Manila, Philippines — October 1, 2025.
The University of the Cordilleras – College of Nursing (UC-CON) proudly represented the institution at the national symposium titled “Advancing UHC in the Philippines through Evidence Synthesis,” held at the Frassati Auditorium, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Building, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila.
Representing UC-CON were BSN Level III students, together with Dr. Sheila Maria G. Batoon, Research Coordinator, and Mr. Gilbert D. Bernardino Jr., faculty member.
Joining them were representatives from the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) program — Program Chair Dr. Jowelyn B. Raja and Board Examination Coordinator Mr. Reuben Victor M. Laguitan — underscoring UC-CON’s strong collaboration across allied health disciplines in promoting evidence-based education and research.
About the Symposium
The event was jointly organized by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) at the University of Adelaide, the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, and the Center for Health Research and Movement Science at the University of Santo Tomas.
It formed part of the Health Workforce Development in Evidence Synthesis Fellowship, an Australia Awards–supported initiative that aims to strengthen the capacity of Filipino researchers and clinicians to conduct systematic reviews that inform policy, clinical practice, and the advancement of Universal Health Care (UHC) in the Philippines.
Throughout the program, Fellows presented their systematic review projects focusing on community health, telehealth, digital health, and rehabilitation interventions, highlighting the crucial role of evidence synthesis in improving healthcare accessibility, quality, and outcomes.
Keynote Highlights
The symposium featured two notable keynote addresses:
- Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), emphasized the importance of bridging research evidence and actionable health programs to strengthen the country’s UHC implementation.
- Dr. Leonila F. Dans, Primary Convenor of the Philippine Consortium for Evidence Synthesis and Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), discussed the need to institutionalize evidence synthesis in national policy-making to ensure sustainable, data-driven healthcare reform.
These insights underscored the central role of research, innovation, and collaboration in shaping a stronger and more equitable Philippine health system.
UC-CON’s Commitment to Sustainable Health Development
The participation of UC-CON in this national gathering affirms the College’s dedication to nursing excellence, research leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
By contributing to evidence-informed conversations that shape national and global health initiatives, UC-CON actively supports the realization of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law and advances several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Through these continuing efforts, UC-CON remains steadfast in nurturing globally competent, compassionate, and evidence-driven nursing professionals committed to improving health outcomes for all.
