Researchers, educators, and health professionals from across Region 1 gathered at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-North La Union Campus (DMMMSU-NLUC) on June 20, 2025 for the 2025 Regional Research Conference, bearing the theme “Advancing Research Utilization for Healthier and Sustainable Communities.” Faculty and students of the University of Northern Philippines attended the event.
The event, organized by Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC), served as a powerful reminder of the vital role research plays not only in generating knowledge but in catalyzing meaningful, actionable change for communities.
The conference opened with the welcome message of Dr. Leo Solis, Chairperson of R1HRDC, setting the tone for a day rich with collaboration and intellectual exchange. Dr. Angelina Gonzales, Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation delivered a message on behalf of DMMMSU President Dr. Jaime Manuel Jr. that emphasized knowledge should not remain confined within academic walls. “Knowledge must result in passion, action, and innovation,” she declared. “More importantly, it should be for the community. Let us not merely study communities as subjects of change but engage them as partners in innovation,” she added
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Maria Lourdes Otayza, Project Leader of R1HRDC, inspired the audience to embrace their roles as enablers of positive change. “This activity reaffirms our passion to be enablers of positive change,” she said. “For research to have a genuine impact, it must transcend publication and reach policy makers and communities. Everyone in this room plays a part not just as participants but as catalysts for transformation.”
In the keynote address, Dr. Rheuel Bobis delivered a message on behalf of Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, Director IV of DOH-Center for Health and Development 1 that underscored the practical importance of research. “Research is more than an academic exercise; it is the backbone of decision-making. Its true power is realized through its utilization,” Dr. Bobis affirmed. “Let us not be content with knowledge for knowledge’s sake. We must ensure that our research reaches the communities and serves their needs. Let us be united, informed, and inspired.”
The conference also highlighted impressive research outputs during its oral and poster presentations. Delegates from the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) proudly showcased their work, taking home awards: Ms. Crishamay Avery L. Caoagas et al. (CHS Student Team): 3rd Best Presenter, Student Oral Presentations, Competing Category; Mr. Greggie Talingdan et al. (CN Faculty Team): Best Paper, Oral Presentations, Professional Non-Competing Category; and Mr. Engelbert R. Raboy et al. (CN Student Team): Best Poster, Student Non-Competing Category
These recognitions reflect the growing research culture at UNP, further motivating students and faculty to pursue studies that drive health and social development.
The full contingent from UNP demonstrated strong institutional support for regional research collaboration. Delegates included: Mr. Bernardo Oliber Arde Jr. (CN) – Coordinator of UNP to R1HRDC; oral presenters Ms. Crishamay Avery Caoagas (CHS student), Mr. Jastin Soria, Mr. Ace Daniel Avero, and Mr. Greggie Talingdan, faculty researchers; poster presenters Ms. Remelrose Esguerra, and Mr. Kenneth Ines, CN students, participants Ms. Amery Myles Carino (CHS student/co-author), Ms. Cherry Banilad and Ms. Judilyn Tabin (CN), Mr. Alfred Corpuz, Mr. Bhert Kean Pugrad, and Mr. Mark Christian Arizala (CHS).
The plenary sessions offered deeper insights into the process of transforming research into policy and practice. Dr. Teresita Tabaog, Regional Director of DOST 1, discussed strategic pathways for successful technology transfer, while Prof. Ryan Dean T. Sucgang emphasized the importance of ethical standards in ensuring viable healthcare research.
A particularly compelling research dissemination was presented by Dr. Joy Alvarez, focusing on the hearing rehabilitation of children with special healthcare needs in Batac, Ilocos Norte, and its impact on learning outcomes — a concrete example of research directly benefiting vulnerable sectors.
The conference concluded with a renewed sense of commitment to the crucial role research plays in addressing the health and development needs of the region. As Dr. Cynthia Lopez, Chairperson of the Regional Unified Council, expressed in her closing remarks: “May this conference continue to inspire us to generate research that is not only academically sound but practically transformative for our communities.”
The 2025 Regional Research Conference stood not just as a showcase of intellectual pursuit but as a living embodiment of research’s potential to serve, uplift, and transform communities across Region 1 and beyond.
