2025 Regional Research Conference Successfully Held at DMMMSU, La Union

The 2025 Regional Research Conference, hosted by Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), was successfully held on June 20, 2025, at the International Convention Center, DMMMSU-NLUC, Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union. The event brought together researchers, health professionals, academic leaders, and policy advocates to celebrate and promote regional excellence in health research.

The event formally commenced at 8:00 AM with the registration of participants, followed by the ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the Poster Research Exhibit. This ceremony was led by key officials from DOST-PCHRD, DOST-1, CHD-1, DMMMSU, R1HRDC, and other esteemed guests. The opening program also included an invocation and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, beautifully rendered by the DMMMSU Northern Chorus.

Dr. Leo B. Solis, Chairperson of R1HRDC, delivered a warm and motivating welcome address, setting the tone for a day filled with learning, collaboration, and celebration of research. Inspirational messages followed from Dr. Jaime I. Manuel Jr., University President of DMMMSU, represented by Dr. Angelina T. Gonzales, Vice President for University Research, Development, and Innovation, and Dr. Maria Lourdes K. Otayza, Consortium Director of R1HRDC. They both highlighted the critical role of collaborative research in advancing public health and regional development.

Adding a festive atmosphere, the DMMMSU Northern Chorus performed a lively intermission number before the introduction of the keynote speaker by Dr. Cynthia P. Lopez, Chairperson of the Regional Utilization Committee (RUC).

In a thought provoking keynote address, Dr. Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, Director IV of the Department of Health – Center for Health Development 1 (CHD-1), represented by Dr. Rheuel Bobis, Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Section, emphasized the importance of translating research into actionable policies and community-based interventions, especially in the face of pressing public health challenges.

To recognize their invaluable contributions, certificates of appreciation and tokens of recognition were presented to the keynote speaker and to the host university, DMMMSU.

The morning session continued with three insightful lectures, which further enriched the participants’ understanding of the current health research landscape in the region.

The morning session also featured three insightful lectures:

• Lecture 1: Dr. Teresita Tabaog, Regional Director of DOST Region 1, spoke on Transforming Research into Action: Strategic Pathways to Successful Technology Transfer 
• Lecture 2: Prof. Ryan Dean T. Sucgang, Chairperson of REMB-1 Committee on Information Dissemination, Training, and Advocacy, discussed about Ethical Research For Viable Healthcare 
• Lecture 3: Dr. Joy C. Alvarez, Project Leader, shared/disseminated the results of her funded research paper entitled “Implementation of Hearing Screening Protocol for School-Aged Children enrolled in Special Education in Selected Public Schools in Ilocos Norte

Following a midday health break and lunch, the afternoon session commenced with the oral and poster presentation competitions, where researchers showcased their studies before a technical panel of evaluators. The presentations highlighted innovative solutions and data-driven approaches to pressing health and community issues, reflecting the region’s dynamic research landscape.

The Awarding Ceremony honored outstanding research presentations and recognized the efforts of all participants.

The following are the winners for the Oral and Poster Research Competitions: 

Oral Research Competition (Professional Category)

Oral Research Competition (Student Category)

Poster Research Presentation (Professional Category)

Poster Research Presentation (Student Category)

Special Awards:

Best Paper for the Poster Research Presentation 

Best Paper for the Oral Research Presentation 

Congratulations to all the winners and participants! Your work contributes greatly to the advancement of health research in the region. We commend your dedication, innovation, and commitment to evidence-based practice.

Closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Cynthia P. Lopez, reiterating the consortium’s commitment to advancing research that addresses regional and national development goals.

With over three (3) hundred attendees from academic institutions, government agencies, and research organizations, the 2025 Regional Research Conference stands as a testament to the vibrant and collaborative research environment in Region 1.

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