By Karren Jay G. Asgar & Mikee N. Norico
CPU-College of Pharmacy’s 8th White Coat Ceremony marks a milestone in the journey toward excellence and service. Are you ready to wear the coat of responsibility? Start your pharmacy journey at CPU-COP!
If you’re passionate about pursuing a comprehensive program that covers various fields ranging from chemistry to patient care, the CPU-College of Pharmacy (CPU-CCS) provides an exceptional academic environment where you can cultivate your skills and prepare for a dynamic future.
The college offers a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, where students gain comprehensive knowledge in core areas such as Pharmaceutical Chemistry, which explores the composition and reactions of drugs; Pharmacology, focusing on how drugs interact with the human body and diseases; Pharmaceutics, learning about medication formulation and manufacturing; Pharmacognosy, introduces students to natural medicines derived from plants and herbs; Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice, prepares students for patient-centered care, working alongside doctors to ensure the safe use of medications; and Toxicology delves into the effects of poisons and harmful substances on the body. Along with these subjects, students will also develop key skills such as scientific research, patient counseling, and medication safety management.
“Many people assume pharmacists only work in drugstores, but a pharmacy degree opens doors to various career paths. You can become a Community Pharmacist, a Hospital Pharmacist, or an Industrial Pharmacist researching and developing new drugs. Other options include Clinical Researcher, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, or pursuing a career in Academia & Teaching. Pharmacy offers a broad, dynamic field with endless possibilities beyond just working behind a counter,” Ms. Xenia Louise Joy B. Assin, RPh, MSPharm, OIC Dean of the College of Pharmacy, shared in an online interview.
College of Pharmacy ignites innovation and dedication in future pharmacists through PharmaWeek. Want to be part of this dynamic community? Begin your path with CPU-COP!
One of the professional colleges established after the war was the College of Pharmacy, which was created in response to the needs of young women who found the pharmaceutical profession particularly suited to their interests. Graduates of the program often established small neighborhood pharmacies in their own homes. Mrs. Carmelina Jalbuena, a pharmacy graduate of the University of the Philippines, agreed to become the dean of the new college at CPU, and classes began in 1947. She allowed students to practice in her pharmacy and served as dean until 1967, when she was succeeded by Miss Ana Tabaldo, who held the position until the college closed in 1970. In 1953, the Board of Pharmaceutical Examiners recognized the expanding scope of the profession and introduced a new five-year curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree, replacing the previous four-year course. The Department of Education mandated that the new curriculum be implemented in the 1954-1955 academic year.
“New advances in the drug industry began to adversely affect the College of Pharmacy. Various patented compounds were displacing individually prepared prescriptions, and the work of pharmacists began to change. From being limited to dispensing medical prescriptions and safeguarding the nation’s health, the profession of pharmacy was expanding to such new types of work as toxicologist, analyst, hospital pharmacist, manufacturing chemist, and laboratory technicians. However, in spite of the new professional opportunities in the field, the interest in pharmaceutical education declined. Lack of sufficient enrollment to justify the college of CPU forced the board of Trustees to terminate the program at the end of the school year 1968 – 1969. Since a few students were to complete the course in 1970, Miss Tabaldo continued as the dean until that date,” OIC Dean Assin added.
Inspired by Hon. Ferjeneel G. Biron, Congressman of the 4th District of Iloilo, CPU, under the leadership of its president Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, reopened the B.S. Pharmacy course in 2011 within the Department of Pharmacy of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. Prof. Lily Lynn V. Somo and Prof. Darlene Joy J. Marañon were appointed as Dean and Department Coordinator, respectively. Four years later, the department proudly produced its first batch of 17 Centralian pharmacists, including Mr. Adrian Jude L. Machalias, who graduated Cum Laude. Thirteen of these graduates, or 76.5%, successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Pharmacists administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in March 2016, exceeding the national passing rate of 65.01% by 11.49%. In the following board exam held in August 2017, 36 out of 38 graduates, or 94.7%, passed. In June 2017, the Department of Pharmacy was elevated to a separate entity and renamed the College of Pharmacy, with Prof. Darlene Joy J. Marañon served as the Acting Dean.
CPU-College of Pharmacy students explore the campus and engage in the CPUR Orientation, preparing for an exciting academic journey. Ready to start yours? Enroll now at CPU-COP!
“To realize its aim of becoming one of the leading pharmacy schools in the country for God’s glory, the College is being guided and motivated by the following vision and mission, to wit: Vision: A dynamic college of pharmacy committed to produce globally competitive pharmacists through Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL); Mission: A college dedicated to produce Centralian pharmacists who possess the necessary pharmaceutical knowledge, skills, and attitudes through research and clinical experience strengthened by Christian values in service to the client and the global community.”
In recent years, the CPU College of Pharmacy has achieved significant milestones, including Ms. April Joyce Catalan ranking 5th in the August 2018 Pharmacist Licensure Examination. Additionally, the college earned recognition as the 7th top-performing pharmacy school in the Philippines in the November 2024 Pharmacist Licensure Examination.
When asked why incoming students should consider the CPU College of Pharmacy for their education, OIC Dean Assin shared, “As an aspiring future Centralian Pharmacist, CPU—College of Pharmacy should be your college institution because the college offers quality education that would prepare you for the real-world situation where we are in dire need. You would be one of the sought-out pharmacy professionals because you are being molded to be a competitive, compassionate, and Christ-centered professional as you move out in the four corners of the institution.”
OIC Dean Assin also encouraged future students of the CPU College of Pharmacy to approach their studies with an open mind, a strong will, and a passion for learning. She emphasized the importance of taking every opportunity to learn and grow, reminding them that they are being trained to become highly qualified professionals who have the power to change people’s lives.
“There will be difficult days but learn to step back and remember the reason why you took up Pharmacy. Believe in your dreams and know that every challenge that you will encounter will make you stronger and a better steward of medication in the future. Always stay focused, motivated, and trust that God will be with you throughout your journey,” she added.
The CPU College of Pharmacy is now accepting applicants for A.Y. 2025-2026. Interested individuals can access the Personal Data Sheet (to be printed on short bond paper) by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/3l69r4F. For further inquiries, the College of Pharmacy can be reached at (033) 329-1971 local 1314, 09455193446, or via email at pharmacy@cpu.edu.ph.
Additionally, for students who wish to become part of the Centralian community, the CPU College Aptitude Test (CPUCAT) is now open for admissions. For more information, please visit this link: https://cpu.edu.ph/cpu-college-aptitude-test-cpucat/