CSU HOSTS PACPH 2ND ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE, STRENGTHENS PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITMENT

Cagayan State University (CSU) hosted the 2nd Anniversary Conference of the Philippine Academic Consortium for Public Health (PACPH) on February 20-21, 2025, at the CSU Claude Andrews Convention Center with the theme "Higher Educational Institutions in Public Health Contributing to the Attainment of Universal Health Care in the Philippines."

OIC President Arthur G. Ibanez highlighted the critical role of students, researchers, healthcare professionals, and faculty members in advancing public health. "Our faculty serve as torchbearers of knowledge, ensuring that students are equipped to tackle today’s most pressing health challenges. Their commitment to universal healthcare extends to research that informs policies, advocating for health equality and ensuring that no one is left behind," Ibanez stated.

As part of CSU’s commitment to public health, he shared the establishment of a clinical laboratory within the new College of Allied Health Sciences building, which will provide essential laboratory services to stakeholders across the city.

The conference featured symposiums on various public health topics, including preparing the next generation of public health professionals, addressing challenges and setting standards in higher education, and presenting case studies and research in collaboration with DOH and DOST.

Distinguished speakers included DOH Undersecretaries Dr. Kenneth Ronquillo and Dr. Glenn Mathew Baggao, DOST Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang, PACPH President Dr. Vicente Belizario, PASMETH President Dr. Jose Jurel Nuevo, and Dir. Johanna Banzon, along with experts from UP-Manila, UP-Visayas, Silliman University, University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao, St. Paul University Philippines, Kalinga State University, and DOH-Central. DOH Region 2 Regional Director Amelita Pangilinan, DOST R02 Regional Director Virginia Bilgera, and other delegates from higher education institutions and partner agencies also graced the event.

The Philippine Academic Consortium for Public Health (PACPH) is a collaborative network of higher educational institutions across the Philippines dedicated to advancing public health through research, education, and service. CSU is one of the consortium’s active members.