World Citi Colleges (WCC) and Southstar Drug Inc. formalized a partnership on September 7, 2026, to strengthen pharmacy education and provide students with learning experiences aligned with current industry practices.
Under the agreement, Southstar Drug will support the enhancement of WCC’s Pharmacy Simulation Laboratory through the donation of medicines, medical devices, supplies, equipment, and other academic materials. The partnership also covers improvements to the existing laboratory, providing students with a learning environment that more closely reflects actual pharmacy practice.
Southstar Drug will also contribute its industry expertise to the periodic review and enhancement of WCC’s internship program, curriculum, and syllabi. These inputs will help ensure that students’ academic and experiential learning remain responsive to professional standards and workplace requirements.
The partnership will further support industry lectures featuring Southstar Drug resource speakers and technical experts. These engagements will help students translate classroom knowledge into practical skills and develop a deeper understanding of the competencies and responsibilities expected of pharmacy professionals.
Representing Southstar Drug and Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. during the signing were Mariel L. Crisostomo, Group General Manager of the RRHI Drugstore Segment; Thaddeus L. Sanchez, General Manager of Southstar Drug; Atty. John Matthew G. Kua, Corporate Affairs Manager; Vanessa R. Japay, Human Resources Head; Marion Zandra A. Nacario, Assistant Manager for Learning and Organizational Development; and Ma. Ana Monica N. Mingoa, HR Officer and Internship Coordinator for Learning and Organizational Development.
WCC was represented by Mr. Paquito M. Lacaba Jr., Campus Director, and Prof. Jhon Raphael M. Jimenez, Dean of the College of Pharmacy.
Through the partnership, WCC continues to strengthen its industry linkages and provide relevant, practice-oriented education that prepares future pharmacy professionals for the demands of their field.