SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan (PIA) – The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) and the Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC), in partnership with the Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation, Inc. (VMUF), organized a research conference attended by student researchers from seven universities in the Ilocos region.
Held on Friday, June 21 at the VMU Event Center in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, the activity with the theme “Empowering Health Innovations: Uniting Minds, Ensuring Ethics, and Celebrating Excellence in Research” provided valuable insights for researchers from experts in advancing health research.
Dr. Mercita Queddeng, chairperson of the Research Utilization Committee of R1HRDC, encouraged them to take advantage of the available opportunities to attend research conferences whenever possible.
She said, “Events like this hold significance, so let us not ignore them. This platform shapes our capabilities and demonstrates our collective care for quality healthcare for each other and everyone else.”
Among the participants were Lyceum Northwestern University, the University of Luzon, and VMUF in Pangasinan; Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in La Union; the University of Northern Philippines in Ilocos Sur; and Mariano Marcos State University and Northwestern University in Ilocos Norte.
They showcased their studies in a research poster exhibit, which allowed them to present their findings and network with professionals.
This encouraged the exchange of ideas and feedback.
Dagupan City often experiences flooding during typhoons that may affect the studies and health of those living in the area.
A study presented in the exhibit, titled “Addressing Academic Obstacles Faced by Nursing Students in a University in Dagupan City During Flood Disaster,” revealed that many students experienced reduced study hours, unavoidable absences, and health risks.
The challenges significantly impacted their academic performance and overall well-being, suggesting the need to incorporate education on health concerns associated with disasters and the importance of flexible academic frameworks to manage unforeseen disruptions.
The researchers from the University of Luzon in Dagupan City, namely Princess Erika Permison, Nicole Imbuido, Mikaella Conception, Lara Jane Caneja, Francine Joy Zaulda, and Jordan Llego, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their study in the exhibit.
Stressing the importance of sharing wisdom, particularly with grassroots communities, Dr. Jaime Montoya, executive director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-PCHRD, emphasized the need for research to uncover new knowledge and innovative solutions.
He said, “Research for further discovery of new knowledge and innovative solutions.”
He added that by researching new ways, such as how to diagnose and treat illnesses, we can improve healthcare and make our lives healthier.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ma. Lilia Juan, president of VMUF, reminded these young researchers to uphold integrity and responsibility in their research studies.
“Promote integrity and responsibility in your research endeavors by ensuring that your innovations are developed and implemented ethically,” she said, urging them to turn their ideas into reality. (AMB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
