The Philippine Liver Research Network (PLRN) hosted a series of high-level engagements aimed at expanding strategic partnerships for liver research, coinciding with the official visit of Professor Claudio Tiribelli, Scientific Director of the Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF) and consultant to the PLRN, from July 7 to 9, 2025. The visit reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to collaborative, data-driven, and translational liver health research. 

Coordinated by  the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), the meetings fostered cooperation with key government agencies, academic institutions, and international partners to advance the Network’s goals.

Bridging Science and Diplomacy:  Courtesy Visit to the Italian Embassy

To explore opportunities for scientific and cultural exchange between the Philippines and Italy, Prof. Tiribelli paid a courtesy visit to First Secretary Giovanni Porcu of the Italian Embassy in Manila on July 7, 2025. Joining him were PLRN advocates  Dr. Noel Salvoza and Dr. Loraine Kay Cabral, both  graduates of the PhD in Molecular Biomedicine Program– a joint scholarship initiative between the DOST-PCHRD and FIF focused on liver research.

During the meeting, participants explored the importance of integrating cultural immersion into scientific training of Filipino scholars pursuing studies in Italy. They discussed how such experiences enrich academic development and foster deeper cross-cultural understanding. To support this vision, proposed initiatives included forming partnerships with Italian cultural institutions based  in the Philippines and developing interactive platforms where returning scholars could showcase both their scientific work and intercultural insights gained during their time abroad. 

First Secretary Porcu expressed strong support for deepening bilateral academic ties and promoting Italian government scholarships, including those offered by the  Ministero degli Affari Esteri della Cooperazione Internazionale (MAECI).

Academic Partnership and Research Leadership: Visit to UP-NIH

Later that day day, Prof. Tiribelli visited the University of the Philippines Manila – National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) where he was welcomed by leading liver researchers and PLRN academic partners.Incoming UP-NIH Executive Director Dr. Marissa Alejandria pledged  continued support for PLRN, building on the legacy of former Executive Director Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-de la Paz, whose leadership helped pioneer liver research initiatives such as the PHIL Liver Program. 

Dr. Janus Ong, Program Leader of the PHIL Liver Program, presented key updates and milestones from several projects funded by DOST. Among these achievements, Prof. Tiribelli commended the establishment of a national registry and biobank, recognized as crucial infrastructure for advancing impactful liver health research. He emphasized the importance of aligning biobanking protocols with international ethical and quality standards to foster meaningful global collaboration.

The visit reaffirmed UP-NIH’s central role in advancing translational research and its strategic position within the PLRN and the ASEAN Liver Research Initiative (ALRI).

Aligning Research with Public Health Priorities: Strategic Engagement with DOH

On July 8, 2025, Prof. Tiribelli joined representatives from PLRN and DOST-PCHRD in a strategic dialogue with key units of the Department of Health (DOH), including the Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau (HPDPB),  Bureau of International Health Cooperation (BIHC), and the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB). Building upon previous discussions held in March, the meeting focused on aligning the liver research agenda with national public health priorities.

Broad areas of mutual interest emerged during the discussions, including the formulation of  long-term research strategies, the improvement of  data and laboratory systems, and expansion of  research activities in regional health facilities.  Strengthening programs to build the capacity of the health research workforce was also emphasized. The dialogue underscored the vital role of connecting scientific evidence with policymaking and laid a strong foundation for deeper collaboration between the health and research sectors. Further engagements are expected to identify specific areas for joint initiatives.

Expanding Liver Research with RITM

On July 9, 2025, Prof. Tiribelli concluded his official engagements with a visit to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), where potential partnerships in liver disease diagnostics and infectious disease research were explored.

Discussions revolved around collaborative research on liver disease diagnostics, particularly in the context of infectious disease surveillance such as schistosomiasis. Participants also tackled ways to integrate infectious disease surveillance into broader liver health initiatives and considered establishing joint training and laboratory exchange programs among RITM, PLRN, and FIF.

The discussions highlighted RITM’s expertise in diagnostics and public health surveillance and its potential to play a vital role in strengthening the country’s capacity to address liver-related co-infections.

Moving forward, the PLRN will continue to focus on widening its network of partners  and exploring areas for collaboration in advancing liver research across the country.