Theme: Empowering Communities Through Indigenous-Driven Health Research

Iligan City, April 17, 2026 — The Iligan Medical Center College (IMCC) successfully convened the 5th IMCC Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation Conference, gathering nearly 100 participants from various academic and professional sectors in a full-day celebration of research excellence, innovation, and community transformation. Held under the theme “Empowering and Transforming Communities through Indigenous-Driven Health,” the event reaffirmed IMCC’s unwavering commitment to advancing research that is both locally grounded and globally relevant.

A Morning of Ceremony and Culture

The conference commenced at 9:00 AM with registration, followed by a solemn opening ceremony emceed by Jeannell D. Vasquez. The program opened with a prayer led by Johnel Cagod and Angel Calonia, the entrance of colors by ROTC Officers, and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Immediately thereafter, the IMCC Kapagintaw Cultural Dance Troupe set the tone for the day with a captivating welcome dance, a fitting tribute to the conference’s emphasis on indigenous heritage and identity.

Dr. Mark M. Alipio, Dean for Academic Affairs, warmly welcomed the participants and distinguished guests, underscoring the significance of the conference in advancing multidisciplinary dialogue on indigenous health systems. His remarks were followed by a message of support from the Center for Digital Iligan Innovation and Sustainability (CDIIS), Local Government Unit of Iligan City. In the absence of CDIIS Head Jhonny Paul H. Lagura, Reyche Romarez graciously represented the office, conveying the LGU’s wholehearted enthusiasm and steadfast support for the continued integration of research and technology in service of communities.

Keynote Address: Bridging Indigenous Knowledge and Modern Science

The highlight of the opening program was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Mark Lloyd G. Dapar, Associate Professor at the Institute of Biological Sciences of Central Mindanao University (CMU) in Musuan, Bukidnon, and a distinguished figure in Philippine ethnobotany. Dr. Dapar, who also serves as Chairperson of the CAS IBS Plant Biology Division and the CMU Research Ethics Committee, as well as Director of the Office of Integrity, Ethics and Standards (OIES), delivered an intellectually rich and inspiring lecture titled “Integrating Ethnopharmacology, Genomics, Metabolomics, and Evidence-Based Medicine for Inclusive Health Research from Northern Mindanao’s Cultural Heritage.”

Dr. Dapar traced the ancient roots of plant-based medicine, dating back some 60,000 years, and highlighted the Philippines’ remarkable biodiversity, noting that the country is home to 110 ethnolinguistic groups and is recognized as one of the world’s eight biodiversity hotspots, with 1,500 documented medicinal plant species. He drew particular attention to the rich ethnobotanical traditions of Mindanao, which accounts for 61% of indigenous community settlements in the Philippines, and shared his pioneering research on the Agusan Manobo community, work that has produced internationally published studies, recognition at national research fora, a Research Fellowship at the University of Bayreuth in Germany under the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and contributions to a landmark Springer Nature publication featuring endemic Philippine medicinal plant species. Dr. Dapar emphasized that the ethnobotanical knowledge of indigenous communities must be conserved, rigorously documented, and validated through integrative molecular and evidence-based approaches. His presentation was a compelling call to the research community to approach indigenous health traditions with both scientific rigor and deep cultural respect. He closed with a special note of thanks to IMCC for the invitation, acknowledging the institution’s role as a dedicated partner in advancing health research in the region.

Following the keynote address, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Visual Abstract Poster Exhibition was led by Madame Maria Conception Lagtapon at the IMCC Covered Court, officially opening the competitive exhibits to participants and guests.

Parallel Sessions: A Showcase of Research Talent

From 10:30 AM through the afternoon, the conference ran vibrant parallel sessions across two venues in IMCC Review Center and Covered Court, hosted by Prof. Keven Opamin and Prof. Karen Alinsonorin, respectively. The sessions covered four competitive categories: Oral Research Paper Presentation (Student and Professional), Visual Abstract Poster Presentation (Student and Professional), and the innovative 3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers.

A distinguished panel of judges drawn from partner institutions lent credibility and expertise to the evaluation process. From the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), Dr. Libby Josephine Abesamis evaluated the Student Oral and 3-Minute Pitch categories. Representing MSU–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) were Dr. Evelyn C. Creencia, who judged the Student Oral and 3-Minute Pitch categories; Dr. Mae-Lanie O. Poblete, who covered Student Oral and Student Visual Abstract; and Dr. Minnie B. Mamauag, who served on the 3-Minute Pitch panel. From J. R. Borja General Hospital, Dr. Arbeen A. Laurito judged across the Student Visual Abstract, Professional Visual Abstract, and Professional Oral categories, while Dr. Sammy B. Taghoy of Misamis University (MU) likewise evaluated all three of those categories. Notably, Dr. Dapar himself served as a judge for both the Professional Oral and Professional Visual Abstract categories, further enriching the quality of deliberation.

Closing Program: A Message That Resonated

The afternoon’s closing program featured a special presentation and inspirational message from the Department of Science and Technology – Northern Mindanao Consortium for Health Research and Development (DOST-NorMinCoHRD), delivered by Science Research Specialist II Bonita B. Manguilimotan. Her message touched on the essence of research as a force that connects people, bridging communities, institutions, and disciplines in pursuit of a common good. She also generated considerable excitement among participants by announcing the upcoming 9th Regional Health Research Conference (RHRC), scheduled to be held at the Go Hotels, Robinsons Place Iligan Complex, Iligan City, 9200 Lanao del Norte on October 6–8, 2026, and encouraged all present to participate actively in that forthcoming event.

Awarding Ceremony: Recognizing Research Excellence

The awarding ceremony, presided over by Dr. Ernesto O. Ilago, Dean of the Graduate School; Dr. Helen S. Tejero, Research Director; and Dr. Mark M. Alipio, Dean for Academic Affairs, recognized the finest research outputs of the day across all five categories.

The following researchers emerged as winners:

Visual Abstract Poster Presentation Professional Category:

Visual Abstract Poster Presentation Student Category: 

Oral Research Paper Presentation Professional Category: 

Oral Research Paper Presentation Student Category: 

3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers: 

The breadth and quality of the entries, spanning topics from oncology and environmental sustainability to AI ethics, indigenous medicine, and mental health, reflected the remarkable diversity and scholarly depth that define IMCC’s research community.

Closing Remarks: A Heartfelt Message from the Research Director

The event drew to a gracious close with the closing remarks of Dr. Helen S. Tejero, Research Director, who offered her wholehearted and heartfelt gratitude to every individual who contributed to making the conference a resounding success, the organizers, facilitators, judges, speakers, participants, and the entire IMCC community. Her words carried the warmth of genuine appreciation and the pride of a research community that continues to grow stronger with every passing year.

The 5th IMCC Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation Conference was more than an academic event, it was a testament to what becomes possible when an institution dares to root its research culture in the communities it serves. By centering the conference on indigenous-driven health, IMCC reaffirmed its identity as an institution that listens to its communities, elevates their knowledge, and empowers its scholars to transform that knowledge into meaningful action. With the momentum of this year’s conference and the horizon of the upcoming RHRC in October, the future of health research in Northern Mindanao has never looked brighter.

Iligan Medical Center College

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