UP Manila Launches First Basic Statistics Primer for Health Research

June 01, 2026

Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by: Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit

Faculty members, staff, and collaborators from the University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine gather for a group photo during the announcement of the upcoming launch of the Basic Statistics Primer, a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening research and statistical literacy among health professionals and students.

Dr. Rowena Genuino, a professor of the Department of Anatomy, announced the upcoming launch of the first Basic Statistics Primer during the soft launching of the book at the UP College of Medicine flag raising ceremony on May 25, 2026.

She said the primer was conceptualized as an extension of the research methods course for LU3 students after faculty observed that many learners struggled with statistics during their research training. The publication was developed by the staff of the Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Interdisciplinary Course (IDC) coordinators, and the Research Implementation and Development Office (RIDO)

“That was a sticking point in their research journey,” Dr. Genuino, editor of the book, explained. “We thought of holding a workshop on statistics in that particular course. And then, as an offshoot of that workshop, we decided to put it into a book so that it will be available to everyone.”

Dr. Rowena Genuino and Dr. Ricardo Quintos Jr. pose beside the LED display featuring the upcoming Basic Statistics Primer during its soft launch at the UP College of Medicine, highlighting a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening research and statistical literacy among health professionals and students.

Statistics plays a vital role in health research as it provides the scientific foundation for collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data that guide healthcare decisions and policies. Through statistics, researchers can ensure that medical conclusions are based on reliable evidence rather than assumptions, helping to make informed decisions that can improve patient outcomes and community health.

The Basic Statistics Primer is intended not only for medical students but also for residents, practicing consultants, and professionals in other health-related disciplines seeking guidance in statistics and research.

Dr. Genuino noted that the publication is expected to be available by July. She also acknowledged the support of RIDO, the contributing authors and editors, and the assistance of the UP Manila Information, Publication, and Public Affairs Office (IPPAO) in the book’s layout, design, and event coverage.

Also, during the program, representatives from the Department of Physiology and the Department of Clinical Epidemiology shared other updates on their departments’ initiatives and encouraged members of the UP Manila community to continue contributing to research, teaching, and service.

Dr. Myrna Sedurante of the Department of Physiology opened the gathering by sharing developments within their department, particularly the transition brought about by the retirement of several faculty members and the arrival of new educators.

She also shared a message inspired by former United Kingdom Prime Minister Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give,” emphasizing the value of service and the impact of everyday work in building a meaningful legacy.

The Basic Statistics Primer was also edited by Dr. Mario B. Prado Jr. with contributions from faculty members and researchers committed to strengthening research education in the health sciences. The book’s authors include Dr. Mario B. Prado Jr., Dr. Maria Stella T. Giron, Dr. Emilio Q. Villanueva III, Dr. Mark Angelo C. Ang, Prof. Maria Lourdes E. Amarillo, and Dr. Rowena Natividad F. Genuino, whose collective expertise helped develop an accessible resource designed to guide students, trainees, and health professionals in understanding and applying statistics in research.