Saint Louis University (SLU) hosted the 12th Regional Health Research Conference of the Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC) at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, Diego Silang Building, SLU Main Campus on 18-19 June 2024.
With the theme “Driving Health Research through Synergizing Partnerships,” the two-day Research Conference featured prominent health researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts as they convened to deliberate on the most recent developments in health research from a regional perspective.
Dr. Joselito C. Gutierrez, PhD, Executive Assistant to the President, delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of the University President, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD. Thereafter, Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, PhD, Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology- Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR), also addressed the attending delegates and health practitioners with her opening remarks.
After a message from Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., PhD, Chairperson of CRHRDC and Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education-Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), the Conference proceeded with the piece of the keynote speaker, Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, PhD, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).
The soft launch of the two significant initiatives spearheaded by CRHRDC followed, finally unveiling the Regional Unified Health Research Agenda (RUHRA) for 2023-2028 and CRHRDC BINNADANG Mentoring Handbook.
The RUHRA 2023-2028 was meticulously reviewed by members of the CRHRDC and health and research institutions, to ensure its alignment with the National Unified Health Research Agenda for 2023-2028, The Health and Nutrition and Development Agenda, and The Department of Health Agenda.
On the other hand, the CRHRDC BINNADANG Mentoring handbook was developed in response to the region’s urgent need for qualified mentors and mentees, especially in the fields of health and research. This initiative seeks to cultivate a strong mentoring culture that fosters the growth and development of researchers to ensure that the region produces high-quality research that has the potential to create substantial impact on community health.
The Day 1 program proceeded with the Ribbon Cutting to formally open the Poster Exhibit, where the posters from the different categories were presented. Out of the 10 shortlisted entries for the student category, six were from SLU; while for the professional category, one of the four shortlisted participants was also from SLU.
To conclude the first day of the Conference, a Panel Discussion among member-institutions with the topic “Enhancing Health Research Capacity through Strategic Partnerships: Best Practices from CRHRDC Member Institutions” was conducted with panelists from Saint Louis University, Benguet State University, Provincial Health Office – Benguet, Health Services Office – Baguio, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, National Economic Development Agenda – CAR, Department of Science and Technology – CAR, and Commission on Higher Education – CAR.
On the second day, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples- Cordillera Administrative Region Former Commissioner Zenaida Brigida H. Pawid and CRHRDC Regional Coordinator Dr. Erlinda C. Palaganas gave lectures titled, “Indigenous Health in Focus: Today’s Insights, Tomorrow’s Innovations” and “Contemporary and Future Trends in Research Practices: Innovations and Shifting Paradigms,” respectively.
These were followed by three-minute pitches to policymakers by professionals with completed studies from the different participating health and research institutions. One of the presenters, Associate Dean Allan Jay Espiritu, represented SLU with his research titled “E.A.R.S FOR SUPERDRUGS; Stop Drug Resistance, Break Biofilm Barrier”. After the three-minute pitches, the program proceeded with the Podium Presentations for the professional and student categories.
Thereafter, the awarding and fellowship night commenced at the Paragon Hotel, Baguio City where winners for the different competitions during the conference were recognized.
For poster under the student category:
- Adrian Raizen S. Tolentino (University of the Philippines Baguio) – “Neuroprotective Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum against Acute Bisphenol A (BPA) Toxicity Affecting Dopamine and Serotonin-regulated Locomotion of Caenorhabditis elegans”
- Renz Palasi (Saint Louis University) – “Free Radical Scavenging and In-Vitro Analysis of Solanum Betaceum Cav. [Dulce/Tamarillo (Sp.)] Leaves Extract Against Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Line (Hct 116) and Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (Mcf7): An Experimental Study”
- Crystal Dale Espada and Marieflor Salazar (Saint Louis University) – “Biochemical Profiling and Human Maltase-Glucoamylase Binding of Flavanone and Taxifolin: An Insight from an In-Silico Analysis”
Under the professionals category:
- Ruby Marie Rillera-Magsino (City Health Services Office) – “Rising Incidence of Pertussis in Baguio City: An Epidemiological and Public Health Analysis”
- Catalino, Jinkie Dangiwan (Conner District Hospital) – “Compliance To Covid VaccineAmong Senior Citizen Of Barangay Malama, Conner Apayao”
- Kimberly H. Sibayan (City Health Services Office) – “Investigating and Addressing the Acute Gastroenteritis Outbreak in Baguio City”
For podium under the student category:
- Hazel C. Bantolin (Saint Louis Univesity) – Effectiveness of Antidesmabunius-biosynthesized silver nanoparticles as antibacterial agents
- Lady Joan Bayating and Kyle Phylip Amante (Saint Louis University) – Breaking Barriers: Unmasking Mental Health Literacy Among Adults in the City of Pines
- Emerlyn Khate L. Montero (Benguet State University) – Experiences of Gay and Bisexual Men Having Sex with Men in Baguio and Benguet Province on PrEP Use
Under podium for professionals:
- Pablo V. Serrano (University of the Philippines) – “Serotonin Mediates the Effects of Areca Catechu (Betelnut) Extract on Caenorhabditis Elegans’ General Movement”
- Joniever Badilla (Saint Louis University) – “Biopharmaceutical Profiling and MAPK 14 Binding of Areca catechu Selected Alkaloids: Insights into Medicinal Formulation and Oral Cancer Toxicity”
- Lawrence C. Caranto (Benguet State University) – “Culture of Excellence in Nursing Education in the Philippines”
Article by Antonio Lim Jr. (UIO Volunteer)
Photos by Emmanuel Gregorio and Antonio Lim, Jr. (UIO Volunteers)
