History

Standing, second row (from left to right): Gerald Patrick V. Leviste (PGH), Ma. Christina T. Castiño (TondoMed), Ramero A. Cabanela (PGH), Michael Edward M. Simmons (PGH)

Standing, first row (from left to right): Mark Kerwin P. Garcia (PGH), John Bernard F. Bernardo (PGH), Ma. Amelita G. Ignacio (PGH), Connie A. Reyes (CARAGA), Cheryl A. Dueñas (WVMC), Melinda V. Magpale (PGH), Myra R. Oliver (PGH), Germilyn G. Lucas (PGH), Toni Rose E. Gepiala (PGH), Maria Cecilia E. Palomeno (PGH), Carmela Concepcion-Quitoriano (MIMAROPA)

Seating (from left to right): Gloria G. Almariego (PGH), Son Michel M. Mariano (PGH), Armeeh A. Ballad (CVMC), Maria Teresa B. Mendoza (PITAHC)

The humble beginning of the Association when nineteen (19) toxicology nurses across the Philippine archipelago convened in the UP National Poison Management and Control Center (then office in OETS Building, PGH Compound) in September 9, 2019. This is in response to the call of need to which the Philippine Society of Clinical and Occupational Toxicology Inc. - its medical specialty organization counterpart, where they encouraged the toxicology-trained nurses in its development and formation. This event is graced by numerous members of the PSCOT.  That day, the initial proposal of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association was adopted and finalized. Further, the Association inducted its name Toxicology Nurses Association of the Philippines Inc. Further, the election of Interim Board of Directors were also done.

The following is the list of convening Founding Members of the Association:

Melinda V. Magpale

Ma. Christina T. Castiño

Connie A. Reyes

Cheryl A. Dueñas

Armeeh A. Ballad

Maria Teresa B. Mendoza

Son Michel M. Mariano

Gerald Patrick V. Leviste

Gloria G. Almariego

Carmela Concepcion-Quitoriano

Ramero A. Cabanela

Mark Kerwin P. Garcia

Michael Edward M. Simmons

Myra R. Oliver

Toni Rose E. Gepiala

John Bernard F. Bernardo

Germilyn G. Lucas

Ma. Amelita G. Ignacio

Maria Cecilia E. Palomeno

Presentation, Discussion, and Approval of the Constituion and By-Laws

Election of the Founding and Interim Officer (Board of Directors)

Signing and Ratification of the Constitution & By-Laws

The Founding Member of the Toxicology Nurses Association of the Philippines (September 9, 2019)

The following month, October 2019, after its submission of its Constitution and By-Laws to the PR Board of Nursing. The honorable governing body for professional nurses asked the Association to present their Constitution and By-Laws to the PR Board of Nursing through its member, Dr. Gloria B. Arcos, as the overseer of the Continuing Profession and Specialization. With her few comments to the Association's Constitution and By-Laws, it is sent back for final approval and endorsement to the Professional Regulation Commission.

The COVID-19 may halted every aspect human life existence by year 2020; regardless, the Association persists in the realization of it as the specialty nursing organization for Toxicology.

By July 2020, the Professional Regulation Commission issued and endorsed its Certificate of No-Objection to the Securities and Exchange Commission for its registration and formalization under the laws of the Philippine governing creation of professional organizational entities.

Further, by September 30, October 8 and 13, 2020, the Association presented to the PR Board of Nursing the Standards of Practice of Toxicology Nurses in the Philippines along with the PQF Level 7 and 8 standards.

In December 15, 2020, with the collaboration with the Philippine General Hospital - Nursing Service through the Division of Nursing Education and Training, a webinar on Poison Proof your Homes and Workplaces as part of its purpose and advocacy took place via virtual meeting platform.

On January 06, 2021, an election of New Board of Directors for 2021 to 2023 took place.

While July 30, 2021, an acknowledgement from UP NPMCC through their training offering of Basic Course in Addiction for Physicians and Nurses since majority of the Resource Persons are members of the Association.

The First Annual Convention and Scientific Conference happened on October 06, 2023 that took place in Manila which was co-presented with the National Poison and Management and Control Center. Further, an election of New Board of Directors for 2023 to 2025 were also done. The night of the conference, the Oath Taking Ceremony and Conferment Exercise for new Certified Clinical Toxicology Nurses was done as well.

The Second Annual Convention and Scientific Conference happened on October 11, 2024, held at Philippine National Police General Hospital in Camp Crame, Quezon City. This program was jointly presented with the Philippine National Police Health Service and PNP Nurses Society.

The Third Annual Convention and Scientific Conference was held last December 13, 2025 in Auditorium, Sotejo Hall, UP College of Nursing. This is a joint project between the Association and the UP College of Nursing. Similarly, a pre-convention activity was also held in Philippine General Hospital focusing on the applications of Extracorporeal therapy in the care of poisoning clients held on December 12, 2025. This program was jointly presented with PGH Nursing Service through the Division of Nursing Education and Training.

Currently, the Association has 190 Regular Members strong bringing their expertise to their respective provinces and regions.