Sillimanian Pharma senior represents PH in int’l quiz competition in Thailand
A Silliman University (SU) Pharmacy student represented the Philippines in the International Pharma Quest Friendship Match, an international pharmacy quiz competition held on July 8, 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand.
John Michael Alcala, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy student of the SU College of Arts and Sciences – Pharmacy Department, was among the six delegates who comprised Team Philippines in the competition, which brought together outstanding pharmacy students from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
The Philippine team secured second place, while Thailand emerged as the overall winner of the Pharma Quest.
Organized by CPHI South East Asia (CPHI SEA) and the FAPA College of Pharmacy (FAPA-CP), the International Pharma Quest Friendship Match celebrates academic excellence, collaboration, and friendship among future pharmacists across Asia.
Alcala (second left) high-fives his teammates at the quiz bee proper.
The event was part of CPHI South East Asia 2026, an annual regional gathering that connects pharmacy students across ASEAN through academic competitions, collaboration, and professional networking opportunities.
Team Philippines was composed of Alcala, along with Jason Rey Peñaflorida of the University of San Agustin; Maria Ashley Magboo of Lyceum of the Philippines University–Batangas; Christian Miguel Lavapie of the University of Santo Tomas; Carl Dexter Donor of the University of the Philippines; and Dexter Eclarino of Saint Louis University, Baguio. They were guided by Head Coach and Faculty Coordinator Mark Ryan Langit, RPh, MS, FACP, Vice President of the FAPA-CP Philippine Chapter and Professor at Saint Louis University.
Reflecting on his experience, Alcala shared that the competition provided more than an opportunity to connect with fellow pharmacy students from different countries.
Delegates and participants of the International Pharma Quest 2026 pose after the competition.
“The event was more than just an opportunity to meet and build friendships with fellow pharmacy students from different countries. It was meant to inspire us (students) to think critically, make informed decisions under pressure, communicate effectively, and to continue striving for excellence,” Alcala said.
He added that the experience strengthened their teamwork, competence, and leadership skills as future healthcare professionals.
“It challenged us to reinforce our teamwork, competence, and leadership skills, motivating us to become pharmacists in the future who will play a meaningful role in healthcare development,” he added.
