First prize winners of the Generics Infomercial Video Contest – the Mariano Marcos State University – SeveKnights, composed of pharmacy students who likewise received P25,000 in cash during the awarding ceremony held at the Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center in San Fernando City, La Union On September 16, 2025.
San Fernando City, La Union –THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region took center stage in the nationwide celebration of Generics Awareness Month, hosting a series of dynamic educational lectures and a vibrant awards ceremony for the winners of the Generics Infomercial Video Contest held at the Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center in San Fernando City, La Union On September 16, 2025.
Carrying the theme, “Ginhawa ng Generics, Ramdam ng Bawat Pilipino”, the event underscores the crucial role that generic medicines play in ensuring affordable, safe, and accessible healthcare for all. The series of lectures, focused on RA 6675 – The Generics Act of 1988, aimed to debunk common myths and misconceptions about generics, empowering both healthcare workers and the general public to make informed decisions about their medications.
Medical Officer IV Dr. Rheuel C. Bobis, delivered a compelleing message from Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco on the importance of generics in the country’s push for universal healthcare.
“This month is all about empowering Filipinos through knowledge. By highlighting generics’ affordability and quality, we aim to break barriers and ensure everyone has access to life-saving medicines,” he stated.
The Generics Infomercial Video Contest added a creative twist to the celebration, inviting students, health advocates, and content creators to craft short videos that communicate the benefits of generics in a way that resonates with the public. Entries were judged on relevance, creativity, technical quality, and overall impact.
Pharmacy students from various schools throughout the region vie for the top spot, namely Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Saint Louis College, Central Ilocos College of Science and Technology, Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation (VMUF), PHINMA University of Pangasinan, and Lorma Colleges.
The winners were celebrated with cash prizes and certificates during the event, with their entries set to be featured on DOH Ilocos’ platforms and local government health campaigns. These eye-catching videos will help spread awareness of generics to a wider audience, further cementing the role of digital media in health education.
Among the three winners were VMUF with the group name “AbotGamot” for the third with P10,000 cash prize, MMSU – “TaraBayan” came second with P15,000 and MMSU-SeveKnights received the first with P25,000 prize.
This initiative reflects DOH Ilocos’ ongoing commitment to improving health literacy and ensuring that no Filipino is left behind when it comes to affordable, high-quality healthcare.
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