Ms. Janele Belegal, a student from the Diploma in International Health (DIH) program at the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), was among the 24 participants selected from over 300 applicants to attend the 2025 Precision Public Health Summer School hosted by the College of Public Health (COPH) of Taipei Medical University (TMU) from June 10 to 21, 2025.

The program brought together emerging public health professionals from institutions in the Philippines and Thailand for an intensive academic and practical training experience. Featuring a series of lectures and institutional visits, the summer school covered diverse topics such as Taiwan’s national health insurance system, clinical trials, epidemiology, long-term care, and environmental health, among others. Sessions also explored emerging areas, including big data, AI in health, and philanthrocapitalism. Participants also joined the International Public Health Summit organized by TMU-COPH.

As a culmination of the summer school, participants delivered final presentations reflecting on key public health themes: global health, healthcare systems, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, traffic and injuries, and long-term care. The AI and big data group, comprised of Ms. Janele Belegal, and UP Manila students Ms. Rheanel Gwen Buduan, Ms. Nicole Clarisse Goce, Mr. Mar Alvin Rilles, and Ms. Dawn Aleli Tuliao, was recognized as the best presenting group.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Belegal noted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, data-driven research, and sustained policy engagement in advancing public health. The program underscored the need for stronger research-to-policy pathways and institutional partnerships to support meaningful and responsive health reforms. Additionally, the experience provided valuable insights into TMU’s model of translational public health research. Ms. Belegal emphasized how the synergy between TMU’s tripartite functions (teaching, research, and service) not only strengthens the institution but also drives policy and healthcare outcomes.

Written by: Noreen Dianne S. Alazada & Janele Ann C. Belegal • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

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