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Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (WVHRDC) conducted its first training on Health Research and Development Information Network (HERDIN) last October 17, 2017 at CTE Building, West Visayas State University. The training was attended by 15 participants representing 12 institutions including librarians, IT personnel, doctors and research staff.

Ms. Violeta Intia, a Senior Science Research Specialist from PCHRD started the activity by discussing the overview of the workshop as well as setting the goals and objectives. During the lecture of Ms. Intia, she defined HERDIN as an online platform for bibliographic entries of completed researches in the Philippines. One of its objectives is to equip health research institutions the knowledge to make good use of the available resources. Following the lecture was the workshop proper conducted by Ms. Intia, Ms. Jeverly Principe, and Ms. Judy Ann Bacud of PCHRD. The workshop included lectures on ways to encode and upload to the database, searching researches, and document delivery. At the end of the session, each participant was tasked to come up with an output that will serve as an entry of their respective institution in the database.

The primary aim of the training is to encourage health research institutions to participate in strengthening the dissemination of information resources as part of managing knowledge for better health.

Written by: Gladys Mae C. Jimenez
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Tacloban City, October 13, 2017 – For the different member institutions of Eastern Visayas Health and Development Consortium (EVHRDC) to be familiar with the principles of health research and good clinical practice and conduct of ethical clearance, the EVHRDC-Ethics Review Committee (ERC) organized a lecture series on these topics last October 12, 2017 at Hotel Rodolfo, Tacloban City.

The activity was participated by EVHRDC members, would be ERC members of member institutions and Regional Research Funded proponents. Highlighted topics were on History and Overview of Apply GCP, International, National Guidelines and Regulations in the conduct of health research, Principles of Good Clinical Practice (GDP), Ethical Considerations in Protocol Development, Ethical, Issues on Academic Research, Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality of Information. Speakers were Dr. Jose Carlo K. del Pilar, Dr. Sarah B. Delorino, Dr. Jane R. Borinaga, Dr. Noreen S. Buhat, and Atty. Alma Sonia Sanchez-Danday, respectively.

Dr. Jane R. Borinaga, the Chair of the EVHRDC-ERC, the organizer of the activity emphasized on the Standard Operating Procedure Manual (SOP) of the committee. The manual describes all activities and actions undertaken and will be undertaken by the Committee to achieve uniformity in the performance of its functions. The SOP Manual also simplifies the documentation of operations of the ERC to facilitate transparency and to lessen the delay of actions of the Committee. Orienting the group with the SOP Manual aimed to contribute to the development of a national and professional research ethics system, and to promote the role of ERCs in reviewing health research involving human participants in Eastern Visayas. Also present in the activity were Ms. Anicia Catameo, RPO of EVHRDC from PCHRD, who gave her opening message.
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Lead by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, was the conferment of awards to the Gawad Career Executive Service Honorees and to 26 individuals and 4 groups that made up the roster of finalists in the 2017 Search for Outstanding Government Workers, at the Rizal Hall Malacañang Palace on Sept 20, 2017.

The award, spearheaded by the Civil Service Commission aims to “recognize members in the Career Executive Service (CES) for exemplary performance and significant contributions, particularly in the areas of innovation, information and communication technology, social services, administrative reforms and public policy.” Distinguished recipient of this award is Dr Maria Lourdes K. Otayza, Medical Center Chief II of Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center and also the Chairman of the Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC). She took home a plaque with the Presidential Seal, a medal and prize money amounting to PhP100,000.00.

In order to qualify for this prominent award, the nominee will need to pass the validation process and the selection of winners shall have three levels. The first or pre-screening level shall be done by the CESB Secretariat to ensure adherence to criteria and completion of documents. The second level shall be done by a group of previous years’ winners of the GAWAD CES who will short-list from among the nominees the finalists for in-depth validation. The third and final level shall be done by the Committee on Awards which will select the winners for the year’s GAWAD CES from among the validated finalists.

This rigid process is no joke for only a few is being selected to receive the award. In the year 2015, there were only 5 awardees while only 3 receives the award for the year 2016.

To quote on the article published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated September 20, 2017, stating the reasons why Dr Otayza was granted the prestigious award says, “For developing the Innova

tive Health Assistance Financing System, which has lightened the burden of the sick while fostering one’s responsibility for health; for her successful endeavour on Global Standard Health Care and Acquisition of Equipment, which enabled Mariano Marcos Hospital to become a specialized reference center in Northern Luzon; and for spearheading the creation of a comprehensive human health resource development that led to the establishment of the Mariano Marcos State University College of Medicine, as well as the maintenance of the accreditation of training of the different clinical departments and the creation of Family Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine Departments.”

During his speech, the President commended the honorees calling them “the men and women of goodwill” and “brilliant and innovative”. He also encouraged and reminded his fellow civil servants to “reduce the case of graft and corruption to the most minimal level” if not “totally eliminated”.

Photos of the awarding ceremony were also published by the same publication dated September 24, 2017. Congratulations!

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Tacloban City, October 2, 2017 - DOST-EVHRDC spearheaded a meeting to highlight the accomplishment of the EVHRDC Committees for the quarter and approval of the newly formed SOME Committee, held at DOST 8 Conference Room on October 2, 2017 which started at exactly 10:00AM.

The meeting was presided by the EVHRDC- ExeCom Chair and DOH RO8 Regional Director Dr. Minerva P. Molon together with the EVHRDC- Co Chair and DOST RO8 Regional Director, Engr. Edgardo M. Esperancilla. A quorum was declared as ExeCom Members designated their respective representatives such as, Ms. Meylene C. Rosales, OIC ARD of NEDA RO8, Ms. Erleta S. Piñero, ES II of CHED RO8, Dr. Othello B. Capuno, Vice-President of VSU. Among the attendees where the EVHRDC Committee Chairs, as follows; EVHRDC-ERC Chair and Head of Internal Medicine at EVRMC, Dr. Jane R. Borrinaga, EVHRDC-RMC Chair and Project Coordinator of DOH RO 8, Mr. Leonido P. Olobia, EVHRDC- RIC Chair, Mr. Willard Riveral and EVHRDC-CBC and DEAN of UP Tacloban, Dr. Virgildo Sabalo as they have presented their accomplishment for the quarter.

We also have invited the EVHRDC Consultant, Dr. Shiela Tante, as she presented the draft of the EVHRDC Manual of Operations (MOO) for finalization and approval of the Committee.

EVHRDC Accomplishment for the quarter was presented by the EVHRDC Consortium Director and Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations (ARD-TO), Engr. Ernesto M. Granada. Presentation on the update of the EVHRDC Website was followed and presented by the EVHRDC Secretariat and IT expert, Mr. Jeffrey P. Hinampas.

The formation of the SOME Committee was presented by the EVHRDC Project Coordinator, Dr. Lucia P. Dauz and was approved by the committee.

Also one of the highlights was the blessing of the EVHRDC- ERC Office, as it was headed by Fr. Patricio R. de los Reyes, Jr., new EVHRDC-ERC Member representing the Divine Word Hospital (DWH).

Discussion on the final date of the EVHRDC General Assembly was on November 24, 2017.
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Tacloban City, September 22, 2017 – Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium together with the Research Management Committee conducted the Mentoring and Coaching Activity for Researchers in Region VIII held last September 19 – 21, 2017 at Luxury Suites, Tacloban City. This activity aims to help and encourage participants from the different member institutions in finishing their research studies with the guidance and expertise of the EVHRDC-Technical Review Board. Also one with them is Dr. Ophelia Mendoza of UP Manila who was the Resource Person during the activity. This also aims to provide technical assistance including preparation of line item budget in the development and actual implementation of health research projects. In addition, to undertake technical review and recommend approval of regional health research projects.

During the first day, the Research Management Committee officially reviewed the proposals by requesting the proponents to present their full blown proposals assimilated with RMC Recommendations of last Technical Review dated June 23, 2017. The power point presentations standard template had a Table of comparison, stated with their recommendations and the compliance made by the proponents. During the proponent’s presentation, the RMC conveyed comments and suggestion. Likewise, Dr. Ophelia Mendoza, who was there to help the proponents in honing their proposals by mentoring and coaching them.

Overall, a total of (12) proposals were gone through by the Research Management Committee. The proponents were expected to make necessary revisions as per RMC suggestions. They will present it on the 3rd day. If they will comply, they will be endorsed to Ethics Review Committee for Ethical clearance.

On the Second day during the AM session, Mr. Leonido Olobia presented the research proposal entitled, “Effectiveness of Vector Prevention and Control Ordinance in Ormoc City” of Rolando Quilantang from Ormoc City Health Office because he is also a co-author of the proposal. 13th presentation of Research proposal for possible funding by EVHRDC.

The Supervising SRS-IDD of DOST-PCHRD, Ms. Anicia Catameo discussed about the Regional Research Fund. She oriented the proponents on how to prepare Line Item Budget properly.

Furthermore, Dr. Ophelia Mendoza and the Research Management Committee members continued to provide technical assistance to the proponents for them to be able to complete their health research proposals. Proponents made immediate corrections in their papers based on the commendations of RMC.

In the afternoon, Dr. Ophelia Mendoza lectured about Definition of Variables and Data Collection. This was considered as useful for the proponents to properly prepare and collect the data they will obtain in the future.

During the third day of the activity after the plenaries, Dr. Lucia P. Dauz, the EVHRDC Coordinator presented the DOST8 guidelines in preparing Line Item Budget. The accounting staff of DOST 8, Ms. Lourdes Salvatierra and Ms. Evelyn Elbore were also around to help the proponents to properly develop Line Item Budget based on DOST8 guidelines. The proponents again presented their final revision including the Line Item Budget.

The Research Management Committee members approved eight (8) research proposals as technically sound for funding consideration by EVHRDC. The following proposals were endorsed to Ethics review committee for ethical clearance.

Moreover, Dr. Lucia P. Dauz, the EVHRDC Coordinator delivered the remarkable Closing Message to encourage the researchers to push through with their research proposals despite the setbacks.
  1. EVHRDC Participates in the 11th PNHRS Week Celebration at PICC Pasay City
  2. Study on Leptospira, HRDCR IV-A's first, 1st place in the PNHRS Oral Research Presentation
  3. DepEd RO VIII Launches Superkid Linis Lusog School Caravan SY 2017-2018
  4. DOST R02 to hold RSTW 2017 in Cauayan City