Text by Kristine Mae Marasigan
Photo by Dr. Janus Ong

The University of the Philippines Manila proudly participated in the 7th South Manila Educational Consortium (SMEC) Research Congress held on February 21 and 22, 2025, at the Philippine Christian University. With the theme “Transforming Education and Research Towards a Sustainable Tomorrow,” the congress brought together educators, researchers, and students from across SMEC member institutions to explore forward-thinking and inclusive approaches to education and research in the face of global challenges.Led by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research under the leadership of Dr. Janus P. Ong, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research and SMEC Research Representative, UP Manila showcased 12 outstanding research presentations. These studies reflect the university’s unwavering dedication to research that empowers communities, promotes equity, and drives innovation towards a more sustainable future.

UP Manila Delegates and Abstracts Presented:

1. Leeland Anthony L. Dela Luna (Presenting Author)
   Abstract Title: Exploring the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Filipinos towards Universal Health Care: A Comparative Study of an Urban and Rural Area in the Philippines
   Co-authors: Peter Julian Francisco, Anna Guia Limpoco, Zorayda Leopando, Paulo Maria Pagkatipunan, Dhenalyn Dejelo, Gino Cabrera, Susana Salvacion, Fritzie Azogue, Catherine Alcoreza, Maria Zyra Lagrazon, Maybriel Tobias, Richard Nepomuceno, Aurelio Teodoro Maguyon III
   
2. UP Manila Chancellor – Dr. Michael L. Tee (Presenting Author)
   Abstract Title: Perceptions and Experiences of Faculty on Curricular Integration of Simulation-based Education in Health Science Education and Training: A Case Study
   Co-authors: Charlene Elouise Guerrero, Isabel Teresa Salido, Juan Antonio Batnag, Cattleya Amber Soriano, Jenniffer Paguio, Charlotte Chiong
   
3. Peter Julian Francisco (Presenting Author)
   Abstract Title: COVID-19 Vaccine: A Boon or a Bane? Factors Influencing an Individual’s Decision to be Vaccinated: An Exploratory Study of Possible Post COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccine Hesitancy
   Co-authors: Anna Guia Limpoco, Zorayda Leopando, Paulo Maria Pagkatipunan, Gino Cabrera, Maybriel Tobias, Richard Nepomuceno, Aurelio Teodoro Maguyon III, Dhenalyn Dejelo, Susana Salvacion, Fritzie Azogue, Catherine Alcoreza, Maria Zyra Lagrazon
   
4. Rozelle Francesca King Bentulan (Presenting Author)
   Abstract Title: Outcomes of Online Clinical Training Programs for Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy Students
   Co-authors: Paulynne Angelie Aguhob, Hannah Maria Albert, Bernice Alecsa Austria, Ferdiliza Dandah Garcia, John James Jovellano, Audrey Anne Lim, Carlos Dominic Olegario, Charlemaine Deane Perez, Raiza Mariae Ruiz, Michael Valdez
   
5. Bernice Alecsa Austria (Presenting Author)
   Abstract Title: Exploring Student-Faculty Relationships in Remote Learning: Preliminary Findings from a Constructivist Grounded Theory Approach
   Co-authors: Krysta Ellieza Perez, Bernice Alecsa Austria, Roselle Guisihan, Kristel Faye Roderos, Charlemaine Deane Perez, Jackielyn Ruiz, Gabriel Tan, Maria Concepcion Cabatan
   
6. Joseph Manansala (Presenting Author)
   Abstract Title: A Scoping Review of Health Science Students’ Self-Regulated Learning in Online and Blended Study Environments: Strategies, Processes, and Outcomes
   Co-authors: Rozelle Francesca Bentulan, Maria Concepcion Cabatan, Ralph Kevin Genoguin, Joseph Reuben Manansala
   
7. Miriam P. Devera (Presenting Author)
   Abstract Title: Predation of Mesocyclops aspericornis on Aedes aegypti Larvae at Varying Prey Densities and Instar Stages
   Co-authors: Sylvia Mari Biso, Rovi Nino Samedra
   
8. Brent Viray (Presenting Author)
   Abstract Title:  Responding to the Global Surgery Through Implementation of Rural Surgery in the Philippines: A Comparative Analysis of the Initial Implementation of Rural Surgery Initiatives
   Co-authors: Roberto Chacon Jr., Vivencio Jose Villaflor III, Enrique Ona, Teodoro Herbosa, Eduardo Banzon, Jose Rhoel De Leon, Rodney Dofitas, Joselito Mendoza, Marcus Lester Suntay, Carlo Irwin Panelo, Hilton Lam, Vicente Aaron Bernardo VI, Crisostomo Arcilla Jr., Anthony Perez, Rafael Marfori, Nicole Alberto
   
9. Anna Limpoco (Presenting Author)
   Abstract Title:  Exploring the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Filipinos Towards Universal Health Care: A Comparative Study of an Urban and Rural Area in the Philippines
   Co-authors: Peter Julian Francisco, Zorayda Leopando, Paulo Maria Pagkatipunan, Dhenalyn Dejelo, Gino Cabrera, Susana Salvacion, Fritzie Azogue, Catherine Alcoreza, Maria Zyra Lagrazon, Maybriel Tobias, Richard Nepomuceno, Aurelio Teodoro Maguyon III
   
10. Carol Tan-Lim (Presenting Author)
    Abstract Title: Impact of Primary Care System Interventions on Healthcare Worker Satisfaction and Intention to Stay in the Philippines: A Follow-Up Study
    Co-authors: Mark Anthony Javelosa, Josephine Sanchez, Leonila Dans, Mia Rey, Anton. Elepano, Regine Ynez De Mesa, Antonio Dans
    
11. Mary Grace Kang (Presenting Author)
    Abstract Title: Comparison of Physical Activity Levels Among Higher Education Institution Teachers in South Manila Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
    Co-authors: Paul Christian Reyes, Maribeth Anne Gelisanga, Shobie Roselle Vicente, Jerrecho Pituk, Alicia Bañas, Ernestus Padilla, Rene John Futalan, Paulo Maria Pagkatipunan
    
12. Robbi Miguel G. Falcon (Presenting Author)
    Abstract Title: Exploring Filipino Medical Students’ Attitudes and Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education: A Mixed-Methods Study
    Co-authors: Renne Margaret Alcazar, Hannah Babaran, Beatrice Dominique Caragay, Cheenie Ann Corpuz, Maegan Victoria Kho, Aleisha Claire Perez, Iris Thiele Isip-Tan

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