ASMPH projects honored at the 2025 ASLC and ASCEND Awards

The Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) proudly received top recognition at the 2025 Ateneo Service-Learning Conference (ASLC) and the Ateneo Socio-Civic Engagement for National Development (ASCEND) Awards held on 13 June 2025, at Escaler Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.

Themed “Beyond the Common Good, Striving for the Greater Good,” the event celebrates innovative student-led service-learning projects that embody academic rigor, community engagement, and sustainable development. ASMPH’s entries stood out among the finalists, receiving two Excellence Awards and multiple finalist citations across the Project and Research categories under Postgraduate Coursework.

Excellence Award: Kwentong Kalusugan: Pag-unawa sa Karaniwang Karamdaman sa Komunidad

Students: Jericho Dugenia, Alexandra Marcelo, Alyssa San Felipe, Martin Tan, Sophia Vivar (YL8)
Faculty Adviser: Dr Ingrid M Paneda
Partner Community: Barangays West Crame and Corazon de Jesus, through RightStart Foundation 

The project integrated storytelling, illustrated books, and community workshops to address common ailments such as colds, coughs, hypertension, and diabetes. By blending child-friendly materials with vital signs monitoring and interactive health talks, the initiative empowered families with knowledge and tools for early symptom recognition and preventive care. Its sustainability model includes replication-ready guides for local volunteers.

Excellence Award: Understanding the Patterns of Primary Health Care Practices of the Indigenous Ayta Tribe in Pampanga 

Students: Angelica Mae Agatep, Paul Daenniell Cuanang, Immanuel Zach Pacis, Erika Allanis Rafael, Jyllian Roi Yap (YL7)
Faculty Advisers: Dr Aileen B Pascual and Dr Ma Rosario Bernardo-Lazaro
Partner Community: Ayta tribe in Barangay Inararo, Porac, Pampanga 

Their qualitative research explored how cultural beliefs, agriculture, and traditional medicine intersect with modern healthcare among the Ayta of Porac, Pampanga. Through respectful immersion and participatory methods, the study yielded culturally grounded insights and recommendations for inclusive health education and community planning, exemplifying ethical and collaborative public health research.

Finalist: Las Piñas PWD Developmental Milestones Awareness Project 

Students: Justine Rei R Ahalajal, Anna Patricia D Binobo, Juancho Franco G Colasito, Jancee Nichole E Domalanta, Stephanie Mae C Obias, Miguel Eriberto Romano M Rosario (YL7)
Faculty Adviser: Dr Lourdes Bernadette S Tanchanco
Partner Community: Las Piñas Persons with Disability Federation, Inc.

The initiative included the co-creation of a developmental milestones booklet and tutorial videos, community workshops for parents and health workers, and open forums to dispel misconceptions. A 40% increase in early referrals following the intervention highlighted the project's impact on inclusive child development and caregiver empowerment.

Finalist: Occupational Health and Safety Risks of Construction Workers in Metro Manila

Students: Justene Robin Andrieux, Miguel Luis Austria, Shenyn Nicole Cheng, Yasmeen Julia King, Rico Rafael Sacro, Abigail Ann Te (YL7)
Faculty Adviser: Ms Arianna M Amit, MPH
Partner Community: A workforce of thirty-nine construction workers at a large-scale construction site in Pasig City

This research conducted a mixed-methods study on musculoskeletal health risks among 39 construction workers in Pasig. Using the Modified Nordic Questionnaire and focus group discussions, the research identified key risk factors such as manual lifting, long hours, and inconsistent safety practices. By involving workers as co-researchers, the team developed grounded recommendations for safer workplaces, contributing valuable evidence for occupational health policy.

The awards were conferred by Ateneo de Manila University President Fr Roberto C Yap SJ; along with Dr Maria Luz C Vilches, Vice President for Higher Education; Dr Benjamin Gerardo T Tolosa Jr, Vice President for Mission Integration; and Dr Cenon R Alfonso, Dean of ASMPH. The conference was convened by Dr Mark Anthony D Abenir, Service-Learning Program Manager, who also represented ASMPH as a project presenter.

These recognitions highlight ASMPH’s continued commitment to health equity, community partnership, and excellence in service-learning and research — preparing physician-leaders who go beyond the clinic to build healthier, more inclusive societies.

Congratulations to the ASMPH community!