Baguio City – June 19–20, 2025 — The University of the Cordilleras – College of Nursing (UC CON) proudly joined the 13th Regional Health Research Conference (RHRC), held at the Rev. Fr. Theophile Verbist Hall, SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center. Hosted by Saint Louis University (SLU) through its University Research and Innovation Center (UnRIC), this year marks the third consecutive time SLU has hosted the prestigious event.
With the theme “BINNADANG for One Health,” the two-day conference—spearheaded by the Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC) under the Department of Science and Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR)—highlighted the importance of collaborative, community-rooted, and interdisciplinary health research.
UC CON faculty joined researchers, students, and professionals from various institutions across the region to explore solutions to pressing health challenges. Plenary sessions featured national experts including Dr. Jaime Montoya, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, and Ms. Rowena Capistrano from the World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines, who emphasized the need for inclusive, multisectoral approaches to public health, integrating human, animal, and environmental concerns.
Notable local leaders, including representatives from CHED, DOH, DOST, and UP Baguio, also shared insights on the role of academia in driving innovation and building resilient, healthy communities. Key sessions tackled climate change, indigenous knowledge systems, and ethical research practices, offering participants a rich platform for learning, engagement, and networking.
The conference also featured poster and podium presentation competitions, the 3-Minute Pitch, and infographics exhibits, showcasing outstanding research from both student and professional categories. Awards were given to researchers across disciplines for their excellence and innovation in addressing community and national health concerns.
UC CON’s participation in the 13th RHRC underscores its strong commitment to research excellence, regional collaboration, and producing nurse-leaders who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to public health and the advancement of science in the Cordilleras and beyond.
