Research

As the national university, we champion and support innovative research that addresses the country’s most pressing challenges.

27 Mar 2026

The inclusion of bignay pomace reduces the estimated glycemic index of common local grains during digestion

Bignay [Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng] is a fruit widespread in the Philippines. It is usually consumed in processed form as...

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26 Mar 2026

Researchers achieve an 86% response accuracy rate for a hand orthosis for stroke rehabilitation, using surface electromyography signals

Loss of control in gripping with the hand is a possible long-term effect of stroke. Recovery from this is possible...

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25 Mar 2026

Philippine island communities face unique healthcare challenges shaped by geographical isolation and disparities in technological access and literacy

In regions separated by water and challenging terrain, the healthcare journey involves not only crossing physical distances but also navigating...

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24 Mar 2026

The Spanish and Tausug versions of the landmark Sulu–Spanish Treaty of 1836 reflect different intentions

In the second half of the 1830s, several indigenous overlords in the Sulu–Mindanao–Borneo region began signing treaties, marking a new...

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20 Mar 2026

Scientists create the first draft genome of the endangered Visayan spotted deer, a species found only in the Philippines

The genus Rusa, native to South and Southeast Asia, lives in diverse habitats ranging from dense forests to grasslands. Among its...

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19 Mar 2026

A comprehensive study on the health and nutrition of older Filipino adults highlights the need for tailored interventions

Several local studies have been conducted among community-dwelling older Filipinos; however, data gaps in nutrition research exist. In particular, there...

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18 Mar 2026

Libraries not only promote discourse but are also subjects of discourse themselves

In the past, libraries primarily served as channels for disseminating discourse through books, magazines, newspapers, and other important documents. Today,...

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17 Mar 2026

A two-stage symptom detection model was developed to more accurately identify depression signs in social media posts

Depression is a health condition characterized by changes in mood, cognition, and behavior. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),...

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16 Mar 2026

E-cigarettes may have less impact on the development of tooth decay and periodontal disease than traditional cigarettes

Cigarette smoking is a known risk factor for numerous health problems, including respiratory infections and cancers. It is also associated...

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13 Mar 2026

“Halata” can now be used to refer to gay men who act straight, showing how the definition of kabaklaan in the Philippines is ever-changing

In the Philippines, representation of gays has long been dichotomous. There is the bakla, depicted as flamboyant, effeminate and low...

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10 Mar 2026

Study develops a baseline econometric model to estimate potential hydrogen demand in Tarlac and explore hydrogen as an alternative energy source

This study aims to establish a baseline econometric model to inform the possible development of green hydrogen production in Tarlac....

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09 Mar 2026

There is significant spatial clustering of traffic accident locations in Quezon City

The surge in urban vehicular traffic volume over the past decade has resulted in a rise in the occurrence of...

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Research

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadliest malignancies in the Philippines. However, it can be prevented or treated effectively when detected early through screening. This research examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Filipinos regarding CRC screening to understand why participation rates are low and how to improve them. It is the first study in the Philippines to describe the knowledge of Filipinos on the prognosis of CRC and the utility of its screening.

The study found that many people in the community are not fully aware of CRC and its risk factors. For example, many did not know that screening tests like fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and colonoscopies are available and can detect CRC before symptoms appear. Despite this, participants generally had a positive attitude toward the benefits of screening. Most were willing to participate in government-led screening programs but barriers such as cost, lack of awareness, and fear of the procedure discouraged many from following through.

This research underscores the urgent need to strengthen CRC screening in the Philippines, where participation rates remain low despite the proven effectiveness of tests such as FOBT and colonoscopy in detecting precancerous conditions and early-stage disease, thereby improving survival outcomes.

It further highlights the importance of sustained educational campaigns and stronger government support to address identified barriers. The findings offer valuable guidance for community organizers and government agencies, both national and local, in designing targeted educational campaigns and support programs to promote CRC screening at the grassroots level.

By increasing awareness, correcting misconceptions, and improving the accessibility and affordability of screening services, more Filipinos may be encouraged to undergo timely screening. In turn, this can lead to earlier detection or prevention of CRC, ultimately reducing its burden and improving population health outcomes nationwide.

Authors: Joseff Karl U. Fernandez (Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila), Martin Augustine B. Borlongan (School of Statistics, University of the Philippines Diliman), Michael Anthony A. Baliton (University of Colorado School of Medicine), Dennis L. Sacdalan (Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila), Florge Francis A. Sy (Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila), Analigaya R. Agoncillo (Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila), Carl Lawrence C. Arenos (Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila), Vincent F. Tatoy (Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila), Timothy Joseph S. Uy (Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila), Isabela Andrea L. Reveldez (University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital) and Steven Johnson L. Lim (Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila)

Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.8608