ILIGAN CITY, Philippines | October 9, 2026 — Iligan Medical Center College (IMCC), in collaboration with the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Health Research and Development (NorMinCoHRD), successfully hosted the 9th Regional Health Research Conference (RHRC) on October 6–7, 2026, at D’Orchard Event Hall, Bara-as, Tubod, Iligan City.

Anchored on the theme “Bridging Regional Health Challenges through Transdisciplinary Research,” the two-day conference gathered a vibrant network of researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, academic institutions, and students from across Northern Mindanao to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, advance scientific inquiry, and develop evidence-based solutions to pressing regional health challenges.

In his welcome message, IMCC President Dr. Royce S. Torres emphasized that health challenges are lived realities, underscoring the importance of integrating academic expertise with community experiences to develop inclusive and responsive healthcare solutions. Echoing this commitment, Ms. Gerrylou Sweet M. Pia, representing DOST Regional Director and NorMinCoHRD Vice-Chair Dr. Mark Lemuel L. Garcia, highlighted the importance of people-centered innovation and translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions that address the needs of communities.

A key highlight of the conference was the keynote address of Dr. Maria Teresa Sharon C. Linog, Research Associate at the Research Institute for Mindanao Culture, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan. Her presentation, titled “Demographic and Epidemiologic Transition in Northern Mindanao, Philippines,” provided insights into the region’s evolving population dynamics and health landscape, emphasizing their implications for public health research, healthcare planning, and responsive health interventions.

The conference also served as a dynamic platform for scholarly exchange and research dissemination through a series of competitions and scientific presentations. These included Oral Research Paper Presentations, Research Poster and Visual Abstract Competitions, the 3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers, and the Infomercial Contest, alongside other science communication initiatives. Spanning professional and undergraduate categories, these activities showcased innovative studies, emerging research perspectives, and the growing capacity of regional institutions to translate scientific evidence into meaningful policies, practices, and community-centered innovations.

Demonstrating its growing commitment to research excellence, IMCC proudly secured three awards in the conference competitions:

• Michelle Joy C. Labo (BS Radiologic Technology) — 1st Place, Oral Research Presentation (Undergraduate Category).
• Vincent Jason B. Manoop (BS Radiologic Technology) — 2nd Place, Visual Abstract Competition (Undergraduate Category).
• Ric Bryan C. Batalon (BS Nursing), Norjana H. Dimaro, and Wyndell Jade P. Banggo (BS Radiologic Technology) — 3rd Place, Infomercial Contest.

These distinctions reflect the dedication, ingenuity, and research capabilities of IMCC students, further reinforcing the institution’s commitment to cultivating academic excellence and developing future healthcare professionals equipped with critical inquiry and scientific competence.

Further highlighting this institutional milestone, IMCC and its Research and Development Office each received a Plaque of Recognition from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in acknowledgment of their successful hosting of the conference and valuable partnership in advancing regional health research. These recognitions affirm the institution’s sustained commitment to strengthening research engagement, institutional collaboration, and knowledge-sharing initiatives across Northern Mindanao.

The successful conduct of the 9th RHRC was made possible through the collective dedication and tireless efforts of the IMCC Research and Development Office, organizing and technical working committees, faculty, staff, student volunteers, and partner institutions. IMCC extends its profound gratitude and appreciation to everyone whose professionalism, teamwork, and unwavering commitment contributed to the seamless execution of this significant regional undertaking.

As emphasized by Ms. Dorina Marie E. Ytang, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST Lanao del Norte, “The real measure of our research should not end with publication. The real measure is what changes because we did the research.” Her message encapsulates the conference’s enduring purpose: to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and meaningful societal impact through transdisciplinary collaboration.

Beyond its successful hosting and academic achievements, the conference represents a significant milestone in IMCC’s continuing pursuit of research excellence, institutional partnership, and community-responsive innovation. By bringing together diverse disciplines, perspectives, and expertise, IMCC has reinforced its role as an active contributor to Northern Mindanao’s expanding research ecosystem, where scientific inquiry is translated into informed decisions, sustainable solutions, and improved health outcomes.

With renewed partnerships and a strengthened commitment to advancing health research, IMCC looks forward to building on this achievement, empowering future researchers, and fostering innovations that respond to the evolving needs of communities. The success of the 9th RHRC stands not merely as a testament to the institution’s organizational capability, but as a reflection of its broader mission to advance knowledge, inspire excellence, and serve society through meaningful research and education.