MAY MAGANDANG BUKAS” SEASON 4 KICKS OFF AT CSU

The Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST–NRCP), in collaboration with Cagayan State University (CSU), officially launched Season 4 of the “May Magandang Bukas Mula sa Pagtuklas” series with its first episode, “Byaheng Norte: Siyensya’t Turismo Para sa Kalikasan, Kultura, at Komunidad,” held on April 22–23, 2025, at the Claude Andrews Convention Center, CSU Andrews Campus.

Dr. Junel B. Guzman, CSU Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, welcomed the participants and reiterated CSU’s commitment to sustainability through science and innovation.

NRCP President Dr. Ma. Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas delivered a message of support, inspiring participants to “continue discovering, innovating, and sharing knowledge to benefit communities and change lives.”

A major highlight was the policy research presentation on the eco-tourism potential of Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela, led by the NRCP Research Center for Social Sciences and Education in partnership with Cong. Faustino Dy V. Asst. Prof. Jame Moren T. Mercado, the project presenter, stressed the role of evidence-based research in local policymaking and community development.

Stakeholder insights were shared during the Pulso at Pagpapayo segment, with contributions from Mr. Louie C. Simbi (Echague Cultural and Tourism Officer), Ms. Zenaida M. Quinto (SME Development Chief, DTI Region 02), Ms. Gheraldine Labayani (Chief Technical Support, DOLE Region 02), and Mr. Yowelle Sedano (Tourism Operations Officer, Tuguegarao City).

The event also included the NRCP Roundtable Discussion Program on Government Employees’ Access to Primary Care Facilities and Services on April 23, featuring key presentations and breakout sessions centered on improving healthcare access for government employees and their families.

Dr. Roderick Napulan, Director IV of the Department of Health, presented the project findings, followed by a response session from representatives of CSU, the Civil Service Commission Region II, the Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development, and Tuguegarao City Urban Health Unit.

An open forum for stakeholders followed the presentations, enabling in-depth discussions and resulting in the consolidation of key highlights and actionable outputs.