The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) School of Medicine (SoM) successfully conducted the SoM/CARS/UP PGC Exploratory Workshop on Genomics Research Collaboration: Bridging Medicine and Genomics on November 18, 2024. Held at the SoM Conference Room, USeP Tagum-Mabini Campus, the event aimed to strengthen partnerships in genomics research by uniting expertise from USeP, the College of Agriculture and Related Sciences (CARS), and the Philippine Genome Center (PGC).
The day commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Victoria P. Guillano, Dean of the School of Medicine, who underscored the importance of genomics in revolutionizing medical practice and research. Dr. Cecirly G. Puig, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Related Sciences (CARS), and Dr. Joel Hassan G. Tolentino, outgoing Director of PGC Mindanao, presented an overview of USeP’s genomic capabilities and sharing PGC’s current projects and potential areas of collaboration, respectively.
An interesting presentation on the new developments and uses of genomics in medicine was given by Dr. Lowela Siarot-Onggo, a Balik Scientist involved with PGC Mindanao, who encouraged participants to consider innovative solutions to regional health issues.
The research proposal and development workshop, which was led by PGC Mindanao Director Dr. Aleyla de Cadiz, was one of the session’s highlights. With a focus on using local genetic resources and knowledge, Dr. de Cadiz led participants through the process of honing their research ideas into workable proposals.
Additionally, there were brainstorming sessions and group exercises during the event, which led to the creation of three to five early research projects. The foundation for resolving urgent medical and agricultural concerns in the area was established by these drafts.
Dr. Ferguz Bogdan R. Alastra, the School of Medicine’s Research Head, issued a call to action at the end of the workshop, urging further cooperation through follow-up meetings, training sessions, and proposal improvement.
This significant endeavor demonstrated the promise of genomics research and reaffirmed USeP’s dedication to fostering innovation via interdisciplinary collaborations.
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