Advancing Good Governance Through Research at the 8th SMEC Research Congress

March 03, 2026

Text by: Kristine Mae Marasigan
Photos by: Janus P. Ong, Dr. Meredith Labarda, Dr. Angelita Jaya, Dr. Sherly Indencia, and Dean Charlie Labarda

The University of the Philippines Manila participated in the 8th South Manila Educational Consortium (SMEC) Research Congress, themed “Truth, Transparency, and Transformation: Research for Good Governance and Sustainable Futures,” with in-person research presentations held at De La Salle University in Biñan, Laguna, on Feb. 19 -20, 2026.

The congress highlighted interdisciplinary scholarly work that contributes to community development, health innovation, and educational advancement—initiatives that strongly align with this year’s theme.

The first day of the congress featured scholarly presentations attended by Chancellor Michael Tee and Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension and SMEC Research Representative Dr. Janus Ong. UP Manila was represented by Anton Elepaño (National Institutes of Health), Jan Vincent Delos Santo (College of Nursing), Marco Erano Dumale (College of Arts and Sciences), Reigne Reyes and Rodney John Fandialan (College of Dentistry), and Cyro Angelo Defensor (College of Pharmacy), each presenting research that underscores the University’s commitment to evidence-based solutions for societal challenges.

UP Manila sustained its strong presence on Day 2, reinforcing its role in advancing research that drives meaningful and transformative change. Building on the previous day’s discussions, University scholars continued to showcase initiatives that promote responsive governance and sustainable futures through rigorous and socially relevant research.

Among the Day 2 representatives from the UP Manila School of Sciences were Dean Charlie Labarda, Dr. Meredith Labarda, Dr. Angelica Jaya, and Dr. Sheryl Indencia. Their participation reflects the University’s enduring commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and public service, in line with the Congress’s call for truth, transparency, and transformation in research.

SMEC is a network of higher education institutions in Manila established to promote collaboration and advance social transformation through accessible, quality, and relevant education. SMEC supports strategic alliances, social and cultural development, and human resource development in higher education. Member institutions include Adamson University, De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, De La Salle University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapúa University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Philippine Christian University, Philippine Normal University–Manila, Philippine Women’s University, Santa Isabel College Manila, St. Paul University Manila, St. Scholastica’s College, Technological University of the Philippines-Manila, and the University of the Philippines Manila.