Aiming to enhance the capabilities of scholars in reviewing and evaluating health research proposals, the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) in partnership with the PCHRD Scholars’ Society (PSS) conducted a four-day Online Workshop on Critiquing Research Proposals on July 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2022 via Zoom.

A total of 42 participants joined the online workshop which covered didactic and skills development activities on the technical review of health research protocols including topics on research and sampling designs, methods of data collection, and statistical analysis, among others.

Facilitated by Dr. Ophelia M. Mendoza, Director of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adapting (MERLA) Unit of the USAID ReachHealth Project, the participants’ final outputs are the group and individual evaluations of research proposals following the PCHRD format.

“This workshop has long been advocated by PCHRD in collaboration with PSS. It is designed to enhance the skills of research evaluators to make them aware of the study protocol requirements and expected outcomes of the Council. This activity will also be the reference in selecting PCHRD’s evaluators,” says Dr. Bella G. Panlilio, PSS President.

The PSS, launched on 17 March 2007 during the PCHRD’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, is composed of PCHRD Scholars who partners with PCHRD in developing human resources for health research through capacity building and in creating an enabling environment for career in research. The Society aims to promote research productivity among the new graduates and provide a forum for the PCHRD Scholars to exchange health research information and develop networking and partnerships. 

“The most important benefit of health research lies in its utilization, translated into strategies, technologies, policies and interventions that will make lives better for the Filipinos,” said PNHRS Research Utilization Committee (RUC) Chair Dr. Marie Carmela Lapitan, emphasizing research as a tool that influences health programs and systems. 

This year’s winning pitch pushed for improved accessibility of primary healthcare for the elderly at the barangay level. According to local data from emergency room (ER) consultations, the majority of health concerns of elderly patients can be treated through outpatient care. Recognizing that private outpatient care may be inaccessible to some, Dr. Nolasco’s study recommends local government units (LGUs) to establish elderly clinics in all barangay centers and the implementation of healthcare information campaigns among the elderly to increase their level of healthcare literacy. At the national level, the study suggests the implementation of a nationwide health program, through the Department of Health (DOH), dedicated to addressing geriatric health needs. It also calls for the involvement of medical societies to capacitate primary healthcare providers in caring for Filipino elderly.

Bagging second place was Region 2 represented by Prof, Jennifer Luyun; while Region 12 represented by Dr. Benneth Mercado won third place. For special awards, Region 6 represented by Mr. John Michael Gabriel Zaragoza won the People’s Choice Award.

In her closing message, DOST-PCHRD Research Information, Communication, and Utilization Division (RICUD) Chief Ullyann Garcia highlighted how the activity impacts healthcare. “Researchers can reframe the way health policy issues are seen, and collaboration with policy-makers initially can enhance implementation later,” she said. 

Eight new scholars formally join the MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine program through a memorandum of agreement signing ceremony last 23 August 2022 held via Zoom. The group is the 13th batch of scholars under the program since its inception in 2010.  

The MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine scholarship is an eight-year program implemented by the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) in partnership with the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM). It was designed to build a local pool of physician-scientists with expertise in biomedical research to advance healthcare in the country.

On its 12th year of implementation, the program welcomed the following scholars:

1.   Jirov A. Advincula (University of the Philippines Manila)
2.   Mary Ann F. Cabrera (University of the Philippines Manila)
3.   Sean Philippe L. Chua (University of the Philippines Diliman)
4.   Claire Abigail A. Collantes (University of the Philippines Manila)
5.   Von Novi O. De Leon (University of Santo Tomas)
6.   Khevin Jade B. Gumaru (University of the Philippines Manila)
7.   Harley M. Rodriguez (University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman Northern Samar)
8.   Fred Lawrence D. Samante (St. Scholastica’s College, Tacloban, Leyte)

The scholarship covers tuition and other school fees, book allowance, transportation allowance, monthly stipend, insurance coverage, and thesis grants. They may also avail of the Student Research Support Fund for the conduct and dissemination of research outputs.  Other activities that may be supported upon approval of the DOST-PCHRD and UPM are presentations in international research conferences/fora, journal publications, and participation in the DOST-PCHRD’s Research Enrichment Program and DOST Summer Immersion Program.

DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya shared his insights on how the MD-PhD program can benefit Filipinos. “I believe that this program is an initiative that we can leverage to strengthen our health systems and make us better prepared for future health challenges,” said Dr. Montoya. He also cited the MD-PhD Colloquium held in May 2022 as a proof of the program’s contributions in generating significant research-based health solutions for Filipinos. In the activity, ongoing scholars presented their research studies conducted under the program.

Similarly, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr. also looks forward to positive outcomes for the program, “With major health R&D initiatives such as the establishment of the Virology and Vaccine of the Philippines on the way, I am certain of a fruitful journey ahead of you,” he said.

To date, the program has produced  21 graduates, with 84 ongoing scholars. 

The Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) will start accepting proposals for its services under the Intellectual Property and Technology Management (IPTM) Unit this 1 September 2022, as announced during the IPTM Call Conference held online last 9 August 2022.

To boost the utilization of health technologies and innovations, the DOST-PCHRD, through its IPTM Unit, recently launched new programs that aim to address research utilization gaps experienced by technology generators and innovators. “We envision more research-based health solutions in the market and ultimately, in our communities making Filipino lives better,” said DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya on the Council’s goals for the implementation of its research utilization efforts. 

Overview of the IPTM’s Unit’s programs and application processes for each program were discussed during the conference. The programs included in the call are the following:

• Intellectual Property Protection And Management Of Health Research Outputs Program (IPROTECH) - This provides IP-related services and assistance to PCHRD RHRDC members to help them protect, commercialize, and manage their health innovations. Specific services under the program include development of institutional IP policies, establishment of institutional technology transfer processes, securing IP protection, securing IP valuation and freedom to operate (FTO) reports, and drafting of licensing agreements.

• Startup Research Grant Program (SGP) - The program supports research activities of startups in the health sector. It was launched in 2021 in support of Republic Act 11337 or the Innovative Startup Act which mandates the DOST to promote the Philippine startup ecosystem among Filipino startups. 

• Technology Transformation and Empowerment of Knowledge Generators and Innovators in Health (TEKI in Health) - This assists researchers and research institutions who plan to have their health or health care innovations utilized through community adoption or the creation of spin-off companies. 

In anticipation of the call for proposals, DOST-PCHRD Research Information, Communication, and Utilization Division (RICUD) Chief Ullyann Garcia encouraged stakeholders to participate and submit proposals. “Having witnessed your interest and support in today’s activity, I am optimistic that this upcoming round of call for proposals will be a productive and fruitful one,” she said. 

During the event, the Council also launched the DOST-PCHRD’s Innovation Portfolio, HeaRTNovation. The portfolio contains the DOST-PCHRD supported innovations that are fully-commercialized ready for adoption, and currently in the pre-commercialization stage. HeaRTNovation can be accessed here: https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/heartnovation/

For inquiries regarding the IPTM’s call for proposals, you may contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..