Two student-led studies on coastal water quality and occupational health were recognized at three conferences, bringing international attention to locally grounded public health research from Iloilo. Fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Public Health students of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) received four awards for two research projects presented at three conferences in 2026. The recognitions highlight the students’ research and the faculty mentorship supporting public health work at UPV’s Division of Biological Sciences.
The study “Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Farm-Level Exposure Conditions Relevant to Potential Zoonotic Intestinal Parasite Exposure among Piggery Workers in a Selected Piggery Farm in Iloilo” earned two awards. At the 5th Health Promotion International Conference 2026 in Surabaya, Indonesia, it placed second in the Best Poster Youth Project Presentation category, selected from 46 studies. It later received first runner-up for Best Presentation at the 9th International Conference on One Health in Malang, East Java, on October 28.
BS Public Health students Althea Rose Daling and Michaizel Joy Cartagena presented the study in Surabaya. Their research examined piggery workers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding zoonotic intestinal parasites, their work practices, and farm conditions that may contribute to exposure. The project was advised by Mr. John Earl Cabana and Mr. Jonathan Magan Jr. The student research team also included Karoll Faye Agon, Rhea Venice Alcosaba, Kenneth Mark Balinas, Celine Colada, Gabrielle Leigh Driz, Paolo Angelo Garganera, Frestine Mae Mianagua, and Patrick Dominick Palmes.
A second study, “Spatial Distribution of Potential Pollution Sources and Fecal Indicator Bacteria in Selected Coastal Waters of the First District of Iloilo, Philippines,” also received recognition at two conferences. It placed third in the Best Oral Youth Project Presentation category at the Surabaya conference, competing with 52 studies. The study was presented by Frestine Mae Mianagua and Kenneth Mark Balinas. At the International Conference for Interdisciplinary Approaches to Health (ICIAH) 2026, held on September 8 and 9, it received the Health Research Award for Most Outstanding Paper Presentation, with Joseph Angelo Mangalus as the presenter.
The coastal study maps potential pollution sources and fecal indicator bacteria in selected waters of Iloilo’s First District. Its findings contribute local evidence that can inform environmental monitoring and public health planning. The student team included Justine Colilihan, JC Neuol Sologastua, Irlan Manuel Trestiza, Frestine Mae Mianagua, Recsan Triumfante, Kenneth Mark Balinas, Julienne Marie Barcelona, Charlotte Gayle Caldeo, Neca Earl Cariño, Michaizel Joy Cartagena, Althea Rose Daling, Paolo Angelo Garganera, Ansley Joyce Sendico, Kirsten Marithe Tolentino, Rhea Venice Alcosaba, Althea Mae Apaitan, and Queenie Anne Alcantara. The study was advised by Dr. Adrienne Marrie S. Bugayong-Janagap and Chloe Naty Marie Eugenie A. Siojo.
Both projects use a One Health perspective, connecting environmental and animal-related conditions with potential risks to human health. Together, they address issues relevant to workers, coastal communities, and local public health practice in Iloilo.
The 5th Health Promotion International Conference, held at Universitas Airlangga from October 14 to 16, was part of SDGs Connect: AUN-HPN, 11th International Advisory Committee Meeting and 5th Health Promotion International Conference 2026. It was organized by the ASEAN University Network–Health Promotion Network, the International Union for Health Promotion and Education–South-West Pacific Region, and the Airlangga Health Promotion Center.
The recognition also reflects the purpose behind establishing the BS Public Health program at UP Visayas: to prepare graduates to address health concerns affecting local communities, including those in coastal areas. By investigating fecal contamination in coastal waters and potential zoonotic exposure among piggery workers, the student teams have applied their training to locally relevant challenges at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. Their work contributes evidence that can support efforts to protect community health and strengthen One Health practice in the region. UPV congratulates the student researchers and faculty mentors for representing the University and advancing public health research grounded in the needs and conditions of Iloilo.
Written by Dr. Adrienne Marrie S. Bugayong-Janagap, Division of Biological Sciences
