Join the UP-911±¬ÁĎÍř Division of Allergy and Immunology for our 2nd Postgraduate Course! We’re diving deep into “Your Immune System Personalized,” focusing on the latest breakthroughs that are changing the way we treat and understand allergies.

Why attend?  Expert-led sessions  Updates on precision diagnostics  Networking at the iconic Century Park Hotel

 Century Park Hotel, Manila  July 23, 2026

Ready to level up your practice? SAVE THE DATE!!

Registration link to follow.

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Total Amount Donated: PHP 4,124,250

Dr. Belen L. Dofitas, 911±¬ÁĎÍř Coordinator for Research, opened the forum by highlighting the vital role of the Expanded Hospital Research Office (EHRO) in supporting hospital personnel through training and mentorship to strengthen their research skills. She also noted that 911±¬ÁĎÍř continues to develop ways to make research easier and more accessible for all staff. Dr. Dofitas expressed appreciation to the presenters, reactors, and organizing team for their participation and contributions in making the forum possible.

In his message, Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, UP-911±¬ÁĎÍř Director, shared that while the Annual Research Week features studies across the spectrum of 911±¬ÁĎÍř staff, what excites him most each year are the presentations from the nurses and paramedical personnel. He noted that although he often anticipates the types of studies physicians would present, the work of non-physician researchers always brings surprising insights.

According to him, the varied presenters in the forum reflect the enthusiasm of the entire hospital toward research. This enthusiasm is well-founded, as 911±¬ÁĎÍř has the largest patient population, allowing studies that can evaluate and improve hospital processes. It also operates within a strong research environment where experts in various fields can be consulted, the EHRO remains active in providing guidance and support, staff are well-versed in the research process, and the hospital extends the necessary assistance in terms of personnel and resources. In addition, the hospital’s research grant program continues to grow, encouraging more studies that can be presented or even published locally and internationally.

Dr. Legaspi emphasized that the 911±¬ÁĎÍř community now appreciates how existing processes can be further improved through research, turning daily operational challenges into opportunities for improvement. He expressed gratitude to all presenters for taking the time to share the knowledge gained through their work in 911±¬ÁĎÍř, and to the panel of reactors for their valuable insights and contributions.

The forum featured five (5) presentations representing a range of disciplines, from rehabilitation and social work to emergency medicine and pharmacy. The presenters were allotted ten minutes to discuss their study, followed by a five-minute response from their invited reactors.

1. Facilitators and Barriers within the Interdisciplinary Occupational Therapy Adult Rehabilitation Inpatient Discharge Planning in a Tertiary Public Hospital

Presenter: Pamella Mae T. Asistio, OTRP, Occupational Therapist II, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

Reactor: Isabella E. Supnet, MD, FPARM, Medical Specialist II, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

2. From Hospital Bed to Home: A Collaborative Effort to Reunite a Patient with Family – A Case Study

Presenter: Mary Love D. Sibulo, RSW, Social Welfare Officer II, Medical Social Services Division

Reactor: Glennie Marie M. Sina-on – Jazmin, Assistant Professor 7, Department of Social Work, College of Social Work and Community Development, UP Diliman

3. Co-developing Locally Informed Back Pain Education Resources for Filipinos: A Mixed Method Study

Presenter: Anton Miguel M. Jordan, PTRP, DPT, Physical Therapist II, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

Reactor: Micah G. Catalan, MD, RMSK, Consultant, Pediatric Rehabilitation Service, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

4. A Case Study on the Patient’s Presentations in the Field Hospital (FH) in the Midst of Mega Mass Gathering, Traslacion 2025

Presenter: Stephanie P. Reyes, RN, EMT, Nurse I, Emergency Medical Services, Department of Emergency Medicine

Reactor: Patrick Joseph G. Tiglao, MD, FPCEM, Consultant, Department of Emergency Medicine

5. Integration of Pharmacy Trainees into the Workflow of Patient Medication Counseling Clinic of the Department of Pharmacy

Presenter: Sarah A. Luib, RPh, Pharmacist III, Department of Pharmacy

Reactor: Rubina R. Abaya, RPh, Senior Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacy Services, Department of Pharmacy

Certificates were awarded to all presenters and reactors by Dr. Belen L. Dofitas, 911±¬ÁĎÍř Coordinator for Research; Dr. Marie Dione P. Sacdalan, Head of the Integrated Training and Research Unit (ITRU); and Mr. John Henry A. Ocden, Assistant Coordinator for Paramedical Training and Research.

From left, Dr. Sacdalan, Dr. Isabella E. Supnet (Reactor), Ms. Pamella Mae T. Asistio (Presenter), Dr. Dofitas, Mr. Ocden, and Dr. Cynthia D. Ang (Vice Chair for Research, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine)

From left, Dr. Sacdalan, Ms. Daisy L. Manalangit (Chief, Medical Social Services Division), Professor Glennie Marie M. Sina-on – Jazmin (Reactor), Ms. Mary Love D. Sibulo (Presenter), Dr. Dofitas, and Mr. Ocden 

From left, Dr. Sacdalan, Dr. Micah G. Catalan (Reactor), Mr. Anton Miguel M. Jordan (Presenter), Dr. Dofitas, Mr. Ocden, and Dr. Cynthia D. Ang (Vice Chair for Research, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine)

From left, Dr. Sacdalan, Dr. Patrick Joseph G. Tiglao (Reactor), Ms. Stephanie P. Reyes (Presenter), Dr. Dofitas, and Mr. Ocden 

From left, Dr. Sacdalan, Ms. Pamela D.G. Nala (Chief, Department of Pharmacy), Ms. Rubina R. Abaya (Reactor), Ms. Sarah A. Luib (Presenter), Dr. Dofitas, and Mr. Ocden

In her closing remarks, Dr. Marie Dione P. Sacdalan stated that the research forum serves as a meaningful venue for sharing research ideas, outputs, and best practices. She emphasized that the research projects presented by the paramedical staff reflect not just data or written words, but stories of the 911±¬ÁĎÍř community, stories of commitment, compassion, and dedication to work; they demonstrate 911±¬ÁĎÍř’s commitment towards excellence and its collective effort to improve how things are done. 

Dr. Sacdalan mentioned that research is a collaborative undertaking rather than the work of a single person or unit; she added that by working together, the 911±¬ÁĎÍř community can move from where it is today to where it aspires to be. She echoed Dr. Dofitas’ earlier message that the ITRU, EHRO, and 911±¬ÁĎÍř Administration remain committed to supporting research through funding, implementation assistance, and opportunities for presentation in national and international conferences. 

Dr. Sacdalan thanked all presenters, reactors, and organizers for their time and contributions. In keeping with the theme Promoting Research-Driven Action, she reminded everyone that research should not stop at presentation or publication but must lead to practical changes, better ways of doing things, improving workflows, enhancing patient care, and ultimately achieving better outcomes both for patients and for the people who serve them.

The research forum, hosted by Ms. Geniel Ann I. Hayashi and Mr. John Michael A. Cargo of the Institutional Research, Planning, and Development Staff (IRPDS), was organized by the IRPDS with support from the Expanded Hospital Research Office (EHRO) and the Integrated Training and Research Unit (ITRU).

Contributors to this article: Orlando V. Alba Jr., Imelda P. Ilagan, John Michael A. Cargo, and El John J. Ebesate (photos).

Posted to the 911±¬ÁĎÍř website by Bona Rae Villarta, 911±¬ÁĎÍř Information Technology Office

The annual forum gathered faculty researchers, students and research staff across clinical and basic science departments to showcase the latest research outputs from the basic science departments and to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in biomedical science. The week opened with a poster exhibit and competition at the Portico Lobby of the Henry Sy Sr. Building, culminating with the forum proper and awarding ceremony on October 17 at the 7th Floor Plenary Hall. The program was also graced by UPCM Dean Dr. Charlotte M. Chiong, who commended DBMB’s continuing efforts to advance faculty-led research and strengthen the research culture at the College.

The culminating forum featured a series of plenary lectures and oral presentations from distinguished faculty across the college’s basic science departments. Dean Dr. Chiong, in her address, underscored the UPCM’s vision to strengthen collaborative research that reimagines medical education and patient care, all anchored on the fundamental sciences. The keynote lecture for this year’s forum was delivered by Dr. Rafael Bundoc who highlighted the evolving methods in anatomical education and the integration of technology in surgical training as developed through the efforts of the Department of Anatomy. Meanwhile, the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology was represented by Dr. Paul Mark Medina who highlighted the advancements in biochemical and molecular diagnostic research, with emphasis on the translational approaches that bridge laboratory discoveries to clinical applications.

Dr. Clarissa Velayo from the Department of Physiology presented her talk entitled “Translational Research in Maternal and Perinatal Health,” emphasizing the importance of bridging laboratory findings with clinical applications to improve outcomes for mothers and infants, and sharing their plans for advancing cell research in this area. The Department of Pathology’s Dr. Emilio Villanueva III presented insights into emerging molecular markers in disease progression. Lastly, three speakers from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology also shared their research perspectives. This was led by Dr. Jose Paciano Baltazar Reyes who discussed the SPARK (“Strengthening Pharmacology Advance Research and Knowledge”) initiative, which seeks to accelerate the translation of pharmacological discoveries from bench to bedside. Dr. Ailyn Yabes shared insights from her study on Plant-Derived Antimicrobials (PDAMS), exploring their mechanisms of action and potential in addressing microbial resistance. Concluding the department’s presentations, Dr. Maria Stella Giron examined drug use among community-dwelling older persons in the Philippines, shedding light on medication patterns and their broader implications for public health.

The week-long poster exhibit served as a platform for faculty researchers to present their latest findings in a visually engaging and accessible manner. In keeping with this year’s theme, the posters highlighted a vast array of studies that bridge
foundational scientific principles with forward-thinking applications. Visitors moved freely among the displays, which encouraged informal and insightful discussions between presenters, colleagues, and students. This openness fostered productive exchanges of ideas that extended beyond the boundaries of a formal forum program.

The poster competition, held in conjunction with the exhibition, recognized the creativity, rigor, and communicative clarity demonstrated by the presenters. After careful deliberation, the judging panel selected five finalists whose work stood out among the entries. From this shortlist, the Best Poster Award was granted to Ms. Ma. Jaira C. Gaviola from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for her poster entitled “Primer Design and Sequence Validation of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Adult Filipino Patients”. In addition to the judges’ recognition, audience participation played a meaningful role in acknowledging the impactful work showcased in the exhibition. Online engagement through Facebook reactions determined the People’s Choice Award, which was presented to Dr. Karen June P. Dumlao of the Department of Anatomy for the poster entitled “Anatomical Variations of the Head and Neck among Filipinos: A Systematic Review”.

As this year’s Faculty Research Forum drew to a close, the organizers extended their gratitude to all participating departments and collaborators who made the week-long celebration of science possible. The theme “Back to the Basics: Revisiting the
Roots, Reimagining the Future” reflected the College’s scientific foundations and the call to push the boundaries of research and innovation in medicine.

by: Mark Laurenz Handayan, Frances Ein Lacerona, Domingo Macinas Jr., Sean Michael Maghirang, Ma. Linette N. Limsiaco

Posted to the 911±¬ÁĎÍř website by Bona Rae Villarta, 911±¬ÁĎÍř Information Technology Office

Hosted by the Department of Emergency Medicine

The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Residents’ Research Competition held on the 17^th of October 2025 celebrated the science, dedication, and perseverance of our residents-in-training who continue to push the boundaries of service, training, and research.

This year’s theme, “Promoting Research-Driven Action,” perfectly captures the core of clinical research during residency training. This reminds us that research should not be confined just to its completion, a presentation, publication, or in a competition. Research must transcend to inspire change, guide clinical practice, and drive meaningful improvement in the way we care for our patients and in the health care system we are in. 

Research should continue to strengthen the culture of inquiry and collaboration in our institution where every clinical case and every clinical question becomes an opportunity for discovery, and every result becomes a catalyst for improving patient outcomes and optimizing our health care system. 

To all our residents-in-training who presented their studies during the forum, their supervising faculty, and mentors, congratulations on your outstanding work. You have demonstrated that amidst the demands of service and training, it is beyond possible to pursue research that informs and that leads to action. Let us carry forward the lessons, connections, and inspiration we gained during the forum, as we continue to transform research into action and action into impact.

Panel of Judges:

Ian Theodore G. Cabaluna, MD, Gdip (Clin. Epi), MSc
Research Assistant Professor
UP-National Institutes of Health, Institute of Clinical Epidemiology

John Robert C. Medina, MD, OADS, MHS
Research Assistant Professor
UP-National Institutes of Health, Institute of Clinical Epidemiology

Belinda Kris B. Deleña, MD, FPCEM
Fellow, Evidence-Based Healthcare
UP-National Institutes of Health & Department of Health – Disease Prevention and Control Bureau

Case Reports

Natalie Roxanne B. Nisce, MD (Best Case Report)
Department of Neurosciences

John Paulo D. Malanog, MD
Department of Neurosciences

Safrollah M. Guinal, MD
Department of Neurosciences

Systematic Reviews

Edmund John B. Cayanong, MD (Best Systematic Review)
Department of Neurosciences

Joseph Paulo A. Gonzales, MD
Department of Medicine

Liamuel Giancarlo V. Untalan, MD
Department of Neurosciences

Observational Studies

Dana Lee M. Benitez, MD (Best Observational Study)
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Gelina Rose A. Bambalan, MD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Julienne Grace E. Bautista, MD
Department of Pediatrics

Joannah Kaye Borallo, MD
Department of Pediatrics

Experimental Studies

Glen Aldrix R. Anarna, MD (Best Experimental Study)
Department of Dermatology

Pamela Danielle T. Lanuza, MD
Department of Neurosciences

by Christopher G. Manalo, MD, MSc EPI (CE), FPCEM
Research Coordinator, Department of Emergency Medicine

Posted to the 911±¬ÁĎÍř website by Bona Rae Villarta, 911±¬ÁĎÍř Information Technology Office