After a week-long celebration of innovation, the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (DBMB) of the UP College of Medicine (UPCM), in partnership with the UPCM Research Implementation and Development Office (RIDO) and the UP Physician-Scientists Association successfully hosted the 2025 Faculty Research Forum (FRF) on October 13–17, 2025, with the theme “Back to the Basics: Revisiting the Roots, Reimagining the Future.”
The annual forum gathered faculty researchers, students and research staff across clinical and basic science departments to showcase the latest research outputs from the basic science departments and to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in biomedical science. The week opened with a poster exhibit and competition at the Portico Lobby of the Henry Sy Sr. Building, culminating with the forum proper and awarding ceremony on October 17 at the 7th Floor Plenary Hall. The program was also graced by UPCM Dean Dr. Charlotte M. Chiong, who commended DBMB’s continuing efforts to advance faculty-led research and strengthen the research culture at the College.
The culminating forum featured a series of plenary lectures and oral presentations from distinguished faculty across the college’s basic science departments. Dean Dr. Chiong, in her address, underscored the UPCM’s vision to strengthen collaborative research that reimagines medical education and patient care, all anchored on the fundamental sciences. The keynote lecture for this year’s forum was delivered by Dr. Rafael Bundoc who highlighted the evolving methods in anatomical education and the integration of technology in surgical training as developed through the efforts of the Department of Anatomy. Meanwhile, the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology was represented by Dr. Paul Mark Medina who highlighted the advancements in biochemical and molecular diagnostic research, with emphasis on the translational approaches that bridge laboratory discoveries to clinical applications.
Dr. Clarissa Velayo from the Department of Physiology presented her talk entitled “Translational Research in Maternal and Perinatal Health,” emphasizing the importance of bridging laboratory findings with clinical applications to improve outcomes for mothers and infants, and sharing their plans for advancing cell research in this area. The Department of Pathology’s Dr. Emilio Villanueva III presented insights into emerging molecular markers in disease progression. Lastly, three speakers from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology also shared their research perspectives. This was led by Dr. Jose Paciano Baltazar Reyes who discussed the SPARK (“Strengthening Pharmacology Advance Research and Knowledge”) initiative, which seeks to accelerate the translation of pharmacological discoveries from bench to bedside. Dr. Ailyn Yabes shared insights from her study on Plant-Derived Antimicrobials (PDAMS), exploring their mechanisms of action and potential in addressing microbial resistance. Concluding the department’s presentations, Dr. Maria Stella Giron examined drug use among community-dwelling older persons in the Philippines, shedding light on medication patterns and their broader implications for public health.
The week-long poster exhibit served as a platform for faculty researchers to present their latest findings in a visually engaging and accessible manner. In keeping with this year’s theme, the posters highlighted a vast array of studies that bridge
foundational scientific principles with forward-thinking applications. Visitors moved freely among the displays, which encouraged informal and insightful discussions between presenters, colleagues, and students. This openness fostered productive exchanges of ideas that extended beyond the boundaries of a formal forum program.
The poster competition, held in conjunction with the exhibition, recognized the creativity, rigor, and communicative clarity demonstrated by the presenters. After careful deliberation, the judging panel selected five finalists whose work stood out among the entries. From this shortlist, the Best Poster Award was granted to Ms. Ma. Jaira C. Gaviola from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for her poster entitled “Primer Design and Sequence Validation of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Adult Filipino Patients”. In addition to the judges’ recognition, audience participation played a meaningful role in acknowledging the impactful work showcased in the exhibition. Online engagement through Facebook reactions determined the People’s Choice Award, which was presented to Dr. Karen June P. Dumlao of the Department of Anatomy for the poster entitled “Anatomical Variations of the Head and Neck among Filipinos: A Systematic Review”.
As this year’s Faculty Research Forum drew to a close, the organizers extended their gratitude to all participating departments and collaborators who made the week-long celebration of science possible. The theme “Back to the Basics: Revisiting the
Roots, Reimagining the Future” reflected the College’s scientific foundations and the call to push the boundaries of research and innovation in medicine.
by: Mark Laurenz Handayan, Frances Ein Lacerona, Domingo Macinas Jr., Sean Michael Maghirang, Ma. Linette N. Limsiaco
Posted to the PGH website by Bona Rae Villarta, PGH Information Technology Office