By Mikee Natinga Norico

CPU College of Pharmacy Batch Amariah, faculty, staff, guest speaker Atty. Rex Ivan T. Sayson (seated in front, 5th from L), and University President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (seated in front, 6th from L) gather for a group photo at the Rose Memorial Auditorium after the successful 12th Pinning Ceremony.

On September 9, 2025, the College of Pharmacy (COP) of Central Philippine University (CPU) proudly held its 12th Pinning Ceremony for Batch Amariah at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. Guided by the theme, “Amariah: Guided by Promise, Anchored in Faith, Fulfilling the Purpose of Pharmaceutical Care,” the solemn occasion gathered 399 attendees, including parents, faculty, and guests, as 121 fourth-year pharmacy student interns were officially pinned.

The program opened with an invocation led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem conducted by Alden Joy Espedion.

In her welcome remarks, Acting Dean Xenia Louise Joy B. Assin, RPh, MSPharm, shared that the name Amariah means “God has said” or “Promised by God,” a reflection of the students’ perseverance and faith throughout their academic journey. She reminded the interns that the pin they received is more than a symbol of readiness—it is a solemn promise to fulfill their calling in pharmaceutical care with integrity, faith, and dedication.

CPU College of Pharmacy student interns officially receive their pins, symbolizing readiness to begin the internship journey in pharmaceutical care.

“As you are presented with your pins today, may this symbol serve as a tangible reminder of the solemn promise you now hold. It signifies your readiness to step out and apply everything you have learned. May you always be guided by the promise you now hold, anchored by your unwavering faith and fulfill the noble purpose of pharmaceutical care in every life you touch,” she said.

University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy also delivered a message of encouragement to the batch, followed by an inspiring keynote address from Atty. Rex Ivan T. Sayson, RPh, an alumnus from the COP Pioneer Batch of 2016. He expressed his gratitude to CPU for shaping both his professional and personal journey, saying, “CPU didn’t just help me finish my education. It helped me realize a dream that once seemed out of reach—to become a pharmacist and later, a lawyer. For that, I will forever be grateful.”

Ma. Jean Amistas, RPh, LPT, Academic Coordinator, led the presentation of interns, which was followed by the Pinning Proper—the highlight of the ceremony—where the 121 interns were formally presented and pinned. Responding on behalf of the batch, Pinning Committee Chairperson Angel Em T. Escander reflected on their journey, highlighting courage, integrity, and faith as guiding virtues. She emphasized that the pins symbolize responsibility and service rather than mere titles, reminding her fellow interns that the ceremony is both a celebration and a covenant of promises—to God, to their families, and to the communities they will one day serve.

“These pins we wear are a symbol. Not of titles, but of responsibility. They remind us of every skill, every experience and every lesson we’ve ever learned, and that every act of care must flow from compassion. This pin tells us we are ready to face the world—not with pride, but with service; not with fear, but with faith; not with hesitation, but with courage,” she said.

The event concluded with the batch’s rendition of their chosen song, “Courage” by Ben & Ben, followed by the Pharmacy Hymn and Alma Mater Song. As Batch Amariah embarks on their internship journey, the ceremony stood as a testament to their commitment to uphold faith, compassion, and excellence in pharmaceutical care.