CDU WISE Innovation Hub

16/07/2026

CDU EXCEL-Med Researchers Clinch National Championship at DOST-FNRI Undergraduate Research Competition

Student researchers from the EXCEL-Med Program of the CDU College of Medicine emerged as 1st Place Champion in the Undergraduate Student Research Competition of the 52nd DOST–FNRI Seminar Series, earning national recognition for their innovative research in food quality assessment and nutrition. The competition recognized three (3) winning undergraduate research teams in the Nutrition and Dietetics category, with CDU outperforming entries from the University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas.

Presented by Arabella Ynez M. Salgado, the award-winning study, “Development and Application of the Pinggang Pinoy-Traffic Light Food Quality Index (PP-TLFQI) in Assessing the Food Offerings of the Canteen of the Participating University A.Y. 2025-2026,” highlights the use of an evidence-based nutrition assessment tool to evaluate campus food offerings and promote healthier food environments.

The team is composed of Arabella Ynez M. Salgado, Ma. Giulliana C. Piczon, Jilla Tiffany L. Rabillas, Abegail O. Rivera, Shaina S. Samsuya, Paul Donato L. Sian, Renold D. Tan, and Martha Gabrielle C. Tequillo, under the mentorship of Prof. Jameross B. Tabiano, RPh, MSc, with Ms. Gaea Iolanthe Mari Bercero, LPT, MS, serving as EXCEL-Med Research Coordinator.

Their work aligns with the theme of the conference, “FNRI MOVES: Mobilizing Opportunities for Vision, Evidence, and Science Toward Sustainable Food and Nutrition,” underscoring the vital role of research in advancing healthier, better-nourished, and more sustainable communities.

This national achievement further affirms CDU’s commitment to cultivating future physician-scientists and health researchers who translate evidence into meaningful innovations that improve health outcomes and contribute to national development. | RRM 🥀

Collaborate with the Hub and be part of our growing R&D initiatives! Learn more by visiting website at bit.ly/cduhub, or reach us at [email protected].

03/07/2026

CDU EXCEL-Med Participates in DOST-7 Reverse Pitch 2026 to Advance Health Innovation

Student researchers from the College of Medicine EXCEL-Med Program of Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) participated in “Flip the Script: The Reverse Pitch 2026”, a regional innovation initiative organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office VII in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Development and Acceleration Support for Innovation Growth (DASIG) Consortium, and Technology Business Incubators (TBIs). The event was held on July 2 to 3, 2026, at the Visayas Media Hub, DICT Region VII.

The two-day event reinforced Central Visayas’ commitment to problem-driven innovation by bringing together startups, innovators, industry leaders, government agencies, and academic institutions. Participating organizations included DOST, DTI, DICT, the DASIG Consortium, Technology Business Incubators from CIT-U, USC, UP Cebu, and BISU, together with key ecosystem partner Startup Ecosystem Alliance Cebu, Inc. (SEA Cebu), to connect problem owners with solution providers and foster meaningful cross-sector collaboration.

Unlike conventional pitching competitions, The Reverse Pitch enables problem owners to present validated challenges first, allowing startups and innovators to co-create practical, market-driven solutions. The initiative also highlighted the complementary roles of DICT in startup promotion and innovation policy, DOST in pre-incubation and product validation through TBIs, and DTI in commercialization and business acceleration, further strengthening the region's innovation ecosystem.

Representing CDU were EXCEL-Med student researchers Glenn John Ogapong Jr., Ellayssa Glynis Batiancila, Mathea Franzine Lim, and Joaquin Marcus Evangelista. They were accompanied by Mr. Christopher Rey Nacua, Research and Innovation Specialist of the , and were under the guidance of Ms. Gaea Iolanthe Mari Bercero, LPT, MS, EXCEL-Med Research Coordinator.

The program commenced with a keynote address by DOST-VII Regional Director Dr. Tristan L. Abando titled, “CONNECT. COLLABORATE. CATALYZE.: Building a Thriving Innovation Ecosystem Where Every Idea Has the Opportunity to Create Impact.” Participants then took part in the Discover Phase (Understanding Session), followed by the Develop Phase through independent working sessions and adapted pitch presentations.

On the second day, participants gained insights from Dr. Michael Abundo, CEO and Chief Thinking Officer of OceanPixel Pte. Ltd., through his keynote lecture, “The Innovation Mindset: Thinking Beyond the Ordinary.” The event concluded with the Decide Phase deliberations, the announcement of selected collaborations, the signing of the Statement of Interest and Intent to Collaborate, and the official launch of DASIG 2.0.

The participation of CDU EXCEL-Med in Flip the Script: The Reverse Pitch 2026 reflects the University’s commitment to exposing student researchers to collaborative innovation platforms that bridge academia, government, and industry. By engaging in challenge-driven innovation initiatives, CDU continues to empower future healthcare professionals and researchers to develop solutions that translate scientific knowledge into meaningful health and societal impact. | RRM 🥀

The Hub continues to champion evidence-based health research and community-centered innovations. Collaborate with us and be part of our growing R&D initiatives! Learn more by visiting our website at bit.ly/cduhub, or reach us at [email protected].

01/07/2026

30/06/2026

CDU Program DAN-AG Explores Health Partnership with City of Naga LGU

Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) is advancing grassroots health initiatives as its Program DAN-AG Project Team conducted an exploratory courtesy visit to the City of Naga Local Government Unit (LGU). The delegation was represented by Program Leader Dr. Brian M. Denney alongside Dr. Jocelyn Gerra, Dr. Emmalyn Cutamora, Prof. Jameross Tabiano, Mr. Christopher Rey Nacua, and Ms. Jecel Ilahan. The team met with the City Mayor Hon. Valdemar M. Chiong, Chief of Staff Atty. Alpha Vit M. Española, and key city personnel to outline the proposed local implementation of Program DAN-AG: Development through Action, Nutrition, and Grassroots Participation.

Supported by DOST-7, DAN-AG is a community-driven, evidence-based initiative aimed at resolving persistent health and nutrition challenges affecting Filipino children and families. Following a successful Phase 1 focused on comprehensive community assessment and the identification of local health priorities, the program is now advancing to Phase 2. This current phase emphasizes collaborative work with local government units, schools, and community stakeholders to specifically design, implement, and evaluate targeted interventions that respond directly to local needs and realities.

To solidify this collaboration, the project team successfully presented the full details of Program DAN-AG to the Naga City Health Board on Monday, June 29, 2026 at the City Health Office Conference Room. Through shared commitment, the academic and local leaders continue to explore how this initiative can powerfully complement the city’s ongoing efforts toward inclusive and sustainable development, ultimately improving the well-being and future opportunities of local households. | RRM 🥀

The Hub continues to champion evidence-based health research and community-centered innovations. Collaborate with us and be part of our growing R&D initiatives! Learn more by visiting our website at bit.ly/cduhub, or reach us at [email protected].

28/06/2026

CDU WISE Innovation Hub Joins DOST-PCHRD Research-to-Policy Workshop

Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) continues to strengthen its commitment to translational healthcare as Prof. John Rafael Arañas, RND, MPH, PhD(c), participated in the “Turning Evidence into Policy: 7th DOST-PCHRD Workshop Series for Health Researchers” hosted by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD). Serving as the Health Product Registration (HPR) Unit Head for the , Prof. Arañas joined the intensive two-day initiative held on June 24 and 25, 2026 online via Zoom.

The specialized webinar and workshop series was strategically designed by the DOST-PCHRD to capacitate early-career health researchers in health policy development. By bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and legislative action, the program provides researchers with the essential frameworks to actively support and drive evidence-informed policymaking across the Philippines.

Through the active participation of academic leaders like Prof. Arañas, the university aims to contribute to a more effective, data-driven health policy environment. This continued dedication to translational research ensures that academic innovations and rigorous scientific evidence are utilized to ultimately improve the overall well-being of populations across diverse communities. | RRM 🥀

The Hub continues to champion evidence-based health research and community-centered innovations. Collaborate with us and be part of our growing R&D initiatives! Learn more by visiting our website at bit.ly/cduhub, or reach us at [email protected].

26/06/2026

CDU Maps Commercialization Path for Radiology Innovations at DOST-PCHRD Technopreneurship Workshop

Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) continuously positions itself at the forefront of medical innovation as representatives from the College of Allied Medical Sciences (CAMS) and the participated in the national-level Technopreneurship Workshop hosted by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD). Titled “Navigating the Health Technology Pathway Toward Commercialization” the intensive two-day training program ran from June 22, 2026, via an online Zoom session, and culminated in a face-to-face engagement on June 25, 2026, at Kingsford Hotel Manila in Parañaque City.

The workshop was designed to equip health researchers and innovators with advanced knowledge and strategic frameworks for technology transfer, intellectual property management, and the eventual commercialization of technologies developed through local research and development initiatives.

Representing CDU were Project Leaders Mr. Ian Laping, RRT, MAHAd and Mr. Roberto Tagalog Jr., RRT, MA, both from the CAMS-Department of Radiologic Technology, together with Mr. Christopher Rey Nacua, the Hub’s Research and Innovation Specialist. During the workshop, the team developed commercialization plans, pitched their technologies before a panel of experts, and collaborated with mentors to map technology transfer strategies. The CDU delegation showcased three (3) homegrown radiology innovations with strong commercialization potential: Oyster Shell–Epoxy Knee Phantom, HDPE-ZnO Radiation Shield, and Pediatric Immobilization Device.

Through its participation in the PCHRD workshop, CDU strengthened its commitment to transforming innovative research into practical health technologies that benefit patients, support clinicians, and contribute to the country’s growing health innovation ecosystem. | RRM 🥀

Collaborate with the Hub and be part of our growing R&D initiatives! Learn more by visiting our website at bit.ly/cduhub, or reach us at [email protected].

23/06/2026

Hub HPR Unit Head Prof. Arañas Certified as Wadhwani Foundation Entrepreneurship Educator

Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU), through the , proudly congratulates its Health Product Registration (HPR) Unit Head and Chairperson of the CDU College of Arts and Sciences – Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Prof. John Rafael Arañas, RND, MPH, PhD(c), for officially completing the “WEN IGNITE Entrepreneurship Faculty Development Training” of the Wadhwani Foundation Faculty Development Program. Celebrated during a virtual commencement ceremony, this milestone officially certifies Prof. Arañas as one of the 17 fully credentialed entrepreneurship educators from the program. The intensive training was completed as part of the highly acclaimed IgniteX program, a structured 14-week developmental journey designed to guide educators through the rigorous process of building a real startup from scratch.

Throughout the program, the curriculum focused heavily on discovering actual clinical and marketplace problems and designing working prototypes to solve them. This highly immersive learning process proved to be hands-on and deeply personalized for every individual participant. The supportive learning environment seamlessly integrated interactive presentations with realistic simulation case studies, allowing educators to navigate complex commercialization scenarios in real time.

With this, Prof. Arañas is fully prepared to guide and empower health researchers as they validate their own big ideas. This milestone reflects the continuous collaboration with the Wadhwani Foundation–Philippines to build the future of regional healthcare innovation and foster a lasting culture of academic entrepreneurship. | RRM 🥀

The Hub continues to champion evidence-based health research and community-centered innovations. Collaborate with us and be part of our growing R&D initiatives! Learn more by visiting our website at bit.ly/cduhub, or reach us at [email protected].

23/06/2026

𝐇𝐔𝐁 𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

Innovation begins with protection! 🔐

With research projects and theses now completed, the Intellectual Property Unit (IPU) reminds all faculty members, non-teaching personnel, students, and researchers that this is the ideal time to secure copyright protection for their original works.

Those intending to register their original works, inventions, processes, manuals, and other creative outputs may refer to the detailed application requirements and step-by-step process outlined in our pinned post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BzBgiye2x/. This serves as an update to IPU Memorandum No. 2024-004.

Please note that the Hub facilitates the copyright registration process with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) but does NOT conduct technical reviews or evaluations of submitted works.

Collaborate with the Hub and be part of our growing R&D initiatives! Learn more by visiting our website at bit.ly/cduhub, or reach us at [email protected].

22/06/2026

𝐂𝐃𝐔 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐖𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐔𝐩 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐃𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) faculty researchers and non-teaching personnel are currently in the final stages of completing the scholarly outputs of the year-long Research and Development Leadership (RDLead) Program. Spanning from June 1, 2025, to June 1, 2026, this transformative engagement was conducted in strategic partnership with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP).

This milestone builds upon a successful foundation laid at the start of the program in June 2025, when the hosted the “RDLead-JBI Training Series on Systematic and Scoping Reviews for Health Research”. That foundational initiative featured Dr. Valentin Dones III as CDU’s designated RDLeader, supported by esteemed resource persons Dr. Ivan Neil Gomez (UST), Dr. Lucylynn Lizarondo (Adelaide University Australia), and Asst. Prof. Lyle Patrick Tangcuangco (UST). Ensuring the program’s seamless ex*****on were Mr. Marfy Lita, the RDLead Project Senior Technical Specialist representing the DOST-NRCP, and Dr. Emmalyn Cutamora, Hub Lead, who served as the University’s engagement coordinator.

The partnership is designed to enhance the technical competencies of faculty, researchers, and allied health professionals. By focusing heavily on evidence synthesis, critical appraisal, and meta-analytic methods, the program empowers these specialized teams to produce high-quality research that meets global standards.

Through this sustained collaboration with UST and the steadfast support of the DOST-NRCP, CDU continues to lead the way in fostering a culture of evidence-based health research and medical innovation in the region. | RRM 🥀

Collaborate with the Hub, and be part of our growing R&D initiatives! Learn more by visiting our website at bit.ly/cduhub, or reach us at [email protected].

18/06/2026

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐘𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓: 𝐂𝐃𝐔-𝐂𝐌 𝐃𝐚𝐣𝐚𝐲 𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐥.

Research Title: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS TOWARDS UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE LAW IN BARANGAY CABANGAHAN, PANOYPOY, AND POLOG, CONSOLACION, CEBU IN 2024
Authors: Mary Clarice D. Dajay, Blanche Mari A. Bacolod, Karla C. Balaga, Jaomi Ruth P. Baloing, Chisti Lohani S. Dela Rama, Freinz Loise L. Dingcong, Shainaleen I. Diya, Gabrielle Erika P. Palugod, John Arjay F. Recentes, Eivind Mark A. Rosales, Jeraldine A. Balongkit

In line with the Hub’s mandate to foster and protect IP rights, all faculty, non-teaching personnel, and student researchers who intend to apply for copyright registration of their works (inventions, processes, manuals, and other creative outputs) are encouraged to check out the Hub’s updated process flow: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C9uR7wArz/, with all necessary downloadable forms available through the official website at bit.ly/cduhub.

Contact the Hub through email at [email protected] for IP concerns. Innovation begins with protection!