Article by Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid (SSU Executive Director for Research | Chair, EVHRDC Research and Utilization Committee) & May Cabañing (OEDR Staff)
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Samar State University (SSU) took center stage at the Eastern Visayas Director’s Summit on Population and Development, held on March 26, 2025, at the Ballroom Hall of Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City. SSU presented groundbreaking health research initiatives addressing critical public health challenges in the region, reinforcing its role as one of the leading research institutions in Eastern Visayas.
Presented by Mr. Reuben Corrige, Science Research Specialist of SSU, the studies were authored by Dr. Sherrie Ann C. Labid, SSU Executive Director for Research and Chair of the Research and Utilization Committee of the Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC).
The featured studies included:
- Factors Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Among Deliveries in Healthcare Facilities in the Province of Samar (EVHRDC-funded, completed) – Identified key risk factors contributing to pregnancy complications, providing a data-driven foundation for maternal health interventions.
- Characterizing Samareño Youth: Adolescent Sexuality and Reproductive Knowledge, Practices, and Challenges in the Province of Samar (SSU and PLGU-funded, ongoing) – Offers insights into the gaps in sexual health education and reproductive healthcare services for adolescents.
- Predicting Antenatal Care Utilization in the Philippines: A Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) Analysis (SSU-funded, published) – Utilizes predictive modeling to determine factors influencing antenatal care access, aiding policymakers in resource allocation.
- Awareness, Availment, and Satisfaction on Various Health Services Among Residents of a Rural Community in Samar, Philippines: A Mixed Methods Study (DILG-funded, published) – Reveals disparities in healthcare awareness and accessibility, underscoring the need for community-based health programs.
“These studies are more than just academic work; they serve as catalysts for change. By identifying critical gaps in healthcare services, we empower policymakers to craft more inclusive and effective health programs,” Mr. Corrige emphasized during the presentation.
The summit, spearheaded by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region VIII under the leadership of Regional Director Elnora L. Pulma, gathered researchers, scholars, and representatives from academic and government institutions across Eastern Visayas. The forum not only fostered knowledge-sharing but also strengthened collaborations to tackle pressing population and healthcare concerns.
A key feature of the event was the Focus Group Discussion (FGD), where participants translated research findings into actionable policies, identified persistent challenges, and formulated practical strategies to enhance public health outcomes.
The event concluded with the Signing of the Manifesto of Commitment, reaffirming the collective pledge of SSU, CPD Region VIII, and other institutions to drive impactful, research-informed solutions for population and development challenges in the region.