The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) strengthened its global academic presence at the 9th Global Public Health Conference (GLOBEHEAL) 2026, held from February 12 to 13 at the Harris Sunset Road Convention Center in Bali, Indonesia. Themed “Positive Responses to Global Public Health: Challenges and Solutions,” the event gathered over 300 participants from 40 countries to foster innovation, collaboration, and health equity.
In a milestone achievement, UNP served not only as a participant but also as a co-host of the international conference alongside respected foreign universities, reflecting the institution’s growing stature in the global academic community. Standing alongside established international partners, UNP demonstrated that Philippine state universities can meaningfully contribute to and help lead conversations on pressing global health concerns.
A defining moment for the university occurred on the conference’s opening day when UNP was formally recognized as a distinguished Academic Partner. This partnership was further cemented through a formal MOA/MOU signing between UNP and The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM), the conference organizer. During the recognition ceremony held in the Grand Ballroom, Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, President of UNP, and Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna, Director of the University Research and Development Office (URDO), accepted the honor on behalf of the institution. This recognition affirms UNP’s readiness to collaborate at par with foreign universities in advancing research-driven solutions to global public health challenges.
UNP’s participation in this summit is a cornerstone of the proactive efforts of President Erwin F. Cadorna’s administration to establish the university as a global mainstay in both education and research. By aggressively pursuing international recognition, the administration aims to elevate UNP from a premier local institution to a globally competitive hub where academic excellence meets world-class innovation.
The importance of such institutional synergy was echoed by Mr. Isanka P. Gamage, Co-Founder and Managing Director of TIIKM, who invited the participants to a “transformative journey” aimed at strengthening global health systems through international cooperation, shared innovation, and a steadfast commitment to equity. “At TIIKM, we are proud to lead the knowledge-sharing and collaboration at an international level. Our mission is to encourage meaningful Global South-South partnerships, while also creating opportunities for the Global North to support, guide, and strengthen initiatives led by the Global South,” he stated.
Conference Chair Dr. Vincent La Placa of the University of Greenwich further emphasized the need for stronger collaboration to confront today’s pressing public health challenges, from climate change and pandemics to mental health and healthcare access. Highlighting the conference’s goal of translating ideas into policy, he urged delegates to turn dialogue into action: “Together, let us champion the cause of public health, empower people, inspire learners, and drive positive change.”
Beyond institutional recognition and co-hosting responsibilities, UNP demonstrated its academic strength through active scholarly contributions across various technical sessions throughout the two-day event. A total of seven faculty members from the College of Health Sciences and ten faculty members from the College of Nursing presented their research, showcasing the university’s diverse expertise and academic rigor.
In these sessions, UNP researchers confidently shared platforms with internationally recognized health professionals, engaging in scholarly discourse and presenting evidence-based findings to a global audience. Their participation illustrated that the university’s researchers can stand shoulder to shoulder with experts from around the world—communicating research outputs with clarity, credibility, and relevance to contemporary public health issues.
The delegation included Dr. Joseph G. Taban, Dr. Francis Don L. Nero, Dr. Joussa B. Bermio, Ms. Kriza Rosette Cadorna, Mr. Mark Christian Arizala, Ms. Leila Sylvia Bautista, Dr. Romelia Tamayo, Mr. Vincent Viste, Ms. Jovie Adversalo, Ms. Mercedes Anicas, Ms. Jenifer Cabides, Ms. Cherry Banilad, Dr. Rolly Agup, Dr. Epifania Marlene Purisima, Mr. Greggie Talingdan, Ms. Cathelene De Guzman, Ms. Judilyn Tabin, and Dr. Bernardo Oliber Arde, Jr., reflecting a strong and unified representation of UNP’s academic community.
Beyond the formal ceremonies, the conference served as a high-level platform for international networking, purposefully designed to pave the way for future cross-border collaborations. By engaging with experts from diverse geographical and professional backgrounds, the UNP delegation actively participated in a global exchange of ideas. These interactions are expected to blossom into joint research projects and shared health initiatives that transcend national boundaries.
The 9th GLOBEHEAL conference concluded with a call for sustainable health solutions, leaving UNP well-positioned as a leader in public health research and international academic collaboration.
