Text by Nick Tan
The gloomy weather did not deter the 320 newly-licensed chemists, their parents, and distinguished guests to attend their Oath-Taking and Induction, organized by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) and the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP), at the historic Manila Hotel last October 11.
General Liza Sabong, PNP Chief Superintendent and President of the PNP Cluster of ICP, served as the honorary speaker for the said event. She stressed the importance of duty and service to her role in the Philippine National Police, and asked everyone to do the same. She also invited the newly-licensed chemists to partake in the rising role of forensic chemistry as a way of nation-building.
This year’s board topnotcher, Miguel Francisco de Jesus of the University of the Philippines – Manila, gave a speech in behalf of the other passers. He underlined the uniqueness of chemistry and how it is imbibed in all of us. He also stressed the interdisciplinary characteristic of chemistry nowadays, and challenged his fellow passers to use the skills that they have learned in the classroom in solving the problems of our society.
The event was also an opportunity to induct Dr. Fabian Dayrit (Academe), Dr. Antonio Laurena (Government), and Ms. Ludy Avendano (Industry) as newly-elected board members of the ICP. They will serve the organization for three years.