Adjusting to the new normal, the Central Luzon Health Research and Development Consortium (CLHRDC) in partnership with the Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD-DOH) successfully conducted the first-ever online Central Luzon Health Research Forum last October 7-8, 2020. Now on its 5th year, this annual activity aims to provide a platform to present health-related researches activities that impact on regional as well as national health needs.
In the opening program, Dr. Jaime Montoya, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD-DOST) lauded the effort of the CLHRDC, saying, “By promoting health R&D as a tool to address the burden of COVID-19 to our community, this forum emphasizes the need to establish robust health research communities in both the regional and national levels, and the consortium contributes to the realization of this goal.” He further added that this event is an excellent opportunity for young researchers to develop their skills in effectively communicating the results of their studies, as they will be at the forefront of searching health solutions in the future.
On the other hand, Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Central Luzon said that for the past 12 years, the consortium would not be able to conduct research activities without the valuable support and cooperation health of its member institutions. He emphasized the need to continue this culture in order to achieve our main goal to improve the health condition of the people in the region.
For his part, Dr. Cesar Cassion, CLCHD-DOH regional director said, “This global pandemic highlights the importance of research but let us not forget that we also need to continue to conduct research that address other priority health concerns to prevent another outbreak.”
Also during the opening program, Dr. Eloisa Vidar, Medical Officer IV of CLCHD-DOH, presented the importance of research in the mitigation and control of COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, a total of 23 research papers was submitted as entries in four categories, namely, Oral Research Presentation (Professional Category); Oral Research Presentation (Student Category); Oral Research Presentation (Student Category); and Digital Poster Research Presentation (Student Category).
Winning first place in the Oral Research Presentation (Professional Category) are Darwin F. Reyes and Erwin P. Enriquez from the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology for their research entitled DNA-Coated Gold Nanoparticles as Sensor Probes for the Solution-based Colorimetric Detection of Cadmium (II). The study focused on the development of a sensing strategy using DNA-coated Gold Nanoparticles as colorimetric probes for the detection of Cd (II), a heavy metal causing serious human and environmental health effects, which is frequently used in industrial workplaces.
In the student category, Mary Nichole G. Dalay, Cristene Kiarra C. Flores, Jake Lester D. Gonzales, Anthony A. Tio, Shayne G. Tungol and Allain Christian M. Gonzales from Don Honorio Ventura State University)won the top prize for their project entitled Vein Mapping Device using Raspberry Pi and Near-Infrared Light for Biomedical Use. Their study resulted in the development of a vein mapping device capable of mapping and displaying the veins in the patient’s arm that uses real-time video processing which aims to provide assistance to medical practitioners during venous access.
The following were declared winners in the professional and student categories of the oral research presentation and digital poster research presentation:
Oral Research Presentation (Professional Category)
1st place – Darwin F. Reyes, Erwin P. Enriquez (Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology)
DNA-Coated Gold Nanoparticles as Sensor Probes for the Solution-based Colorimetric Detection of Cd (II)
2nd place – Noriel P. Calaguas (Holy Angel University)
Structural Factors Affecting Filipino Men-who-have-sex-with-men’s Intent to Use HIV Testing Services
3rd place – Harold Ray R. Landingin, Bismark E. Francisco, Rich Milton R. Dulay, Sofronio P. Kalaw, Renato G. Reyes (Central Luzon State University)
Proximate Nutritive Composition and Functional Activities of Cyclocybe cylindracea and Pleurotus cornucopiae
Oral Research Presentation (Student Category)
1st place – Mary Nichole G. Dalay, Cristene Kiarra C. Flores, Jake Lester D. Gonzales, Anthony A. Tio, Shayne G. Tungol, Allain Christian M. Gonzales (Don Honorio Ventura State University)
Vein Mapping Device using Raspberry Pi and Near-Infrared Light for Biomedical Use
2nd place – Mizpah F. Pajimna, Mario M. Abesamis, Ivy Joyce A. Buan (Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology)
In silico Analysis of Pukingan (Clitoria ternatea) against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1)
3rd place – Ricarl Irish F. Agunos, Danilet Vi M. Mendoza, Michael Angelo S. Rivera (Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology)
Anthocyanin-based Colorimetric Film for Monitoring Food Spoilage
Digital Poster Research Presentation (Professional Category)
1st place – Jerome Manzano, Divina Cristy Redondo-Samin, Maria Lourdes Nocum, Albert Tanwani (Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center)
Filipino Health Care Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitude and Perception regarding Drug-Susceptible and Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in a High TB Burden City in Central Luzon: A Cross-Sectional Study
2nd place – Juliet B. Del Fin, Princess Michelle R. Mangati, Trisha Marie E. Aquino, Xeleste Diandra A. Destura, Rosa N. Palacio, Christian Jay S. Orte (Systems Plus College Foundation)
Explicating Factors Affecting Prenatal Health among Selected Pregnant Mothers through Conjoint Analysis
3rd place – Glory V. Baltazar, Ria-Ann L. Dizon (Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center)
Tertiary Care Service Delivery thru Online Referral System: An Innovation from the Patients’ Health-seeking Behavior
Digital Poster Research Presentation (Student Category)
1st place – Danella Maria M. Diaz, Kyla Marie C. Dizon, Noriel P. Calaguas (Holy Angel University)
The Effects of Syzygium cumini (Duhat) on Well Individuals
2nd place – Paul John Isaac Magno, Pauline Tricia Roque, James Enecio, Miguel Sanchez (Our Lady of Fatima University)
Video Based Relaxation Exercise Reduce Academic Burnout among Filipino College Students
3rd place – Glen Gerald M. Gonzales, Luigi Jezeel S. Gulapa, Akimi Thea G. Miranda, Neilbert Brans B. Sabile (Our Lady of Fatima University)
Traditional Folklore Dance Improve the Health-related Quality of Life of Community Dwelling Elderly
The Department of Science and Technology in Central Luzon serves as the convenor and base agency of the CLHRDC.
