By Princess Samantha Joy S. Suarez and Keann Arvyxz F. Garcesa
CPU BS Pharmacy students with Sir Sarex D. Dipol, CESL Acting Director (left), Dr. Arlyn C. Gallega, OIC of Alberto Sorongon Sr. Memorial National High School (center), and Ms. Junalyn D. Silguera, SHS Coordinator (blue), pose for a photo opportunity during their outreach program.
On March 14, 2025, second-year BS Pharmacy students from Central Philippine University conducted an outreach program titled “For Your InPHARmation: Promoting Safe and Proper Medication Use for a Healthier Community” at Alberto Sorongon Sr. Memorial National High School in Brgy. Iwa-Macatol, Pototan, Iloilo.
As part of their Human Reproduction course requirement, the students organized and delivered a lecture to address medication safety and dispel common misconceptions about drug use. The discussion was led by Meary Angel Dela Cruz, second-year representative of the Junior Philippine Pharmacists Association – CPU Chapter (JPPhA-CPU), and Princess Samantha Joy Suarez, Vice Governor of the College of Pharmacy Student Council (COPSC). Hosting the event were Keann Arvyxz Garcesa, JPPhA-CPU Chapter Vice President for Internal Affairs, and Kiara Yzabelle Mena, JPPhA Assistant Auditor. The program was attended by senior high school students from the HUMSS and TVL strands.
The lecture covered essential topics such as the difference between over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs, the dangers of self-medication, and the importance of proper medication use. The speakers also debunked common misconceptions, such as the belief that adult-formulated medicines can be safely given to children and that splitting pills can always be done to save costs.
As aspiring pharmacists, the students also seized the opportunity to advocate for their future profession, emphasizing the crucial role of pharmacists in ensuring medication safety and proper drug use in the community.
One of the key points emphasized was the role of pharmacists in ensuring medication safety. “The most important message I wanted the students to take away is to never self-medicate and to always consult a pharmacist about what medications to take, without being afraid or shy to ask questions since it’s their role in the healthcare system,” said Meary Angel Dela Cruz, one of the speakers. “I hope that following the directions provided by their doctors on the correct dosage, timing, and duration of the medication to ensure safe and effective use will also be instilled in their minds.”
Beyond education, the outreach also aimed to improve first aid preparedness in the school. The students provided a fully equipped first aid kit containing essential supplies, sanitary pads, and commonly used OTC medications such as pain relievers, antacids, and antihistamines. This aims to address the school’s need for accessible medical resources, ensuring that students and faculty have the necessary tools for basic care.
Despite the success of the event, the team faced challenges in preparing for the outreach. “Balancing our academic responsibilities with the outreach preparations was difficult, but our team overcame this by delegating tasks efficiently, setting clear priorities, and maintaining open communication,” shared Shekinah Pani-agua, one of the organizers. The event required careful coordination, especially since the students had just completed their prelim exams before finalizing the program.
For the participating pharmacy students, the outreach was both an opportunity to educate and a fulfilling experience. “Going to Alberto Sorongon NHS was a truly fulfilling experience as a pharmacy student. I enjoyed seeing the SHS students actively engage, participate, and ask questions to clear up their misconceptions about medicine,” one of the students, Krishna Librodo, reflected.
At first, the students were hesitant to share their thoughts, but with encouragement from the speakers and hosts, they gradually became more open to discussing their concerns. “That moment was truly inspiring, as it reflected the efforts, we put into our studies to one day become professionals,” she added.
By providing proper guidance, accessible health materials, and real-world applications of medication knowledge, the outreach program successfully promoted medication safety. As aspiring pharmacists, the students hope to continue making a difference in their communities.
The event not only strengthened the participants’ passion for their profession but also left a lasting impact on the students of Alberto Sorongon Sr. Memorial National High School—empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and safety.