Leonila Macuto Ocampo is the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Professional of the Year Award last September 6, 2025 in the field of pharmacy awarded by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The Outstanding Professional of the Year award is the most prestigious recognition awarded by the PRC to professionals who have demonstrated professional excellence and are highly regarded by peers.

Ocampo graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of San Carlos in 1979. She ranked 8th in the Philippine Pharmacists Licensure Examination. She has since contributed significantly to pharmacy practice and education, co-authoring training modules and collegiate textbooks that continue to be utilized nationwide.

She served as president of the Philippine Pharmacists Association (2010–2014), during which she established new regional chapters and spearheaded national initiatives, such as the Philippine Practice Standards for Pharmacists and the passage of the Philippine Pharmacy Act of 2016.

At present, Ocampo serves as President of both the Hygieian Institute for Education, Research and Training, Inc. and the Asia Pacific Institute for Medication Management, Inc., organizations that focus on advancing pharmacy training, research, and patient care.

Her achievements have not only raised the standards of pharmacy in the country but also continue to inspire future pharmacists. This distinction reflects USC’s mission to cultivate leaders who lead their professions with excellence, innovation, and compassion.

Reporting by Eden Cesista, R.Ph., M.S., Department of Pharmacy