17/02/2026
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐢𝐧: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝟎𝟐, 𝐂𝐕𝐇𝐑𝐃𝐂 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐛 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐮 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫
The Department of Science and Technology Region 02, through the Cagayan Valley Health Research and Development Consortium (CVHRDC), successfully conducted the webinar titled “From Bench to Bin: Basic Principles of Laboratory Safety and Waste Management” on February 16, 2026 via online platform.
The activity gathered a total of 1,207 participants via Zoom and Facebook Live, composed of medical students, faculty members, laboratory personnel, researchers, and individuals enrolled in related courses across academic and research institutions in the country.
In his Welcome Remarks, Dr. Julius T. Capili, Executive Director of CVHRDC, emphasized that strong laboratory safety practices are foundational to credible and ethical health research. He underscored that research excellence begins with safe laboratory environments that protect researchers, safeguard data integrity, and uphold scientific standards.
Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, Regional Director of DOST Region II and Chairperson of CVHRDC, highlighted the importance of cultivating a culture of safety and responsibility in laboratories. She stressed that proper handling of biological samples, chemicals, and laboratory waste is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for protecting public health and the environment.
The webinar featured two comprehensive sessions delivered by experts from Cagayan State University. Roxanne Sabrina Ramirez, Instructor, discussed the Basic Principles of Laboratory Safety, including biological sample handling, chemical safety, and clinical and molecular laboratory safety, which are critical in ensuring reliable and ethically conducted health research. Meanwhile, Yvonne Grace Escobar, Head of the Central Analytical Laboratory, presented the Basic Principles of Laboratory Waste Disposal, covering types of laboratory waste, proper segregation and disposal procedures, and coordination with accredited waste handlers to promote environmentally responsible research practices.
During the Closing Message, Engr. Mark Gil Hizon, CVHRDC Regional Coordinator, reaffirmed the Consortium’s commitment to strengthening regional research capacity and promoting safe and compliant laboratory practices to support sustainable health research in Cagayan Valley. Through this initiative, DOST-02, through CVHRDC, reinforced the direct link between laboratory safety and health research integrity, ensuring that health research in Region II remains innovative, responsible, and community-centered.
