The College of Allied Medical Sciences (CAMS) celebrated the success of its newest batch of licensed pharmacists during “A Night of Honor and Gratitude: Testimonial Dinner for the New Pharmacists,” held on November 30, 2025, at Luzviminda’s Catering, Event Center & Resort.

The event gathered administrators, faculty members, alumni, proud families, and the newly licensed pharmacists for an evening dedicated to recognition, thanksgiving, and inspiration.
CAMS Dean Prof. Kay Ann J. Tongol, RPh, MSc, opened the program with her welcome remarks, acknowledging the hard work and perseverance of the passers and the strong support system behind them.

One of the event’s highlights was the presentation of the Board Examination Passers for the November 2025 Pharmacists Licensure Examination, done by Prof. Melvin Reyes, RPh, Program Chair for BS Pharmacy.

He reported that twenty-four alumni of the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy program successfully passed the exam as released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on November 21, 2025. While 21 of WUP’s 22 first-time examinees passed, earning the University a 95.45% first-time taker performance rate, which is 7.41% higher than the national average. He added that three repeat takers also passed, resulting in an overall performance rate of 92.31%, exceeding the national overall average by 11.74%.

Ms. Mariz Coleco, one of the new pharmacists, shared her experience and heartfelt testimony on their journey toward the licensure exam, expressing her gratitude to their mentors, families, and Wesleyan University-Philippines.

“Wesleyan [University-Philippines] became the environment that shaped me and pushed me to become better. Dito ako mas naging independent. Dito lumakas ang loob ko. The professors, the training, the academic pressure—lahat ng iyon ang nag-prepare sa akin to become the pharmacist I am today. Hindi ito madali, pero sobrang worth it,” she stated.

This was followed by a message from Mrs. Edna De Guzman Bernardo, mother of Ms. Shaina Bernardo, another passer, who expressed the overwhelming pride shared by many families present.
“Ang tagal ng result. Ang haba—parang binibitin tayo. Talagang tinetest yung trust natin kay God. Pero nung dumating na ’yon, hindi alam ni Shaina. May nag-congratulate lang [sa kanya] kaya napasigaw siya. Papauwi pa lang po kami noon… last na po si Shaina,” she recalled, highlighting the emotional moment as Shaina is the youngest and the last of her children to finish her degree, and now a licensed professional.

The ceremony continued with the Awarding and Recognition of Partner Institution, followed by the Awarding and Recognition of New Pharmacists, where the passers received their certificates and tokens of commendation for their achievement.

Also present at the event was Mr. Mark Christian E. Valencia, Area Vice President for North and Central Luzon of the Young Pharmacist Group Philippines, who extended to the passers the invitation to the Young Pharmacist Group. He encouraged the new pharmacists to remain active in professional development and continue contributing to the healthcare sector.

The event concluded as Rev. Francis Fajardo, University Chaplain, led the closing prayer and benediction, offering blessings for the new pharmacists as they embark on their professional careers.

Article by Ayumi San Cai Valerio (PIO)
Photos by John Carlo Dauz and Julian Jude Mariano (PIO)