The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) succesfully hosted the 4th National Conference of Chemical Laboratories (NCCL) last 23-25 November 2020 with the theme “New Normal, New Solutions”. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 4th edition of the NCCL was held virtually for the first time via Cisco Webex. Over a thousand participants from various parts of the country and even from other parts of the world seized the opportunity to attend the virtual conference to update themselves of the latest news and regulations regarding the practice of the chemistry profession in the Philippines. ICP President Dr Fabian Dayrit, in his opening remarks, warmly welcomed the participants and stressed the important service chemical laboratories provide despite the pandemic.

The conference started off with the major feature and much anticipated portion of the NCCL: a meeting and discussion between the Board of Chemistry (BOC) and representatives of chemical laboratories. Dr Soledad Castaneda updated the audience regarding the country’s career progression and specialization program for chemistry professionals. Meanwhile, Dr Adoracion Resurreccion gave an update on the continuing professional development. And lastly, Ms Theresa Cayton presented the status of inspection of chemical laboratories that the BOC conducted this past year. After a lunch gap, Dr Annabelle Briones (Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, DOST) talked on OneLab, a network of DOST-affiliated laboratories. Ms Rose Mylene Sotocinal (Department of Health, DOH) explained the new DOH guidelines on the accreditation of laboratories that conduct drinking water analysis. To end the 4th NCCL’s first day, Dr Bonifacio Magtibay (Regional Office for Western Pacific, World Health Organization, WHO) gave a talk on the WHO’s guidelines on the preparation of disinfectants.

The second day started off with twin updates from the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). Mr Marlon Macadamia (PAB) announced that PAB would be conducting remote assessment of chemical laboratories to addess the physical distancing guidelines during this pandemic. Meanwhile, Mr Roger Evangelista (EMB) informed the participants regarding the latest news on EMB’s efforts to minimize waste and the procedures that the laboratories must take in order for their generated waste to be properly disposed of. Live and direct from Singapore, Ms Wee Siew Moi (Nestle Singapore) gave a lecture on the latest techniques in detecting chemical contaminants present in the environment and food. Meanwhile, Major Carmelo Velasco (Philippine National Police) provided the latest news regarding the sale and use of explosives, and Ms Judy Olvido (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) tackled on regulations on essential and precursor chemicals.

The highlight of this year’s NCCL was the sharing of best practices of chemical laboratories in the new normal, conducted on the third and final day. Mr Alvin Basco (Ostrea Laboratories), Ms Maria Carmela Capule (CRL Environmental Corporation), and Ms Edna Mijares (Jefcor Laboratories) provided their respective laboratories’ stringent measures in implementing distancing regulations while at work and their protocols in how to handle COVID-19 positive individuals while at work.

In her closing remarks, ICP Vice-President for External Affairs Ms Edna Mijares underscored the utmost cooperation of each chemistry professional and their collective role in improving the state of the country’s chemistry profession as we all safely navigate through this pandemic and embark on a new normal.

Now on its fourth year, the NCCL aims to provide chemistry professionals the relevant updates on various chemical regulations and be a venue for sharing best practices among professionals and laboratories.

The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) continues to expand its membership base as it welcomes the ICP Cordillera Administrative Region (ICP-CAR) Chapter.

The chapter’s launch was held via Zoom on 17 October 2020 and was graced by ICP National Chapter President Dr Fabian Dayrit and Vice-President for External Affairs Ms Edna Mijares. Also gracing the launch was ICP Region 3 Chapter President Ms Maria Carmela Capule, who served as the catalyst in the formation of the said chapter by reaching out to registered chemists and registered chemical technicians based in Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.

During the virtual launch, the inaugural set of officers of the ICP-CAR Chapter were inducted by Dr Dayrit. The chapter officers are:

President: Jasmin Lee-Donaal
Vice-President: Angeline O. Marino
Secretary: Melanie S. Manuel
Treasurer: Rowena Canlas
Auditor: John Patrick Dela Cruz
Public Information Officer: Jenika Lou Javier
Board Members: Gina Claire Bentican, Erahem Medz Cabural, Ma. Cecilia Bucasas

In his remarks, Dr Dayrit applauded Ms Capule for her initiative in forming the ICP-CAR Chapter. He highlighted the importance of chemistry in regional and national development, and stressed that effective membership drive and publicity are integral in the development of chemistry professionals in the academe, government, and industry in the said area. Ms Lee-Donaal, in her brief message, said that her administration is up to the challenge to support and attain the vision and mission of the ICP in her jurisdiction.

Congratulations and welcome to the ICP family, ICP-CAR Chapter! Let us all work together for the benefit of all registered chemistry professionals and the improvement of the state of chemistry in the region!

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.