Themed on “Research and Innovation for Equity and Health”, seven SDSSU faculty and staff researchers attended the 12^th Philippine National Health and Research System (PNHRS) Week at the CAP John Hay Trade and Cultural Center in Baguio City on August 6-9, 2018. The group headed by the Research and Development Unit Director, Dr. Jocelyn B. Panduyos was also joined by Dr. Lady Sol A. Suazo, Dr. Mardie E. Bucjan, Engr. Luzminda S. Bacquial, Ms. Giselle B. Ramos of SDSSU Main, Ms. Liaflora C. Orcullo of SDSSU Lianga Campus and Ms. Violita Dabalos of SDSSU San Miguel.

Dr. Ernesto O. Domingo, a national scientist and the keynote speaker of the event emphasized that “the real challenge in research is not excellence but relevance, that research should yield the most for communities; and that real equity is addressing the inequity: lifespan is not enjoyed by all particularly those in the lower strata of the society”.

On the second day, the SDSSU participants attended the parallel session on Traditional Knowledge (TK) research. They joined the Assessment of the Traditional Knowledge Documentation Program based on the WIPO Recommendations with Dr. Isidro C. Sia, the TK Program Leader/consultant. The session aimed to revisit the completed and ongoing TK documentation projects and proposal to determine compliance as SDSSU with its four proposal in the pipeline is currently finalizing requirements for the eventual release of funds to commence implementation.