PHILIPPINE CONSULATE REPRESENTATIVES ATTEND BIOTECH SPEAKER SERIES IN SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
Nicole Richie PhD, Vice President and Global Head of Health Impact at Genentech delivers her keynote presentation. (San Francisco PCG photo)
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, represented by Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil and Political Assistant Lalaine Bacha, attended the “What’s Happening East of 101? A Biotech Speaker Series” held on 18 September 2025 at Genentech Headquarters in South San Francisco (SSF).
The event featured a keynote presentation by Nicole Richie PhD, Vice President and Global Head of Health Impact at Genentech, who spoke on the critical role of health equity and population science in pharmaceutical development. Dr. Richie highlighted that there is underrepresentation in clinical trials, emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive research to drive personalized medicine and improved healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Richie outlined Genentech’s commitment to addressing these disparities through a multi-pillar strategy that includes enhancing disease understanding, establishing research standards, and engaging in external partnerships to increase participation of underrepresented groups in clinical trials. She also mentioned the potential of AI technologies to accelerate drug development and improve patient access.
Opening remarks were delivered by South San Francisco Mayor Eddie Flores, who underscored the city’s identity as the birthplace of biotechnology. He highlighted SSF’s strategic location, strong academic ecosystem, and leadership in biotech innovation, noting the city’s remarkable growth — from 25 biotech companies in 2000 to over 250 in 2023, now employing more than 25,000 workers. South San Francisco currently ranks #1 in biotech lab space nationwide.
The event also featured presentations from California Life Sciences (CLS) and Biocom California, two key organizations supporting life science innovation in the state. CLS emphasized its role in building a healthy and collaborative startup ecosystem, while Biocom highlighted South San Francisco’s position as a global epicenter of medical research and innovation, and emphasized the diverse career opportunities available in the industry.
The Consulate’s participation in the event reflects its continued engagement with the scientific and technological community in Northern California, in support of innovation, international cooperation, and health equity. END
Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil poses in front of the event banner ahead of the Biotech Speaker Series at Genentech Headquarters. (San Francisco PCG photo)