About Us

Mi Salud is an innovative mobile health research project developed to support the mental health and well-being of Filipino first responders during disaster response and emergency operations. The project is based on the research entitled:
Weathering the Storm: Stress Management of Filipino First Responders Using the “Mi Salud” Stress Check App. This interdisciplinary research combines public health, psychology, medicine, information technology, and digital innovation to address the psychological challenges experienced by frontline responders. By leveraging mobile technology, the Mi Salud Stress Check App provides an accessible, evidence-based platform for stress assessment, self-monitoring, and personalized wellness recommendations, helping first responders maintain resilience before, during, and after emergency deployments. Developed through a rigorous mixed-methods research approach, the project integrates quantitative and qualitative methodologies to evaluate the application’s usability, effectiveness, and user acceptance. The research is guided by internationally recognized frameworks, including the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), ensuring that the application is scientifically validated and responsive to the needs of its users.

Research Leadership

The research project is led by:

Dr. Hilton Y. Lam, MHA, PhD
Principal Investigator and Lead Researcher
Institute of Health Policy and Development Studies (IHPDS)
National Institutes of Health
University of the Philippines Manila

The Mi Salud Stress Check App was designed, architected, and developed by:

Ferdinand V. Andrade, MIT
Lead System Developer
Dean, College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS)
Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU)
Zamboanga City, Philippines

Research Team

The project is the result of a multidisciplinary collaboration among experts from public health, psychology, medicine, education, and information technology.

• Hilton Y. Lam, MHA, PhD – Principal Investigator and Lead Researcher
• Ferdinand V. Andrade, MIT – Lead System Developer
• Anna Cristina A. Tuazon, PsyD
• Carlos Primero D. Gundran, MD
• Cattleya Amber V. Soriano
• Rodita C. Silva, MAED Eng/EdD
• Jhonel R. Flores
• Darynne Ariana M. Solidum, MA
• Sheila Marie C. Martinez
• Jean Mariz Villanueva
• Jhomer A. Sornoza
• Airene May M. Pasion
• Joana Ophelia M. Real

Together, the research team brings expertise in healthcare policy, behavioral science, clinical psychology, medicine, education, software engineering, information technology, and disaster resilience, ensuring that Mi Salud is grounded in both scientific evidence and practical application.

Partner Institutions

Mi Salud is a collaborative research initiative involving the following institutions:

• Institute of Health Policy and Development Studies (IHPDS), National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila – Manila, Philippines
• University of the Philippines Diliman – Quezon City, Philippines
• Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU) – Zamboanga City, Philippines
• Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) – Zamboanga City, Philippines
• University of the Philippines Manila – Manila, Philippines
• Teachers College, Columbia University – New York, USA

The collaboration among these institutions strengthens the project’s scientific rigor, promotes interdisciplinary research, and expands opportunities for innovation in digital health, disaster resilience, and public health.

Our Vision

To become a leading digital mental health platform that empowers first responders through innovative, evidence-based, and technology-driven solutions, contributing to healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.

Our Mission

• Advance research in digital health, mental health, and disaster resilience.
• Develop innovative technologies that support the psychological well-being of first responders.
• Promote evidence-based interventions through continuous stress monitoring and personalized recommendations.
• Strengthen collaboration among academic institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and emergency response partners.
• Translate research into practical digital solutions that improve public health and community resilience.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Mi Salud research project contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Join Our Mission

Weathering the Storm: Stress Management of Filipino First Responders Using the “Mi Salud” Stress Check App represents a shared commitment to improving the mental well-being of those who protect our communities. Through interdisciplinary research, technological innovation, and institutional collaboration, Mi Salud aims to transform mental health support for first responders and contribute to more resilient disaster response systems in the Philippines and beyond.

We welcome collaboration with researchers, universities, healthcare institutions, emergency response organizations, government agencies, and development partners who share our vision of advancing digital health solutions for a safer and healthier future.