The University, thru the Office of the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation (OVRRI), together with the Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium (MMHRDC), organized a health forum on Natural Products as part of the general celebration of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) last July 26, 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium, Pasay City. The forum’s theme is “Kalusugan ni Juan at Juana. Kalusugan ng Bayan”, while the program theme is “Lunas para kay Juan and JuanaMula sa Likas-yaman”, seeks to present to the general public research developments on various natural products being done by Tuklas Lunas Centers in the country and to make aware of the benefits and precautions of using these natural products.
Dr. Renato Reyes of the Central Luzon State University discussed about “MykoPharming in Central Luzon” where he highlighted the use of mushrooms. Dr. Reggie Dela Cruz of Central Mindanao University talked about the “Drug Discovery And DNA Barcoding Of Philippine Ferns And Lycopods”, particularly the use and benefits of ferns. Dr. Mafel Ysrael of the UST Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, discussed about the dangers and precautions in preparing and using plants as initial cure for our simple ailments without knowing the evidences of its toxicity and effectivity. Dr. Gisela Concepcion, Vice-President for Academic Affairs of the UP System, tackled the topic on marine organisms. Dr. Edgardo Tulin, President of the Visayas State University, discussed about the benefits and use of root crops.
Dr. Maribel Nonato, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation and Dr. Hilton Lam of the MMHRDC prepared the scientific program of the event.
