A PROFESSOR from the University of the Philippines-Visayas won first place in the Oral Research Presentation-Professional Category of the 15th Philippine National Health Research System Week.

Dr. Adrienne Marrie Bugayong-Janagap of the College of Arts and Sciences bested five other finalists in the same category to claim the title.

Bugayong-Janagap presented her study titled “Tubby and Hmgb2 interaction and potential role in adipogenesis.”

“Obesity is a global epidemic, and the Philippines has seen an increase in cases. Therefore, it is important to study obesity-associated genes, like tubby, which may give us a broader perspective on the mechanisms underlying the disease, and provides insight on potential therapeutic strategies and public health intervention,” she said.

She was chosen as the Region 6 representative by the Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium.

Meanwhile, BS Public Health student Lyelle Rowie Galupar qualified for the national poster competition after winning at the regional level.

Galupar is among the eight finalists in his category.

The Western Visayas delegation was headed by CAS Dean Dr. Alice Joan Ferrer, who is also the Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium director.

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development holds the annual PNHRS Week Celebration to promote health research among Filipinos.