San Pedro College Researchers Earn Top Honors at 16th Health Research and Development Expo

San Pedro College (SPC) proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of its faculty and graduate and undergraduate researchers from the School of Medical Laboratory Science and Public Health (SMLSPH) at the 16th Health Research and Development Expo, held on October 12–13, 2026, at the World Palace Hotel in Davao City.

Organized by the Regional Health Research and Development Consortium XI (RHRDC XI), in collaboration with the Department of Health–Center for Health Development XI (DOH-CHD XI), the event brought together researchers and health professionals to showcase innovative studies and research initiatives addressing pressing health concerns in the region.

Demonstrating their commitment to scientific excellence and public health, SPC researchers earned recognition across several research competitions, highlighting the institution’s continued contribution to evidence-based research and community-centered health solutions.

Outstanding Research Achievements

Mr. Gianleri V. Nor, RMT, MSMT, secured 1st Place in the Oral Research Competition – Graduate Category for his study, “Isolation and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling of Pathogenic Bacteria in Cockroaches from Different Public Markets in Davao City.” Mentored by Dr. Marx Catalan, Nor will represent Region XI at the National Health Research System (NHRS) Week in Tagaytay City in 2027. His achievement marks a significant milestone for SPC and provides an opportunity to bring regional health research to the national stage.

Ms. Mary Isid Dawn B. Ricare, RMT, MSMT, earned 3rd Place in the 3-Minute Policy Pitch (3MP) for her research proposal, “Safe from the Soil Up: Setting a Minimum Food Safety Standard for Ready-to-Eat Vegetable Farms.” Under the mentorship of Dr. Jasmen Pasia, her work highlights the importance of strengthening food safety standards to protect public health.

Meanwhile, Ms. Mary Mae Angela Dela Peña, RMT, MSMT, presented her study, “Phenotypic and Genotypic Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling of Escherichia coli from a Downstream Urban River in Davao City,” in the Oral Research Competition – Graduate Category. With Dr. Vanessa Calimbo as her mentor, her research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on antimicrobial resistance and environmental health.

In the undergraduate category, Mr. Mohammad Farhan Ibrahim Sangki of Batch Ilaysaha won 2nd Place in the Oral Research Competition for his study, “Antimicrobial by Quorum Quenching Potential of Saluyot (Corchorus olitorius) Leaves and Stem Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.” Mentored by Dr. Jasmen S. Pasia, his research explores the potential of a locally available plant as a source of antimicrobial strategies.
Advancing Research Through Collaboration and Mentorship

Beyond the competition, SPC faculty members and Master of Science in Medical Technology (MSMT) students also participated in the Mentorship for Big Ticket Projects, an initiative designed to guide researchers in developing proposals and securing funding for future research endeavors.

Their participation underscores the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and institutional support in building a strong research culture and advancing studies with meaningful health and societal impact.

These accomplishments reflect San Pedro College’s continuing commitment to academic excellence, scientific inquiry, and service to the community. By empowering its faculty and students to pursue relevant, evidence-based research, SPC strengthens its role in addressing emerging health challenges and advancing solutions that contribute to the well-being of communities across the region and the Filipino people.

As the College celebrates these milestones, it remains steadfast in its mission to nurture researchers whose work translates knowledge into meaningful action for the common good.

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