CMU excels in 7th Regional Health Research Conference

Faculty and student researchers from Central Mindanao University (CMU) showcased outstanding research at the 7th Regional Health Research Conference, hosted by the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Health Research and Development (NorMinCoRHD) at Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro, from October 22 to 24. 

This year’s conference theme, “Sustainable Health Solutions for a Greener Future: Bridging Health and Environmental Well-being,” underscored the commitment of researchers to addressing regional health and environmental challenges. 

CMU researchers brought pride to the university with significant achievements across multiple categories, driving advancements toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

In the professional competition categories, Dr. Glenda Z. Doblas from the Institute of Biological Sciences won first place in the 3-Minute Pitch Policy Making category with her research on “Fern Pako (Diplazium esculentum): A Sustainable Solution for Community Nutrition and Health.” Her work emphasizes the potential of Diplazium esculentum, an indigenous plant, to address community nutrition sustainably, supporting both SDG 2 by combating malnutrition and SDG 13 by promoting plant-based solutions for community resilience.

Dr. Kassey Alsylle T. Dargantes from the College of Veterinary Medicine placed second in the Research Poster Presentation with her study on the “Epidemiology of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections among Household Dogs and Cats in Northern Mindanao.” This work aligns with SDG 3, aiming to control zoonotic diseases that impact public health, safeguarding both human and animal communities.

Moreover, Ms. Dawn Fatima S. Cuevas from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Human Ecology, earned third place in the Oral Research Presentation for her study on “Age and Sex Differences of Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength in Healthy Adult Filipinos: A Cross-sectional Study.” This research informs targeted health interventions, contributing to SDG 3 by advancing the understanding of demographic-specific health needs.

In the student competition categories, Ms. Irish Joy Z. Bandiala from the Institute of Biological Sciences claimed first place in the Oral Research Presentation category with her project, “Pako as Nature’s Healer: Anti-bacterial Activity and Wound Healing Potential of Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. Frond Ethanolic Extracts and Ointment.”  while Mr. Felix Anastacio Jr., from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, earned third place with his research on “Influence of Disease Severity, Dietary Intake, and Nutritional Status on Clinical Outcomes of Critically Ill Patients.”

For the Research Poster Presentation, Mr. Lyndon Sambaan Meyor of the College of Veterinary Medicine earned second place for “Mercury Detection and Histopathology of Selected Fish Species in Jasaan Municipal Fishport, Misamis Oriental,” addressing SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by focusing on environmental pollution’s effects on marine life, while Ms. Louise Francess C. Tanginan from the Institute of Biological Sciences took third place with her study “Wounds to Wellness: Harnessing Drynaria quercifolia’s Natural Healing Power.”

Furthermore, Ms. Ana Babes Andoy from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics was recognized for her project “Pandelitis: Nutritional Profile and Percent Daily Value of Pandesal Supplemented with Kulitis (Amaranthus spinosus),” contributing to SDG 2 by enhancing food security through nutrient-rich local ingredients.

Meanwhile, Dr. Pilar V. Domagsang from the College of Nursing also graced the conference with a plenary talk on “Utilizing Health Data to Improve Community Health Outcomes: Appreciating the Role of Community Health Workers.” Her presentation highlighted the power of data to improve community health, a focus that aligns with SDG 3 by empowering health workers to reduce health inequalities in underserved regions.

CMU’s achievements at the conference underscore the university’s commitment to promoting health research that aligns with the SDGs, driving progress toward sustainable and impactful health solutions. The event provided CMU’s faculty and students with opportunities to share insights and contribute to research that supports resilient and healthier communities across Northern Mindanao

[yren Dalipe Neri with information from Dr. Kassey Alsylle T. Dargantes, faculty, College of Veterinary Medicine]