UP CAMP Occupational Therapy Department Showcases Research at 8th Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress in Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo, Japan – The UP CAMP Department of Occupational Therapy attended the 8th Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress (APOTC), held at the Sapporo Convention Center in Sapporo, Japan from November 6-9, 2024. With over 2,000 participants from more than 30 countries, the 2024 congress is the biggest APOTC yet since it began in 1995.

A Platform for Global Collaboration

With the theme “Empowering Collaborative Community: Sustainable and Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy,” the 2024 APOTC emphasized the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and the application of evidence-based practices to address the diverse needs of communities. This year’s congress provided an invaluable platform for the global OT community to share innovative research, best practices, and collaborative projects aimed at advancing the profession.

UP CAMP’s participation in the Congress marked a significant contribution, with the department’s faculty members and students contributing to the scientific discussions through the presentation of their research findings and ongoing projects. These contributions not only showcased the high caliber of work being done at UP CAMP but also underscored the university’s commitment to advancing the field of occupational therapy in the region.

Research Presentations and Contributions

Contributing to the scientific discourse and proceedings of the congress, several members of the Department of OT proudly presented the results of their research and other projects to the international community of occupational therapists. The presentation topics covered a wide range of issues such as OT Education, OT transition programs, school-based OT practice, teletherapy, and student self-efficacy and well-being. The presenting members included:

• Mr. Dominic U. Cheoc, OTRP
• Mr. Keith Nowell V. Rivera, OTRP
• Asst. Prof. Kristel Faye M. Roderos, MAHPS, OTRP
• Asst. Prof. Peñafrancia E. Ching, MCD, OTRP
• Ms. Kizha Marie S. Gabutan, OTRP
• Asst. Prof. Guia Allyza D. Rabacca, MFLCD, OTRP
• Ms. Jona Flor S. Villarido, OTRP
• Prof. Maria Concepcion D.L.C. Cabatan, PhD

Additionally, Mr. Nathan Tan Pascual, a second-year BS Occupational Therapy student from UP CAMP, participated in the student poster presentations, sharing his research with the international OT community.

Three of the presentations were made possible by the support of the University through the
Research Dissemination Grants and Faculty Development Grants.

Engagement and Interaction

The presentations from UP CAMP were well received by the international audience, sparking meaningful discussions and questions from fellow practitioners and researchers. The opportunity for interactive dialogue allowed presenters to receive valuable feedback and strengthen professional relationships with colleagues from other countries.

Future Directions

Despite the freezing temperatures in Sapporo throughout the week, the congress rekindled in participants a renewed sense of purpose and the passion to improve the lives of individuals through occupation. Beyond the APOTC, the UP CAMP Department of Occupational Therapy aims to continue fostering a culture of research excellence and professional development. The Department is committed to providing opportunities for both students and faculty to engage in global conversations and contribute to the evolution of the OT profession.