The PNHRS Research Utilization Committee (RUC) and the RUCs of the different Regional Health Research and Development Consortia (RHRDC) convened for the Consortia RUC Planning held on October 15-16, 2019 at Casa Blanca Suites, Legazpi City, Albay. This was a follow-through activity of the business meeting conducted during the 13th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week celebration in Cagayan de Oro City last August 2019.
The objective of this two-day planning was to facilitate the harmonization of efforts of the RUC Consortia in the dissemination of research information and maximize its utilization.
Ms. Merlita Opeña (Chief of the Research Information, Communication, and Utilization Division) of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) presented and discussed the PNHRS Strategic Plan 2019-2022, which is the primary basis for the development of the RUC plans of the regions, and technology transfer.
Moreover, the following topics were discussed which are essential in the planning of programs and activities of the RHRDC RUCs: Communicating Research and Research Results; and Translating Research to Policy by Ms. Ullyann Garcia (Senior Science Research Specialist, PCHRD).
The newly updated PNHRS Research Registry, HERDIN+ (Health Research and Development Information Network Plus), was presented by Ms. Violeta Intia (Senior Science Research Specialist, PCHRD) as an online tool for research institutions. This was formerly known as HERDIN, which is still the largest online compendium of health research studies in the country.
Mr. Ricardo Varela (Member, PNHRS RUC) facilitated the presentation of accomplishments of the RHRDC RUCs. The different RUC chairpersons and representatives provided a very productive discussion of the best practices in their respective regions.
During the synthesis on the second day, vital discussions were conducted concerning the alignment of the drafted plans by the regional representatives with that of the PNHRS Strategy Map 2019-2022. Consequently, this will help in the refinement of the plans and programs of the regional RUCs that will be included in their respective Consortia planning.
Written by Carlson Dave Bolinto