Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI), in partnership with Universitas Islam Bandung, Indonesia, and the Modern Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Indore, India, successfully conducted a free online international masterclass titled “Medicinal Plants in Modern Healthcare: Pharmacognostic and Chemical Perspectives” on February 3, 2026.

The virtual academic activity brought together experts, researchers, and a total of 121 participants from various countries, including 68 from the Philippines, 46 from India, 6 from Indonesia, and 1 from Malaysia, reflecting the program’s strong international reach and relevance. Organized by HCCCI, the masterclass provided an inclusive and accessible learning platform, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to delivering quality global education at no cost.

The masterclass centered on the growing importance of medicinal plants in modern healthcare, integrating pharmacognostic foundations with chemical and scientific perspectives. Discussions emphasized the alignment of traditional plant-based knowledge with evidence-based pharmaceutical practices, a critical competency in contemporary pharmacy and healthcare education.

Distinguished speakers included Prof. Esti Rachmawati Sadiyah of Universitas Islam Bandung, Indonesia; Ms. Kimberly Jean P. Sumon, RPh, MSPH of Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc.; and Dr. Neetesh K. Jain of the Modern Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Indore, India. Their expertise provided participants with comprehensive insights into both traditional and modern approaches to pharmacognosy and drug development.

Prof. Esti Rachmawati Sadiyah discussed the pharmacognostic properties, bioactive compounds, and potential health implications of coffee, highlighting its significance in contemporary pharmacy practice, particularly in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and therapeutic products. Ms. Kimberly Jean P. Sumon, RPh, MSPH presented the future directions of pharmacognosy, underscoring its expanding role in drug discovery, research innovation, and the integration of herbal medicines into regulated healthcare systems. Meanwhile, Dr. Neetesh K. Jain emphasized the importance of scientific and evidence-based evaluation of traditional medicines, reinforcing the pharmacist’s responsibility in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of herbal products.

The initiative strongly supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) through evidence-based medicinal plant utilization; Quality Education (SDG 4) by providing free, high-quality learning opportunities; Gender Equality (SDG 5) by recognizing women’s contributions in healthcare and research; Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) through scientific inquiry; Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) via ethical use of medicinal resources; and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) through international academic collaboration.

Through this successful free international masterclass, participants gained practical and relevant knowledge applicable to pharmacy practice, research, and healthcare service, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to patient care and scientific advancement.

The speakers expressed their appreciation for the active engagement of the participants, noting that the level of interaction reflected a growing interest in responsible, science-driven approaches to both traditional and modern medicine.

This initiative underscores HCCCI’s continuing leadership in healthcare education, reaffirming its dedication to accessible learning, global collaboration, and the development of competent, service-oriented professionals in the health sciences.