The Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC), in partnership with the University of Northern Philippines (UNP), successfully conducted the 2026 Regional Research Conference on June 5, 2026, at the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Anchored on the theme “Harnessing Ethical AI for Relevant and Impactful Health Research,” the conference brought together students, professionals, researchers, institutional leaders, healthcare representatives, and partner agencies from R1HRDC member institutions and participating organizations for a day of research presentations, knowledge exchange, and discussions on responsible and community-responsive health research. As artificial intelligence continues to transform research, data analysis, and decision-making, the conference provided a timely platform to explore how AI can be used ethically and meaningfully to advance health research.
The conference formally opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the research exhibit, led by officials from PCHRD, R1HRDC, UNP, and partner institutions, as well as a technical panel of evaluators.
In his welcome message, Dr. Leo B. Solis, Chairperson of R1HRDC, emphasized that the conference theme calls for health research that remains relevant and impactful while safeguarding research integrity and protecting the rights and welfare of patients and communities. He highlighted key ethical concerns associated with artificial intelligence, including algorithmic bias, transparency, explainability, and data privacy, which researchers must proactively address to ensure fair and equitable outcomes.
Dr. Jose B. Orosa III, Officer-in-Charge, Project Leader of R1HRDC, likewise emphasized that artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept but has become an integral part of modern research. He noted that AI is already influencing how researchers search literature, manage data, analyze trends, predict risks, communicate findings, and design interventions. However, he stressed that ethical AI is not merely about adopting advanced technologies but ensuring that these tools are used responsibly to bridge gaps rather than widen them.
Representing the host institution, Dr. Erwin C. Cadorna, President of the University of Northern Philippines, delivered the inspirational message. He underscored that while artificial intelligence has become increasingly accessible and useful in research and professional practice, its application must always be guided by ethical responsibility and should complement, rather than replace, human expertise and judgment.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, Director IV of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I, described the gathering as an important convergence of health practitioners, researchers, institutions, and government agencies. She emphasized that the exchange of ideas and research findings should ultimately translate into actions that improve lives and contribute to national development. She further reminded participants of the significant responsibility carried by health researchers, whose work directly impacts the lives and well-being of Filipinos. She highlighted the need for a clear health research framework to effectively guide the integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into health research. She encouraged participants to make research a way of life by discovering their own “research DNA.”
The conference theme was further explored through the virtual plenary session by Usec. Leah J. Buendia, Undersecretary for Research and Development and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Executive Director of DOST-PCHRD. Speaking on “Harnessing Ethical AI for Relevant and Impactful Health Research,” she discussed the expanding role of AI in health research and highlighted initiatives such as the AI-Ready ASEAN Program, the AWS AI Innovation Sandbox, and the National AI Strategy for the Philippines. Usec. Buendia emphasized that as AI becomes increasingly integrated into research systems and innovation platforms, its application must remain responsible, transparent, and aligned with public benefit. Her message reinforced the conference's call for researchers and institutions to leverage emerging technologies in strengthening evidence-based decision-making and advancing inclusive and impactful health innovations.
The program also featured the dissemination of an R1HRDC-funded study by Dr. Doreen Domingo of Mariano Marcos State University. Results of her research, titled “Tissue Repair Progression in Liver and Stomach of Alcohol-Fed Male ICR Mice Using Freeze-Dried Pomacea canaliculata Slime and Bovine Milk,” highlighted the value of supported research projects in generating scientific evidence that may contribute to future health-related studies and applications.
Research exchange remained at the heart of the conference through oral and poster presentation competitions in both student and professional categories. These sessions provided researchers with opportunities to present their findings through oral and poster exhibit presentations, receive feedback from evaluators, engage with fellow researchers, and contribute to the growing body of health research in the region.
During the awarding ceremony, outstanding research presentations were recognized for their excellence and contribution to health research.
Oral Presentation Competition (Professional Category)
|
Award |
Research Title |
Authors |
Institution |
|
1st |
NF-κB1-Mediated Hepatocyte Proliferation is Activated in Alcohol-Damaged Liver Using Snail Slime |
Jessica G. Asuncion |
Mariano Marcos State University |
|
2nd |
Retrospective Correlation Analysis of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): Examining Associations with Tumor Grade, Histologic Grade, and Lymph Node Status at Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center for Prognostic Insights |
Uzziel Ginette Bascao-Natoza, MD, DPSP |
Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center |
|
3rd |
Timing of Screening for Colorectal Cancer Using Fecal Immunochemical Test in Average Risk Patients in a Tertiary Hospital |
Denise Noelle S. Gonzales, MD |
Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center |
|
4th |
Workplace Violence Among Staff Nurses in La Union Towards Toolkit and Mobile Application Development |
Marexie V. Castro, MSN, RN |
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University |
Poster Presentation Competition (Professional Category)
|
Award |
Research Title |
Authors |
Institution |
|
1st |
Prevalence of Depression and Availability of Social Support Among Adolescents in the Outpatient Department of Mariano Marcos Memorial and Medical Center |
Mylene N. Gamilde, MD |
Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center |
|
2nd |
Effectiveness of Community-Based Kangaroo Mother Care in Reducing Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality Among Low-Birth-Weight Newborns in a Tertiary Hospital: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study |
Danah Mae R. Arzadon, MD |
Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center |
Oral Presentation Competition (Student Category)
|
Award |
Research Title |
Authors |
Institution |
|
1st |
Phytochemical Screening and In Vitro Assessment of the Hepatoprotective Potential of Syzygium ilocanum Ethanol Extract against the MASLD-Induced Hepatocyte Model |
Phiel Adrian Gabriel B. Chelim |
Mariano Marcos State University |
|
2nd |
Histopathological and Molecular Alterations in Pulmonary Tissues of Male ICR mice (Mus Musculus) Following Combined Exposure to E-Cigarette Aerosols and Alcohol |
Princess Mae A. Lagasca |
Mariano Marcos State University |
|
3rd |
Geo-Mapping of Tuberculosis Hotspots in Agoo, La Union: Basis for Targeted Health Awareness and Disease Preventive Strategies |
Matthew Ordonio Danao |
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University |
|
4th |
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Problem-Based and Simulation-Based Learning on Clinical Competency of Level II Midwifery Students |
Dhenica Claire G. Estolero |
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University |
Poster Presentation Competition (Student Category)
|
Award |
Research Title |
Authors |
Institution |
|
1st |
Liver Tissue and Leukocyte Condition in Male ICR mice (Mus musculus) exposed to E-cigarettes and Alcohol |
Iona Adriele Charis Valdez, & Jenina Chloe R. Wenceslao |
Mariano Marcos State University |
|
2nd |
Brain And Lungs at Risk: Effectiveness of Video-Based Versus In-Person Nurse-Led Intervention on E-Cigarette Awareness |
Leah Valerie Estolas |
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University |
|
3rd |
Testicular Histology and Sperm Quality of Male ICR Mice (Mus musculus) Exposed to E-cigarette Aerosols and Alcohol |
Anne Jayleen Felina, & Francine Let Guerrero |
Mariano Marcos State University |
SPECIAL AWARDS:
Non-Competing Oral Presentation
| Award | Research Title | Authors | Institution |
| Best Paper - Professional Category | Forecasting Dengue Fever Occurrence in Pangasinan | Jonah Lynn M. Quiniano & Jessica V. Pascua | Urdaneta City University |
| Best Paper - Student Category | Potential Cytotoxic Activity of Basella Alba (Alugbati) Leaf Extract on MCF-7 (Breast) and HeLa (Ovarian) Cancer Cell Lines | Kenneth Seruno | University of the Northern Philippines |
Non-Competing Poster Presentation
| Award | Research Title | Authors | Institution |
| Best Paper - Professional Category | Navigating Stress Through Culture: The Influence of Hiya and Bahala Na Mentality on Coping Strategies of Filipino College Students | Francis Ivan D. Bolleser | Lyceum Northwestern University |
| Best Paper - Student Category | Accessibility and Distribution of Physical Therapy Services in Ilocos Norte: Basis for Geo-Mapping Home Care | Tristan Jake Roxas | Northwestern University |
Dr. Cynthia P. Lopez, Chairperson of the Research Utilization Committee, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration among institutions, researchers, and stakeholders in strengthening the health research ecosystem of Region 1.
Through the successful conduct of the 2026 R1HRDC Regional Research Conference, the consortium reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a stronger, more responsive, and collaborative health research community. Beyond serving as a venue for presenting research outputs, the conference provided a meaningful venue for dialogue, ethical reflection, and partnership-building toward advancing health research that remains relevant, responsible, and beneficial to the public.
