Three DMMMSU faculty members have been selected to participate in the international training program titled “Clinical and Laboratory Diagnosis of Emerging Fungal Infections,” hosted by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization – Tropical Medicine and Public Health Network (SEAMEO TROPMED Network) at the Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from December 1 to 7, 2024.
The participants, Dr. Gregory B. Viste and Dr. Elizabeth L. Tangangco from the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), and Dr. Chester S. Libong from the College of Agriculture (CA), underwent intensive training designed to enhance their expertise in clinical and laboratory techniques for diagnosing and managing emerging fungal infections. This initiative, fully funded under the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Higher Education Upskilling and Study for Advancement of Staff and Faculty (HUSAY) Program, covers all expenses, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and program fees.
The training, which focused on addressing the growing public health challenges posed by fungal infections, also aimed to foster collaboration among higher education institutions in Southeast Asia.
Dr. Tangangco emphasized the significance of the program, stating, “This training will enhance our expertise in mycology and enable us to contribute to strengthening clinical diagnostics and research capabilities at DMMMSU.” Similarly, Dr. Viste highlighted the value of international exposure, sharing that the program provided opportunities to engage with experts from various institutions, which will be critical in developing innovative solutions for emerging fungal diseases.
This CHED-sponsored program reflects the agency’s commitment to advancing faculty development and international collaboration, ensuring educators and researchers are equipped to tackle global public health issues.
DMMMSU President Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr. expressed his full support for the scholars, stating that this initiative aligns with the university’s goal of strengthening its academic and research capacity on a global scale. (By Jesus Rafael B. Jarata)
