Tacloban City, September 22, 2017 – Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium together with the Research Management Committee conducted the Mentoring and Coaching Activity for Researchers in Region VIII held last September 19 – 21, 2017 at Luxury Suites, Tacloban City. This activity aims to help and encourage participants from the different member institutions in finishing their research studies with the guidance and expertise of the EVHRDC-Technical Review Board. Also one with them is Dr. Ophelia Mendoza of UP Manila who was the Resource Person during the activity. This also aims to provide technical assistance including preparation of line item budget in the development and actual implementation of health research projects. In addition, to undertake technical review and recommend approval of regional health research projects.

During the first day, the Research Management Committee officially reviewed the proposals by requesting the proponents to present their full blown proposals assimilated with RMC Recommendations of last Technical Review dated June 23, 2017. The power point presentations standard template had a Table of comparison, stated with their recommendations and the compliance made by the proponents. During the proponent’s presentation, the RMC conveyed comments and suggestion. Likewise, Dr. Ophelia Mendoza, who was there to help the proponents in honing their proposals by mentoring and coaching them.

Overall, a total of (12) proposals were gone through by the Research Management Committee. The proponents were expected to make necessary revisions as per RMC suggestions. They will present it on the 3rd day. If they will comply, they will be endorsed to Ethics Review Committee for Ethical clearance.

On the Second day during the AM session, Mr. Leonido Olobia presented the research proposal entitled, “Effectiveness of Vector Prevention and Control Ordinance in Ormoc City” of Rolando Quilantang from Ormoc City Health Office because he is also a co-author of the proposal. 13th presentation of Research proposal for possible funding by EVHRDC.

The Supervising SRS-IDD of DOST-PCHRD, Ms. Anicia Catameo discussed about the Regional Research Fund. She oriented the proponents on how to prepare Line Item Budget properly.

Furthermore, Dr. Ophelia Mendoza and the Research Management Committee members continued to provide technical assistance to the proponents for them to be able to complete their health research proposals. Proponents made immediate corrections in their papers based on the commendations of RMC.

In the afternoon, Dr. Ophelia Mendoza lectured about Definition of Variables and Data Collection. This was considered as useful for the proponents to properly prepare and collect the data they will obtain in the future.

During the third day of the activity after the plenaries, Dr. Lucia P. Dauz, the EVHRDC Coordinator presented the DOST8 guidelines in preparing Line Item Budget. The accounting staff of DOST 8, Ms. Lourdes Salvatierra and Ms. Evelyn Elbore were also around to help the proponents to properly develop Line Item Budget based on DOST8 guidelines. The proponents again presented their final revision including the Line Item Budget.

The Research Management Committee members approved eight (8) research proposals as technically sound for funding consideration by EVHRDC. The following proposals were endorsed to Ethics review committee for ethical clearance.

Moreover, Dr. Lucia P. Dauz, the EVHRDC Coordinator delivered the remarkable Closing Message to encourage the researchers to push through with their research proposals despite the setbacks.