BukSU earns major awards and accreditation at 9th Regional Health Summit

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) clinched top honors in three competition categories at the 9th Regional Health Research Conference held on October 6–7, 2026, in Iligan City.

Dr. Lesley C. Lubos, Botanical Garden and Herbarium Director, won Second Place and received the People’s Choice Award in the Visual Abstract Poster Contest (Professional Category) for “PROJECT BRYOMED: Bryophytes Medicinal Potential and Development.” The study explores bryophytes’ therapeutic potential and commercial development prospects.

In the 3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers Competition, Dr. Xyle Fe A. Verbal, BukSU Center for Advocacy, Resilience and Well-Being Services (CARES) Director, earned Third Place for her study on personnel mental health and workplace well-being at Bukidnon State University, urging local leaders to institute comprehensive university wellness programs.

BukSU Nursing students Richelle John M. Balista, Kristina Cassandra Evalle, and Ann Francis B. Waban also placed fourth in the Infomercial Contest.

Alongside its awards, Bukidnon State University officially attained Level 2 Accreditation from the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB), which is a major institutional accreditation.

The 9th Regional Health Research Conference gathered Researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, academe, students, and other stakeholders from across Northern Mindanao to discuss regional health challenges and develop solutions grounded in local realities. (Jessabell Q. Cabada/ Head, RDU Management Staff)