YPG-Philippines 10th Anniversary— Interview with One of Its Founders, Roderick Salenga
By Lizette Kaye L. Aslarona, RPh, PharmD
During the Young Leaders Summit, YPG-Philippines has announced that it will be opening the nominations for the second year of IDEAL young leaders. In 2020, YPG-Philippines has launched its IDEAL Young Pharmacist Awards (IYPA) during the celebration of its 10th anniversary, along with the implementation of various activities it has in store for the young pharmacists.
Established in 2009, YPG-Philippines is one of the youngest affiliate organizations of the Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA), with its founding officers: Mr. Sheldon Jagdan, Prof. Roderick Salenga, and Mr. Bryan Posadas.
In recognition of the 10th anniversary of YPG-Philippines, we interviewed one of the organization’s founders, Roderick Salenga.
Roderick Salenga is currently the technical officer in pharmaceuticals for the World Health Organization (WHO) office representing Papua New Guinea and a professor at the University of the Philippines.
Thank you Sir Eric, for joining our interview.
YPG-Philippines has reached its 10th-year mark and has accomplished so many things for the past ten years. Could you tell us a snippet of your journey in creating this organization? Did you experience failures, doubts, or successes along the way? What motivated you to keep going?
YPG-Philippines is a product of like-minded people’s hopes, commitment, and hard work. It was Sheldon (Jagdon) who opened the wonderful idea of setting up a group similar to the YPG of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). As we were both FIP-Western Pacific Pharmaceutical Forum Travel Scholars, we were inspired by the dynamism of the pharmacy youth sector at FIP. Both of us were so encouraged by our individual experiences at FIP. When he said he wanted to form YPG in the country, I was with him from the very start. In February 2010, we met in a small café in Mall of Asia with Bryan (Posadas), who later became a FIP-WPPF Travel Scholar. This meeting led to the formal conceptualization of YPG Philippines. The team expanded as we invited friends and colleagues with similar visions and hopes for the profession. Then, we officially launched the Group at the PPhA National Convention in Tacloban. Around 200 young pharmacists registered at that time. During the formation years of the Group, the goal was mainly to ensure that the youth sector of our profession is properly acknowledged and seen as co-equal in terms of value, potential, and voice in issues surrounding our practice. I think that was accomplished.
In the beginning, many people did not like the idea of having a separate youth group in the pharmacy sector, thinking that it was divisive and counterproductive. Some questioned the intent and the abilities of the young pharmacists to set up and sustain such an ambitious movement. We are very grateful that at that time many of the PPhA leaders were really supportive of us, such as Sir Reynaldo Umali, who rallied behind all the WPPF Travel scholars, Ms. Normita Leyesa, and Ms. Leonila Ocampo, whose leadership in PPhA has showered YPG with encouragement and support. We started with zero financial resources. Everything we had at the beginning was all personal contributions and donations of members. Despite this, we were able to stage activities successfully and forge partnerships one after the other. YPG-Philippines has become a trusted Organization and partner in and outside of the Philippines.
It is humbling to know that YPG-Philippines has come a long way since then. Now, the Group is bigger, more structured, and geographically widespread. The organizational systems and processes are more robust. Thanks to the dynamic leadership of the teams headed by succeeding YPG presidents — Bryan, Chai, Meg, and now, She. I think what motivated all of us to push on is that we all want to improve things for the good of our profession, our clients and patients, and our country. Everyone’s time in YPG is always worthwhile because our dreams and aspirations are always beyond us.
YPG-Philippines is an affiliate organization of Philippine Pharmacists Association. Aside from other non-profit organizations out there, what sets YPG-Philippines from other organizations?
YPG-Philippines does not represent a specific practice or a specialty. It represents and consolidates the force of our young pharmacist-professionals. This means that the Group tackles unique issues and concerns specific to this population, such as professional socialization and networking, mentoring, finding relevance, and driving impact at early career — among others. The entire structure of the Group is operating through a solid network of committed volunteers. The high diversity within the team is used to further enrich its organizational intelligence and collective power. Idealism is very palpable, but the overall team approach to things is very rational and pragmatic. Because we also have an age limit for the members, moving on is an accepted reality. This makes everyone so conscious of how valuable time is and that all are eager to contribute. And in YPG, being goal-oriented and outcomes-focused does not mean it should not be fun! The energy is always high at YPG.
Last year, YPG-Philippines celebrated its 10th anniversary and capped it off by awarding its first-ever Ideal Young Pharmacist last March, 2021. This coming October 15, 2020, they will open the call for nominations for its second year. For you, what is your IDEAL pharmacist?
For me, an IDEAL pharmacist is far from being perfect. His/her self-awareness about this imperfection allows for a deeper appreciation of one’s potential to transform. That imperfection drives that longing for meaningful interactions, worthwhile work, and honorable actions. Constant self-improvement is a personal vocation. This then means that the status of being IDEAL does not and should never connote the idea of exclusivity, that there could only be one or a few. The notion of being IDEAL should always be empowering, in that everyone can be one. I also think that an IDEAL pharmacist believes that the ultimate function of self is to inspire goodness in each person. This goodness should be manifested in various forms beyond personal and professional excellence for the common good. When the pharmacist is able to see the value of having a good whole rather than an outstanding piece, and that he/she works hard for that good whole, then he/she becomes more deserving of being called IDEAL. An IDEAL pharmacist is a positive force — he/she inspires, encourages, and creates.
From its humble beginnings, YPG has graced its way into making young leaders of the pharmacy profession. It has accomplished so many things from the leadership of the past and current presidents. What is your message to the YPG-Philippines and its past/current officers who have helped the way to mold what is YPG-Philippines now?
My heart is full of gratitude for the hard work and commitment of all the women and men of YPG-Philippines, past and present. I am truly amazed by what the Organization has become in a span of a decade. I am just so excited to see what more it will achieve in the years and decades to come. While there will be many joyous milestones, we also know that there will be lots of challenges ahead. If we remind ourselves why we are all here and stand by our principles as a group, things will be a lot easier. There is a strong tradition and culture in YPG of honoring the organizational history and roots with present-day work that is always inspired and honorable. I hope that remains for many years to come.
Lastly, as a source of inspiration for many, what is your advice to our young professionals?
For our young pharmacists, I hope you do appreciate how lucky you are to be at this stage in your personal and professional life. With the energy you possess and hopefully the enthusiasm, you are basically limitless. You can be whatever you want to be. Find your place under the sun. Discover your talents and use them to the maximum. Pursue your goals and passions, but make sure you appreciate your own life’s rhythm and pacing. Never compare with others; every one has his/her own time. Do not forget to enjoy life; you do not give up living just because you are so focused on building a future. Then, in everything, always be grateful and humble. As we are a product of people’s kindness and generosity, push other people up every time there is an opportunity. Finally, be an agent of meaningful change. A life lived with purpose is a life well-lived.
— END OF INTERVIEW —
