The study examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with healthcare, offering a unique perspective rooted in Catholic ethical principles, underscoring the need for AI to improve healthcare outcomes while safeguarding human dignity as well as the integrity and autonomy of medical practice.

In exploring how AI technologies such as machine learning and natural language processing are reshaping healthcare, the article tackles critical concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic biases, transparency, and the moral responsibilities of AI developers and healthcare practitioners. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving patient autonomy and informed consent. Drawing inspiration from Catholic teachings, the authors advocate for a patient-centered vision of care which can be applied in various areas of healthcare practice such as disease diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, robotic-assisted surgeries, and sophisticated health data management.

The article invites healthcare professionals, AI developers, and policymakers to collaborate on creating inclusive, equitable AI healthcare systems that respect the irreplaceable value of every individual person. The authors assert “The Catholic Church鈥檚 core tenet is that all people are endowed with intrinsic dignity by being born in God鈥檚 image and likeness. Therefore, healthcare AI should be developed and implemented in light of this notion. AI systems created with human dignity in mind would meet the demands placed by patients without treating them as less than data points or algorithms.”

The full article is available online in Journal of Religion & Health. To learn more, visit

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The discussion, moderated by Professor Linfa Wang of Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School and Dr. Lee Fok Kay of Temasek Foundation, Singapore, delved into what it takes to be ready for the next pandemic. Bergantin and her co-panelists stressed the importance of convincing governments and leaders of the ASEAN groups that the knowledge base gained during the COVID-19 pandemic is a vital resource worth sharing to the general public. Bergantin recalled the collaboration between the government and professional associations during the pandemic. A case in point was the preparation of COVID-19 guidelines prepared by the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, whose inputs helped craft policies during the onslaught of the dreaded virus.

The panel included Indonesia鈥檚 Dr. Darmawali Handoko, Medical Services Deputy Director Prof. Derrick Heng, Thailand鈥檚 Mahidol University Prof. Prassert Auewarakul, and Malaysia鈥檚 Tropical Diseases Research and Education Center Executive Director Prof. Dr. Sazaly bin Abu Bakar.

Bergantin also added that a sound pandemic preparedness policy requires the participation of not just scientists and government leaders, but also economists, vulnerable groups, and community members. In an interview with the Communications Bureau, Bergantin said that: 鈥淚 am just thankful that aside from teaching, I have been included in various clinical practice guideline creation and health technology assessment thus I have first hand experience in policy-making (recommendation), which I have just realized when I was asked to join the panel. I may not hold a degree in public health but working for the Filipinos in my capacity from the academe, together with other specialists from UST who are regularly consulted by the government based on their expertise, the Thomasian spirit of competence, compassion and commitment truly burns bright.鈥�

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bergantin joined fellow doctors and healthcare professionals in the UST Hospital to save lives amidst the strictest of mobility restrictions. Look at her COVID-19-focused interview with the Communications Bureau here: 

The congress drew over 300 onsite participants and was supported by Temasek Foundation, Singapore.

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The paper focuses on AI鈥檚 potential to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency but emphasizes the challenges related to disparities in AI healthcare access. The authors propose that AI-driven healthcare solutions risk exacerbating existing inequalities, benefiting primarily those in urban and high-income areas while leaving marginalized communities behind. Their research suggests an equitable AI implementation framework, drawing from key principles of CST such as human dignity, the common good, and preferential options for the poor. These teachings, rooted in justice, align closely with the ethical concerns surrounding AI and healthcare.

Using the Church鈥檚 commitment to social justice as a guide, Gozum and Flake argue for systemic changes to ensure that AI healthcare technology benefits all communities, particularly the underserved. Their proposal is timely as AI revolutionizes medical fields, from early diagnosis to treatment customization. The authors emphasize that AI must complement healthcare professionals rather than replace them, and call for inclusive healthcare systems that prioritize equitable distribution of AI resources. They also draw attention to the ethical implications of AI algorithm biases, which could disproportionately affect marginalized groups.

This study represents a novel intersection of religion, ethics, and technology, urging both policymakers and healthcare professionals to consider the social impacts of AI and its role in global health equity.

For further details, readers can access the full paper via this link:

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Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof. Aleth Therese L.聽Dacanay, PhD reminded the Thomasian pharmacists of their vital role to play in this campaign as they promote vigilance and disseminate proper information to the public regarding the harmful effects of counterfeit medicines. “With the many counterfeit medicines that disguise themselves as the real thing, packaged beautifully and sold in stores [鈥 we have a great responsibility to make the public more aware of the proliferation of the counterfeit medicines due to the health risks that accompany them,” Dean Dacanay said in her opening message.

Legal Framework against Counterfeit Drugs

Referring the production of counterfeit drugs as an organized crime that happens worldwide, Atty. Langley P. Gratuito of the Legal Services Support Center of Food and Drug Administration talked about the Republic Act 8203, or the Special Law on counterfeit Drugs, which took effect on October 26, 1996. FDA was the government agency that spearheaded its provisions.

Atty. Gratuito warned the public that counterfeit drugs could be bought in online shopping platforms, noting the gap in the legislation for there has not been any law established yet to combat online transactions.

According to the said law, drugs, on one hand, is defined as any chemical compound or biological substance, other than food, for us in the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of disease in man or animals. On the other hand, counterfeit drugs is defined as medicinal products with the correct ingredients but not in the amounts provided hereunder; contains wrong ingredients; without active ingredients; and insufficient quantity of active ingredient which results in the reduction of the drug’s safety efficacy, quality, strength or purity. It is a drug which is deliberately and fraudulently mislabed with respect to identity and/or source or fake packaging. Moreover, its is also considered counterfeit when the drugs’s labelling and container is without authorization trademarks, tradename or other identification mark or imprint or any likeness owned of registered in the Intellectual Property Office.

Atty. Gratuito likewise laid down the liabilities for violating the said law:

1) Permanent closure of establishment concerned and revocation of its business license;

2) A fine of not less than P100, 000 but not more than P500,000;

3) Upon the order of the Supreme Court, forfeiture, confiscation, and destruction of products found to be counterfeit and the equipment, instruments, and other articles used in violation of this law;

4) Filing of an appropriate proceedings against the registered pharmacist with the Professional Regulations Commission for cancellation of the professional license;

5) Filing of criminal charges against the violators, which can be instituted independently from the administrative case; and

6) Permanent disqualification of the person concerned, whether natural or juridicial, from owning or operating an established engaged in any business activity under the supervision of the Bureau.

In terms of the criminal penalties:

1) Imprisonment of not less than six months and one day but not moe than six years for mere possession of counterfeit drugs;

2) imprisonment of six years and one day but not more than 10 years or a fine not less than P100, 000 but not more than P500, 000 or both such imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court in any other case in the Section 4 of the law;

3) Imprisonment of not less than six months and one day but not more than two years and four months if the counterfeit drug is intended for animals;

4) Imprisonment of not less than six years and one day, but not more than 10 years for any manufacturer, seller or distributor who shall conceal, substitute, dispose or destroy any drug as may have been segregated and sealed by the Bureau, or who shall break, alter or tamper any mark or seal used by the Bureau to identify those segregated drugs as provided for under Section 6 of the law;

5) If, as a result of the use of the drug found to be counterfeit, the illness sought to be cured is aggravated or physical injury or suffering results therefrom, a punishment of imprisonment from 12 years to fifteen years and a fine ranging from P100, 000 to P500, 000 shall be meted out;

6) Should a counterfeit drug be the proximate cause of a death of a victim, who unknowingly purchased and took a counterfeit drug, the penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of P500, 000 to P5 million shall be imposed.

War on counterfeit drugs

Anna Macion-Tecson, Special Investigator of Field Regulatory Enforcement Unit, lectured on the fight against counterfeit medicine. She noted that before they conduct a buy-bust operation, they coordinate first with the law enforcement agencies like Philippine National Police. “This is for the safe and successful implementation of any enforcement activities, so dito rin po namin maa-identify kung ano po yung role ni FDA kung kami po ba ang magiging complainant dito, or seizure officer […] but mostly, PNP is the one who arrests the violator of RA 8203 and FDA is the one that initiates the enforcement activities,” Tecson said.

In her presentation, P25,688,360 worth of counterfeit drugs were seized in 2021 and P21,187,893.25 worth of said illegal items were confiscated during their buy-bust operations in 2022.

Mark Anthony A. Polpol, of NCR – Regional Field Office, lectured on the local situation on counterfeit drugs. For Polpol, FDA sends out advisories on partner groups and Local Government Units to help their relentless campaign on counterfeit drugs. “We inform the public through FDA advisories about unregistered or counterfeit. And also, through these advisories, FDA encourages the LGUs and law enforcement agencies to ensure that these products are not sold or made available in their localities or their area of jurisdiction,” Pulpol said.

Meanwhile, sharing how the public can protect themselves in acquiring the said items, FDA Regulation Officer Sheralyn A. Ope帽a, RPH laid down a few guides in purchasing genuine drug products, namely 1) Visual Inspection, 2) Source, 3) Price, 4) Unexpected side-effects.

She also shared the FDA Verification Portal of to check if the product is registered. “Puwede niyong i-check kung may license to operate yung establishment or registered ang drug product,” Ope帽a said.

The University, being one one with the Food and Drug Administration in this joint advocacy, hosted this event to arm the general public with the right information and professional advices from the experts panel, who belong to the regulating body.

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The research poster entitled 鈥淢onitoring Aminoglycoside Therapy in Neonates: Gaps and Opportunities in a Resource-Limited Setting鈥� used as a backdrop the problem of neonatal infections in low- to middle-income countries like the Philippines as a significant contributor to mortality among newborns. The study focused on the use and monitoring of aminoglycoside among newborns in an urban, public, and resource-limited hospital in Manila and identified gaps in the clinical use of the same. The identified gaps were the bases for identified opportunities for improvement of therapeutic drug monitoring in pediatrics.

The study utilized both a review of records of patients and wards, as well as interviews with practicing pediatricians, which together provided data for the gap analysis. Among the gaps identified are the absence of clinical pharmacists, insufficient diagnostic protocol for sepsis, and the lack of healthcare TDM knowledge and absence of TDM protocols. The authors provided recommendations to address these gaps and ensure better healthcare. 鈥淭hese findings could serve as the bases in formulating strategic directions to improve the practices of aminoglycoside use and monitoring to ensure patient safety and quality of care.鈥�

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The COIL on Health Innovation aims to promote, integrate, and enhance the international education experiences of students and faculty through interdisciplinary collaborative online learning activities. Students and faculty participated in asynchronous and synchronous sessions on Design Thinking to identify health problems affecting all countries and generate solutions by creating a health innovation project. The health innovation prototype created by the students with the faculty was presented in the final pitch competition.

Asst. Prof. Ritzmond F. Loa, PhD, RN, International Relations Coordinator of the College of Nursing, initiated the COIL on Health Innovation in collaboration with international partner institutions as part of the “internationalization at home” programs utilizing Enriched Virtual Mode of instruction at the College of Nursing.

Dean Rowena L. Escolar Chua, PhD, RN stated that innovation is crucial in the health sector to advance nursing practice, education, and research. Moreover, she added that the COIL course can enhance the collaborative and communication skills of students needed in the 21st century.

Reflecting on the course, Renne Kristine Banzon, a BS Nursing student, stated that “My experience with COIL has pushed me to be more confident in my communication skills. It has opened my eyes to other cultures unique to mine, and taught me to be a global citizen of peace and change.” 聽

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The Tiger Sports Freehub provides 鈥渇ree rehabilitation and strength and conditioning services to all enrolled Thomasian student athletes. The exercise programs are strengthened through interprofessional collaboration among PT, SPS, coaches, and medical doctors. The platforms used are Facebook Page, Facebook Group, and Zoom,鈥� according to Chief Physical Therapist Ken Erbvin R. Sosa, MOH, PTRP, PT. The virtual clinic is also run by Sports Science department supervisors, namely, Gino V. Zapanta, XPS and Kris Anthony T. Agarao, MSHMS.

Thomasian athletes who want to avail of the services may do so by liking the Facebook page of the clinic and joining the Zoom meeting for initial screening. Student interns, under the guidance of their mentors from CRS, will handle the athletes and provide the necessary healthcare services.

In attendance during the virtual launch were University officials, led by Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH, College of Rehabilitation Sciences officials led by Dean Anne Marie C. Aseron, MSPT, Physical Therapy and Sports Science Department Chairs Donald G. Manlapaz, PhD and Reil Vinard S. Espino, as well as Health Service Director Sheryl M. Dionisio, MD and Athletics Moderator Rodrigo A. Sambuang, Jr. of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics.

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Accenture鈥檚 Innovation Head Arvin Yason said that for UST, the grant will focus on 5G and Industry Innovation initiatives. The company is also partnering with UST to fund startups related to healthcare. These initiatives are part of the three-pronged aim of Accenture: scaling adoption of new technologies critical for innovation, expanding the academe/incubator network, and amplifying innovation through greater inclusion and diversity.

The Industry Innovation Collaboration Space initiative aims to 鈥渟etup鈥 learning facility in the UST Espa帽a campus that will promote the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and Extended Reality capabilities that will be used in the facilitation of teaching courses that are part of the academic curriculum but could also be used in collaborating on cross-disciplinary activities鈥hat will foster innovation and exploration of these new technologies.鈥� The newly minted College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS) will be in-charge of this.

According to CICS Dean Jerralyn T. Padua, the laboratory will support the further integration on ubiquitous computing in the CICS curricula, specifically for Information Technology鈥檚 IT Automation courses and Computer Science鈥檚 Artificial Intelligence courses, as this is expected to provide a test bed where all theories and concepts can be realized into practical applications. Going beyond CICS, the IoT lab will also be helpful for various disciplines, such as robotics, agriculture, health, and medicine, which makes it a hub for inter- and multidisciplinary collaborations among the disciplines in UST.

The grant also aims to help the country鈥檚 efforts toward technology innovation, as half of the grant will be used to support technology start-ups of the DOST-TOMASINNO Center. Specifically, the grant, according to DOST-TOMASINNO Center Manager Raymond Marquez, will help the projects of at least four incubatees whose innovations are geared toward healthcare.

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In her keynote speech entitled 鈥淢oral distress in nursing education: How should educators respond?鈥�, Dean Escolar Chua acknowledged how the pandemic and its consequent restrictions on mobility have forced 鈥渘ursing educators鈥o rapidly change their way of working to manage remote teaching and learning, often with little lead-time. While some educators have been positive, responsive, and solution-focused, for many this transition has not been easy, particularly in areas where there is limited connectivity.鈥�

Dean Escolar Chua reiterated the 鈥渃ommon belief among nurse educators is that if skills are not practiced onsite, then it is not effective teaching nor learning.鈥� This belief has caused many to 鈥渇eel worried about their students not being on track with their learning and that they won鈥檛 have the right skills and knowledge to manage to learn remotely. Moreover, balancing work and personal demands is challenging. Some teachers lose their confidence and feel frustrated and isolated causing them to experience moral distress.鈥�

Despite these grim realities, Dean Escolar Chua said that 鈥渢his pandemic brings a vast array of opportunities on how to foster nursing educators鈥� wellbeing that encourages building and strengthening caring relationships with one another and with their students and prioritize designing and sustaining classrooms where everyone feels emotionally and physically safe and supported.鈥�

A Full Professor of the University, Dean Escolar Chua holds a doctorate in development studies and has recently been studying experiences of moral distress, moral sensitivity, and moral courage among Philippine nursing students especially during the time of the pandemic.

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The study recruited forty male recreational basketball players with (+) tight hamstrings and separated them into control and experimental groups. The study found that the M2T blade was 鈥渁 useful adjunct in physical therapy intervention in providing short-term improvement in hamstring flexibility鈥� and recommended further studies to establish the long-term effects of the blade.

Rimando is a faculty member of the Department of Physical Therapy of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, while Hernandez pursued a Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree from the Graduate School.

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