PNMP

Tacloban City, Leyte - June 4, 2026 - Samar State University (SSU), through the Office of the Executive Director for Research, conducted a collaborative meeting with the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) Region VIII at the PITAHC Regional Office, Brgy. 93 Bagacay, Tacloban City, to finalize two proposed research projects aimed at generating evidence to support the integration of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine into healthcare systems and practices

The meeting focused on the refinement and finalization of the following proposed studies:

  1. “Acceptability and Utilization of Traditional Medicine among Barangay Health Workers in Samar Province, Philippines”

  2. “Comparison of Reliance on Conventional Medicine and Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) in Cancer Treatment.”

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Representing PITAHC Region VIII were Ms. Josephine L. Hipe, Special Operations Officer; Ms. Janice A. Alota, Administrative Officer; Dr. Ma. Venus K. Apolonio, Pharmacist VI and Plant Manager of the Tacloban Herbal Pharmaceutical Processing and Manufacturing Plant; and Ms. Cherrylyn C. Apurillo, Pharmacist IV.

From Samar State University, the meeting was attended by Dr. Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid, Executive Director for Research and Principal Investigator of the proposed projects, and Mr. Michael Hendrix Casama, Research Staff.

During the meeting, both institutions discussed the objectives and significance of the proposed studies, the rationale for selecting the target respondents, expected research outputs, potential policy implications, and possible funding mechanisms. Particular emphasis was placed on generating evidence that can inform future health programs and policies related to traditional medicine, as well as strengthening public awareness and acceptance of scientifically supported traditional and complementary healthcare practices.

The proposed study on Barangay Health Workers seeks to establish baseline data on the prevalence, acceptability, and utilization of traditional medicine in Samar Province, while the second study aims to examine the experiences and treatment preferences of cancer patients with regard to conventional medicine and Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM).

The collaborative engagement reflects the shared commitment of SSU and PITAHC to advancing research, preserving indigenous health knowledge, and promoting evidence-based traditional and alternative healthcare practices. It also opens opportunities for future partnerships in research, capacity-building initiatives, and policy development that contribute to the goals of Universal Health Care and the promotion of culturally responsive health services.

Through this partnership, Samar State University continues to strengthen its role as a research institution committed to addressing local and national health priorities while contributing to the growing body of knowledge on traditional and integrative medicine in the Philippines.