Bioscience innovations for health and wealth: Luzon Regional Scientific Meeting in Alfonso, Cavite

Alfonso, Cavite, 20–21 May 2025 — Scientists, health experts, and policymakers gathered at the Luzon Regional Scientific Meeting 2025 to explore the transformative potential of bioscience innovations in driving wealth creation and advancing public health in the Philippines.

Themed “Bioscience Innovations: Transforming Enterprise Ecosystems for Wealth Creation”, the two-day event provided a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. It was organized with the support of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Philippines and featured keynote sessions, open forums, and presentations from distinguished thought leaders.

Among the highlights was a presentation by Political Science Faculty, Dr Dennis B Batangan MD MSc (Heid), from the Institute of Philippine Culture, RGL-School of Social Sciences, Ateneo de Manila University, and part of the Ateneo Initiative for Southeast Asian Studies. Dr Batangan’s talk emphasized bridging governance, access, and technology issues in health, particularly in the Philippine context. His insights underscored the importance of translating bioscience breakthroughs into equitable health outcomes for Filipino communities.

The event also featured Dr Julius T Capili, University Dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences at Cagayan State University, and Acd Edward H M Wang, a member of the Health Sciences Division of NAST Philippines, who served as moderator. Adding to the roster of esteemed speakers was Dr. Ronnie E. Baticulon, 2022 Outstanding Young Scientist awardee and Professor 2 at the University of the Philippines Manila, who served as rapporteur for the event.
 

The meeting underscored the crucial role of bioscience innovations in transforming enterprise ecosystems while addressing persistent gaps in governance and health technology access.

Image Credits: National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Facebook Page