Pharmacists Association holds historic convention in the city
The Philippine Pharmacists Association Inc. (PPHA) held its national convention in Baguio City on April 21-26, 2025 with the theme, “Pharmacists for a Unified and Sustainable Healthcare.”
There were a total of 2,404 in person and 4,200 online attendees nationwide. Some 88 company exhibitors also attended the event described as historic by convention over-all chair Jingle Diola.
“This convention made history in more ways than one, and it was made even more meaningful by the fact that—for the first time in the over 104 year history of the PPhA, a Cordilleran chaired the national convention, hosted right here in the City of Baguio. A moment of pride. A legacy of representation. A testament to the strength and spirit of the Cordilleras,” Diola said.
Diola enumerated the milestone attained during the event:
- The official declaration of Pharmacists Week by the City Government of Baguio led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong during its flag raising ceremonies on April 21, 2025 which “forever honors the profession in the city’s history.”
- Conduct of the first-ever Solidarity Motorcade which is “a striking symbol of unity across the many facets of pharmacy practice.”
- Conduct of the landmark Binnadang Medical and Community Outreach Program, a tribute to Cordilleran values of communal unity and service, delivering care to over 600 beneficiaries – a first for PPHA made possible through an unprecedented partnership with the Police Regional Office, CAR (PROCAR), Watsons Personal Care Stores Phils., SM Foundation Inc. and PhilHealth, Baguio.
- Forging of a memorandum of agreement between PPhA and the City Government of Baguio, formally recognizing the role of pharmacists in the LGU-level Healthcare Provider Network—a national model for integrated, community-based care.
- Enshrining the association’s pledge of commitment to sustainable healthcare through a commemorative artwork by local artist Edmund Andrada.Diola said that through the convention, they were able to convene the pioneering Regulators’ Forum linking government agencies Dept. of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Dept. Of Agriculture, Anti-Red Tape Authority, Board of Investments, Professional Regulations Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation with their ASEAN counterparts through theFederation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA) and International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) for landmark policy dialogue on the future of pharmacy regulation.They also delivered the highest number of CPD units in PPhA convention history—”raising standards for continuing professional growth.”
“Perhaps one of the most historic feats is that we brought the largest professional convention back to Baguio City in decades—a massive undertaking with undeniable logistical hurdles, yet one that created lasting impact not just for PPhA but for the community that welcomed us with open hearts,” Diola said. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
