Written by Chadray Guisa-ed and Fannilyn Manipon
Research found its true purpose in service as “Till Death Do Us Part: A Medical Mission and Research dissemination Activity” brought together senior citizens, healthcare professionals, researchers, volunteers, and community partners on July 11, 2026, at the Irisan Multipurpose Hall, Barangay Irisan, Baguio City. Rooted in the belief that research should extend beyond academic discourse, the activity translated evidence into action by addressing the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of older adults through healthcare services, health education, and community engagement.
The success of the activity was made possible through the invaluable support of faculty members, alumni, and students from the University of Baguio – School of Nursing (UB-SON), UB RIECO, UB-SON REACH+: Resilient Emergency Action for Community Health and Sustainability+, Barangay Irisan, the Baguio City Health Services Office, and the Irisan Health Center. The initiative was further strengthened through the collaboration of the Anxiety and Depression Support Group – Baguio Youth Advocates (ADSG-BYA) and the Baguio Community Cares Action Center, whose partnership enabled the delivery of comprehensive healthcare and psychosocial services to the senior citizens of Barangay Irisan.
Hosted by Ms. Nicole Antonette Tilap and Mr. Arian Sibayan, students from UB-SON, the program guided participants through a meaningful morning dedicated to research dissemination, health promotion, and compassionate community outreach. The program formally commenced with the introduction of the activity by Ms. Maureen Sabalburo, RN, MAN, research adviser and clinical instructor. She emphasized that research reaches its greatest value when it responds to genuine community needs. She highlighted how the activity reflects the University’s commitment to transforming research into meaningful extension initiatives, demonstrating that research should not only generate knowledge but also inspire sustainable actions that improve the lives of individuals and communities.
Following the introduction, Mr. Chadray Guisa-ed, lead researcher, presented an overview of the study, “Till Death Do Us Part: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Widowed Elderly in Irisan, Baguio City.” He shared the major findings of the phenomenological study, highlighting the realities of grief, loneliness, resilience, adaptation, and the importance of family and community support after the loss of a spouse. The dissemination underscored the need for accessible healthcare services and psychosocial interventions, allowing participants to recognize how the day’s outreach directly translated research findings into meaningful community action. The research dissemination was followed by a series of health education sessions addressing common health concerns among senior citizens.
Through this medical mission and research dissemination activity, the project advances SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by delivering vital healthcare and psychosocial support directly to senior citizens. It embodies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by uniting academic institutions, local government units, and youth advocates toward a shared community purpose. Furthermore, it contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education by transforming research findings into accessible community health awareness, while upholding SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities through dedicated care and advocacy for underserved widowed elderly.
