Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU-CHS holds 2025 White Coat Ceremony for 94 student pharmacists

By Michael Visaya

The Mariano Marcos State University–College of Health Sciences held the 8th White Coat Ceremony for 94 incoming Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy students on July 8 at Teatro Ilocandia. 

An annual event, it marks the transition of pharmacy students to their internships as they formally enter the field and make a pledge to uphold ethical standards, patient care, and professional responsibility. 

This year’s ceremony was honored by Mr. Mark Anthony Casilla, a registered pharmacist from the Young Pharmacists Group Philippines, who served as the guest speaker. 

Mr. Casilla encouraged the student pharmacists to uphold their profession with integrity and compassion. He also assured the support of the entire pharmacy community in their journey toward becoming professionals. 

“Always remember that you are not alone. The pharmacy community walks with you with your white coat–cheering for your growth, believing in your purpose, and celebrating the positive impact you are destined to create,” Mr. Casilla said. 

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. urged the student pharmacists to always carry the university’s name with excellence as they begin practicing their profession. 

Dr. Manzano assured continued university support to help maintain the program’s status as a top-performing pharmacy school in the country. 

“May you also be clothed with excellence and humility as you carry the responsibility of caring for others, making your families and the entire MMSU community proud of your achievements,” he added. 

The MMSU-CHS Department of Pharmacy is among the top schools in the country for the Pharmacists Licensure Examination, ranking first in the April 2025 exam, with an institutional passing rate of 91.38% compared to the national rate of 60.30%.