Different local health researchers in Region 02 together with the evaluators namely, Ms. Marilyn E. Crisostomo,
Dr. Melfei E. Bungihan, Dr. Jane Cabauatan, Dr. Ramelo Ramirez Jr., and Ms. Charmaine Barangan, during the
first quarterly meeting of CVHRDC and research proposal presentation, evaluation, and mentoring on
January 29 - 31, 2018 at Taj Hotel, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02 spearheaded the conduct of the first quarter meeting of the Cagayan Valley Health Research & Development Consortium (CVHRDC) and Research Proposal Presentation, Evaluation, & Mentoring at Taj Hotel, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, January 29 - 31, 2018.
The members of the said consortium meets quarterly to address the current health concerns of the region to come up with ideas and strategies that will improve the health status and quality of life of the people in Region 02.
CVHRDC aims to localize solutions to the region’s health needs by continuously extending their support to research enthusiasts through financial and provision of trainings and mentoring sessions to conduct research studies that will contribute in resolving problems in the healthcare system.
DOST Region 02 represented by Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, assistant regional director for Technical Operation Services, said that “consortia like CVHRDC were created to form S&T partnership between and among members not only for the good of individual institutions but for the benefit of the region as a whole”.
Their researches, she said, can be patented to be used for startup projects and be commercialized for the improvement of the economy of the region.
During his opening message, Dr. Brian Niño Galapia, vice chair for R&D Committee, he emphasized the role of the consortium which “provides support to health researchers through mentoring and funding their research studies as a way to encourage them to pursue higher learning and for them to continuously think of innovative ideas for health that will benefit the communities in the region.”
Dr. Julius T. Capili, CVHRDC executive director, presented the CVHRDC’s vision, mission, and goals and also introduced the core values, partner agencies, and research priorities of the consortium.
The consortium focuses on 11 health research priorities such as researches about Infectious and Communicable Diseases; Emergency Response, Disaster Risk Reduction Management for Health and Climate Change Adaptation; Maternal and Child Health; Non-communicable Diseases; Drug Discovery and Development; Health Governance and Management; Health Financing; Sexual and Reproductive Health; Health Technology Development and Innovation; Traditional, Alternative and Complementary Medicine; and lastly, Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods.
A total of 15 health research proposals were presented, and evaluated, during the activity. Local researchers were advised to modify their research proposals based on the recommendations given during the mentoring sessions. They were also instructed to submit their revised research papers as soon as possible for further review and evaluation by the Research Management Committee Members.
In addition, Dr. Josephine D. Lorica, co-chair of CVHRDC Research Ethics Committee presented the Regional Unified Health Research Agenda (RUHRA) for 2017 to 2021 to address the identified health needs of the region.
Furthermore, updates on CVHRDC’s accomplishments in 2017 and upcoming activities for 2018 was presented and discussed by Ms. Clyde Beth B. Caraang, DOST R02 science research specialist I. “Expect for more activities this 2018”, said Ms. Caraang as she encouraged all health researchers not to missed trainings and mentoring sessions that will be conducted by the consortium.
She mentioned that one of the major accomplishments in 2017 was the conduct of the 11th National Medical Writing & 4th Writeshop for young researchers joined by 33 participants nationwide.
Moreover, Ms. Carissa C. Pagulayan, nurse V of the Department of Health (DOH) Region 02 presented one of the main agenda of the meeting. She tackled about the research priorities of the said agency and according to her, they are willing to fund health researches that are align in their list of priorities.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) represented by Dr. Maria Theresa B. Mendoza, announced the submission of proposals & discussed their research priority areas while Mr. Zypher Jade G. Regencia, presented their R&D Agenda.
The meeting ended with an open forum to cater the concerns and clarifications from the researchers.
Written by: Des Aguirre
