The Department of Pharmacy opens its academic year with Gea Abigail U. Ecoy, R.Ph., M.Sc. as its newly appointed chair effective on August 1, 2021. 

Ecoy graduated cum laude in 2014 at the department she is currently serving. She then earned her master’s degree on biomedicinal chemistry at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand (2019) with a 4.0 GPA. More recently, she received her certificate on leadership and management from the University of Washington.

An active researcher, Ecoy has published articles in prominent journals. She is also an appointed member of the USC Research Ethics Committee (REC) where she was instrumental in drafting the REC Primer, which establishes the policies governing research involving human subjects. 

Aside from her professional experience, Ecoy is a leader who aimed to serve the community. During her college years, she joined the USC Supreme Student Council as one of its council members. Today, she serves local organizations in Cebu City, and focuses on advocating for women’s rights, youth development, and health. One of her projects revolves around working with industry partners and the alumni network in hosting events in hopes of preparing student pharmacists to adapt and excel in spite of the adversity.

According to the new department chair, choosing battles wisely and learning the power to say ‘no’ provide you with greater strength to impart meanings to what you truly care about. In an interview, she quoted Viktor Frankl’s, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how.’”

Ecoy also believes in growth and imparts a great example for young leaders. “Believe there is always a way to improve: what we may lack in terms of innate talent, we can make up for with a lot of passion and determination.” 

Reported by: Rochyn Marie Oyao