Zuellig Pharma is proud to announce that two exceptional female leaders have been recognized by industry bodies for their outstanding leadership. Zuellig Pharma Philippines’ Market Managing Director Jannette Jakosalem was cited as a finalist in the recently concluded Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI) Leadership Awards while ZP Therapeutics’ Regulatory Affairs Director Carem Arevalo received the Philippine Association of Pharmacists in the Pharmaceutical Industry (PAPPI)’s Exemplary Award and Fire Up Award.
Jannette Jakosalem
Jakosalem was nominated under the “Women in Business of the Year” category in the recently concluded ICCPI Leadership Awards, which recognizes exceptional Filipino and Italian business leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations who continued to promote outstanding practices and global excellence in their respective fields. With the theme “Inspiring and Empowering Others”, the ICCPI not only celebrates excellence but also encourages young and upcoming leaders and entrepreneurs.
Jakosalem’s recognition in the reputable awards program is an affirmation of her hard work and numerous contributions to the country’s healthcare arena. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she became a prominent leader who supported various public-private partnerships including the Project Kaagapay of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) whose objective was to help address the immediate needs of health frontliners during the crisis. She helped secure resources and gather PPEs (like surgical face masks, face shields, medical cover-alls, gowns, gloves, and goggles) for doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers nationwide. Under her leadership, the project was able to collect more than Php 100 million worth of PPEs including procurement of life-saving ventilators for over 20 public hospitals. With the support of the Zuellig Family Foundation, she mobilized funding to help build the Philippines General Hospital’s COVID-19 isolation ward.
As a key private sector representative, Jakosalem was also a prime mover and member of Task Force T3 (for Test, Trace and Treat), convened by the Inter-Agency Task Force – National Task Force (IATF-NTF) and the Department of Health (DOH), with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). As Vice-Chairperson of the Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), she likewise helped rally the industry in ensuring timely and robust production and delivery of much needed life-saving medicines and vaccines during the pandemic. And as such, PHAP and Zuellig Pharma became an active member of the Ingat Angat COVID 19 movement.
Within Zuellig Pharma she continues to be a champion of the company’s various sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and employee welfare initiatives. For example, for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, she has taken on the leadership of the DEI pillar, which strongly espouses women empowerment in the organization. In sustainability, the Cebu-native aided in designing the first LEED-certified warehouse of the group in Sta. Rosa Laguna during her former stint as the CEO of Metro Drug Inc. (MDI).
“Being one of the finalists of the “Women in Business of the Year” at the ICCPI Awards 2022 is truly an honor. This recognition is a reminder, not only for me but for future leaders to always lead with integrity, respect, empathy, and gratitude towards your peers,” said Jakosalem.
Carem Arevalo
Carem Arevalo received PAPPI’s Exemplary Award for her strong sense of commitment, reliability, and consistency in delivering above-and-beyond contributions to achieve one or more of PAPPI’s strategic goals and the Fire Up Award for her exemplary teamwork, dedication, hard work, and burning desire to deliver results.
Arevalo is currently one of the Board of Directors and the Committee on Scientific Meetings, Continuing Education and Training Chair.
Arevalo said her latest recognition is proof of the many capabilities of women across various industries may bring. “Being recognized in the pharmaceutical industry is testament that women can do anything when they’re given a positive environment that allows them to grow and explore their full potential. That’s why I’m grateful for Zuellig Pharma for being supportive of women in the workspace.”
Without a doubt, Jannette Jakosalem and Carem Arevalo are role models for young thinkers, academics, managers, and entrepreneurs as they continue to exemplify strong, strategic leadership with enough room to learn and grow as they continue to step up the leadership ladder.