17/03/2026
๏ธRPhocus Second Stakeholder Forum: Validation of Findings on the Philippine Pharmacy Law Implementation
March 16, 2026 | Bayview Park Hotel, Roxas Boulevard
From Dialogue to Validation โ Strengthening the Path Toward the RA 10918 Roadmap
Following the successful launch of the RPhOCUS Project during the inaugural forum in October 2025, the Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc. (PPhA) convened the Second Stakeholder Forum on March 16, 2026, at the Bayview Park Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The forum brought together key stakeholders from the FDA, the PRC Board of Pharmacy, the DOH Pharmaceutical Division, TESDA-QSO, PDEA-CS, BAI, CHED Technical Panel for Pharmacy Education, as well as the PPhA Board and Council of Advisers, RA 10918 Technical Working Group (TWG), Pharmacy Education Roadmap TWG, PPhA affiliates and sectoral organizations, and other key stakeholders. These participants represented government, regulatory bodies, academia, and the pharmacy profession, convening to validate emerging insights on the implementation of Republic Act No. 10918, or the Philippine Pharmacy Act.
To open the forum, Prof. Aleth Therese L. Dacanay, RPh, MS, PhD delivered the welcome remarks, expressing her appreciation for the presence of all stakeholders and collaborators. She also provided a brief overview of developments since the inaugural forum, thereby contextualizing the dayโs agenda. This was followed by a presentation from the RPhOCUS team on the current implementation landscape of RA 10918, based on their analysis of findings from stakeholder interviews and desk review. The forum subsequently facilitated meaningful discussions on these findings, leading to a clearer alignment of roles, the identification of opportunities for collaboration, and the exchange of ideas toward solution-building.
In her special message, Hon. Alicia P. Catabay, RPh, MSc, PhD expressed her appreciation for the collective effort to advance the pharmacy profession and emphasized the importance of strong leadership among stakeholders, affirming the Board of Pharmacyโs continued commitment to these efforts. In closing, Rosalynn L. Pangan, RPh, MBA-H highlighted that while the initiative marks an important beginning, sustained collaboration remains essential, as all stakeholders are inherently interconnected in achieving the shared goals of the profession.
The Second Stakeholder Forum reaffirmed the collaborative spirit that underpins the RPhOCUS Project. Through continued dialogue, validation of evidence, and shared commitment among stakeholders, the initiative moves closer to its goal of shaping a clear, responsive, and implementable roadmap for strengthening the Philippine pharmacy profession.
Written by: Denise Semana, RPh and Michelle Mae Chowrimootoo, RPh
