In a continued commitment to promoting research-based health initiatives, the University of Bohol (UB) hosted the 10th Central Visayas Health Research & Innovation Conference (CVHRIC) on May 20–22, 2025 at the Victoriano D. Tirol Advanced Learning Center (VDTALC) Mini-Theater, and Bohol Cultural Center, Tagbilaran City.
UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III formally welcomed participants during the Pre-Conference Program, where he emphasized the crucial role of translating research into practice. “Research must not end in publication – its value lies in its utilization. Let us continue to push the boundaries of health theory and practice, generate solutions for today’s pressing challenges, and prepare for the uncertainties of tomorrow,” Dr. Tirol said. He commended the Central Visayas Consortium for Health Research and Development (CVCHRD) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for their leadership in steering initiatives that empower communities and make universal health care more accessible.
Anchored on the theme “Empowering Communities in Central Visayas Towards Universal Health Care,” the three-day conference brought together key figures in the field of health research and development, including: Dr. Tristan L. Abando, OIC-Regional Director of DOST and Director, CVCHRD; Dr. Enrico B. Gruet, Chairperson, CVCHRD and Vice President, Cebu Doctors’ University; Dr. Manuel Emerson S. Donaldo, PETRO-Chair, Cebu South Medical Center; Executive Committee Chair, CVCHRD; Chairperson, Central Visayas Research Ethics Committee (CVREC); Dr. Leah Wilfreda E. Pilongo, Dean of Research and Graduate School, University of Bohol
Also in attendance were representatives from regional academic and medical institutions, including Cebu Normal University, University of San Jose–Recoletos, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Cebu South Medical Center, Silliman University, Negros Oriental State University, Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center, Cebu Institute of Medicine, University of San Carlos, University of Bohol – College of Nursing, University of Cebu–Banilad, St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital, University of Cebu Research Center, Cebu Doctors University, Mater Dei College, Cebu Technological Institute , and various government agencies such as the Department of Education – Bohol, Department of Health–Region VII, DOST Bohol and Visayas, the City Government of Tagbilaran, and the Provincial Government of Bohol.
Pre-Conference Activities
The Pre-Conference featured a plenary talk by Dr. Leah Wilfreda E. Pilongo, who presented the study on “Evaluating the Implementation of the National Dengue Prevention and Control Program in Bohol.” Other notable activities included a 3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers segment titled “Translating Research to Policy,” and a Research Ethics Committee (REC) Orientation led by: Dr. Manuel Emerson S. Donaldo; Dr. Leah Wilfreda E. Pilongo; Mr. Marc Ryan Portuguez, Training Officer, Cebu South Medical Center; and Ms. Ellen Grace G. Gerolaga, Science Research Assistant, DOST VII
A parallel session titled HeaRTNovation Promotion Event was also held at the UB Instructional Resource Center.
Main Conference Highlights
Day 1 of the main conference began with a keynote address from Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, Executive Director of the DOST–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). This was followed by Plenary Session 1 on youth health care, presented by Dr. Judith Rafaelita B. Borja, Consultant-Investigator at the USC–Office of Population Studies Foundation, Inc., and introduced by Dr. Pilongo.
A Research Podium Presentation Session followed, with participants grouped into Professional and Student categories. Judges were introduced by Dr. Johnny J. Yao, Jr., Chair of the R&D Committee, CVCHRD, while Dr. Jezyl Cutamora of Cebu Normal University presented the podium guidelines. The day concluded with a networking night at the Bohol Cultural Center.
Day 2 featured Plenary Session 2 titled “Making HIV Care Universal: A Pathway to a Healthier Future,” delivered by Dr. Helen V. Madamba, Medical Specialist IV, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. She was introduced by Dr. July Ann F. Gimena, Chairperson of the CBC, CVCHRD.
A final discussion on “Ways Forward” was delivered by Dr. Manuel Emerson Donaldo, followed by the awarding of plaques of appreciation to the host institution and a presentation on the conference highlights. The event concluded with the turnover ceremony for the hosting of CVHRIC 2026 to the Cebu Institute of Medicine, with the University of San Jose–Recoletos as co-host.
Ms. Vina R. Antopina, Provincial Science and Technology Director of DOST-PSTO Bohol, formally closed the conference with her remarks.
Highest Award
The University of Bohol was awarded the highest distinction—the Elena Diola Award—by the Central Visayas Consortium for Health Research and Development (CVCHRD) for its outstanding research engagement and publication.
In addition to the university-wide recognition, several individuals also earned accolades in their respective categories: Professional Category – Ralph Rey C. Supremo, Faculty of the UB College of Nursing and Graduate School Doctorate Degree in Public Administration – 2nd Place, 3-Minute Pitch Competition; and Calvin C. Ibañez Faculty, College of Nursing and Alumnus of UB Graduate School– 3rd Place, Podium Presentation (Non-Experimental, Professional Category). Student Category – Princess Mikaela Guiang, Level IV Student, Section Ivory – 1st Place, Infographics Exhibit; and Ashley Barrete, Level IV Student, Section Ivory – Presenter, Infomercial Exhibit.
(Leo Armando Boncales)
