In the latest episode of the KaNego Podcast, businessman and social entrepreneur Patrick Roquel shared his inspiring journey from corporate pharmaceutical employee to founder of a thriving herbal-based health enterprise, all while advocating for farmer empowerment and natural medicine.
Roquel, President of GH Nutrifying Pharma Inc., discussed how his company sources raw materials from Philippine-grown herbal plants to develop natural health products under their consumer brand ROCKZ International Consumer Health. With a mission rooted in sustainability and community welfare, Roquel also leads Biopharm and Natural Health Ingredients Co., a processor of herbal ingredients working closely with local farmers.
“Our advocacy is called Puno Sagip Buhay — I plant, I share, I Save Communities,” Roquel explained. “It’s a movement not just about health, but also livelihood. Without this, there’s no hope for our farmers.”
From Pharmaceuticals to Herbal Wellness
Roquel’s 17-year experience in the pharmaceutical industry laid the groundwork for his transition into social entrepreneurship. A registered medical technologist and former executive at major pharma companies, Roquel experienced his own health crisis — renal failure and dialysis — which deepened his belief in natural healing and inspired him to develop plant-based food supplements.
These include Immune Advance, a blend of lagundi, malunggay, sodium ascorbate, and zinc aimed at strengthening the immune system, and FlavonPro, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplement. His products are backed by scientific research and manufactured through processes that preserve the plants’ full nutritional value.
“People think boiling malunggay gives you vitamins. It doesn’t — they’re destroyed in the process. That’s why proper drying and formulation matter,” Roquel emphasized.
Promoting Traditional and Scientific Herbal Medicine
Roquel credited institutions such as the National Institute of Health and the late Dr. Cecilia Maramba-Lazarte, known as the mother of Philippine herbal medicine, for their pioneering work in legitimizing herbal treatments. He cited the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997, authored by former Senator Juan Flavier, as a key moment that opened opportunities for local herbal medicine development.
“Filipino herbs like lagundi and sambong have specific health benefits that are backed by science. They’re different from herbs in other countries,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of local sourcing and strict quality control to avoid contamination from pollutants and heavy metals.
A Mission for Community and Country
Beyond profit, Roquel’s enterprises function as community programs. Through the “Puno Sagip Buhay” initiative, farmers are given seedlings, training, and assured purchase of their harvests. The program not only improves health outcomes but provides sustainable income to rural families.
“All of this stems from a divine inspiration,” Roquel shared. “I prayed for a mission — and I was led to this. Everything we need is already in nature. We just need to use it wisely and share it.”
From citronella sprays that repel dengue-carrying mosquitoes to moringa-based supplements that boost immunity, Roquel’s products merge traditional knowledge with modern innovation.
The KaNego Podcast host, Lorenzo, praised Roquel for his passion, sincerity, and commitment to both health and humanity. The episode serves as a call to action — to support local farmers, to trust science-backed traditional medicine, and to find healing through nature.
As Roquel puts it: “When we plant, we don’t just grow herbs — we grow hope.”#
