By Von Reynafe Acevedo and Brithney Nichole Raguindin, STRATCOM Interns

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) organized the 2025 International Health Research Forum on Universal Healthcare Management System and Inclusive Health Education 2025 from March 19 and 20 at the Center for Flexible Learning and via Zoom.

In support of the National Women’s Month celebration, the event invited professionals and academics from various fields to discuss ways to enhance health and well-being and promote best practices in universal health management.

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. emphasized the forum's significance for sharing ideas, discovering solutions, and striving for better universal healthcare and inclusive education.

“The presence of our international and local speakers today proves that by working together, we can create real change in healthcare and education,” Dr. Manzano said.

𝗢𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵

During the first day, Dr. Virginia Dickson-Swift of La Trobe University Bendigo and Dr. Tami Yap of the University of Melbourne discussed the importance of oral health literacy and their take on improving outcomes through an advanced application called ‘Mouth App’—software used to determine oral diseases using a photo and artificial intelligence in coordination with the West Wimmera Health Service in Victoria, Australia.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲

Meanwhile, Pro. Dir. Gail Boehme from Canada from the All Nations Healing Hospital in Saskatchewan, Canada talked about First Nations indigenous communities.

Dir. Boehme highlighted the critical roles of traditional health providers in First Nations reserves with the healthcare assistance of local healers and support systems.

Similarly, Dr. Minalli Vasandani of Griffith University shared their experiences with the Australian Health System, specifically the Universal Health Coverage Model used in Queensland, Australia.

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀

On the second day, speakers from different universities and professional organizations inside and outside the province were given the chance to share their expertise and knowledge on the healthcare management system practiced in the Philippines.

Dr. Artemio Licos, Jr. from the Ilocos Training and Medical Regional Center spoke about optimizing preventive dentistry within the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) primary care benefit package.

Dr. Policarpio Joves, Jr., a former dean at MMSU College of Medicine, assured that the medical graduates are well-suited for universal healthcare given their background skills. He also shared the value of having a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle focused on healthy food, appropriate exercises, and constant health monitoring.

𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲

Dr. Ana Marquiza Quilicot from the Visayas State University College of Veterinary Medicine also discussed the assessment of antimicrobial resistance in smallholder native chickens, an integral component of a holistic health program for rural communities.

Dr. Loida Valenzuela from the Ilocos Norte Provincial Veterinary Office talked about the status and strategies for rabies control in the province. She discussed how the program impacts communities, helping them realize the importance of responsible pet ownership.

𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵

Concerning mental health, Prof. Ylona Veronica Bayod from Saint Louis University shared various techniques and competencies for facilitating on-the-job training programs for psychology students. She also discussed strategies for faculty members in managing a comprehensive teaching-learning experience for future psychologists and psychometricians.

Prof. Junix Jerald Delos Santos from the University of Baguio discussed the status and assessment of mental health services in Northern Luzon. The initial findings provided participants with an appreciation of the mental health services available across clinical services, contributing to comprehensive mental health care.

Dr. Paulo Manuel Macapagal from the Technological University of the Philippines provided evidence-based insights on geriatric mental health within the context of universal healthcare. His research sparked participants’ interest in geriatric research, a field specifically for older adults, including the conduct of comparative analysis across vulnerable populations.

𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲

Dr. Roberto Sombillo of the National University–Manila and Prof. Odette Justo of Lapu-Lapu Cebu International College both focused on geriatric care experiences toward healthcare education, research, and development.

Dr. Sombillo shared insights on the implementation of holistic home healthcare management, emphasizing relational aspects, particularly within Filipino culture.

Meanwhile, Prof. Justo discussed the assessment of geriatric care, emphasizing the specific health needs of older adults, particularly on support systems and the requirement for healthcare services.

The two-day event also provided participants with the opportunity to ask questions about the speakers' presentations. It was attended by over 280 faculty researchers, students, medical professionals, and officers from various rural health units, local government units, educational institutions, and health organizations.

The international research forum was organized by the MMSU Planning Directorate, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Indigenous Knowledge System and Cultural Management (IKSCM) Program in Canada, and the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines. This collaboration also included the College of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Dentistry, College of Arts and Sciences, and the Office of Student Affairs and Services.