The University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (UC CONAHS) proudly celebrates the achievements of its student researchers who garnered major recognitions during the 17th MDCON Research Congress of the Manila Doctors College of Nursing held on February 26–27, 2026. The research congress served as a venue for student and professional nurses to present scholarly work addressing pressing healthcare concerns and strengthening evidence-based nursing practice. Through online plenary sessions and onsite concurrent presentations, participants showcased research innovations and leadership in nursing education and community health.
The college’s Best Oral Presenter awardees were:
• Arjay C. Gallardo – Stream 2 Best Oral Presenter (Top 1)
Listening Beyond Words: A Phenomenological Study on Parenting a Child with Autism
Adviser: Mr. Gilbert D. Bernardino Jr.
• Sean Dale M. Manaloto – Stream 9 Best Oral Presenter (Top 2)
May Hepa sa Basura?: A Quantitative Study on the Prevalence of Hepatitis B among Garbage Collectors in Baguio City
Adviser: Ms. Phoebe Toyokan
• Kert Rencis M. Padilla – Stream 1 Best Oral Presenter (Top 3)
Rising in the Midst of Breast Cancer among Patients in Baguio City
Adviser: Mr. Christian J. Basatan
Other UC CONAHS student researchers also represented the university:
• Shane Ivy A. Humiwat – Poster Presentation
Beyond Compliance: Delivering Quality Maternal Care in Baguio City’s Birthing Centers and Lying-In Clinics
Adviser: Mr. Ferdinand C. Tercero
• Neil Cyrus Gian Bangtuan – Oral Presentation
Relationship of 30s to the Clinical Decision-Making of Fourth-Year Student Nurses in a Private Higher Education Institution in Baguio City
Adviser: Mr. Christian J. Basatan
• Cheska Mae C. Gapate – Poster Presentation
Medication Errors: A Diverse Perspective from the Healthcare Team
Adviser: Mr. Christian J. Basatan
The delegation was accompanied by UC CONAHS faculty members:
• Ken Fias-ilon
• Genevieve Dulawan
• Julie Padilla
The recognitions received by the students reflect the college’s commitment to developing nurse researchers, leaders, and advocates of evidence-based practice, while strengthening collaboration and research engagement among nursing institutions.
Sustainable Development Goals Alignment
| SDG | Goal Description | Indicators Supported |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being | Promote healthy lives and well-being for all | 3.3 Combat communicable diseases (Hepatitis B among garbage collectors); 3.4 Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (Breast cancer research); 3.8Access to quality essential health services (maternal care and autism caregiving research) |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education | 4.4 Increase relevant skills and research competencies among nursing students; 4.7Education for sustainable development through research engagement |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Strengthen partnerships for sustainable development | 17.16 Strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships through inter-institutional research collaboration |
