OIC Dean of the College of Pharmacy.

“This white coat that you wear is not just simply your uniform. It’s a powerful emblem of responsibility, integrity, and dedication. The wisdom and care you demonstrate during your experiential pharmacy practice and beyond will resonate in the lives of your patients and communities, creating waves of positive change. Every patient interaction, every medication you encounter, every collaboration with healthcare teams, and every challenge overcome will contribute to the ripples of wisdom and care that define your legacy,” she said.

The keynote speaker, Hon. Mildred Oliveros, RPh, PhD, a distinguished member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Pharmacy, shared valuable insights. She emphasized lifelong learning, ethical behavior, and viewing pharmacy as a fulfilling lifestyle.

“The white coat symbolizes your entry into the pharmacy profession. It represents the highest ideals of the field. When faced with challenges, find the wisdom embedded in them, and you’ll realize you are capable of overcoming more than you imagine. Reflect on the profound responsibility that comes with your role as a member of the pharmacy profession. This journey will be exciting, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately, the most meaningful path you’ll ever take,” she said.

The donning of the white coats followed, a poignant moment symbolizing the students’ transition into their professional roles. The oath of pharmacy students was led by Ms. Lasdoce, affirming their commitment to integrity and excellence.

Nepth Micro V. Apil, BS Pharmacy Vice Chairperson of the 4th Year Committee, delivered the response. He reflected on Batch Aeognia’s growth, resilience, and shared aspirations, expressing gratitude to mentors, families, and friends for their unwavering support.

“Each of us carries within us the wisdom of our experiences, the strength of our connections, and the resilience forged through challenges. For 4 years, we shared classrooms from other departments, and there was this recently we were so-called “MGA NAKAPUTI”. And yet, despite these challenges, we persevered. So, I’d like to challenge my batch mates, that if we ever get successful in life, if we ever get to be the pharmacists, the physicians, the doctors, the mayors, the governors, and the RT staffs, that we’ve always dreamed of, maybe we go back here in CPU, where students truly are central. And if we may always dream of having, the College of Pharmacy, having its own classroom, having its own laboratory equipped with high-tech laboratory tools and equipment.  Let this be a dream we share with everyone. Not only for us, but for the future Filipino pharmacists, that CPU will be producing. Ladies and gentlemen, and especially to the people doubting us still, mark your calendars in November 2025 as we take the boarding exam. With relentless effort and with God’s grace, we will claim 100% passing rate. Not just through knowledge, but through the resilience we forge in every trial, every challenge in every step of the way. Life isn’t about living the dream you want. Life is about living the dream you are meant for,” he said.

The program concluded with closing remarks by Ms. Analie Serafino, RPh, Internship Coordinator, who congratulated the students for their dedication and professionalism. She reminded them to rely on the values and habits they’ve developed as they move forward in their careers. The event ended on a high note with the Pharmacy interns performing their batch song, “Rise” by Belle Mariano, followed by the benediction led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, Pharmacy Hymn, and recessional.

The 8th White Coat Ceremony of CPU’s College of Pharmacy celebrated not only academic milestones but also the dedication and commitment of Batch Aeognia to creating ripples of wisdom and compassion, resonating far beyond the university’s walls.