Unleashing The Hero In You: The 2019 Philippine Pharmacists Association National Convention

Each and everyone of us has different accomplishments in life, and all of the achievements, there's always someone behind who had a great impact on each other's life.

It's great feeling to know that someone is always going to support us in anything we choose to do. It alleviates much of the stress knowing that someone will come along in making decisions.

Same with our Pharmacists, before they're just a mere salesman/woman(tindira) in a Pharmacy Stores. But they have a great influence for several reasons, they support us, gives advice, in every decision we make they showed us compassion especially in handling of medicines. They inspire and taught us the proper use of medications by looking at Doctors prescriptions.

UNLEASHING THE POWER IN YOU

In Davao City, 4000 pharmacists gathered for the Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc. (PPhA) 2019 National Convention held at the Davao City Convention and Trade Center (DAVCON) and SMX Convention Center.

It was a five-day convention activities.

April 30-May 1, a trade exhibits happened at the DAVCON which highlight the leading programs by pharmacists that contribute to the upholding standards of antimicrobial stewardship, rational use of medicines and medication adherence. Health promotion initiatives by pharmacists which addresses risk factors of diseases was also presented.

There was a forum for the PPhA National Board and Heads of local chapters and affiliate organizations.

PRESSCON happened last April 30 at Coco's South Bistro Torres, with starting from the right: Venus Roque, RPh (President-PPhA Davao Chapter, Ma. Gilda Sebua-Saljay, RPh (Over-All Chairman 2019 PPhA NatCon), Yolanda R. Robles, RPh, PhD (President - Philippine Pharmacists Association , Inc.), Adelina C. Royo, RPh, PhD (Member - Prof. Regulatory Board of Pharmacy) and Bryan S. Posadas, MBA (PRO-Phil. Pharmacists Assoc., Inc.)

"Annual PPhA national convention is a testament to the dedication of pharmacists to help provide excellent medical services to the public." ~ Dr. Yolanda R. Robles, PPhA President

The last two days of the five days convention (May 2-4), is concentrated on PPhA Awards,plenary and breakout sessions and gala night, happened at SMX Convention Center.

President John Jackson of International Pharmaceutical Federation/Western Pacific Pharmaceutical Forum is the keynote speaker discussing the Continuing Professional Development (CPD), specifically environmental factors and global trends.

Success comes from hard work, energy, dedication and a support system. So with the help of the people behind the success of the PPhA NatCon, like the National Government agencies and local public institutions are crucial to the success of the profession in fulfilling their responsibilities to the nation.

PPhA Advocacy Programs:

1. Pharmacy-based Immunization
2. Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management
3. Antimicrobial Stewardship
4. Pharmacy DOTS Initiative (PDI)
5. RPH for Mental Health
6. Medication Adherence
7. Pharmacy Information Services
8. Disaster Management
9. PharmaCEASE: Smoke Cessation
10. RPH for Wellness and Self-Care

These are the new distinct role and engagement of a Pharmacists in the health care system in our country, in response to the new regulations affecting their professions that they are not just a salesman/woman but models of greater advocacy that can improve the old notion of the people regarding our Philippine Pharmacy practice and services by embarking these new advocacies.