Catbalogan City, Samar – As the DOST-funded research project, "Factors Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Deliveries in Healthcare Facilities in the Province of Samar, Philippines," approaches its conclusion, a “Result Validation and Dissemination Forum” was held on February 27, 2025, at the Samar State University Convention Center. The event aimed to present and validate key findings with relevant stakeholders, ensuring that the study’s outcomes align with real-world healthcare experiences and contribute to evidence-based policies and interventions for improving maternal and child health in Samar.
Samar State University (SSU) President, Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, opened the forum with a message reaffirming the university’s dedication to research that addresses pressing public health challenges. Representing DOST-EVHRDC Regional Director Dr. Lucia P. Dauz, Mr. Jeremy Jusay of the DOST-EVHRDC Secretariat delivered an inspirational message, emphasizing the crucial role of scientific research in shaping health programs and policies.
The Project Team, led by Dr. Sherrie Ann C. Labid, with project members Dr. Sheriah Laine de Paz-Silava from UP-Manila and Dr. Leodoro Labrague from the University of Washington, spearheaded the discussion of research findings. Their presentation highlighted various factors influencing adverse pregnancy outcomes in Samar, providing a comprehensive analysis of healthcare facility data. Stakeholders played an essential role in validating the findings, ensuring they accurately reflect maternal healthcare realities in the province.
The forum brought together representatives from key organizations, including DOST-EVHRDC, the Provincial Health Office headed by OIC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Madeleine H. Ampatin, the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO) led by Ms. Ysabel Aquino, SIRAK Kabataan, the Dean of the Samar Island Institute of Medicine (SIIM), Dr. Noel L. Espallardo, the Director of SSU’s Advocacy on Gender and Women Advancement for National Development (SAGWAN), Dir. Charmaine R. Quina, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Samar representative, Ms. Airene Nina Nacionales, Samar Provincial Hospital representatives led Dr. Rose Ann Daganzo , and the Calbayog City Health Office representatives led by Mr. Romeo Ortiz. Their active engagement underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in tackling maternal and child health challenges.
Providing expert insights on the study’s implications, Dr. Fidelita D. Dico, Project Consultant and Medical Officer at the Department of Health Regional Office VIII, emphasized the necessity of strengthening healthcare services and implementing policy-driven solutions to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.
In his closing message, the Vice President for Research and Extension Services of SSU, Engr. Mirador G. Labrador, underscored the significance of leveraging the study’s findings for evidence-based policymaking, ensuring that research translates into impactful interventions for maternal and child health improvement in Samar.
This forum was a crucial step in transforming research into actionable strategies for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations. As the project nears completion, the insights gathered will inform concrete recommendations, ensuring that research findings contribute to tangible improvements in maternal and child health services across Samar.
