ISPE Emerging Leaders Spotlight on Paul Quizon

Starting Out in Academia and Finding ISPE

I began my journey in the pharmaceutical field at the University of the Philippines Manila, where I was a Junior Pharmacy Instructor while also working toward my master’s degree of Science in Pharmacy, with a major in Industrial Pharmacy. I joined ISPE’s Philippines Affiliate in its foundation year, in 2008, and for me, it was a decision driven by a clear goal: I needed access to resources and materials that could support my graduate research. ISPE offered just that—a wide range of industry insights and best practices that helped me understand pharmaceutical engineering from a global perspective.

After graduating in 2011, I chose to stay with ISPE. My time with ISPE had already proven invaluable, especially in my teaching role. ISPE gave me the tools to keep my students up to date on industry trends, and I was able to incorporate real-world applications into my lessons. I was no longer just an instructor; I was bringing industry insights directly into the classroom. ISPE bridged the gap between my academic life and the evolving pharmaceutical landscape, and I knew this connection would serve me well in my future career.

Transitioning into Industry with ISPE’s Support

In 2013, I took a leap and transitioned from academia to the pharmaceutical industry, joining Pharex Health Corporation (a local generics company) as a Quality Assurance Consultant. Switching fields wasn’t easy, but ISPE made it a lot smoother. Through my ISPE membership, I had built a strong network of industry colleagues, and many of them became mentors who guided me through this transition. They were there to answer my questions and give me advice, which was invaluable during this phase of my career.

This support continued as I moved into a regulatory role at Pharex, and later at Pfizer, where I have had the privilege of working as Regulatory Affairs Country Head and, most recently, Regulatory Affairs Cluster Head. With each new role, ISPE has remained my go-to source for updated knowledge and industry connections. ISPE has helped me stay on top of the latest developments in the field, allowing me to make more informed decisions and advance in my roles with confidence.

Stepping into Leadership with ISPE

Over the years, my involvement with ISPE grew beyond just attending events and using resources. In 2013, I was elected as a Board Director for the ISPE Philippines Affiliate, marking the start of a series of leadership roles. From Treasurer to Corporate Secretary to Vice President, I gained hands-on experience in leading initiatives and contributing to the growth of our local affiliate. Currently, I’m honored to serve as the President of ISPE Philippines Affiliate.

One of my proudest achievements has been leading the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committee since 2017, where I have overseen the planning of technical seminars and training sessions. This role has allowed me to support the professional growth of other industry professionals in the Philippines, and, in 2020, we reached a major milestone: ISPE Philippines received accreditation as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Provider from the Philippines’ Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). This accreditation means that our seminars and workshops meet PRC’s high standards, ensuring the quality and relevance of our training for professionals across the country. Knowing that I helped bring this achievement to life has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time with ISPE.

My Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, my goal is to become a global regulatory expert who can contribute to shaping the industry and preparing future leaders. I believe that, in this industry, learning never stops. The pharmaceutical landscape is constantly changing, and I want to be someone who not only adapts to these changes but also helps guide others through them.

My Advice for Students and Recent Graduates

To those of you just starting out in the pharmaceutical space, my advice is this: there’s so much more beyond the four walls of your classroom or campus. Don’t limit yourself to what you learn in school—step out, engage with the industry, and build your network. ISPE is an ideal place to start. Through ISPE, you can broaden your perspectives and gain insights that can shape your future career in pharmaceutical engineering. You’ll meet experienced professionals, access the latest industry information, and open doors that can take your career to places you may not yet imagine.

My own journey with ISPE began with a desire to learn, but it became a lifelong connection that’s given me much more than knowledge. It has provided mentorship, career guidance, and leadership opportunities that I would never have experienced otherwise. I’m living proof that ISPE can help you not only to start a career but to shape it in meaningful ways. ISPE has shown me that the pharmaceutical field is rich with possibilities, and that our industry is one where professionals can make a real impact—locally and globally.

Moving Forward Together

As I look back on my career, I’m grateful for the role ISPE has played in every step. It’s helped me transition from student to instructor, from instructor to industry professional, and from a young professional eager to learn to a leader helping shape the future of pharma in the Philippines. I am honored to share my journey with all of you and hope that it inspires you to take full advantage of what ISPE has to offer.

Remember, a career in pharmaceutical engineering is a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and connection. I encourage each of you to make the most of every opportunity, embrace continuous learning, and leverage the support of communities like ISPE. As I have learned, with the right foundation, the possibilities are endless.

Learn more and get involved.