NDMU researchers defend DOST-funded study, disseminate results to South Cotabato Health Stakeholders

CITY OF KORONADAL — Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), a Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) research team has successfully presented crucial findings on the drivers of childhood vaccination to regional and provincial health stakeholders, aiming to bridge critical immunization gaps in South Cotabato.

Led by Assistant Professor Efren II C. Deocades, RMT, MSMT of the NDMU Department of Medical Technology, the team recently concluded a series of technical and dissemination meetings with the DOST-Health Research and Development Consortium XII and provincial health officers. The meetings centered on the final phase of their study, titled "Behavioral and Social Drivers of Childhood Vaccination Among Parents/Caregivers in Selected Low Vaccination Coverage Areas in South Cotabato."

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During an initial technical review on May 7, 2026, at the Dreamweavers Hotel in the City of Koronadal, the NDMU team defended their findings before the DOST-XII technical working group. The panel recommended verifying the study's data through direct discussions with stakeholders and a comprehensive review of standard vaccination records.

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Following the recommendations, the researchers hosted a consultative meeting on May 28 at the NDMU President’s Board Room. Asst. Prof. Deocades and co-author Maverick V. Sustiguer, RMT, MSMT, detailed the study's results to municipal immunization staff and South Cotabato Provincial Health Officer Dr. Conrado M. Braña, Jr., MHA, FPCHA, CEO VI. A major focus of the presentation was the study's revelation of the practical, day-to-day hurdles parents and caregivers face when trying to access vaccination services at rural health units.

Dr. Braña praised the NDMU team's dedication to developing highly practical, localized recommendations for the province’s vaccination strategies. He pledged his full support for the team's ongoing dissemination initiatives and formally committed to addressing the healthcare delivery gaps highlighted by the research.

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Field supervisor Kristine Alorro and enumerator Jaynepher Cangas also joined the sessions, providing valuable on-the-ground context from their data-collection experiences.

As the project nears completion, the NDMU team plans to share their findings at upcoming scientific conferences and publish the paper in a peer-reviewed journal—further solidifying the university’s commitment to academic excellence and community-driven public health solutions.