“Thank you, PCHRD, for supporting an idea in 1996.” 

University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) Chancellor Carmencita Padilla highlighted the importance of believing in research ideas by citing her work on newborn screening in 1996, during her keynote message for the 40th anniversary of the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) last March 17, 2022.

“In 1996, my mentor, Dr. Carmelita Domingo, and I initiated the newborn screening project in 24 hospitals,” she recalled. “This entails getting a few drops of blood from the heel of a newborn to run tests to diagnose certain conditions that can be treated immediately to save the baby from mental retardation and death.”

Needing to cover 18 private and six government hospitals for an adequate sample size, Dr. Padilla shared how they worked to secure funding for the project from the DOST-PCHRD and UPM. She shared how the support from both institutions paved the way for the research project which became the basis for the National Comprehensive Newborn Screening Program, which is now supported by Republic Act 9288 or the Newborn Screening Act of 2004.

She explained how the project started as Dr. Domingo’s vision. “For 17 years, (she) was trying to get funding. She learned about newborn screening in the US when she was doing her pediatric residency program. That was in the 60s. She wanted the country to join the world in getting it adopted as a national policy.”

Relative to this, she addressed funding agencies to emphasize how important it is to believe in ideas, whether big or small. “Big things come from small ideas. And no matter how small an idea is, they should be given a chance to be proven in the context of science and research.”

“If PCHRD did not give me that half a million (of funding support), and just depended on the private sector for the numbers needed for a national recommendation, then maybe, we still do not have a national newborn screening program.”

Compared to when it started, the program was able to significantly expand its coverage, which now screens for 29 conditions and is implemented by more than 7000 facilities in the country.  (Newborn Screening Program | Department of Health website) Dr. Padilla proudly reported that through the years, “the program has saved thousands of newborns from mental retardation and death.”

In completing research projects, she reminded researchers to keep the greater good in mind and to bring their research output to the people. She also emphasized how the future for health research is a shared responsibility: "With government funding and the academe for a nurturing environment, and the researchers for the continuous supply of new solutions for the old and new issues of the country.” 

“My fellow researchers, I have enjoyed my research journey. Do enjoy your journey,” she concluded.

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Dr. Carmencita Padilla is a pioneer in genetics in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific region. She is a Professor of Pediatrics at the College of Medicine and the current Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Manila. She is the Founding Director of the Institute of Human Genetics and the Newborn Screening Reference Center at the National Institutes of Health. Recognizing her varied contributions to the academic growth of genetics in the Philippines, she was conferred Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in 2008. 



Written by: Jwynne Macan

The Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) is pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2022 DOST-PCHRD- Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products.

The said program aims to sustain a research culture in natural products to increase the number of research and later on build a pool of researchers/experts specializing in the field. It supports the Tuklas Lunas program (Drug Discovery and Development Program) of the DOST-PCHRD, which aims to develop safe, effective, and affordable alternative drugs from the country’s natural resources. 

Thesis grants amounting to a maximum of fifty thousand pesos (PHP 50,000.00) will be given to two (2) qualified thesis proposals per region (subject to availability of funds). Upon completion of the thesis project and submission of the required deliverables, six (6) finalists will be chosen to present their completed research during the 16th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) week celebration in August 2023, wherein the top three (3) winners will be selected and recognized.

Who can apply?

The search is open to all undergraduate students of Colleges of Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nursing, and Health and Allied Sciences who have thesis proposals on natural products, specifically utilizing indigenous plants in the region. The thesis projects must be completed no later than May 31, 2023.

How to apply?

Applicants should submit the following documents to their respective Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (RHRDC):

1. Duly accomplished prescribed research proposal form with college seal;
2. Endorsement letter from the institution signed by the head of the university and the college dean;
3. Soft copy of the proposal (word and PDF format);
4. Hard copy of the proposal using A4 paper (3 copies);
5. Certificate of plant authentication;
6. Appropriate clearances;

• Bureau of Animal Industry clearance for studies involving animal subjects
• Biosafety Clearance for studies involving genetic engineering and pathogenic organisms
• National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Clearance for studies involving Indigenous Peoples
• Gratuitous Permit from Biodiversity Management Bureau for studies involving collection of flora and fauna from DENR Protected Areas
• Ethical clearance for studies involving human subjects

Selection Criteria

The research proposals will be rated based on the following criteria:

• Objectives are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound;
• The study design supports the objectives; and
• The study sample and methodology are appropriate.

• The plan for data collection is clearly described;
• Quality control procedures for data collection are in place; and
• Statistical analysis is well described.

• The study addresses an important health problem; and
• The study contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

• The investigators are qualified and appropriately trained to carry out the study;
• The proposed study is appropriate to the experience level of the investigators; and
• The implementing/cooperating institution is capable of carrying out the proposed study.

Thesis Grant 

1. Two (2) thesis proposals will be selected in each region. Researchers will receive a grant amounting to a maximum of fifty thousand pesos (PHP 50,000.00).
2. The thesis grant will be deposited to the bank account of the thesis adviser and will be liquidated after the completion of the study.
3. A Memorandum of Agreement will be signed between the students, adviser, head of the institution, and DOST-PCHRD.
4. The grant must be expended as allocated in the approved line-item budget

Competition and Cash Awards

Six (6) grantees will be selected as finalists to present their studies during the 16th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) week celebration in August 2023. The top three (3) presenters will receive the following prizes:

Finalists will also receive a plaque of recognition.

Schedule of Activities

For inquiries, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..