Western Philippines University (WPU), through the Palawan National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Global Health Research (GHR) Cohort, hosted the Academic Development Award (CADA) Workshop under the NIHR Global Centre for Food and Health (CFaH) project from January 19–22, 2026 in Barangay San Rafael, Puerto Princesa City.

The initiative brings together barangay officials, academic leaders, researchers, and students to strengthen community awareness and participation in sustainable, nutrition-sensitive food systems, while enhancing local capacities in agroecology, environmental stewardship, and livelihood support.

During the welcome dinner on January 21, Dr. Lota A. Creencia, WPU Vice President for Research, Innovation, Development, and Extension and Project Lead of NIHR Global CFaH–Philippines, emphasized collaboration in addressing food and nutrition challenges. Moreover, Prof. Connie Guell from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter underscored the value of WPU’s global research partnerships, noting that “these complex global challenges require research excellence across borders and nations,” and emphasized the need to build the capacities of young researchers to respond to future challenges.

Hon. Roland Macula, Barangay Captain of San Rafael, expressed his gratitude for initiatives that support communities like theirs, which are heavily reliant on agriculture, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration. The program concluded with a Commitment Wall Signing among stakeholders.