Saint Louis University (SLU), through its University Research and Innovation Center (UnRIC), reaffirmed its commitment to promoting health and well-being by hosting the 13th Regional Health Research Conference (RHRC) for the third time on 19-20 June 2025 at the Rev. Fr. Theophile Verbist Hall, SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center.
With the theme “BINNADANG for One Health,” the conference—led by the Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) —served as a strategic platform to advance public health through stronger local research, cross-sector collaboration, and evidence-based solutions to the region’s key health challenges.
SLU President and 2025 CRHRDC RHRC host, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, represented by the Vice President for Academic Affairs Felina P. Espique, PhD, expressed how the conference highlights the relevance of the word “binnadang” in connecting people for the betterment of the community, particularly in health. “This conference, therefore, is more than just a scholarly event. It is a platform for transformative engagement where we come together to explore groundbreaking ideas, showcase innovative research, and strengthen collaborative efforts for a healthier Cordillera and beyond,” Dr. Espique said.
Representatives from the four CRHRDC pillars gave inspirational messages for the guests and participants. Among them were the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) CAR Regional Director and CRHRDC Governing Board Chair, Atty. Septon A. De La Cruz, represented by Education Supervisor II Godfrey G. Mendoza, PhD; the Department of Health (DOH) CAR Regional Director and CRHRDC Governing Board Co-chair, Dr. Ferdinand Benbenen; DOST-CAR Regional Director and CRHRDC Governing Board Secretary, Nancy A. Bantog, PhD; and University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio Chancellor and CRHRDC Governing Board Member Joel Addawe, PhD. These notable speakers shared insights that encouraged delegates to address current gaps in educational research and become catalysts for change, highlighting the importance of linking academia and health to shape a better future.
13th RHRC spotlights research excellence
The “3-Minute Pitch” showcased exceptional research papers that aimed to bridge the gap between research and policy while addressing the health concerns in the community. Afterward, the opening of the exhibits and the ribbon cutting ceremony were held.
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Executive Director, Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, then delivered his keynote address that tackled how research can help people develop solutions and combat health issues. “We encourage inclusion of local voices in Health Research. People and scientists coming from diverse fields working as one team because we believe that everyone can offer something new, and all of us can learn from each other,” he emphasized. Dr. Montoya added the interconnectedness of the biological ecosystem and how one variable can affect another.
The CRHRDC’s members then took their Pledge of Commitment that serves as a reminder to continue their shared mission of advancing research. Following this, the Professional category for the Podium Presentation competition and the Poster Presentations were held.
RHRC Plenary and Research Sessions highlight collaborative solutions
On the second day, 20 June, the World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines Health Emergencies Team Technical Staff, Ms. Rowena Capistrano, opened the series of sessions with her presentation titled, “Bridging the Gaps: Integrating Human, Animal, and Environmental Health for a Resilient Future.” She elaborated on health concerns anchored on the global situation, emphasizing the essential steps to achieve health security. “A multidisciplinary and multisectoral One Health approach can protect global health security,” she said.
Dr. Ronald Law, Director III of DOH Health and Climate Change Office, discussed “Climate Change and Its Ripple Effects: Impacts on Human, Animal, and Environmental Health” on a national level. “We need to do both mitigation and adaptation,” he stated, highlighting the country’s need to improve in preventing health issues.
In the third session, Dr. Donnabel T. Panes, CRHRDC Research Utilization Committee (RUC) Chair, talked about “From Mountains to Medicine: Indigenous Knowledge and One Health in the Cordillera: Lessons from Traditional Practices.” She explained the relevance and impact of incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems into actively co-creating solutions with communities. “These are our strengths. We just have to maximize the indigenous knowledge that has been given to us,” Dr. Panes said, promoting inclusive education and indigenous adaptations.
The student category of the Podium Presentation competition and the Health Research Ethics Forum were held simultaneously at the Verbist Hall and the Yabut Conference Hall of the SLU SHMC.
13th RHRC Awarding Ceremony recognizes outstanding contributions to Regional Health Research
Dr. Erlinda C. Palaganas, CRHRDC Regional Coordinator, officially opened the awarding ceremony with an inspiring message that called on participants to move forward and nurture a culture of inquiry rooted in passion. “Let us build bridges across disciplines, regions, and ideologies. Let us make the Cordillera not only a region of rich culture and resilient communities but also a beacon of research excellence and ethical leadership,” she emphasized.
Following the recognition of member institutions, the awarding ceremony formally commenced.
Best Poster – Student Category:
- 1st Place – “Potential Prognostic Colorectal Cancer Biomarkers Associated with Gut Microbiome Metabolites” by Trigger Jon B. Balitang from UP-Baguio
- 2nd Place – “Enhancing Safety and Quality of Green Ice Lettuce Lactuca sativa through a Cost-effective Ultrasonication method” by Benlly Braine T. Reynante from Benguet State University (BSU)
- 3rd Place – “Successful Aging among Older Filipinos” by Hanani David C. Buan from SLU
Best Poster – Professional Category:
- 1st Place – “Prevalence and treatment outcomes of carbapenem-resistant Serratia marcescens given aminoglycosides in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines” by Nijell Bangasan-Pizarro from Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC)
- 2nd Place – “Tinawon-Kardis Instant Blend and Curls: Locally Formulated Complementary Foods for Infants and Young Children” by Josefa T. Dulinayan from Ifugao State University
- 3rd Place – “Harmony and Health: House Construction and Entering of a House Among the Ifontoks” by Georgina P. Maskay from Mountain Province State University
Best Podium Presentation – Student Category:
- 1st Place – “Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Moringa oleifera Leaves Integration in Polyvinylidene Fluoride for Water Purification System” by Raven Mekkaela Ravanes from University of Baguio (UB)
- 2nd Place – “Adolescent Health Risk Behaviors and the Mediating Effects of Family Dynamics and Socio-demographic Factors” by Alyanah Mae Cauilan from SLU
- 3rd Place – “Attitude towards Deprescribing among Selected Senior Citizens in Baguio City” by Keeyan Christie R. Balucas from SLU
Best Podium Presentation – Professional Category:
- 1st Place – “Lift-HIV Study: Lipid and Impaired Fasting Glucose Trends in HIV Treatment” by Carmelo P. Bautista III from BGHMC
- 2nd Place – “From Alert to Action: The Baguio City’s Response to MPOX” by Patricia Paula Hadap from City Health Services Office-Baguio
- 3rd Place – “Hepatitis B Status and Covid-19 Severity of Adult Admitted Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines” by Angeli Eleanor B. Facun from BGHMC
Best 3-Minute Pitch:
- 1st Place – “Self-Harm and Mental Health Concerns in Ifugao: What can be Done About it?” by Florence Nawew-Bahni from Ifugao State University
- 2nd Place – “How to Address the National Burden of Hepatitis B, One Treatment Hub at a Time?” by Arenne David Ramos from BGHMC
- 3rd Place – “Juan at Juana ng Kalusugan sa Conner, Apayao” by Criserna Ruth M. Songgadan from Conner District Hospital
Best Infographics Student Category (People’s Choice Award):
- “Lived Experiences of Spouse Caring for Adult Patients with Heart Conditions in Tabuk City, Kalinga” by Jovan G. Vicente from Saint Tonis College, Inc.
Best Infographics Professional Category (People’s Choice Award):
- “Harmony and Health: House Construction and Entering of a House Among the Ifontoks” by Georgina P. Maskay from Mountain Province State University
Outstanding Performing Research Institution 2025:
- Academe (Public sector) – Ifugao State University
- Academe (Private sector) – Saint Louis University
Outstanding Research Institution Head 2025 – Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD (SLU)
SLU was also recognized as the conference host agency for three consecutive years, further proving its efforts to achieve excellence, compassion, and mission.
In closing, Ms. Rowena C. Madarang, CRHRDC Consortium Director, summarized the essential points made by the keynote speakers and presenters. She mentioned how each research contributed to the collective pursuit of better health and well-being. She said, “We celebrated not just the research but the passion and ingenuity behind each project.”
SLU’s participation and collaboration in the Conference is a testament to its unwavering commitment to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) No. 3 (Good health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnership for the Goals). (Article by Ydelvess Faith Morales, UIO Volunteer)
