UNPRECEDENTED TURNOUT MARKS LAUNCH OF OMNIBUS PAINT TECHNOLOGY COURSE AT ATENEO CAMPUS

Quezon City, July 4, 2025 — In a landmark development for the Philippine paint and coatings industry, the Philippine Paint and Coatings Association, Inc. (PPCAI) officially launched its most ambitious learning program to date — the newly restructured Omnibus Paint Technology Course (PTC) — to a record-breaking turnout of 51 participants, the largest number in the program’s recent memory. The course, held at the Seminar Room of the Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC) Building within the scenic Ateneo de Manila University campus, draws representatives from 21 member-companies and 2 non-member organizations, underscoring the industry's growing commitment to technical excellence and capacity-building.

This year’s iteration of the Paint Technology Course signals a bold shift from tradition. For the first time, the basic (PTC 1) and advanced (PTC 2) modules have been fused into a single omnibus course, a strategic decision by PPCAI’s Technical Committee aimed at promoting greater continuity, consistency in learning methodologies, and maximizing the time and professional development of its participants.

Running from July 4 to August 13, 2025, sessions will be held every Wednesday from 12 noon to 5 p.m., offering both foundational and in-depth insights into paint formulation, chemistry, manufacturing, and innovation. This 6-week journey promises to equip attendees not only with theoretical understanding but also practical know-how to navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities in coatings technology.

The course formally opened with an Invocation led by Virgie Lamor of Chemwealth, setting the tone for an afternoon of shared learning and community spirit.

PPCAI President Reggie Yu of Times Paint welcomed the participants in his opening remarks, acknowledging the historical turnout and the trust that the industry has placed in the program.

“This course represents more than just knowledge transfer,” Yu said. “It is a convergence of generations, companies, and experiences — all united by a shared goal: to elevate the technical standards of our industry. Our challenge as professionals is to be as innovative in our education as we are in our coatings.”

Participants then introduced themselves in a lively round of self-introductions, highlighting the diverse range of backgrounds, expertise levels, and organizational roles — an encouraging sign that the program continues to draw both veterans and new entrants into its fold.

Dr. Armando Guidote Jr., Director of PIPAC and a longtime supporter of the industry’s scientific training initiatives, graciously opened the institute’s doors once again for the duration of the program. His continued partnership ensures that the sessions are not only intellectually robust but grounded in academic integrity.

The first day’s lectures laid down the technical bedrock of the omnibus course with three foundational presentations delivered by industry stalwarts.

Diane Ruth Mendoza of Pacific Resins delivered a lucid and insightful Paint Overview, walking the participants through the multifaceted world of paint systems, their functions, classifications, and emerging trends in the global coatings landscape.

Cathy Parel of Asian Coatings followed with an in-depth discussion of the Paint Manufacturing Process, breaking down the complexities of batch processing, dispersion, mixing, and quality control mechanisms critical to commercial production.

Finally, Damzen Dang-Awan of RI Chem closed the day with a highly technical yet accessible presentation on Solvent-based Coating Resins, explaining their chemical structure, performance characteristics, and practical formulation strategies.

Thanks to the Technical Committee, led by Vice-President Patrick Negrete of Boysen Philippines, the Omnibus PTC Course is the latest testament to PPCAI’s unwavering commitment to advancing industry knowledge and fostering collaboration among coating professionals. By reimagining the curriculum structure, the Technical Committee has not only adapted to the demands of the present but also laid the groundwork for a more agile and resilient future.

The coming weeks promise more deep-dives into topics such as water-based coatings, pigment technologies, additives, application techniques, testing protocols, regulatory compliance, and sustainability innovations. Participants can expect a rigorous, enriching experience that culminates in a deeper understanding of the science and strategy behind every tin of paint.

As the PPCAI continues to expand its educational footprint, the success of this inaugural Omnibus PTC Course may well become the new benchmark for industry-led training in the years to come. 🖌️🖌️🖌️