Continuing its strong tradition of excellence in healthcare education, Manila Tytana Colleges, formerly known as Manila Doctors College, proudly staged the 17th MDCON Research Congress on February 26–27, 2026. The two-day academic gathering brought together almost 800 participants, including nursing students, educators, researchers, and healthcare professionals from across the country, creating a platform for the advancement of nursing research and professional collaboration.
Held at the Manila Tytana Colleges campus in Pasay City, the event reflected the institution’s continued commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and research-driven practice in the field of nursing. The congress also coincided with the College’s celebration of its 50th Anniversary, marking five decades of service and excellence in healthcare education.
The congress commenced on February 26, 2026, through a virtual session that enabled participants to engage in discussions on emerging developments and innovations in nursing research. The keynote address was delivered by Marlon Garzo-Saria, Nurse Scientist and Magnet Program Director at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, and President of the Philippine Nurses Association of America. His keynote highlighted the importance of research in strengthening nursing practice and improving patient care within global healthcare systems.
The plenary sessions featured respected leaders in the field of nursing and healthcare, including Michael Joseph S. Dino, Director of the Research, Development and Innovation Center of Our Lady of Fatima University; Adrian M. Lawsin, Department Manager for Hospital Performance Improvement at Makati Medical Center; Violeta A. Lopez, President Emeritus of the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network; Annabelle R. Borromeo, Chief Nursing Officer of Metro Pacific Health; and Cora A. Anonuevo, Founding President of the National Association of Public Health Nurses, Inc. Their discussions provided perspectives on advancing nursing leadership, strengthening healthcare delivery, and promoting research-based solutions to contemporary healthcare challenges.
The second day of the congress, conducted onsite at Manila Tytana Colleges on February 27, 2026, brought participants together for discussions and collaborative learning sessions. Delivering the keynote address was Erlinda C. Palaganas, Founding President of the Philippine Nursing Research Society, Inc., who emphasized the role of nursing research in improving patient outcomes and shaping healthcare policies.
A roundtable discussion followed, featuring experts who examined key areas of the nursing profession. Jenniffer T. Paguio, Professor at the College of Nursing of University of the Philippines Manila, discussed developments in nursing education. Daryl Jeremiah R. Gaba, Assistant Director for Nursing Support Services at Makati Medical Center, presented insights on nursing service and hospital management, while Rudolf Cymorr Kirby P. Martinez, Full Professor at the College of Nursing of San Beda University, explored the role of nursing theory in modern healthcare practice.
Staging the 17th MDCON Research Congress highlights Manila Tytana Colleges’ continued role in advancing healthcare education and professional development in the Philippines. As the institution builds upon the legacy of Manila Doctors College, it remains committed to cultivating competent, research-oriented, and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Through gatherings such as the MDCON Research Congress, Manila Tytana Colleges continues to provide an academic environment where research, collaboration, and professional excellence thrive contributing to the continued growth and advancement of the nursing profession in the country.
