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Baguio City – Preparation of the different working committees for the upcoming 12th Philippine National Health Research System Week Celebration was discussed during a Technical Working Group meeting spearheaded by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) and the Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC) on May 21, 2018 at the Board Room, University of the Philippines, Baguio City.

The committee also considered the issues of choice of programs for the opening and closing ceremonies of the national event. Finalization of the conference logo and operational budget were also on the meeting agenda. Furthermore, the theme “Research and Innovation for Equity in Health” was finalized.

Region CAR will host this national big event on 6-9 August 2018. This will take place at the CAP Building, Camp John Hay, Baguio City.
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Clinched fist pose of FDA Director General Nela Charade Puno and D-PUNCH members as a sign of determination to
ensure consumers’ safety

To ensure consumer protection against hazardous health products, representatives of government agencies and other stakeholders led by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) officials convened during the Consumer Protection Advocacy Forum held recently at Hotel Estrella in Tacloban City.

The advocacy forum primarily focused on FDA Licensing and Registration Requirements for Local Chief Executives and partner agencies in Eastern Visayas to avoid trade malpractice in the region.

During the day’s event, different mechanisms in monitoring of unregistered health products in the market were likewise strengthened.

FDA officials and other stakeholders enlighten participants on their
programs and concerns during the open forum held right after the program.

In her message, FDA Director General Nela Charade Puno urged other stakeholders to help them in the enforcement of law to ensure public health and safety.

“Tulungan nyo po kami at magtulungan po tayo, we need to make sure na nasusunod ang batas”, Puno said. “I am looking forward for more collaboration to insure public health and public safety”, she added.

Puno also acknowledged the presence of D-Punch (D-PUNCH "Destroy Products Unfit for the Consumption of Humans") and PNP officials to help them explain the consequences in cases where there are violations of law.

“Importante din po na nandito ang partners naming D-Punch at yung mga PNP officers natin, para after maexplain natin everything, it is important to know the consequences kapag hindi nasunod ang batas”, she further stressed.


FDA officials led by FDA Director General, Nela Charade Puno (center, in black and green attire) and other
stakeholders recite the Pledge of Commitment during the Consumer Protection Advocacy Forum held at
Hotel Estrella in Tacloban City.

As a gesture of support to the programs of the FDA, a Pledge of Commitment led by FDA officials was likewise recited by the activity’s participants during said forum.
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Two Biotechnology research studies were presented at the Health Forum on Biotechnology on May 7, 2018 at Tandang Sora Hall, Cebu Normal University in Cebu City.The conduct of the health forum is in celebration of the 3rd Annual Central Visayas Health Research and Innovation Conference with the theme, “Research and Innovations: Linking Theory and Practice.”

The Biotech studies explored on the Detection of the HIV Drug Resistance through Molecular Diagnostics and on the Population Database profiling through the use of DNA Sequencing.

Dr. Edsel Maurice T. Salvaǹa said, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) mutates so fast which needs Genotype Testing to detect its drug resistance. There are 100 subtypes of HIV, and the treatment is only limited, this need “urgent research” to determine the treatment for all subtypes. “HIV intervention is not yet done, we need to pay attention and be vigilant,” Dr. Salvaǹa advised.

To expand the Philippine Population Database the National Science Research Institute – DNA Analysis Laboratory (NSRI-DAL) of the University of the Philippines Diliman utilized the DNA Fragment Analysis Capillary Sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for Forensic Applications. Mr. Tyrll Adolf B. Itong, Science Research Specialists II of NSRI-DAL said,the use of the NGS technology can best establish genetic markers. He recommended to study additional groups for genetic variations.

The four-day conference was spearheaded by the Central Visayas Consortium for Health, Research and Development (CVCHRD) in partnership with Cebu Normal University.
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LEGAZPI CITY, April 21, 2018 -- The Philippine National Health Research System- Capacity Building Committee conducted a meeting with the Chairs of the Capacity Building Committee of the Regional Health Research and Development Consortia (RHRDCs), and RHRDC Regional Project Staff last 19-20 April 2018 in Xenia Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

This gathering aims to provide a platform for exchange of information and open discussion to ensure alignment and harmonization of plans on capacity building for health research system.

Each RHRDC presented their accomplishments in their respective regions including the new programs and strategies being conducted per region.

During the meeting, Dr. Marilou Tino, BCHRD-CBC Chair presented the Bicol Health Research Training program (Bicol HeaRT) and the Bicol One System for Health Research Environment program (B10SHARE), the new programs being implemented to encourage more researchers to conduct research.

After the presentation of each region, an open forum was conducted facilitated by Dr. Vicente Belizario, Jr., Chair, PNHRS CBC, to raise questions/ queries, recommendations and suggestions. Each region was commended for coming up with different programs to help the researchers in conducting their research.
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In celebration of the Hypertension Awareness Month, the Philippine Heart Association – Baguio-Benguet Chapter (PHC-BBC) will lead free Blood Pressure Monitoring in different sites in Baguio City and Benguet throughout the month of May, said Dr. Mylene Genuino of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) during the regular Kapihan sa Baguio in DOH Secretary’s Cottage, May 10, 2018.

Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when there is a persistent increase in the force of blood that pushes against the walls of the blood vessels. The American Heart Association (AHA) redefined in November 2017 the high blood pressure measurement from 140/90 and higher, changed to 130/80 and higher. This medical condition may lead to stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

History of hypertension in the family, smoking, high cholesterol level in the body, obesity, chronic stress, alcohol consumption, and increasing age are some of the causes of the condition. Called as a “silent killer,” Dr. Genuino explained that high blood pressure often has no symptoms. However, some patients with hypertension may develop headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting, chest pain and shortness of breath.

As prevention, Dr. Genuino encourage screening and change in lifestyle to avoid complications.

For screening, the BGHMC will provide free blood pressure monitoring at their waiting shed and main lobby, 9AM – 4PM on May 16-17, 2018. She further informed that other hospitals will offer the same services on a different date and for pharmacies, free BP monitoring is available everyday. In case of failure to avail such services, the doctor encouraged the public to purchase digital BP monitors of good quality and take their blood pressure at the heart-level or in the upper arm.

For lifestyle management, regular exercise and eating nutritious, low-salt, and low-fat food are necessary for the maintenance of healthy weight. Drinking alcohol in moderation and quitting smoking must also be observed.
  1. Preparation of BCHRD-CBC for consultative meeting in Clark, Pampanga
  2. Know Your Numbers - May is the National Hypertension Awareness Month
  3. Researchers undergo writeshop for proposal preparation
  4. DOH Bicol to conduct measles immunization for 6 month to 5 year old

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