The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic did not hinder two regional chapters of the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) to each conduct an inaugural virtual general assembly for their respective members last 30 January 2021.
The virtual general assembly of ICP-Panay Chapter via Zoom gathered around 80 of its members. No less than ICP National President Dr Fabian Dayrit and ICP National Vice-President for External Affairs Ms Edna Mijares graced the event. Dr Dayrit gave a summary of activities that were done by the national chapter, while Ms Mijares echoed the Professional Board of Chemistry’s presentation on the career progression program for chemistry professionals. Outgoing chapter president Mr Steve Janagap and outgoing chapter treasurer Ms Aneline Tolones also gave their respective reports on the summary of activities in the past year and the state of financial health of the chapter.
Two lectures then followed: Mr Arjunn Marven Calvo (Legal Section Chief, Environmental Management Bureau Regional Office VI) talked on environmental laws that chemical laboratories must strictly practice, while Dr Annabelle Villalobos (Consultant, Johnson & Johnson Biopharmaceuticals, USA) explained in-depth the challenges and current situation of COVID-19 vaccines. Both lectures provided a wealth of knowledge to the attendees.
Their general assembly also served as a way to elect new officers of the chapter. Professor Jay Martizano of the University of the Philippines Visayas was unanimously elected as ICP-Panay’s new Chapter President. He and other newly elected chapter officers were inducted by ICP National President Dr Fabian Dayrit.
Meanwhile, ICP-Bacolod Chapter held its first virtual general membership meeting via Google Meet with around 50 members in attendance. ICP National Vice-President for External Affairs gave the opening remarks and answered a few questions regarding certain issues such as laboratory inspection and hazard pay. Chapter President Ms Roselyn Usero provided a summary of activities that the chapter was able to accomplish in the past year, most notably the assistance that the chapter provided to COVID-19 frontliners in the area. The meeting was not all work as prizes such as shirts and lanyards were raffled off, much to the delight of the attendees.