By Mikee Natinga Norico
Relentless Radiance: CPU Pharmacy Batch Aeognian Shines Bright at the 11th Annual Pinning Ceremony.
The Central Philippine University College of Pharmacy (CPU-COP) Batch Aeognian successfully held its 11th Pinning Ceremony on September 3, 2024, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The event, themed “Aeognian Odyssey: Reveling in the Relentless Radiance of Lifelong Learning,” marked a significant milestone in the academic journey of the senior pharmacy students as they prepared to embark on their internships.
The ceremony began with a prelude by Mrs. Genevieve A. Gumban, followed by the processional of the BS Pharmacy students’ class of 2025, along with faculty and staff. Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, led the invocation.
Xenia Louise Joy Assin, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Dean, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of the pinning ceremony as a pivotal moment in the students’ academic careers. She encouraged the students to embrace their passion and commitment to their future roles as healthcare professionals.
University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy addressed the 115th batch of student interns, the largest group to be deployed outside the university. He emphasized CPU’s commitment to “Scientia et Fides” (Science and Faith) and reminded the students to uphold these values throughout their journey.
Diogenes III Zurbito, RPh, served as the inspirational speaker. A distinguished graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy program at the University of San Agustin, Zurbito is known for his passionate advocacy of the pharmacy profession. As the Pharmacist-in-Charge at MedExpress and dubbed “Mr. Irbesartan” on social media, Zurbito challenged students to redefine the role of pharmacists beyond the stereotype of “store clerks.” He encouraged them to embrace their profession with genuine passion and recognize their potential to make significant impacts in healthcare.
“Just like most of us, Pharmacy was my fallback. Sometimes, the paths we don’t initially choose for love can lead us to places where love grows, where we find meaning, fulfillment, and a sense of belonging. Maybe just like me, Pharmacy wasn’t our first choice, but it has become the best choice we could have ever made—a choice that, against all odds, has not only shaped our future but has become the very essence of who we are and who we aspire to be. It’s a decision that has opened doors we never knew existed, that has challenged us in ways we never anticipated, and that has brought out strengths in us that we didn’t realize we had,” Jarold Nicole V. Manumbre said during his batch response.
The ceremony also included the presentation of interns, the pinning ceremony, and the batch response, delivered by Jarold Nicole V. Manumbre. The event concluded with the singing of the batch song, the Pharmacy hymn, and the benediction.