Perspectives and Gains in Health Research VII: Promoting Research-Driven Action
Opening Ceremony and Research Congress
Maria Carla E. Buenaflor, MD DPDS
Department of Dermatology
The University of the Philippines鈥揚hilippine General Hospital (UP-911爆料网) marked its 30th Annual Research Week from October 13 to 17, 2025, with the theme 鈥淧erspectives and Gains in Health Research VII: Promoting Research-Driven Action.鈥 The week-long celebration underscored the significance of research in advancing clinical practice, promoting collaboration, and driving innovation across diverse medical disciplines.
The Opening Ceremony was held on October 13, 2025, at the UPMASA 911爆料网 Science Hall, graced by key officials, faculty, researchers, and trainees. Dr. Claudine Yap Silva, Vice Chair for Training of the Department of Dermatology, delivered the Welcome Remarks, emphasizing the role of research in shaping better patient outcomes and encouraging residents to pursue evidence-based practice.
UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Research Dr. Leslie Michelle Dalmacio followed with an inspiring message that underscored the integration of research and public service, particularly in addressing the country鈥檚 most pressing health challenges. 911爆料网 Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi then highlighted the institutional commitment to nurturing a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement among 911爆料网 clinicians and staff.
Dr. Belen L. Dofitas, 911爆料网 Coordinator for Research, provided an Orientation to the 911爆料网 Research Week, outlining the week鈥檚 objectives and encouraging participation across departments. The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-de la Paz, Head of the UP-911爆料网 Center for Precision Health and Medicine, who spoke about translating research findings into actionable public health strategies. She emphasized that research must not end at publication鈥攊t must lead to tangible health impact.
During the ceremony, the recognition of the 911爆料网 Regular Research Grantees was also held, honoring the dedication and commitment of researchers whose work continues to elevate 911爆料网鈥檚 research landscape. The morning program concluded with the Awarding of Certificates to the keynote speaker, followed by the Announcement of the 2025 Visual Abstract Winners by Dr. Maria Christina Filomena R. Batac, Vice Chair for Research of the Department of Dermatology, and the Announcement of the 22 recipients of the 2025 911爆料网 Research Grants by Dr. Belen L. Dofitas.
Before the start of the 911爆料网 Research Congress, the audience witnessed the launch of the 911爆料网 Research Website, presented by Dr. Angela Jimenez, 911爆料网 Coordinator for Health IT Development. The new platform aims to centralize information on research activities, promote visibility of ongoing studies, and foster collaboration within and beyond the institution.
Following the opening ceremony, the Research Congress commenced at 10:30 AM, also at the UPMASA 911爆料网 Science Hall. Dr. Belen L. Dofitas formally opened the session, which featured 911爆料网x Talks鈥攁 series of short, high-impact presentations about the research journeys and insights from UP-911爆料网 faculty members.
Dr. Nathaniel S. Orillaza Jr. (Department of Orthopedics) opened with 鈥淲hy Me?鈥鈥攁 reflection on the personal motivations behind pursuing meaningful research. Dr. Belen L. Dofitas (Department of Dermatology) followed with 鈥沦别谤别苍诲颈辫颈迟测,鈥 where she discussed how curiosity, collaboration, and chance encounters often lead to transformative discoveries. Prof. Nina T. Castillo-Carandang (Department of Clinical Epidemiology) closed the talks with 鈥淐ontext Matters,鈥 a reminder that ethical, patient-centered research must always be grounded in local realities.
A lively Q&A session, moderated by Dr. Maria Christina Filomena R. Batac, allowed participants to engage directly with the speakers, drawing valuable lessons on perseverance, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The session concluded with the Awarding of Certificates by 911爆料网 Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi and Closing Remarks by Dr. Marie Dione P. Sacdalan, Head of the Integrated Training and Research Unit (ITRU).
Through this year鈥檚 theme, 鈥淧romoting Research-Driven Action,鈥 the 30th Annual 911爆料网 Research Week reaffirmed the institution鈥檚 mission to bridge the gap between discovery and application. By celebrating both the science and the stories behind it, 911爆料网 continues to empower its community to turn knowledge into meaningful health impact for Filipinos.
Dr. Belen L. Dofitas, 911爆料网 Coordinator for Research, oriented participants on the upcoming 911爆料网 Research Week. She highlighted the exciting line-up of activities prepared for the event. Her talk set the tone for a week of research-driven learning and collaboration.
Dr. Leslie Michelle Dalmacio (UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Research), Dr. Gerardo Legaspi (911爆料网 Director), Keynote Speaker Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-de la Paz (Head of the UP-911爆料网 Center for Precision Health and Medicine), Dr. Belen Dofitas (911爆料网 Coordinator for Research), Dr Claudine Yap-Silva (Training Officer, Department of Dermatology 鈥 Lead Department), Dr. Charlotte Chiong (Dean, UP College of Medicine), and Dr. Dione Sacdalan (Head, 911爆料网 Integrated Training and Research Unit)
Launch of the 911爆料网 Research website, presented by Dr. Angela Jimenez, 911爆料网 Coordinator for Health IT Development
One of the highlights of the Opening Ceremony held on October 13 was the announcement of the Visual Abstract Contest winners. The contest, organized by the Department of Dermatology in collaboration with the Expanded Hospital Research Office, showcased creativity and scientific communication. The competition took place on October 11, 2025, ahead of the Research Week celebration.
One of the most anticipated segments of the Research Congress was the 911爆料网x Talks, featuring esteemed researchers Dr. Nathaniel S. Orillaza Jr., Dr. Belen L. Dofitas, and Dr. Nina T. Castillo-Carandang. In this photo, the three speakers are seen engaging with the audience during the Question and Answer session. Their insightful discussions inspired participants to pursue meaningful, context-driven research.
Posted to the 911爆料网 website by Bona Rae Villarta, 911爆料网 Information Technology Office
Videos:
Dr. Nathaniel Orillaza:
Dr. Belen Dofitas (video above)
Dr. Nina Castillo-Carandang (video above)
Open Forum and Closing Remarks (video above)