The theme for the launch was "The SAIL (Sustainable Advocacy, Initiatives, and Legacy) of Dr. Mariano Que."
The University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Pharmacy, in partnership with Mercury Drug Corporation, launched the Dr. Mariano Que Memorial Lecture with the theme "The SAIL (Sustainable Advocacy, Initiatives, and Legacy) of Dr. Mariano Que" on March 9, 2021. The inaugural online program was attended by faculty members, students, and alumni of the Faculty of Pharmacy and the employees and partner institutions of Mercury Drug Corporation.
Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof. Aleth Therese L. Dacanay, Ph.D., in her message, recognized the contribution and legacy of Dr. Mariano Que, the founder of Mercury Drug Corporation, saying, "Dr. Que personifies greatness in the real and true sense of the word."
Mercury Drug Corporation president and Pharmacy alumna Dr. Vivian Que-Azcona, announced that the Dr. Mariano Que Memorial Lecture would be held annually every August 15 to commemorate the date of birth of Dr. Mariano Que, her father.
"Let this Dr. Mariano Que Memorial Lecture be our compass to reach our goal of ensuring that the best health care service is within reach of all people," Azcona said.
Pharmacy Faculty Secretary Assoc. Prof. Renz Kenneth G. Cadiang, explained that the Dr. MQ Memorial Lecture aims to enrich the Community Pharmacy Practice in the Philippines by contributing to a deeper and more focused understanding on the important issues and innovations in the practice of community pharmacy today. Future lectures would dovetail with or meld into the academic, research, civic, and social responsibility programs of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Mercury Drug Corporation to support efforts to take a more in-depth look into community pharmacy relevant courses and practices.
In commemoration of Dr. Mariano Que's legacy, the members of the Que family, Mr. Marino De Jesus Que, Ms. Elena Anne Que Andrada, and Ms. Irene Frances Que Andrada-Solorio, Mr. Steven Que Azcona, gave a tribute to their late grandfather. "Please remember that no matter how rough life may seem, it is always important to say, On! Sail On!" Ms. Andrada said, quoting Dr. MQ's life motto.
A day earlier, on March 8, 2021, a Holy Mass was held, presided by the Regent of the Faculty of Pharmacy Rev. Fr. Pompeyo F. De Mesa, O.P., at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church (UST Chapel). It was participated in virtually by students, faculty members, alumni, parents, guests, and sponsors.
After the mass, a virtual program to open the sesquicentennial or the 150th year of foundation of the Faculty of Pharmacy was aired online through the official Facebook page of the UST Faculty of Pharmacy. Its theme “Dreaming Beyond our Seeing,” is a renewal of its commitment and goals for the Pharmacy, Medical Technology, Biochemistry, and Botany programs.
The activities and the flagship projects of the different departments include, among others, the 2021 Grand Alumni Homecoming on December 5, and a coffee-table book being prepared in cooperation with the Faculty of Pharmacy Alumni Association Foundation, Inc. titled “The Luminaries of the Faculty of Pharmacy” that will feature the history of Pharmacy, its pillars, and its 150 Distinguished Alumni.
The virtual program ended with the launch of the FOP Sesquicentennial Hymn, composed by Rev. Fr. Carlo Rey C. Canto, O.P., an alumnus of the BS Medical Technology degree, and arranged by Carl Marius Uy and John Arman Navarro from the Conservatory of Music, sung by the Pharmacy Glee Club and the Pharmacy Glee Club Alumni Association.
