By Kathrina Antonio

Associate Professor Rhian Jaymar Ramil of the MMSU College of Health Sciences delivered a lecture focused on Philippine Indigenous Bioresources during the 2024 Seminar of the UNESCO Regional Network of Natural Products Chemistry for Safety and Well-being in Pan-Asia and the Pacific (URSWAP), held from December 12 to 14 at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Supported by the UNESCO Beijing Office, the seminar brought together scientists, researchers, and academic experts from 16 countries across Asia and the Pacific to revitalize collaborations in natural products chemistry for safety, health, and sustainable development.

Prof. Ramil was endorsed to represent the Philippines by Dr. Jonel Saludes and Dr. Doralyn Dalisay, researchers specializing in natural products research at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City. The University of San Agustin is a partner institution of MMSU in natural products research. Furthermore, Associate Professor Ma. Danica Ramil of the MMSU Department of Pharmacy joined him in the event. 
In his lecture, Prof. Ramil talked about the potential of Philippine Indigenous bioresources for drug discovery, health, and sustainable innovation. He explained how these resources could help solve global health problems while encouraging the responsible use of natural resources.

Prof. Ramil also stressed the need for collaboration to tackle global health and environmental issues through natural products research. With the help of partners like the University of San Agustin, MMSU showed its commitment to conducting research in indigenous bioresources and promoting sustainable innovation.

The 2024 URSWAP seminar aimed to revive the "Regional Network of Natural Products Chemistry in Southeast Asia," which had been inactive since 2000. Discussions during the seminar focused on establishing research revitalization strategies, promoting the application of modern technologies and academic exchanges, and advancing natural drug discovery and translational studies.