Ryan Labana, News, College of Science
Biology students and faculty researchers from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) College of Science presented their research outputs at the Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium (MMHRDC) 10th International Symposium and 17th Annual Scientific Conference held on June 4–5, 2026, at St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City in Taguig City.
The conference brought together researchers, educators, and health professionals to present evidence-based solutions to contemporary challenges in emergency medicine, public health, and disaster preparedness. This year’s conference carried the theme, “New Frontiers in Emergency Medicine and Disaster Resilience.”
Representing PUP, the College of Science delegation demonstrated the University’s commitment to advancing scientific research with real-world applications. Through student-led and faculty-guided projects, the delegation contributed innovative studies focused on emergency response, disease prevention, and disaster resilience.
The students were mentored by the College of Science Dean, Dr. Lourdes V. Alvarez, together with faculty members Assoc. Prof. Ryan V. Labana and Asst. Prof. Julie Charmaine O. Bonifacio, whose guidance, and expertise supported the development and successful presentation of the research outputs.
The PUP delegation achieved notable success across several competition categories.
In the AVP Health Informercial Competition, Rafael E. Lim secured First Place for the entry “Lunas.” Dane Galvez and Miralie Calalang earned Second Place for “Para Po,” while Jansen P. Cornejo received Third Place for “Segundo.”
In the Poster Presentation – Undergraduate Category, the study titled “Development of Mucor-derived Chitosan-Aloe vera Hydrogel for Topical Burn Wound Management in Emergency and Disaster Settings” won Third Place. The research was conducted by Jose Francisco S. Reyes, Jayson N. Bucad, Juan Christian B. Haruhara, Renz S. Bareo, and Dr. Lourdes V. Alvarez.
Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Ryan V. Labana and his mentor, Dr. Nikki Heherson A. Dagamac, earned Second Place in the Poster Presentation – Professional Category for their study, “Anthropogenic and Environmental Drivers of Keratitis- and Encephalitis-Associated Acanthamoeba in the Philippines Revealed by Habitat Suitability Modeling and Explainable Machine Learning.”
The delegation also produced several finalist entries. In the Poster Presentation – Undergraduate Category, the study “First Report of Multidrug-Resistant Intracellular Bacteria Isolated from Acanthamoeba spp. in the Philippine River System: An Emerging Public Health Concern” advanced to the finals. The research team consisted of Rachelle Ann D. Pascua, Precious Lyka B. Calzita, Jam Genevie G. Hicap, Maria Ysabel M. Orbeso, Mark Rexzeus R. Pleno, Roma Cryzta P. Sengco, and Ryan V. Labana.
Additionally, the study “Development of Mucor-derived Chitosan-Aloe vera Hydrogel for Topical Burn Wound Management in Emergency and Disaster Settings” qualified as a finalist in the Oral Presentation – Undergraduate Category, represented by Juan Christian B. Haruhara, Jayson N. Bucad, Jose Francisco S. Reyes, Renz S. Bareo, and Dr. Lourdes V. Alvarez.
The achievements of the PUP College of Science delegation highlight the growing role of young Filipino scientists in addressing critical health and disaster-related challenges through research and innovation. Their success at the international symposium underscores the University’s commitment to fostering scientific excellence and producing research that contributes to community resilience and public welfare.
These accomplishments reflect the University’s core values of Integrity, Nationalism, Excellence, and Democracy. They particularly demonstrate this commitment through the pursuit of innovative, ethical, and socially relevant research that addresses the needs of communities. This research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, it advances SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through studies on disease prevention, wound management, and public health concerns. It also promotes SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering scientific research, innovation, and knowledge generation. Additionally, it strengthens disaster preparedness and resilience through research on climate action, aligning with SDG 13. Through these achievements, PUP continues to demonstrate its dedication to producing globally competitive scholars and researchers who are committed to nation-building and sustainable development.
Article edited by Gicel Roger B. Salvilla, Communication Management Office.
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