Western Visayas Health Research Conference

🔬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟑: 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐈 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐫

The third and final day of the conference zeroed in on the transformative yet complex role of AI in healthcare.

Dr. Iris Thiele C. Isip-Tan tackled the critical issue of "The Validation Challenge," emphasizing that while AI offers promising solutions, rigorous data accuracy, clinical relevance, and transparency are non-negotiable for patient safety and trust.

Dr. Mideth B. Abisado presented on "Lingua AI," advocating for the essential integration of Filipino and local languages into smart health systems to ensure equitable and culturally responsive access to care.

Dr. DJ Darwin R. Bandoy's talk on "Smarter Surveillance," showcased how AI and Genomics are transforming epidemic intelligence, leaving the audience with a powerful final thought: "With the use of appropriate prompts, AI can be used to solve many problems."

The plenary sessions for the day successfully brought together the need for ethical rigor with community-centric innovation in the age of AI.

The event then formally concluded with the awarding ceremonies, recognizing excellence among scientific research poster exhibitors and the winners of the Oral Research Presentation Competition in both undergraduate and professional categories, alongside the appreciation of accredited research ethics committees, most active member organizations, and consortium leaders.

Overall, the 6th Western Visayas Health Research Conference successfully underscored the convergence of artificial intelligence, ethics, and human values. Across three days of insightful discussions, research presentations, and policy dialogues, participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to fostering inclusive innovation, ethical governance, and collaborative research toward a healthier and more resilient Western Visayas.

The event not only showcased the region’s growing capability in health research and AI-driven innovation but also emphasized the enduring principle that technology must serve humanity enhancing, not replacing, the human spirit at the heart of care.

⚖️ 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐: 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨-𝐋𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The second day of the conference solidified the commitment to responsible research, beginning with a provocative presentation by Atty. Ma. Tanya Karina A. Lat on "AI and Nanotechnology in Health Care: Triaging Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Considerations." Atty. Lat emphasized that AI must be utilized in the interest of humanity and affirmed the guiding principle that "AI should never replace human intelligence, human empathy and the human spirit."

The following sessions transitioned to tangible Filipino innovation, with two Research Fora showcasing DOST-PCHRD-supported research projects.

Assessment of the Nutrition Environment in Public Elementary Schools in the First District of Iloilo Using the Nutrition Environment Assessment Toolkit for Schools (NEAT-S) presented by Ms. Faye Endrea V. Encanto of University of the Philippines Visayas

Taxonomy, Phylogeny, and Biological Activities of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Seagrass Species in Nogas Island,
Antique, Philippines presented by Mr. Carlos Anthony Henry E. Cortes of University of the Philippines Visayas

Inhibitory Activity Against Cholesterol Esterase and Antioxidant Properties of Cinnamomum Mercadoi Bark Hydroalcoholic Extract presented by Mr. Ivan Joshua G. Carmona of Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod

Requirements for E-Care System (Alz-E-Med) to Support Patients with Dementia (Formerly Ai-Based E-Care System to Support Patients with Dementia (Rode) presented by Dr. Jesus Emmanuel Sevilleja of National Center for Mental Health (NCMH)

Chemical and Biological Characterization of Pure and Bioactive Compounds from Kadios (Cajanus Cajan) Seeds and its Topical Formulation Studies presented by Mr. Josh Teodosio of University of San Agustin

Development of a Turmeric Spray-Dried Extract Standardized For Curcumin and Turmerin for Use in Functional Foods presented by Mr. Phil Aidan C. Cruz of Herbanext Laboratories

Assessment of Potential Health Benefits and Safety of Wines Produced from Brown, Green, and Red Seaweeds presented by Mr. Hilario S. Taberna Jr. of Iloilo Science and Technology University

The day concluded with the PCHRD outlining its comprehensive support programs, reinforcing the national commitment to ethical, sustainable, and community-driven health research across the regions.

🚀 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟏: 𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐈 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡

The 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 launched formally with national and regional leaders defining a unified, innovation-driven agenda centered on "𝐀𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬." Leaders from Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and DOST- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST PCHRD) reinforced the commitment to ensuring scientific innovation serves the Filipino people and aligns with national S&T goals.

UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael L. Tee delivered a distinguished keynote, emphasizing AI's "transformative potential" to enhance precision and efficiency, but stressing it must complement human empathy and be governed by strong ethical and regulatory frameworks. The morning concluded with Ms. Roxanne S. Aviñante of DOST-ASTI presentation on the Philippine AI Framework and national projects like Cerv.ai, setting the stage for discussions on data governance and accountability.

The day's momentum continued with the opening of the scientific poster exhibits, press conference, the high-stakes 3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers, and Oral Research Presentation Competitions for professional and undergraduate categories, affirming the region's readiness to translate AI vision into actionable research.

Did you miss the insights from the 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? Our 5 plenary speakers delivered powerful messages on the conference theme, "𝐀𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬."

Plenary Session 1: Promoting Research and Innovation in AI in the Philippines with Ms. Roxanne S. Aviñante
Plenary Session 2: AI and Nanotechnology in Healthcare: Triaging Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Considerations with Atty. Ma. Tanya Karina A. Lat
Plenary Session 3: AI in Healthcare: The Validation Challenge with Dr. Iris Thiele C. Isip-Tan
Plenary Session 4: Lingua AI: Harnessing Filipino Languages in Smart Healthcare Innovations with Dr. Mideth B. Abisado
Plenary Session 5: Smarter Surveillance: How AI and Genomics Are Transforming Epidemic Intelligence with Dr. DJ Darwin R. Bandoy

𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭? 👇 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬!

💡 𝙄𝘾𝙔𝙈𝙄

During the 6th Western Visayas Health Research Conference, Department of Science and Technology Secretary 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐔. 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐦, 𝐉𝐫. underscored the importance of preserving the human element amid rapid technological innovation.

“𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙪𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙩 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙩; 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢; 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡-𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙜𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙢.”

In line with this year’s theme, “AI for Health Research in Western Visayas,” Dr. Solidum’s message highlights the need to ensure that advancements in artificial intelligence continue to serve and strengthen communities—placing people at the center of progress.

💡 𝙄𝘾𝙔𝙈𝙄

During the 6th Western Visayas Health Research Conference, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations 𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐨 𝐀. 𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠 highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing health research.

He emphasized that “no individual or community is left behind in a rapidly-changing world where health remains a top concern.”

The conference, with the theme “AI for Health Research in Western Visayas,” serves as a platform for experts and researchers to share insights, strengthen partnerships, and promote sustainable health solutions for all.

💡 𝙄𝘾𝙔𝙈𝙄

During his keynote address at the 6th Western Visayas Health Research Conference, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐋. 𝐓𝐞𝐞 shared valuable insights on how Artificial Intelligence can transform the healthcare landscape in the country. While AI brings precision, speed, and new discoveries, he reminded us that technology should always complement and not replace human touch.

In his words, “Healthcare is a person-to-person interaction and no machine can replace that.”

His message served as a powerful call to harness innovation responsibly, ensuring that technology always serves humanity.

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐈-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Iloilo City, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), led by Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. and Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, joined the 6th Western Visayas Health Research Conference (WVHRC) themed “AI for Health Research in Western Visayas”.

The event brought together scientists, health professionals, and policymakers to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can advance data-driven health research and service delivery. AI is transforming how researchers collect and analyze data in enhancing disease surveillance, guiding decision-making, and improving health outcomes.

DOST recognizes AI as a vital tool in achieving a healthier and more resilient Philippines. To fully harness its potential, the Department highlights the need for stronger research capacity, training in data science and analytics, and a responsible AI framework rooted in data protection and ethics.

The Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (WVHRDC) exemplifies the power of collaboration among government, academe, and local institutions. Through initiatives like this, DOST continues to drive science, technology, and innovation toward improving Filipino lives.

Meet our keynote speaker!

We are honored to have 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐋. 𝐓𝐞𝐞, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Manila as our keynote speaker for the 6th Western Visayas Health Research Conference!

Dr. Tee, a renowned professor of internal medicine and global academic leader, will share his perspective on advancing 𝐀𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 in the region. Don't miss his inspiring address!

Meet the finalists of the 6th Western Visayas Health Research Conference 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲. They will be presenting their research output on October 28, 2025 at the Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.

See you there! 👩‍💼👨‍💼

Meet the finalists of the 6th Western Visayas Health Research Conference 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲. They will be presenting their research output on October 28, 2025 at the Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.

See you there! 👩‍💼👨‍💼