Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
“Ano po ba ang tunay na sukatan ng kahusayan? Ito po ba ay sa taas ng marka sa mga pagsusulit? Sa dami po ba ng mga parangal na natatanggap? O sa taas po ba ng mga posisyong pinanghahawakan?” asked University of the Philippines Manila College of Pharmacy (UPCP) Dean Mac Ardy Gloria.
The question framed the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila College of Pharmacy’s (UPCP) Araw ng Pagkilala 2026, where 64 graduates were recognized on Aug. 1, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
Guided by the theme, “Selyo ng Kahusayan: Parmasiyang Makatao, Mapagpalaya, at Makabago,” the ceremony celebrated graduates whose academic achievement and professional formation reflect the college’s commitment to developing pharmacists who serve with compassion, integrity, and innovation. This year’s graduating class comprised 35 Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, 27 Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, one Master of Science in Pharmacy (Hospital Pharmacy), and one Master of Science in Social and Administrative Pharmacy graduate.
Carrying The Seal of Excellence Beyond Graduation
Dean Gloria congratulated the graduating class and their families for reaching a milestone made possible through years of perseverance, discipline, and sacrifice. He reminded the graduates that the College of Pharmacy’s seal of excellence is defined not only by academic achievement but also by how they use their knowledge in the service of others.
He underscored that true excellence is measured not by the awards one receives, but by the values one upholds and the lives one touches.
He said, “Ang kahusayan ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa dami ng parangal o pagkilalang natatanggap. Kung hindi, higit sa lahat, ito ay sa kung ano ang ating naibabahagi at kung sino ang pinipili nating maging araw-araw. Ang pagiging makatao ay ang paggamit ng kaalaman at kasanayan nang may dangal, malasakit at paggalang para sa kapakanan at dignidad ng bawat Pilipino.”
His message echoed the spirit of Selyo ng Kahusayan—one that envisions pharmacists who combine scientific excellence with empathy, innovation with ethical leadership, and professional expertise with an unwavering commitment to advancing the health and well-being of communities.
Pharmacy With Compassion, Integrity, And Purpose
Serving as keynote speaker, Food and Drug Administration Director III for the Policy and Planning Service, Dr. Irene V. Florentino-Fariñas underscored that pharmacy is ultimately about people—their health, dignity, and hope. Drawing from her experiences in public health and government service, she urged the graduates to embody the ceremony’s theme by practicing their profession with compassion, using their knowledge to combat misinformation and expand access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines, embracing innovation without compromising professional judgment, and upholding integrity and humility throughout their careers.
Emphasizing that technical competence must always be matched by compassion, she reminded the graduates: “Mahalaga ang talino at husay. Ngunit ang kahusayang walang malasakit ay hindi ganap na kahusayan.”
She also encouraged them to recognize the value of quiet and often unseen service, noting that meaningful contributions are not always accompanied by public recognition.
“Hindi lahat ng mahahalagang gawain ay napapalakpakan. Ngunit hindi rin nababawasan ang halaga ng mga ito dahil lamang hindi sila napapansin,” she said. Dalhin ninyo ang malasakit. Dalhin ninyo ang integridad. At dalhin ninyo ang paninindigang ang bawat Pilipino ay may karapatang magkaroon ng ligtas, de-kalidad, at abot-kayang serbisyong pangkalusugan.“
A journey defined by perseverance
Delivering the graduate response, Michaela Pernia, Magna Cum Laude, reflected on the self-doubt that marked her early years at UP and the perseverance that carried her through. She recalled often feeling inadequate among classmates she regarded as exceptionally accomplished, but eventually realized that success was not about being the smartest person in the room. Instead, she learned that the most meaningful challenge was striving to become better than the person she was the day before.
Pernia credited the graduates’ achievement not only to their determination and resilience but also to the unwavering support of their families, professors, classmates, and loved ones who believed in them even during moments of uncertainty. She urged her fellow graduates to carry beyond the classroom the values that define the profession, reminding them that knowledge alone is not enough to become an effective healthcare professional.
“Hindi sapat na marami tayong alam. Kailangan ding marunong tayong makinig. Marunong tayong umunawa. At higit sa lahat, marunong tayong magmalasakit,” she said.
Pernia concluded by encouraging the graduating class to measure success not by titles or accolades, but by the positive impact they make through compassionate and ethical service. She said, “Hindi man natin mababago ang buong mundo sa isang araw, maaari nating mabago ang mundo ng isang tao sa pamamagitan ng tama at tapat na paglilingkod.”
Excellence In Academics and Leadership Recognized
The ceremony also recognized graduates who demonstrated exemplary academic performance, research excellence, leadership, and service through various institutional and professional awards.
Special awards conferred during the ceremony included:
The awardees were recognized for outstanding achievements in scholarship, research, innovation, leadership, and excellence across various fields of pharmacy education and practice.
Carrying The UP Legacy Forward
As they embark on the next stage of their professional journeys, the graduates were reminded that the true measure of success lies not only in academic honors or career achievements but also in the positive impact they create in the lives of the people they serve.
The recognition rites concluded with a renewed call for the graduates to carry forward the values of the UP College of Pharmacy—compassion, integrity, excellence, and public service.
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