In collaboration with the Health Research and Development Consortium (HRDC) XII, Mindanao’s academic community received a boost in health research access as the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), conducted HERDIN Research Camps at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), followed by Notre Dame University (NDU) on 13-14 November 2025.

USM has been connected to HERDIN since signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in January 2025, while NDU formalized its partnership in April of the same year. The engagement of both universities reflects steady participation in promoting access to health research information in Mindanao.

Together with Engr. Normina A. Pahm, Assistant Regional Director of DOST XII, the HERDIN team capacitated the two universities, enabling them to upload their research outputs. The HERDIN team also toured the libraries of both universities, providing promotional materials and guidance to help faculty, students, and other stakeholders  share information about HERDIN and TKDL

Dr. Debie Marie Versoza, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension of USM, emphasized, “In our university, we always try to have our research not just on shelves but for our research to reach communities, and this workshop is geared towards that. This is an opportunity for USM to be able to share our research to a larger audience.” She noted that the session encouraged faculty and students to take a more active role in organizing and sharing their research outputs through HERDIN.

The research camps at both universities reinforce the Council’s ongoing support for institutions seeking to expand health research access. Through continued guidance and activities, the HERDIN team encourages active learning and steady growth in research accessibility across Mindanao.

For more information about HERDIN and its services, please visit http://herdin.ph.