The Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium, through its Capacity Building Committee, conducted a Webinar Series on the Emerging Technologies in Health Research (OMICs and AI), on August 22, 2025 via Zoom. 

The workshop concluded with over 285 participants highlighting the importance of technologies such as OMICs and AI in enhancing the health research capacity of the Philippines. An active engagement was achieved from the participants as they showed great interest in the impact of these technologies. This opens opportunities for fellow students and researchers to collaborate and focus on these advancements, as it can create a positive impact in the country.

The Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium welcomed the esteemed speakers, 

• Dr. Jerome V. Cleofas, Chair of the MMHRDC Capacity Building Committee and Professor at the Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University, delivered a talk on “AI Healthcare Governance and Stakeholdership Roles of Academia”. The vital role of universities and researchers was emphasized, as it promotes the responsible use of AI in healthcare, the preparation of future health professionals, and the refinement of ethical AI policies.
• Dr. Pia D. Bagamasbad, Institute Director of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, presented on “OMICS in Gene Regulation and Molecular Biotechnology”. The significance of OMICS in the advancement of gene regulation and molecular biotechnology was discussed, highlighting how these fields contribute to innovations in diagnostics, treatment, and precision medicine.
• Dr. Sharon Yvette Angelina M. Villanueva, Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Associate Dean for Research at the UP College of Public Health, shared her insights on “OMICS in Medical Microbiology”. The applications of OMICS were underscored, which include the exploration of microorganisms, enhancement of disease surveillance, and improvement in public health preparation.
• Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-De La Paz, a Doctor from the Philippine General Hospital Center for Precision Health and Medicine, spoke on “Advancing Genomic Applications in Health: Successes, Ongoing Initiatives, and Future Directions in the Philippines”. The current landscape of genomic application in the Philippines was outlined, as further efforts are called for to make the technology available and integrated into the healthcare system, with consideration of the areas of opportunity for future development.
• Dr. Michael Joseph Dino, Director for Research Development & Innovation at Our Lady of Fatima University, capped the session with his talk on “Creating Space for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare: Research, Scholarship, and Smart Technologies for Health and Wellness”. The adoption of AI in health services was discussed for its potential in the enhancement of patient care, concurrently addressing the critical considerations of ethics, equity, and innovation.

The Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium warmly thank the participants from our member institutions—Adamson University, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Centro Escolar University – Manila, De La Salle University, Department of Science and Technology – National Capital Region, DOH – Metro Manila Center for Health Development, DOH – Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, DOST – Food and Nutrition Research Institute, DOST – Industrial Technology Development Institute, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Far Eastern University, Far Eastern University – Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, Makati Medical Center, Manila Central University, Metropolitan Medical Center – College of Arts and Science and Technology, Olivarez College, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – College of Medicine, Philippine Christian University, Philippine Heart Center, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, St. Paul University Manila, Symmetrix Research Consultancy, Co., The Medical City, Trinity University of Asia, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines Manila, and Zuellig Family Foundation—for their participation in this event!