By Chessa Pae Faustino, Stratcom Correspondent

The MMSU College of Health Sciences (CHS) marked its 7th White Coat Ceremony for third-year Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy students on July 2 at the Teatro Ilocandia.

The ceremony recognized ninety-six BS Pharmacy students who will take on their responsibilities as student pharmacist interns in their fourth year. The cloaking of pharmacy students signifies their transition from classroom learning to clinical application.

Dr. Kryzka Maria Veronica Pasigui, an alumna of the BS Pharmacy program, served as guest of honor and speaker. Dr. Pasigui graduated cum laude in 2016 and passed the Physician Licensure Exam in 2022. In her message, she emphasized the significance of empathy, compassion, and integrity in connecting with patients to foster trust and healing. Furthermore, she urged the students to serve in various communities where medicine is a lifeline.

Dr. Prima Fe Franco, vice president for academic affairs, commended the Department of Pharmacy, led by Prof. Janelyn Rojas, and challenged the students to imbibe the values of professional pharmacists.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cheryl Didi Nelie Obra, CHS dean, welcomed the pharmacy students to the profession, encouraging them to uphold the values and responsibilities that define the profession and to provide the highest standard of care to their patients.

For her part, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis proudly recalled the recent achievements of the MMSU College of Pharmacy. To inspire the pharmacy students, she noted with pride that MMSU was recognized as a top-performing school in the April 2024 Pharmacist Licensure Examination.

Started in 2017, the White Coat Ceremony is an annual event of the Department of Pharmacy. It recognizes third-year pharmacy students who are ready to be deployed to various medical institutions and perform clinical duties.