Text by: Jennifer Manongdo
Photos by: Brandon Deichmann
The University of the Philippines College of Pharmacy (UPCP) celebrated a milestone on July 18, 2025, with 91 new graduates in a ceremony held at the UP Film Institute in Diliman, Quezon City.
University officials, led by Chancellor Michael Tee, College of Pharmacy Dean Mac Ardy Gloria, and College Secretary Charles Mandy Ayran conferred academic degrees to 44 BS Pharmacy graduates, 43 BS Pharmaceutical Sciences graduates, and three MS Pharmacy graduates.
Dean Gloria conveyed a heartfelt message of admiration for the graduates who endured the challenges of shifting to online learning during the pandemic.
He said, “Dumaan sila sa pandemya dulot ng COVID-19, at nang ito ay natapos, kinailangan naman nilang lumipat mula sa online learning patungo sa face-to-face learning delivery mode – na kinailangan din ng malaking adjustment. Ang kanilang buhay sa loob ng Kolehiyo ay puno ng puyat, pagod, sakit, luha, at mga agam-agam…Na minsan ay napapatanong sila sa kanilang mga sarili kung: Tama pa ba ang mga iniisip at ginagawa nila?”
The Dean also commended the graduates for their unwavering perseverance and for overcoming challenges with remarkable determination. “Pero sa kabila ng lahat, pinili at pinilit nilang bumangon, magpakatatag, manindigan, at magpatuloy,” he said before a round of applause erupted in the theater.
Pharmacists Not Just “Tindera sa Botika”
In her keynote speech, multi-awarded pharmacist and Vice President for Manufacturing at E.L. Laboratories, Inc., Maria Rosario B. Barangan shattered the stereotypes of pharmacists as mere dispensers of medicine. Barangan, who is also a lecturer at UPCP, reflected on her own story, which began when she was a young girl folding medicine boxes in her mother’s pharmaceutical factory, marveling at how machines turned powders into tablets. Her curiosity grew into passion and a strong resolve to take BS Industrial Pharmacy.
While studying at UP Manila, she had to confront a common misconception. She said, “People would say to my face, ‘Ah, nag Pharmacy ka, magtitinda ka ng gamot sa botika!”
“But I was determined to graduate and eager to build my own pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, to develop pharmaceutical products, and make the best medicines here in the country, and I did all that. That’s why I can say, ‘Ang parmasyutikong ito ay hindi lang nagtitinda ng gamot, ako ang gumagawa ng gamot,’” she emphasized.
The UPCP alumni also expressed frustration over the country’s outdated pharmaceutical systems, especially when compared to neighboring countries that are advancing in high-tech, patient-centered care. She noted that although around 4,000 pharmacy students graduate each year, only a small number choose to practice as pharmacists, and even fewer remain in the country to serve. To create real change, Prof. Baranga urged the graduates to take on strategic leadership roles across sectors.
Noble Purpose
Kathreen Ashley Reforsado led the UPCP Class of 2025 as valedictorian and summa cum laude. She graduated with a general weighted average grade (GWA) of 1.1859.
In her valedictory speech, Reforsado shared how the demise of her cousin became a turning point that inspired her to pursue a degree in pharmacy.
“In her fight, I found the seed of a dream…that maybe, if I chose this profession, I could one day understand her disease better. Maybe, in the future, I could even help invent a cure,” she said.
Reforsado acknowledged the diverse paths their batch may embark on, whether in clinical practice, industry, research, or even non-traditional fields. She also honored mentors, friends, and loved ones who supported her and her batchmates throughout their education. She ended her speech with a call to lead with humility and service.
“So, wherever we are planted, in hospitals, in communities, in research, in policy, I hope we continue to lead with humility and heart. I hope you remember that service is not something you do only when it is convenient or rewarded,” she said.#
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