Written by Dr. Marilou Saong
The University proudly congratulates Ms. Raven Mekkaela C. Ravanes, a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science student from the School of Natural Sciences, for winning First Place in the Student Health Research Competition at the 13th Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC) Regional Health Research Conference, held on June 19–20, 2025, at Verbist Hall, Saint Louis University Sacred Heart Medical Center, Baguio City.
This premier annual conference gathered health researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders across the Cordillera Administrative Region to promote collaboration and innovation in health research, under the theme “Binnadang for One Health.” With poise and clarity, Ms. Ravanes presented their group’s groundbreaking study titled: “Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Moringa oleifera Leaves Integration in Polyvinylidene Fluoride for Water Purification System.” Their project introduces a point-of-use water filter using PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) membranes enhanced with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Moringa oleifera leaf extract.
The innovation aims to improve antibacterial and antifouling properties of the membranes to help address bacterial contamination in local water sources—an urgent public health concern in Baguio and nearby communities.
Ms. Ravanes served as the lead researcher and was joined by group members Robi Althea L. Boyao, Ligui Marius Nuel D. Golino, Dhebrene Shandra B. Illag, and Jascha Kean A. Rosales. The team was mentored and guided by their research adviser, Dr. Marilou M. Saong, who also served as a judge in the Student Poster Presentation Category during the same event. Once again, heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Ravanes and her team for this remarkable contribution to health research.
The participation in this event enhances the accomplishment of reaching Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4: Quality Education. Furthermore, it offers invaluable opportunities for knowledge exchange, skill development, and awareness-raising on critical global issues, thereby fostering inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
