Mr. Acenas presented his study entitled “An experimental study on the efficacy of aquatic fern (Salvinia molesta) in the treatment of blackwater effluent from a constructed welland, Cagayan de Oro City” which is co-authored by Liezel T. Morales, Alessandra Kamille P. Mallari, Cris S. Dedumo, Nafie O. Macarimbang, Shiela Mae P. Trozo, Katherine Ruth S. Beltran, Nasser A. Jawadil, Ethel Yen C. Sicon, and Ryan Rey L. Zarate. The students’ adviser was Dr. Gina S. Itchon, the Department Head of Preventive and Community Medicine of Xavier University (XU).

On the other hand, Ms. Gemelo’s poster presentation is entitled “Detection of potential pneumonia-causing bacteria found in nebulizers in two hospitals in Iligan City: some implications on infection control” which is co-authored by Blaisel Mae Q. Baguio, Exxel Marco P. Vega, Gloria Sheila E. Coyoca, RN, MAN, Faith B. Amorado, Bernie A. Casera, RN, MAN, and Vincent G. Tabil, RN, MAN.

Other presenters from Northern Mindanao Consortium on Health Research and Development (NorMinCoHRD) were for the professional category namely Ms. Monabel May Nadayag Apao of MSU-IIT with her paper “Molecular Characterization of the Serrawettin swrW Gene in Local Strains of the Broad Host-Range Pathogen Serratia marcescens” and Dr. Veneracion Cabana of Mt. View College (MVC) with her interesting research “Of Mice and Men: Roots and Risk of Atherosclerosis and Implications for Prevention of Coronary Heart Diseases”.

The said three-day event was filled with information and persuasion from significant people – the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario G. Montejo, DOST Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chair Patricia B. Licunan, and PNHRS Research Utilization Committee Chair Dr. Jose M. Acuin. They gave emphasis on the collaborative efforts of the consortia and advised researchers to share resources with other institutions. Furthermore, researchers are encouraged to translate studies for the general public to understand.

“Researchers should be advocates,” Dr. Acuin quoted. “We have to package the content and translate researches into policy and actions.” He added.

NorMinCoHRD is now eyeing to extend its researches to the media. Considering the young consortium’s achievements in research, it is envisioning to be one of the best active consortia. Hence, the recent recognitions will serve as inspirations to achieve its ultimate goal – to improve the quality of life.