01/07/2026
June in Action: Advancing Toxicology Through Education, Collaboration, and Nationwide Capacity Building ⚕️📚🤝
June was another milestone month for the Toxicology Referral and Training Center (TRTC), marked by continued efforts to strengthen toxicology services, expand professional education, and promote poison prevention across the country.
TRTC continued its nationwide mentoring and validation program through assessment visits to Region 1 Medical Center, Cebu South Medical Center, and Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, supporting each institution's journey toward becoming fully functional Toxicology Specialty Centers under the Resource Standard Framework. These visits reinforced our commitment to collaboration, shared standards, and sustainable development of toxicology services nationwide.
Capacity-building likewise remained at the forefront through the successful conduct of the Principles and Practice of Toxicology, the first installment of TRTC's three-part lecture-workshop series for 2026. Consultants, fellows, and residents came together for two days of lectures, case discussions, and interactive learning aimed at strengthening the knowledge and skills necessary for evidence-based poison management.
June also marked the beginning of the Postgraduate Training in Toxicology for Nurses clinical rotations at the TRTC. As participants transitioned from classroom learning to supervised clinical exposure, the program took an important step toward developing a highly skilled nursing workforce equipped to provide quality care for poisoned patients and support the advancement of toxicology services in the country.
Beyond toxicology-specific education, TRTC also contributed to disaster preparedness by participating in the Mass Casualty Management Training, highlighting the important role of toxicology expertise in emergency preparedness and multidisciplinary disaster response.
In celebration of National Poison Prevention Week 2026, TRTC partnered with the Public Health Unit to bring poison prevention closer to healthcare workers and the community through hospital-based activities, professional lectures, outpatient education, workplace advocacy, and community lay forums. Guided by this year's theme, "Clicks, Trends & Consequences: Preventing Poisoning in the Digital Age," the week's activities emphasized the importance of informed decision-making and poison prevention in an increasingly digital world.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to our June rotators:
• Dr. Juan Angelo Frejas – Emergency Medicine Resident, Pasig City General Hospital
• Dr. Henriette Julea Cruz – Emergency Medicine Resident, Quirino Memorial Medical Center
Thank you for your enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication to learning throughout your rotation with the TRTC.
From mentoring future Toxicology Specialty Centers and strengthening healthcare professionals through education, to advancing disaster preparedness and empowering communities through poison prevention, June reflected TRTC's unwavering commitment to excellence in toxicologic care, collaboration, and public health service.
Together, we continue building a safer and more poison-resilient Philippines.
