ICP Welcomes New Regional Chapter in SOCCSKSARGEN

To cater to the needs of the growing number of chemical laboratories and chemistry professionals in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region (Region XII), the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) formally established its thirteenth and newest regional chapter through a virtual general assembly via Zoom on 17 November 2020 with the theme ICP: Emerging Bonds in the New Normal.


On the same occasion, the new chapter, which will now be called ICP-Region XII (ICP-SOX), officially ratified its constitution and by-laws and articles of incorporation. The interim chapter headed by Mr. Frederick John Navarro, credited the successful establishment of ICP-SOX to joint efforts and the generous assistance of the ICP National leadership, the ICP IX/X/XII/ARMM/CARAGA Chapter, and especially to the ICP Southern Mindanao (ICP-SoMin) Chapter, where most of the members of ICP-SOX were originally from.


In her opening remarks, Ms. Christine Marie M. Tupaz, ICP-SoMin chapter president, explained the rationale of the establishment of the new chapter, which is primarily to assist the Professional Regulation Commission’s Board of Chemistry in the inspection of chemical laboratories for the issuance of certificate of authority to operate (CATO). Ms. Tupaz further stated that the formation of the new chapter is a means of empowering the growing number of ICP members from Region XII.

“With such talented, competent, and dedicated people, it cannot be helped that they themselves will be capable enough to form a new chapter,” added Ms. Tupaz.


In his message, ICP National President Dr. Fabian Dayrit extended his congratulations to the members of the new chapter.
According to Dr. Dayrit, they “are really happy that the new chapter that’s being founded has started while fulfilling [one of] the objectives of the chemistry law, which is to strengthen chemistry laboratories […] to ensure that the quality of the chemistry laboratories is maintained at a very high level.”

Ms. Edna Mijares, the ICP National Vice President for External Affairs, and Mr. Higinio R. Barros Jr, the president of ICP IX/X/XII/ARMM/CARAGA Chapter, also extended felicitations and committed their continued support for ICP-SOX.

In the same assembly, the members also nominated candidates for the chapter’s Board of Directors and officers of the associate members for the online elections on November 18-20, 2020 which was facilitated by the COMELEC composed of members of ICP-SoMin Board of Directors.


The event also highlighted a brief socialization activity in the form of a virtual raffle draw, and brief product presentations by the event sponsors, which helped keep the balance among fun, information, and the order of business.

The assembly was participated in by over forty registered chemists and chemical technicians. True to its theme, the event had showcased how it is possible for new bonds to emerge amidst the new normal.

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