The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) Southern Mindanao Chapter successfully organized a seminar on chemical risk management alongside its 14th Annual General Assembly last 1-2 August 2018 held at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites, Davao City. Over 100 chemists, chemical technicians, and chemistry enthusiasts coming from the government, industry, and academe sectors participated in the two-day event.
Dubbed “Keeping the Laboratory Safe”, the first day of the seminar on chemical risk management invited Dr Patrick John Lim, a chemistry professor at the University of San Carlos in Cebu and the current chapter president of ICP-Cebu. He talked about the principles and aspects of chemical risk management, as well as risk assessment and mitigation controls and the safe disposal of laboratory chemical wastes. Meanwhile, Dr Irma Makalinao, chemistry professor at the University of the Philippines Manila and a technical expert of the Philippines on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons, discussed health hazards in the chemical laboratory, and the challenges and opportunities for chemical security in the Philippines. On the second day, Mr Frederick John Navarro (University of Southern Mindanao) discussed best practices on chemical handling and inventory, and emergency planning and incident response.
The event was also an opportunity to gather members of the chapter for its 14th Annual General Assembly. Ms Edna Mijares, Vice President for External Affairs of the ICP National Chapter, graced the event. The chapter also held its board election, with Ms Christina Marie Tupaz being elected as its chapter president.
