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Call for nominations: 2023 Best Mentor in Health Research Award

The Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) is pleased to announce that the call for nominations for the 2023 Best Mentor in Health Research Award is now open!

The Best Mentor in Health Research Award is offered biennially to recognize and reward mentors in health research who have built the capacities of researchers in the health sector and, in the process, propelled significant advances in the Philippine National Health Research System’s (PNHRS) thrusts as identified in the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA).

A. WHO CAN NOMINATE?

The nominating party may be any of the following:

Head of the nominee’s institution or immediate supervisor
Colleague/s
Trainee/s
Student/s
Advisee/s

Self-nomination is not allowed.

B. WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?

Must be a Filipino citizen
Must be with appropriate or relevant academic qualifications
Must be actively involved in mentoring researchers/students or colleagues for at least 3 years
Has a good track record as a researcher in terms of any of the following: publication, product development or policy formulation
Professionally involved in health research activities either as a research program/project leader, principal and co-principal investigator, mentor/adviser/trainer, or author/co-author
Actively involved in any health research activities in the last 5 years such as conduct of research training and extension work, paper presentations, fund generation, research promotion and networking, research agenda setting, and capacity-building activities

NOTE: Winners are ineligible for subsequent nominations, while non-winners are still eligible for nominations if they submit a new set of documents, but not for consecutive calls of nomination.

C. HOW TO NOMINATE?

Submit the IDD-BM-F2 recommendation form (either personally delivered, by courier, or through email) for initial screening to the Regional Health Research and Development Consortium Secretariat (Please refer to the attached RHRDC Directory).
For completed DOST-PCHRD and ASTHRDP scholars, submit nominations to DOST-PCHRD for screening and endorsement of the PCHRD Scholar’s Society (PSS).

The deadline for submission of nominations to the RHRDC/ DOST-PCHRD (if DOST-PCHRD and ASTHRDP scholars only) is on or before January 6, 2023, 4:00 PM.

D. FOR QUALIFIED NOMINEES (to be determined by RHRDC and PCHRD by January 2023)

To submit five (5) hard copies and soft copies (uploaded in Google Drive folder) of the following documents:

Accomplished curriculum vitae of the nominee using IDD-BM-F3 form;
A narrative description (1,000-1,500 words) of the nominee’s mentoring activities using the guide questions provided, accompanied by supporting documents, e.g. photos and other relevant documentation;
Description of other achievements attained related to health research for the last 5 years, including supporting documents e.g., photocopy of certificates of recognition/awards/honors received by the nominee, which are relevant to the nominee’s eligibility criteria; and
Cite names of 5 mentees, their achievements in research, and a narrative description of the nominee’s contribution to the success of each mentored research.

NOTE:

For hard copies: Submit in a folder with proper tabbings and table of contents
For soft copies: Upload in a Google Drive folder with one sub-folder per criteria
Supplemental documents and/or verifications may be required as deemed necessary

E. SELECTION PROCESS

All nominations, including those from non-members of the consortium, should be submitted to the consortium secretariat; nominations from completed DOST-PCHRD and ASTHRDP scholars, submit to PSS (c/o DOST-PCHRD)

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The consortium/PSS will check the completeness of the documents and will shortlist the nominees

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Shortlisted nominees should be endorsed by the chair of the consortium/PSS and must be submitted to DOST-PCHRD

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The Cluster Selection Committees for Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and NCR will convene to review, validate and select the Cluster Winners from the nominees

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The profile of Cluster Winners from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and NCR shall be submitted to the National Selection Committee for further evaluation

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The National Selection Committee shall choose one National Winner from the Cluster Winners

NOTE:

The consortium must provide DOST- PCHRD with the complete list of nominees from their region
The decision of the Cluster and National Selection Committee is final
Documents pertinent to the nomination of non-winners will be returned to their owners

F. SELECTION CRITERIA

The review of nominations by the Cluster/National Selection Committee will be based on the following criteria:

CRITERIA	PERCENTAGE
Research Guidance Quantitative Indicators – refer to the number of research mentees guided, advised or mentored by the candidate; also includes the nominee’s years of experience in mentoring. Qualitative indicators – to be decided by the evaluators; may include extent, quality/result of the research guidance/mentoring done e.g., awards and other forms of recognition received by the mentor and/or other mentees.	44%
Track Record in Research Publications refer to peer-reviewed journals during the last 5 years: Main author in a Philippine journal or international journal Co-author in a Philippine journal or international journal Awards received refer to recognition received for the research completed as: Main author/principal investigator in the Philippines or International Co-author/member of a research team in the Philippines or International Paper presented refers to the number of times the nominee presented the research work/paper in conference, workshop by recognized organization (either oral or poster) Completed research covers completed unpublished researches over the last 5 years	21%
Dedication in promoting research Types of active involvement in five years Teacher, adviser, panel member, critic Advocate of health-related policies Reviewer of refereed journal article/editor/member of editorial board/team Member of professional organization/network Trainor in training courses/resource person/lecturer Research manager/director, coordinator, evaluator Quality of active involvement within 5 years as: Teacher, adviser, panel member, critic Advocate of health-related policies Reviewer of refereed journal articles, editor/member of editorial team Trainor in training courses/resource person Research manager, coordinator, evaluator	20%
Contribution towards a supportive research environment Providing research opportunities as: Organizer/initiator of program, project, policy Organizer/initiator/member of team for workshops, conferences Organizer/initiator/member of team for training courses Director/chair/administrator for research Study group leader Research team leader	10%
Other Criteria as agreed by the Evaluators This may include awards/recognition received by mentees/advisees/students of the nominee or any agreed criteria; impact of R&D in terms of patenting, commercialization, and/or utilization of research results into policies and actions such as training modules developed, teaching manuals, community modules, contribution to national health development/equity and/or relevance of research results in health care delivery; etc.	5%

G. INCENTIVES FOR QUALIFIED NOMINEES AND WINNERS

All qualified nominees will receive certificates of recognition.
Cluster Winners from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and National Capital Region will receive respective cash prizes and plaques of recognition.
- Mentors of Undergraduate Students – PHP 50,000.00
- Mentors of Graduate Students – PHP 50,000.00
- Mentors of Junior/Early Career Researchers – PHP 100,000.00

National Winners for each category will receive respective additional cash prizes and trophies which will be awarded during the PNHRS Week Celebration.
- Mentors of Undergraduate Students – PHP 150,000.00
- Mentors of Graduate Students – PHP 150,000.00
- Mentors of Junior/Early Career Researchers – PHP 200,000.00

H. TIMELINES

Activity	Timeline
Call for nominations	October 14-January 6, 2023
Deadline of submission of recommendation form to respective consortium	January 6, 2023
Submission of the endorsed recommendation forms to DOST-PCHRD	January 13, 2023
Submission of complete nominees’ documents to DOST-PCHRD	January 16- March 15, 2023
Screening of nominees’ submitted documents	March – May 2023
Selection Process (Cluster and National)	June – July 2023
Awarding of Winners	16th PNHRS Week Celebration (second week of August 2023)

For any inquiries, please send an email to the PCHRD Awards Secretariat at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

IPTM Call Conference and Launching of the HeaRTNovation: The DOST-PCHRD Innovation Portfolio

Let’s talk research commercialization and utilization!

Join us at the “Intellectual Property and Technology Management Call Conference and Launching of the HeaRTNovation: The DOST-PCHRD Innovation Portfolio” this 9 August 2022, 10AM-12NN to know how you can bring your health technology to the market.

To join, register at the 15th PNHRS Official website:

https://15thpnhrsweekcelebration.dost3.ph/. Check out our registration guide here: https://www.facebook.com/dostpchrd/posts/pfbid02z7DwbBYGRgsJjP5CDXdjPk3xqD9nBzVPmgFHbWWzYoemFx72i6weAcpX9arCYDfGl

See you online!

DOST-PCHRD-supported facility to boost research on Filipino genomics

The University of the Philippines (UP) Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI), along with its partners, inaugurated the Filipino Genomes Research Program (FGRP) Facility at the Miranda Hall, UP Diliman, last 15 July 2022. The activity was held in conjunction with the 26th Founding Anniversary of the NSRI’s DNA Analysis Laboratory.

With cutting-edge equipment and a highly skilled team of researchers, the facility is expected to support the program’s research activities which focus on regional and ethno-linguistic groups as well as explore its applications, particularly in DNA forensics. It will also accommodate collaborative R&D efforts on Filipino genomics.

Composed of three research projects, the FGRP is an initiative supported by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) under the OMIC Technologies for Health research priority. Its main objectives are to represent Filipino groups in genomics research, generate a DNA biobank and databank, build local capacities and human resources in genomics research, and increase stakeholder appreciation of genomic concepts and methods.

Dr. Maria Corazon De Ungria, the project leader of FGRP Project 3 and head of the DNA Analysis Laboratory of UP-NSRI, shared the main message of the program which is to enable science to serve the Filipinos. “Science is not just about publishing scientific papers. What we need to do is we need to be able to reach and inform the community,” she further emphasized.

The following are the projects under the FGRP:

1. Project 1: Filipino Forensic Genomics (Phase 1)
Led by Ms. Jazelyn M. Salvador, this project aims to generate a Filipino-specific sample resource and population database at different forensic panels or types of DNA variations that may be observed in DNA analysis.

2. Project 2: Filipino Genomes: History, Evolution, Origins, and Applications (Phase I)
Led by Mr. Frederick C. Delfin, Project 2 of the FGRP focuses on creating a Filipino-specific whole genome data and sample resource for various applications.

3. Project 3: Filipino Genome Regions to Help Resolve Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Led by Dr. Maria Corazon De Ungria, the project aims to validate the process of using biological samples form child victims of sexual abuse in the context of forensics.

According to Mr. Delfin, these projects are expected to provide forensically and clinically relevant information, which may also have applications in other fields.

Former DOST Secretary Prof. Fortunato de la Peña, who has supported efforts in genomics under his term, commended the growth of genomics research in the country, noting the establishment of various facilities as well as the increased capacities and human resources in the field. The achievements and recognitions received by the FGRP is one indicator of this progress, according to Prof. de la Peña.

“We should also translate our work that we are doing to the work of different regions in the country,” Prof. de la Peña said, urging continued partnerships in genomics research with regional researchers as well as other industries, moving forward.

Likewise, Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, Executive Director of the DOST-PCHRD, shared his insights on the future of the FGRP, in terms of its impacts to Philippine healthcare. “Creating this wealth of data will contribute to the development of medicines, treatment, or health procedures that are better suited or are tailored for the Filipino people,” said Dr Montoya. He added that this will result in more successful health interventions for Filipinos. Preparing for its 4th year of implementation with funding from the DOST-PCHRD, the program is set to continue seeking answers to the question “How can we use our DNA to help the Filipino?”

Source: https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/news_and_updates/dost-pchrd-supported-facility-to-boost-research-on-filipino-genomics/

15th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week

To highlight the role of health research in national recovery and resiliency, the 15th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week celebration will gather stakeholders to share their expertise and experiences in health R&D on August 8-12, 2022 at Clark Marriott Hotel, Pampanga.

Hosted by the Central Luzon Health Research and Development Consortium (CLHRDC) together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region III, the celebration will be conducted in a hybrid format using both face-to-face and virtual set ups to ensure compliance to health protocols, following the recommendation of the Regional Inter-agency Task Force.

Themed “Health Research: Responding to Challenges to National Recovery and Resiliency,” the PNHRS Week celebration will serve as a platform for the health research community to share their insights, best practices, and experiences in developing innovative solutions to contribute to national recovery towards achieving resilience through health R&D.

Composed of pre-conference sessions such as workshops, meetings, and competitions and main conference events where three plenary sessions are scheduled, the face-to-face setup is expected to be attended by 250 invited participants, while live broadcasts will be available to all registered virtual participants.

“This year, we banner the theme “Health Research: Responding to Challenges towards National Recovery and Resiliency.” Along with our thrust for a strong recovery and a pandemic-resilient healthcare system, we highlight the importance of health research and innovation,” DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya says. “As with all such conferences, including this year’s PNHRS Week, we want to initiate discourse, and advocate for research-based solutions from across disciplines in healthcare,” he adds.

“Health Research has always been in the forefront of innovation and this year’s conference is another gateway to come together to enhance our health policies, improve our healthcare system and make adaptive, feasible solutions as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. May this event celebrate the resiliency we have shown as we respond to our current and future public health concerns,” says CLHRDC Vice Chair Dr. Maria Corazon I. Flores.

The PNHRS Week is celebrated every second week of August in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 1309 of June 2007.

Interested participants may register through: https://15thpnhrsweekcelebration.dost3.ph.

For more updates on the upcoming PNHRS Week celebration, you may visit the DOST-PCHRD Facebook Page, CLHRDC Facebook Page, or the PNHRS Website.

PCHRD-supported eHATID gears local eHealth systems for UHC

Initiated in 2012 as an electronic medical record (EMR) system, the eHealth TABLET developed by Dr. Dennis Batangan of the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) – Institute of Philippine Culture (IPC), with support from the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), has evolved to assist local government units (LGUs) in building health information systems in support of universal health care (UHC).

Recognizing the emerging eHealth needs of Filipino communities, the eHealth TABLET team created several enhancements to the technology including a feature enabling the generation and transmission of reports on the Primary Care Benefit (PCB) Package 1 of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), an eClaims system for the processing of claim reimbursements with PhilHealth, a data analytics system, and an interoperability layer enabling local health information management. Now known as the eHealth TABLET for Informed Decision Making of LGUs or eHATID LGU, the system fostered collaborations with local government units in the country, with over 450 sites across the country adopting the technology.

eHATID in support to UHC

In 2019, Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act was signed into law to ensure equitable access to inclusive, quality healthcare through refinements in the country’s health systems. One of the reforms the law calls for is strengthened eHealth Systems at the LGU level. In response to this, AdMU IPC, with support from DOST-PCHRD, expanded its efforts in assisting LGUs to build their eHealth capacities in support of the implementation of UHC.

The Local Government Unit-mandated eHealth Networked Services for Universal Health Care (UHC LeHNS) was launched by the AdMU IPC, in close partnership with the Province of Pangasinan, to develop UHC-compliant local health information systems. UHC LeHNS initiated major reforms such as the establishment of provincial-level and city-level health information systems that facilitate information exchange between the province’s health institutions.

A similar project utilizing the eHATID LGU to strengthen local health information systems is the Smarter and Integrated Local Health Information System for Cagayan de Oro City (SmILHIS CDOC). It specifically aims to assist the city of Cagayan De Oro in creating an interoperable health information system that facilitates easy access to and exchange of local health information among various health institutions.

With streamlined management of local health information, LGUs are guided in decision making to ensure that programs and policies improve efficiency of healthcare service delivery to Filipino communities.

Due to eHATID’s significant contributions in refining local healthcare systems, the project was recently recognized by the Provincial Health Office of Pangasinan during the 11th Provincial Health Summit: 2020 LGU Health Scorecard Recognition and Outstanding COVID-19 Response Awarding Ceremony for the project’s contribution to Pangasinan’s ehealth system. It also received the People’s Choice Award from the DOST-TAPI’s Gawad TECHNiCOM for their Facebook video entry entitled, “Tugon sa Hamon,” which narrated the team’s journey in developing the eHATID.

On 17 June 2022 from 10AM-12PM during the DOST-PCHRD’s Talakayang HeaRT Beat press conference, the eHATID team, represented by Dr. Dennis Batangan as the project lead and Mr Jaztine, will share their experiences in the eHATID journey. They will be joined by DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya, Cagayan De Oro City Mayor Hon. Oscar Moreno, and Cagayan De Oro City Health Insurance Office Head Dr. William Bernardo to answer questions from the audience. To join, register via: https://bit.ly/THBJune17_Reg.

Source: https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/news_and_updates/pchrd-supported-ehatid-gears-local-ehealth-systems-for-uhc