TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — The Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC) proudly concluded the 2025 Regional Health Research Symposium on December 1–2, 2025 at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City, showcasing exceptional scientific achievements that advance the region’s health landscape. Anchored on the theme “One Health for All: Igniting Transdisciplinary Solutions for a Healthier Eastern Visayas,” the two-day event brought together researchers, students, professionals, and institutions committed to developing evidence-based solutions for public health challenges.

The symposium highlighted the depth and diversity of health research across the region through its Oral and Poster Research Competitions, underscoring EVHRDC’s continued commitment to fostering innovation for community impact.

SSU, EVMC, UEP Lead Professional Oral Research Awards

In the Professional Category, researchers presented studies addressing critical health issues—from maternal and neonatal outcomes to infectious diseases and clinical care innovations.

First Place was awarded to Samar State University (SSU) for the study “From Data to Delivery: Predictors of Adverse Birth Outcomes in Samar,” presented by Dr. Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid, the principal investigator with co-authors Sheriah Laine De Paz-Silava and Leodoro J. Labrague. The study provides vital insights into maternal health and contributes evidence that can improve facility- and community-level interventions.

Second Place went to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) for “Clinical Outcomes Among Preterm Infants Requiring Continuous Positive Airway Pressure with Kangaroo Mother Care,” presented by Dr. Jonalyn Chavez with co-author Dr. Angelica Joyce A. Gacutno-Evardone.

Third Place was claimed by the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) for the study “Diet–microbiome association of school-aged children from Leyte, Philippines,” presented by Mr. Flyndon Mark S. Dagalea and a multidisciplinary team of collaborators.

UP Tacloban, PSHS, RTR Dominate Student Oral Research Category

Young scientists demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity in the Student Category, presenting studies highly relevant to public health and environmental monitoring.

First Place was awarded to UP Tacloban for the study “Conjugative Plasmids Carrying blaNDM Carbapenemase Gene from Environmental Bacteria in Mangonbangon River,” presented by Mr. Jonel Pontica, highlighting environmental antimicrobial resistance risks.

Philippine Science High School (PSHS) secured Second Place for the in silico analysis “Flavonoids in Moringa oleifera as Inhibitors for NS3/NS5 of DENV,” presented by Ms. Samantha Gail G. Macabit.

Third Place went to RTR for “Water Physicochemical and Edaphic Factors Contributing to the Presence of Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi,” presented by Mr. Kurt Ruchez L. Artates, contributing important evidence for schistosomiasis control.

Poster Competition Highlights Power of Visual Science Communication

The Poster Research Competition showcased entries that transformed complex datasets into compelling visual narratives—an essential skill in advocating for One Health solutions.

Professional Category Winners

• First Place – EVMC
  “Incidental Histopathologic Findings of Schistoma Ova Deposits in Post-Operative Specimens”
  Presenter: Dr. Jan Vincent Eamiguel

• Second Place – EVMC
  “Newly Diagnosed Patients with Metabolic Syndrome at Risk for Advanced Hepatic Fibrosis Based on FIB-4 Score”
  Presenter: Dr. Marie T. Rayala, with Dr. Ethel Pearl SM. Eamiguel

• Third Place – SSU
  “Reimagining Resilience: The Moral, Emotional, and Professional Horizons of Filipino Nurses in Eastern Visayas”
  Presenter: Dr. Rheajane A. Rosales

Student Category Winners

• First Place – DRTREFI
  “Phenotypic and Molecular Identification of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Public Utility Jeepneys”
  Presenter: Ms. Moira Junnethana A. Cablao

• Second Place – DRTREFI
  “Air Quality Monitoring Through Measurement of Particulate Matter Concentration at Robinsons Marasbaras and Magsaysay Boulevard”
  Presenter: Mr. Thomas Jhae Uyvico

• Third Place – PSHS
  “Toxicological Assessment of Lead and Cadmium in Eyeshadows Sold in Tacloban City”
  Presenter: Ms. Satine Jade M. Avorque, with student collaborators

Advancing One Health Through Research Excellence

This year’s winning studies spanned maternal health, infectious diseases, environmental monitoring, nutrition, microbiology, and health systems—demonstrating that One Health solutions thrive when multiple disciplines converge.

The symposium highlighted EVHRDC’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a robust regional research ecosystem that drives evidence-based policymaking and strengthens public health programs across Eastern Visayas.

As the event closed, participants reaffirmed their shared vision: a healthier, more resilient Eastern Visayas built on science, collaboration, and community-centered innovation.