A PROFESSOR  from Ateneo de Manila University presented a research abstract at the MicroCASA International Conference 2026 held on February 3–4 at Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Dr. Dennis Batagan, a public health specialist and research scientist at the Dr. Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences, co-authored the study with researchers from the University of the Philippines Open University.

The study examined how digital microcredentials can strengthen chronic disease prevention and management in low- and middle-income countries while supporting Universal Health Coverage goals.

It highlighted the design and implementation of an online microcredential program aimed at rapidly upskilling health professionals and improving workforce readiness through technology-enabled, integrated care models.

The MicroCASA International Conference 2026 gathered educators, policymakers, quality assurance bodies, and industry leaders from across Southeast Asia to discuss the role of microcredentials in lifelong learning, employability, and sustainable skills development.

Organized under the Erasmus+-funded MicroCASA project of the European Union, the conference emphasized regional cooperation, trust frameworks, and quality assurance systems for microcredential recognition and implementation.