Beyond compliance: A qualitative exploration of continuing professional development among pharmacists in the Philippines

BACKGROUND: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) supports lifelong learning and professional competence among healthcare professionals. In the Philippines, CPD is mandated under Republic Act No. 10912 for professional license renewal. Despite this, concerns remain regarding its accessibility, relevance, and ability to promote meaningful professional growth beyond regulatory compliance. This study explored the implementation and evaluation of CPD among pharmacy professionals in the Philippines. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted among 31 participants in Metro Manila, including CPD Council members, CPD providers, and licensed pharmacists from various practice sectors. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face or online, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis with MAXQDA software. Findings were organized using an Enablers-Barriers-Perceived Outcomes framework. Ethical approval was obtained from Adamson University (Protocol Code 2025-021-(PHA-02)). RESULTS: Flexible learning modalities and subsidized CPD programs enhanced accessibility and participation. However, participants reported barriers such as financial constraints, workload demands, limited institutional support, and insufficient practice-specific relevance of CPD activities. Stakeholders also described tensions between CPD's developmental objectives and its implementation as a license renewal requirement. While pharmacists perceived improvements in knowledge, confidence, and workplace practice, participants noted the absence of structured mechanisms for evaluating long-term professional and practice outcomes. CONCLUSION: CPD implementation for pharmacists in the Philippines is influenced by regulatory requirements, accessibility, institutional support, and professional relevance. Current practices appear to prioritize compliance over competency development. Strengthening practice-oriented programs, institutional support, and outcome-based evaluation systems may enhance engagement and support sustainable professional growth.