Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
The academic paradise of the south once again made its mark on the national stage as two of its faculty members earned distinction at the 18th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week held in Legazpi City, Albay, on August 13–15, 2025.
The annual event was hosted by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) and the Bicol Health Research and Development Consortium, with the theme “One Health for All: Igniting Transdisciplinary Solutions for a Healthier Philippines.”
Dr. Kassey Alsylle T. Dargantes of the College of Veterinary Medicine clinched 1st Place in the Research Poster Presentation – Professional Category, while Dr. Glenda z. Doblas of the Institute of Biology showcased her work as a finalist in the Three-Minute Pitching Competition with her presentation, “From Research to Policy: Scaling Pako Fern Solutions for Food Security, Primary Healthcare, and Rural Livelihoods.”
Dr. Dargantes’ winning poster, “Worms in Pets: An Overlooked Zoonotic Threat to Humans, The First One Health Snapshot in Northern Mindanao,” is part of a PCHRD-funded project with her research team composed of Dr. Karla Cristine C. Doysabas, Dr. Arianne T. Ebora, Dr. Eva N. Mendoza, and Dr. Alan P. Dargantes.
In an interview, Dr. Dargantes shared: “Winning 1st Place at the PNHRS Week is both an honor and a responsibility. It affirmed the relevance of our research in addressing silent but important public health threats, and it motivates us to continue strengthening our One Health initiatives for the region.” She recalled feeling both nervous and excited as she presented in front of national experts and officials, but considered the opportunity a valuable experience.
Her team’s study examined the prevalence, worm burden, and risk factors for gastrointestinal worms in cats and dogs across five provinces of Northern Mindanao, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). Results showed that 43% of pets were infected with zoonotic parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
“Since most infected pets showed no signs of illness, the risks often go unnoticed, leading to environmental contamination and continued transmission. Our findings provide the first baseline data in Northern Mindanao to guide evidence-based, One Health interventions,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Dr. Dargantes said the team hopes to establish an Integrated One Health Action Program in partnership with the human health, education, and environmental health sectors, as well as local governments. “We want to integrate animal, human, and environmental health monitoring to help shape policies and interventions for more effective control of zoonotic parasites,” she added. The team is also engaged in extension work through the Beterinaryong Suporta ug Tabang Alang sa Kalambuan sa Bukidnon (BEST Ka Bukidnon) project, which delivers veterinary services and health education to remote communities.
Meanwhile, Dr. Doblas’ pitching entry on the pako fern demonstrated how indigenous plants can provide scalable solutions for food security, primary healthcare, and rural livelihoods. Her work reflects the growing need to bridge research and policy to address community challenges.
During this week’s flag ceremony, University President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe recognized their milestone and thanked them for bringing honor to CMU, underscoring how their achievements embody the University’s vision of contributing impactful research to national development. (Iyren Dalipe Neri)
