QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA- The latest batch of MS Molecular Medicine scholars signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) during their course orientation on 27 September 2016 at St. Luke’s College of Medicine.

The latest batch of MS Molecular Medicine scholars.

The batch includes Maria Patricia Diño from University of Santo Tomas (UST), Adrian Fernandico from University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Lorenzo Gabriel Limbaga from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Mark Joseph Sison from Manila Central University (MCU), and Patricia Lyanne Teruel from Miriam College.

The MS Molecular Medicine Program, a joint initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through PCHRD, and St. Luke’s College of Medicine (SLCM), is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a research path in translational medicine.

During his inspirational speech, PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya advised the scholars to remember that the scholarship is not for their advantage alone, but for their countrymen as well.

“There are two things that I want you [scholars] to do. First, keep on learning. Be prepared to hone your expertise, enhance your skills, and reinvent yourself every time.  Second, learn from your experiences. Do not be afraid to fail for these are the things you would learn most,” Dr. Montoya emphasized.

The program gives students a firm foundation in the biomedical sciences and relevant emerging technologies to develop a highly trained manpower base for Molecular Medicine such as clinicians, medical laboratory technicians, scientists, and other healthcare professionals.

“Keep your [scholars] options open and remember that the PCHRD scholarship is not only a privilege, but also a duty and responsibility,” Dr. Isaac David Ampil, SLMC Research and Biotechnology Group Vice President & Dean, added.

The MS Molecular Medicine is one of the scholarships provided by the Council. Recently, PCHRD also signed agreements with scholars of MD-PhD Molecular Medicine Program. 

ERMITA, MANILA- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will renew its partnership with the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) through the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the MD-PhD Molecular Medicine Program on 21 September 2016 at Jade Vine Restaurant. Part of the event is the recognition of Batch 6 Program Mentors.

The MD-PhD Molecular Medicine Program is a joint initiative of DOST, through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), and UPM, through the College of Medicine, to train aspiring physician-scientists for careers dedicated to the advancement of health through biomedical research.

Being the first and pioneering degree program in the country which offers dual MD-PhD course, the MD-PhD Molecular Medicine Program prepares scholars to assume key leadership roles within the academic community and mentor physician-scientists in training.

“The Program also hopes to promote a self-sustaining process whereby new knowledge is continuously generated, applied, and transmitted to meet emerging and anticipated health needs,” Dr. Jaime Montoya, PCHRD Executive Director, explained. This year, 10 scholars were qualified for the program.  

Likewise, the eight faculty members who will be recognized are Dr. Francisco Heralde, Dr. Paul Mark Medina, Dr. Catherine Lynn Silao, Dr. Leslie Michelle Dalmacio, Dr. Isidro Sia, Dr. Gracia Fe Yu, Dr. Lydia Leonardo, and Dr. Salvador Eugenio Caoili.  

ERMITA, MANILA- The 7^th batch of MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine Program scholars signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) on 21 September 2016 at AmaRonn Restaurant.

Among the new scholars who are expected to satisfy all course requirements under the program for eight years are Patrick Josemaria Altavas from University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Allan John Barcena from UP Manila, Christian Jirard Custodio from UP Los Baños, Bryan Paul De Galicia from UP Manila, Vivien Joyce Josol from UP Manila, Rafael Vincent Manalo from UP Diliman, Aurora Nakpil from UP Diliman, Genmar Cyrus Pasion from UP Manila, Paul Benedic Salvador from UP Diliman, and Fatima Ericka Vista from UP Manila.

The MD-PhD Molecular Medicine Program is a joint initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through PCHRD, and UP Manila, through the College of Medicine, to train aspiring physician-scientists for careers dedicated to the advancement of health through biomedical research.

During his inspirational speech, DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña emphasized the importance of building and honing the capacities of the young generation.

“As they bring new ideas and possess energy to add to the existing pool of knowledge, the youth are often considered as representatives of the future. They have the capability of bringing enthusiasm and vitality which leads to beneficial discoveries and developments,” Sec. dela Peña said.

Being the first and pioneering degree program in the country which offers dual MD-PhD course, the MD-PhD Molecular Medicine Program prepares scholars to assume key leadership roles within the academic community and mentor physician-scientists in training.

“The MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine Scholarship Program was established by the DOST in the hopes of shaping a brighter tomorrow for the country. With the emerging health concerns and rapidly evolving health sector, the DOST and PCHRD understands the importance of investing on the talents and skills of our young people,” PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya added.

Aside from the MOA signing of new scholars, DOST also renewed its partnership with UPM through the signing of another MOA for the MD-PhD Molecular Medicine Program. Eight program mentors were also recognized. n

ALABANG, Muntinlupa City- The Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PhilAAST) will hold its 65^th Annual Convention, in conjunction with the 8th Asian Heads of Research Councils (ASIAHORCs) Joint Symposium, on 22 to 23 September 2016 at Sequoia Ballroom, Acacia Hotel Manila.

With the theme "Impact of Changing Regional Environment on Global Health," the Convention will provide a platform for discussion and interaction on the most recent findings and developments related to the impact of the changing environment on global health in order to promote and strengthen scientific and technological collaboration among Asian countries.

Highlights of the event are lectures on strengthening health resilience to climate change, increased focus on health disaster risk management, vector-borne diseases and climate change, environmental stressors in diseases and implications for human health during disasters, and promoting health while mitigating climate change.

Expected participants are PhilAAST members and ASIAHORCs delegates, educators, academe and government researchers, industry representatives, and other science and technology (S&T) practitioners.

Established in 1951, PhilASST (formerly PhilAAS) is an association of scientists and technologists in the country which aims to promote the value of science in the community. Likewise, the Asian Heads of Research Councils (ASIAHORCs), composed of ten major research funding agencies and research councils in Asia, serves to advance scientific research and further development in Asia.

For more information, download the copy of the event’s brochure at http://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/phocadownload/ASIAHORCS%20Brochure.pdf. ■