Other young consortium in the country look up to R1HRDC as a developed consortium and some makes R1HRDC as their path of benchmarking activities. While it is overwhelming and a pride to the consortium, the Management Committee never cease to plan for activities that will develop the capacity of the organization. Last July 4, 2018 the Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium, Ilo-ilo City, headed by Dr. Alice Joan Ferrer welcomed the R1HRDC for an educational tour.

Overall Chairperson Dr. Maria Lourdes K. Otayza, spearheaded the tour together with other key persons of R1HRDC namely: Dr. Jose B. Orosa III (R&D Chair), Dr. Unity H. Cortez (CBC Chair), Dr. Hilarion Maramba Jr. (ERC Chair), Dr. Mercita Queddeng (RUC Chair), Ms. Lucila Roja and Ms. Wilma Santos (PCHRD Representatives), Ms. Maingelline Vivit (MMSU-TLDC Representative), Ms Ana Gay Ranga (R1HRDC Secretariat) and Ms Maria Virginia Ulit (R&D Secretary). The group learned about the framework of the scholarship program that they are implementing. This immersion activity opened a door to observe the culture of Western Visayas as well as their experiences in training and mentoring amateur researcher to come up with a good quality health research proposals worthy of funding. Today, this scholarship program has already produced and completed eight (8) research projects and there are still on going.

As such, the R1HRDC is very willing to make a policy/resolution to adopt also a scholarship program. This is to enhance the potential of the consortium to develop researchers for the region. This will provide an opportunity for our aspiring researchers to hone their skills an

d help them grow as professional researchers. While doing the entire process of research, the researcher will be provided with a mentor to properly monitor and guide the scholars.

On top of it, it is hoped that upon the implementation of this scholarship program, funded research and research enthusiasts will grow in Region 1.