Written by Ms. Nona Gabriel, Ms. Maureen Sabalburo and Dr. Marilou Saong
The University of Baguio (UB) celebrated strong student and faculty participation at the 14th Regional Health Research Conference held on 18–19 June 2026 at the closed gym of Benguet State University (BSU), La Trinidad. Hosted by Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) and the Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC), the event brought together researchers from across the region to present and defend studies in podium and poster competitions.
Out of seven entries submitted by UB’s School of Natural Sciences (SNS), School of Nursing (SON), and School of Dentistry (SOD), three were selected for the conference: two for the student podium presentation category and one for the student poster category. The final round featured nine podium finalists and twelve poster finalists from institutions including BSU, Saint Louis University (SLU), University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB), Pines City College (PCC), Mountain Province State University (MPSU), and the University of the Cordilleras (UC).
Mr. Chadray Guisa-ed of UB’s School of Nursing earned second place in the podium competition for his research titled “Till Death Do Us Part: Exploring Lived Experiences of Widowed Elderly in Irisan, Baguio City.” Mr. Kyle Edward Torres, a student from SNS, also delivered a podium presentation on the study “Individualized Exercise Program and Its Impact on Functional Movement Scores among the University of Baguio School of Natural Sciences Men’s Volleyball Team.”
In the poster category, Ms. Nicole Panuncio of SNS represented UB with her study on the “Anti-inflammatory Potential of Ethanolic Extract of Green Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa) through Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay.” University of Baguio faculty members Dr. Jun Corpuz (SNS), Dr. Marilou Saong (SEA), and Ms. Maureen Sabalburo (SON) served as the plenary session moderator, student poster competition judge, and professional poster competition judge, respectively.
The university’s active role at the conference supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The research presentations and student training advance SDG 4: Quality Education by strengthening research skills and highereducation learning outcomes. Studies addressing community health and clinical interventions contribute to SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing by generating evidence for improved healthcare practices. UB’s collaboration with regional universities, DOSTCAR, CRHRDC, and health institutions exemplifies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, fostering multisectoral cooperation to scale research impact across the Cordillera region.
The 14th Regional Health Research Conference was declared a success, showcasing UB’s commitment to student research, regional collaboration, and contributions to national and global development goals. Next year’s 15th Regional Health Research Conference will be hosted by Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.
