By Nestle G. Taala
A photo opportunity with Batch 2023 together with the participants of this years White Coat and Pinning Ceremony.
“In our hand lies the power of noble pursuit for pharmaceutical wisdom.” – The CPU College of Pharmacy (COP) held its 6th White Coat and 9th Pinning ceremony on June 2, 2023 at the University Church with the theme “Centralian Odyssey: A Journey of Heroism in Being a Drug Expert.”
University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles graced as well as welcomed the participants of the ceremony. He is grateful to God to have this double celebration: putting on of white coat and pinning of badges in its perfect time. “Graduating students, receiving your pins and donning your white coat is not merely an academic ritual. They symbolize your acknowledgement of the responsibilities of becoming future licensed pharmacists,” he said. Also, he hoped that the “pristine whiteness of your coat always reminds you of your commitment to professionalism, respect, caring and integrity.”
Mrs. Genoveva Declarador, RPh, RN, President of the Philippine Pharmacists Association – Iloilo-Guimaras Chapter, was also present during the ceremony and on behalf of the organization, she welcomed the students as their future members.
Florencio V. Arce, Jr., RPh, PhD, SRPharmS, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy of the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, served as this year’s ceremony guest speaker where he expressed that the students have an inevitable role of being a drug expert and a hero to the communities they will serve. “As you don your first white coat, it is the symbol of your acceptance. You allow yourself to be in the profession – to fulfill the career of a pharmacist who promotes health in the community, safeguards patient and drug policy, and as a healthcare professional who puts pharmaceutical discoveries to good use.”
The members of the College of Pharmacy faculty and staff and OIC Prof. Vincent Anthony V. Militante who introduced Dr. Arce as guest speaker were also present in the event.
The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy students batch 2023 have put on their white coats, pinned their badges, and collectively pledged their commitment to service during the said event. Thus in a post by the College of Pharmacy Provincial Council, batch 2023 declared, “on this momentous day, we dare to dream; for tomorrow, we shall pin our collective aspirations upon the tapestry of a profession we ardently devote ourselves to, crafting a future where healing blooms and lives flourish.”
[The program was aired live via Central Philippine University TV Channel. WATCH it here: https://www.facebook.com/CentralPhilippineUniversityTV/videos/1277281439661201]