(Vivian Que-Azcona alongside wheelchair bound Mariano Que at the Medicine Auditorium, Sept. 9. Photo by Geonabeth L. Cadungog)
9 September 2015, 5:00 pm – THE
FOUNDER of the country’s largest chain of drug stores has vowed to
continue supporting the education of pharmacy students in the
Philippines, as he received an honorary doctorate from UST, the first school of
pharmacy in the country.
“I have devoted my
life in service of others, especially those who wish to pursue their own dreams
and aspirations. In fact I’m happy to say I’m happy to do this, granting
scholarships to deserving students to complete their pharmacy education here at
UST,” Mariano Que said in his address during solemn investitute rites at the
Medicine Auditorium earlier today, Sept. 9.
UST Rector Fr.
Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. emphasized Que’s contributions to the
pharmaceutical industry and corporate social responsibility.
“The pharmaceutical industry
looks up to him as a source of inspiration not only for his distinctive brand
of leadership, introducing many firsts in his field and exceptional work ethics
which [are] truly worth emulating, but also for his incomparable humanitarian
work,” Fr. Dagohoy said.
As a
philanthropist, Que spearheaded programs to make medicines
available to poor cities and municipalities, such as Bigay Lunas and Bigay
Kalusugan.
In March 1945, the
opening of the first Mercury Drugstore in Bambang, Manila marked the birth
of the country’s pharmaceutical retail industry.
The University confers
honorary doctorates on those who have attained exceptionally meritorious
achievements in the arts, the sciences, the humanities and public service, in
accordance with the rules and conditions established by the Commission in
Higher Education. Clarence I. Hormachuelos
