Written by Hosea Palmero
The University of Baguio (UB) actively participated in the 13th Regional Health Research Conference hosted by the Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC) held on June 19–20, 2025, at Verbist Hall, Saint Louis University, Baguio City. With the theme “Binnadang for One Health,” the two-day event served as a platform for interdisciplinary research, encouraging collaboration among researchers, students, professionals, and institutions around CAR to address pressing issues in public health, disease prevention, and environmental resilience.
The conference opened with a warm welcome from Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, President of Saint Louis University, followed by inspirational messages from the four pillars of health research: Atty. Septon A. De La Cruz (CHED-CAR), Dr. Nancy A. Bantog (DOST-CAR), Dr. Ferdinand Benbenen (DOH-CAR), and Dr. Joel Addawe (UP Baguio). These speakers highlighted the importance of inclusive education, community health initiatives, and evidence-based policymaking in creating a sustainable and resilient society.
One of the main highlights on the first day was the 3-Minute Pitch Competition for professionals, where participants presented innovative medical research focused on healthcare access, mental health, and health education programs. After the competition, a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the exhibit area, where research posters made by students and professionals were displayed. These exhibits served not only to share research findings but also to promote community learning and raise awareness on various health issues.
In the afternoon, keynote speaker Dr. Jaime Montoya delivered a compelling talk on the value of “binnadang,” or mutual help, emphasizing that research should include people from all walks of life, elders, barangay health workers, youth, and other community members, not just as informants but as co-creators of knowledge. His message touched on the need for health research to build trust, be culturally sensitive, and reflect real-life community needs. The Pledge of Commitment followed, where institutions across the region, including the University of Baguio, represented by Dr. Jun Corpuz. After which two simultaneous activities continued, the Podium Presentation Competition and the evaluation of poster presentations, further showcasing the role of research.
The second day began with plenary talks that underscored the integrated nature of health and sustainability. Ms. Rowena Capistrano delivered the first session titled “Bridging the Gaps: Integrating Human, Animal, and Environmental Health for a Resilient Future,” followed by Dr. Ronald Law’s discussion on “Climate Change and Its Ripple Effects,” which explored the broader consequences of environmental degradation on human and animal well-being. Dr. Donnabel Panes concluded the plenary series with a talk on “From Mountains to Medicine,” highlighting the value of indigenous knowledge systems in health care and community well-being.
Meanwhile, two simultaneous events took place: the student podium presentation competition and a Research Ethics Forum, which provided important guidance on inclusive and ethical practices when conducting research. These sessions reinforced the importance of equitable access to research participation and the role of inclusive education in knowledge production.
In the afternoon, the Binnadang Mentoring Handbook was introduced as a capacity-building tool to promote lifelong learning and professional development for researchers and educators. The University of Baguio actively participated in student-focused events, including the poster presentation and the student podium presentation category. UB student Ms. Raven Ravanes won first place for her research titled “Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Moringa oleifera Leaves Integrated in Polyvinylidene Fluoride for Water Purification.” Her project reflects innovative solutions aligned with both health and sustainability goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The event concluded with the recognition of member institutions, the oath taking of committee members led by Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, and closing remarks from Ms. Maria Rowena C. Mandarang.
The University of Baguio’s involvement in the Binnadang One Health Conference shows how health, education, and working together with others are all connected and important. The event demonstrated the importance of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by encouraging inclusive, community-based health initiatives that address both physical and mental health. Simultaneously, it promoted SDG 4 (Quality Education) by supporting student research, capacity-building programs, and open educational resources through mentoring and competition. Most importantly, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) was reflected in the collaborative spirit of the conference, which brought together academic institutions, government agencies, and community members to build sustainable solutions through interdisciplinary and international collaboration. As an active member of the CRHRDC, the University of Baguio remains committed to doing research that helps communities and improves lives. The university will continue to support young researchers, build strong partnerships, and focus on research that includes everyone, from experts to people in the community. Through these efforts, UB hopes to lead meaningful changes in public health, education, and sustainability across the region.
