The Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium 9th International Symposium and 16th Annual Scientific Conference in partnership with Asian Hospital and Medical Center was held on June 5-6, 2025. The pre-conference, June 5, took place in the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, while the main conference and the awarding ceremony, June 6, was held at The Palms Country Club in Muntinlupa City.

The theme for this year’s symposium, “Juan Health Research: Bridging Science, Technology, and Society,” explores the deep connections between human, animal, and environmental health. The event brought together teachers, students, researchers, and partners from across member institutions to foster a shared commitment to health innovation—with distinguished speakers who have led plenary sessions that helped solidify this mandate. We’d also like to appreciate our sponsors that made the event possible.

On June 6, the symposium culminated in a celebration of excellence, honoring outstanding contributions from both students and professional researchers. All finalists presented their on-theme studies, showcasing their innovative ideas in shaping the future of healthcare. Through engagements with the MMHRDC community, stakeholders, and policymakers, winners were chosen and awarded certificates and cash prizes to incentivize their work. We congratulate them once again!

Announced winners for each category:

Poster Research Presentation (Undergraduate)

1st – Jaquelene Ysabel M. Olavere of Far Eastern University – Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, “Screening of Antioxidant Property and Inhibition of α-Amylase Activity from Semi-Purified Flavonoids of Selected Pericarps of Edible Kernels in the Philippines”  

2nd – Lanz Tristan O. Panganiban of University of Santo Tomas, “Forecasting African Swine Fever Outbreaks Using a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) Pipeline: A Case Study on Disease Prediction and Management in Central Luzon, Philippines”

3rd – Vanna Andrea P. Valla of University of Santo Tomas, “In Silico Analysis of the Neurotherapeutic Potential of Citrus sinensis Peel Extract targeting SPON1 for Alzheimer’s Disease”

Poster Research Presentation (Professional)

1st – June Gayeta of Department of Health – Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, “Genomic surveillance of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli reveals high-risk clones, resistance mechanisms, and regional spread (2013–2019)”  

2nd – Romeo A. Marquez Jr. of Manila Central University – Research and Development Center, “Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and their Relationship with Compliance to Therapeutic Regimen of Diabetic Individuals in Metro Manila”

3rd – Cristina Rempillo of Department of Health – Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, “In Silico Analysis of the Neurotherapeutic Potential of Citrus sinensis Peel Extract targeting SPON1 for Alzheimer’s Disease”

Oral Research Presentation (Undergraduate)

1st – Erra Joyce G. Fegarido of Manila Central University – Research and Development Center, “A Grounded Theory Study on the Coping Process of Filipino Female Breast Cancer Survivors”

2nd – Miguel Zachary C. Pajado of University of Santo Tomas, “Forecasting African Swine Fever Outbreaks Using a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) Pipeline: A Case Study on Disease Prediction and Management in Central Luzon, Philippines”

3rd – Alkyn J. Yulo of Manila Central University – Research and Development Center, “The Analysis of Probiotic Properties of Lactobacillus spp. from Kimchi in Gut Microbes of Wistar Rats with Sucralose”

Oral Research Presentation (Professional)

1st – Jerome Alfred Q. Tabajonda of University of Santo Tomas, “Telomere Length Variation in A Filipino Population from Luzon: Implications for Aging and Health”

2nd – Rossel Anjelo A. Ambal of Asian Hospital and Medical Center, “Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Cardiac Arrest Patients Resuscitated Using a Mechanical Chest Compression Device (Lucas) Admitted In a Private Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines: A Descriptive Study”

3rd – Agnettah Olorosa of Department of Health – Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, “Genomic insights on Vibrio cholerae clusters in the Philippines revealed point-source and sustained outbreaks”

Photography

1st – Jabez Adriel T. Gamboa of Trinity University of Asia, “Bridging Life Through Technology”

2nd – Jazelle Nica E. Gungon of Trinity University of Asia, “Vital Signs and Virtual Minds: The Future of Healing”

3rd – Jemima Jariel of Trinity University of Asia, “Digital Lifeline in Every Breath”

3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers

1st – Mary Ann Thea Bustamante of Philippine Orthopedic Center, “Policy Based on the Level of Knowledge on Code Blue Response of Nurses in the Clinical Area of Philippine Orthopedic Center”

2nd – Fatima Ericka S. Vista of University of the Philippines Manila, “Antibody responses to Japanese encephalitis and dengue viruses in children from a flavivirus endemic region after IMOJEV vaccination”

3rd – Pia Marie Albano of University of Santo Tomas, “One Scan, Multiple Answers: AI-FTIR as a Low-Cost, Scalable Diagnostic Platform for Breast Cancer Subtyping in the Philippines”

Health Research Infomercial

1st – Eunise Ann H. Monserrat of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, “Safe Steps for Stronger Kids: Unhooking Hookworms One Step at a Time”

2nd – Jayshiel M. Ignacio of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, “Environmental Loading Estimates of Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Canis lupus familiaris in the Residential Area of Sitio Ibayo, San Mateo, Rizal: A One Health Approach”

3rd – Aaron A. Abelado of Trinity University of Asia, “Trap”

Health Research Infomercial (People’s Choice Award)

Eunise Ann H. Monserrat of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, “Safe Steps for Stronger Kids: Unhooking Hookworms One Step at a Time”