Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit

The University of the Philippines (UP) College of Pharmacy marked a significant milestone with the formal turnover of leadership from Dean, Assoc. Prof. Francis Capule (2022–2025) to the newly appointed Dean, Assoc. Prof. Mac Ardy Gloria, on August 11, 2025, at the Emilio T. Yap Auditorium, Valenzuela Hall. The event, attended by UP Manila officials, faculty, staff, students, and alumni, celebrated the achievements of the outgoing administration and the vision of the incoming leader.

Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee formally announced Dean Gloria’s appointment, which was approved by the UP Board of Regents, and administered his oath of office. A symbolic turnover of the College’s mace and gavel from Dean Capule to Dean Gloria signified the passing of leadership. The ceremony also featured the oath-taking of the Dean’s Management Team, as well as the newly elected officers of the UP College of Pharmacy Alumni Association and UP Pharmacy Alumni Foundation.

Leading Through Change: Dean Francis Capule’s Legacy (2022–2025)

In his heartfelt valedictory, Dean Francis Capule reflected on leading the College during the challenging post-pandemic years.

“It has been my greatest honor to serve and to lead the brightest minds and most dedicated hearts towards our shared vision for pharmacy,” he said. “Leading the College in the post-pandemic years was especially challenging. But through collective effort, we turned challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.”

Under his leadership, the UP College of Pharmacy achieved milestones across academics, research, public service, and infrastructure:

Academic Excellence

• Achieved a 100% passing rate in the October 2023 Pharmacist Licensure Examination, producing ten topnotchers.
• Maintained the top spot nationwide in the November 2024 boards, with 58 graduates passing and securing another 100% passing rate.
• Submitted requirements for Level IV PAASCU accreditation, paving the way for CHED recognition as a Center of Excellence for Innovation.
• Expanded graduate programs to include the MS in Social and Administrative Pharmacy and MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences, while initiating the development of the Master in Clinical Pharmacy, PhD in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs.

Research and Innovation

• Spearheaded the Philippine Pharmacy Education Roadmap 2025–2030 in collaboration with CHED, aligned with the Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations Roadmap 2034, the International Pharmaceutical Federation Sustainable Development Goals, and the UN 2030 Agenda.
• Upgraded the UP Drugs of Abuse Research Laboratory (UP-DARL) into a DOH-registered Special Clinical Laboratory for Toxicology, equipped with technology comparable to first-world facilities. This upgrade fostered both local and international collaborations and inspired faculty members to specialize in toxicology. The laboratory has been sought after for forensic cases handled by the PNP and the College of Medicine’s Department of Pathology.
• Joined the FIP-UNESCO UNITWIN Center for Excellence in the Western Pacific Region as an academic institutional member, contributing to the program “Securing the Health of the Filipino for the Next Decade.”
• Initiated plans for a GMP-compliant, ISO-certified pharmaceutical sciences laboratory for developing and producing affordable, safe, and effective health products.

Capacity Building and Partnerships

• Secured the inclusion of the College’s graduate program under the DOST Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP), increasing scholarship opportunities for graduate students.
• Strengthened partnerships with local and international institutions to enhance research collaborations, student exchange programs, and professional training opportunities.

Institutional Standards

• Met all targets in the Office Performance Commitment and Review (OPCR) in line with UP Manila’s strategic agenda in curricular evaluation, research, extension services, customer satisfaction, and quality assurance.
• Ensured continued compliance with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standards for higher and advanced education, research, and extension services.

“In my role as the College’s chief academic officer, my responsibilities included clarifying the University’s mission, enhancing our academic reputation, and promoting our discipline beyond our own halls. This was not an easy task, but it was one I embraced with joy and determination, thanks to the guidance and encouragement of my fellow deans and UP officials — most especially Former Chancellor Carmencita Padilla and Chancellor Michael Tee — for the privilege of working alongside them,” he added.

Dean Mac Ardy Gloria’s Inspired Vision for the Future

In his inaugural address, Dean Mac Ardy Gloria acknowledged the trust placed in him and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the mentors, colleagues, and students who have shaped his professional journey.

“I firmly believe that this honorable opportunity to serve would not have been possible without the many people who have helped shape the person I am today. The doors opened have always been greater than I could have imagined. Purpose continues to unfold, and it is light I hope to reflect in all the work I do,” Dean Gloria said. “In this role as the new Dean of the College of Pharmacy, it is my way of honoring those gifts — by serving with honor, sharing what I have, and facilitating the creation of the same supportive environment for others that I was blessed to have.”

Dean Gloria outlined a two-fold vision for the College. The first is to position the UP College of Pharmacy as a National Resource Center — a hub recognized nationally and internationally for excellence in pharmacy education, workforce development, pharmacy practice, and pharmaceutical sciences, providing data, training, technical expertise, and policy advisory services. The second is to uphold the College’s stature as the country’s Premier School of Pharmacy, by maintaining high academic standards, conducting impactful research, and ensuring that extension services remain relevant and socially responsive.

His leadership philosophy is anchored on the acronym INSPIRE, which embodies his commitment to encourage productivity, foster collaboration, and drive positive change within and beyond the College.

“As the new Dean, I value all who came before me. I will continue the initiatives of previous administrations, address persistent gaps, and refine our approaches to emerging opportunities,” he stated. “Together, we will inspire the next chapter of our College and create relevant and measurable impact for the Filipino people.”

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