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

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.  

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. ■

PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN- “Ethnic groups worldwide are not exempted from the consequences of the changing environment,” thus emphasized during the session on Indigenous Health System and Environmental Pressures last 10^th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week celebration on 10 August 2016 at Citystate Asturias Hotel.

According to Dr. Jaime Montoya, PNHRS Lead Coordinator and Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Executive Director, ethic groups are highly dependent on natural resources for survival. They are also vital in helping to improve the resilience of our ecosystem.

“[However] several environmental pressures such as habitat change, pollution, climate change and over-exploitation of resources greatly affect their way of life, especially their health,” he said.

Speakers of the session include Dr.  Isidro Sia of Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), Ms. April Grace Ortega-Liao of Palawan State University (PSU), Mr. Juanito Guarde of Department of Education-Naujan South District, and Atty. Erwin Caliba of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

Sia discussed ways on “Building Resilient Indigenous People’s Health and Food Systems Through Agro-ecological Principles and Practices” through his introduction of the rich culture and biodiversity of the country and indigenous knowledge and practices of the IPs towards the environment.

“Ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan ay pangangalaga rin sa tao, sa buhay at sa kalusugan,” he emphasized.

Liao and Guarde shared their experiences on engaging with Tagbanua and Mangyan groups, respectively.

Liao discussed how Tagbanuas survived the changing environment through their health practices such as diday-diday, their habit of taking a break from working to protect their bodies. Likewise, Guarde, a Mangyan himself, stressed that they are happy and healthy people and contented with what they have.   

Caliba talked about the rights of indigenous cultural communities as stated in the 1987 Philippine constitution, citing  that ethic groups have rights to ancestral domains/lands, self-governance and empowerment, social justice, and cultural integrity. Likewise, he explained that all activities or researches to be done at the ancestral domain should have free and prior informed consent (FPIC).

PNHRS is an integrated national framework for health research which aims to promote cooperation and integration of all health research efforts and stakeholders in the country. For more information, visit its website at healthresearch.ph. n