The 2018 Pharmacists National Summit, entitled “I am a STAR Pharmacist, the Face of Excellent South Star Service” was held last September 22, 2018 in The Heritage Hotel Manila. The 2-day summit was attended by 411 participants and highlighted the mission of each SSD pharmacist to continuously enhance their knowledge and competencies to support the information and service they provide to customers and patients.

RPh Summit 2018 provided our valued pharmacists with a venue to update their knowledge through eleven (11) discussions with topics widely ranging from pharmacy, healthcare, and related industrial knowledge.

The plenary speakers, who are experts at their own professional fields, sought to enhance South Star Drug Pharmacists’ role in terms of providing excellent service, especially in the following aspects:

• In ensuring the best use of antibiotics and antibacterial medicines
• In strengthening their role and professional responsibility as community practice by knowing their social accountability, reinforcing their practice of Pharmacovigilance, and increasing their ethical standard awareness
• In gaining substantial knowledge in advising patients and customers
• In gaining awareness and knowledge on the interpretation of product nutrition labels to support the Pharmacists’ duty in providing information and encouraging responsible eating habits to customers

During the event, the following were awarded as 2017 Model Pharmacists:

Sarah Valdez - NCR (SPM)

Joy Pagaduan - Region 3 (NCC7)

Ma. Theresa Domo - Region 4A (RAM)

Emmanuel Guinto - Region 3 (PAC5)

Armonn Talens - Region 3 (PSF2)

Rolennie Villegas - Region 5 (ZNG3)

Dovi Aliguyon - Region 5 (ZNG11)

The summit was also a great place for our pharmacists to expand their network by meeting other pharmacists from different regions, as well as representatives from different suppliers.

Besides the plenary being a fun-filled learning experience for the participants, a raffle contest was also held, giving away 2 Omron blood pressure monitors, 2 Omron Nebulizers, and 2 Omron forehead thermometers.

Several partners also set up booths where giveaways were distributed among the participants.

The event owes its success to its valued partners, the enthusiasm of SSD participants, and South Star Drug’s eagerness to continue giving its customers the best service they can provide.