“I don’t trust in serendipity, but it seems to have intervened on July 29, 2015,” shared Dr. Claudio Tiribelli, Scientific Director of Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF), during his keynote address at the 42nd anniversary celebration of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).

Recounting the chance encounter that sparked a series of collaborations between FIF and PCHRD, Dr. Tiribelli’s words echoed through the halls of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on 25 March 2024, setting the tone for a day of discussion, collaboration, and celebration of milestones achieved in health research partnerships. 

Between 2015 and 2019, multiple interactions between FIF and PCHRD led to the establishment of the PhD in Molecular Biomedicine scholarship program in 2019, focused on molecular hepatology within the PhD Program in Molecular Biomedicine of University of Trieste (UNITS). The program integrates basic research on the study of molecular approaches to cancer biology, genetics, jaundice, and metabolic disease. 

Focusing on capacity building, Dr. Tiribeli proudly shared that PCHRD’s initial investments have already returned to the country, as two graduate-scholars under the program have now become integral members of the Council. Further, Dr. Tiribelli emphasized that Filipino scholars under the program were able to publish 23 articles on liver research in peer-reviewed journals, boasting an impact factor totaling 221 and counting.

“We have a sandwich program going on. This is what is established, but we have a lot of new projects in front of us,” Dr. Tiribelli revealed, hinting at the layers of initiatives underway between the two institutions. Among these initiatives is the Philippine Liver Network, designed to unite researchers from different regions to address patient needs and improve health outcomes. 

“The Philippines is going to be the only country in the world to have a liver network. We have to put a lot of effort in order to make this starting and growing. This is important because this will give us information not only for students, but also for patients to optimize the treatment of different liver diseases across the country,” Dr. Tiribelli added.

Closely tied with the liver network is the Philippine Liver Biobank, which will enable the country to collect samples and study the different genetic backgrounds of several liver diseases. Dr. Tiribelli underscored the Philippines’ unique position, with its scattered islands and rich genetic background—a fertile ground for innovative discoveries.

Looking ahead, Dr. Tiribelli stressed the importance of expanding educational programs to sustain the flow of ideas between laboratories in the Philippines and abroad. He highlighted the goal of establishing the nationwide liver network, positioning the Philippines as a global leader in health research collaboration.

“The Philippines may be the leading country in Asia, and even all over the world in this initiative,” shared Dr. Tiribelli, stating the country’s role in the global landscape of liver research through the establishment of the network.

“The most exciting prospect lies in the ASEAN Liver Initiative,” Dr. Tiribelli added, unveiling the plans for the 1st operational meeting of the ASEAN network aimed at raising interest to solidify the program.

Towards the end of his keynote, Dr. Tiribelli quoted Leonardo da Vinci, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. He expressed his deep gratitude to all who played a role in the collaborative journey, leaving the audience inspired to continue forging new paths in health research, and serving as a reminder of the power of serendipitous collaboration in shaping the future of health research in the Philippines and beyond.