Hosted by the Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development (BCHRD), the 18th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week celebration called for “One Health for All,” urging the advancement of transdisciplinary solutions to address public health threats.
Joined by more than 500 participants from all over the country, the event was held on August 13-15, 2025, at the Marison Hotel in Legazpi City, Albay. The celebration was attended by academics, researchers, health advocates, stakeholders from both government and private institutions, and policymakers.
In line with the theme, “One Health for All: Igniting Transdisciplinary Solutions for a Healthier Philippines,” leaders of the PNHRS implementing agencies called for continued collaboration and steadfast commitment to advancing One Health.
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa highlighted the importance of the One Health approach, stating that the true meaning of health extends beyond the mere absence of diseases. “Health is the presence of well-being, resilience, and dignity. Achieving this kind of health requires that we protect not only our people, but also the animals we depend on, and the environment in which we live,” he said.
To support the approach, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Dr. Shirley Agrupis underscored the relevance of adopting inclusive and transdisciplinary measures that will bring together various stakeholders. She discussed how higher education institutions are in a unique position to lead this shift, as “they are not just hubs for learning, but also centers for innovation, research and policy analysis, and public engagement.”
In parallel, University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee also provided an overview of the role of the academe in advancing the approach. “Through the One Health University Network’s threefold mandate of education, research, and extension service, we in the academe are uniquely positioned to turn One Health into practical tools,” he said.
Urging for continued action, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized how the One Health approach is not just a strategy, but also a promise. “This is what the concept of One Health looks like in action. It means seeing the links between climate and disease, between ethics and access, between policy and lived experience, and it also means holding ourselves accountable not only for what we discover but for how our research and development initiatives serve the people, especially the marginalized and most vulnerable,” he said. “To everyone present here, we need your continued courage, even when it is not easy. Because the journey towards the Bagong Pilipinas is not something we inherit, it is something we build,” he added.
The three-day event featured a series of competitions, fora, meetings, and exhibits. A replay of the event may be accessed through the DOST-PCHRD’s official Facebook page.