Regional News

: Super User; Regional Updates; 24 September 2017; Hits: 2430

Otayza bags 2016 Presidential Gawad CES Award

Lead by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, was the conferment of awards to the Gawad Career Executive Service Honorees and to 26 individuals and 4 groups that made up the roster of finalists in the 2017 Search for Outstanding Government Workers, at the Rizal Hall Malacañang Palace on Sept 20, 2017.

The award, spearheaded by the Civil Service Commission aims to “recognize members in the Career Executive Service (CES) for exemplary performance and significant contributions, particularly in the areas of innovation, information and communication technology, social services, administrative reforms and public policy.” Distinguished recipient of this award is Dr Maria Lourdes K. Otayza, Medical Center Chief II of Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center and also the Chairman of the Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC). She took home a plaque with the Presidential Seal, a medal and prize money amounting to PhP100,000.00.

In order to qualify for this prominent award, the nominee will need to pass the validation process and the selection of winners shall have three levels. The first or pre-screening level shall be done by the CESB Secretariat to ensure adherence to criteria and completion of documents. The second level shall be done by a group of previous years’ winners of the GAWAD CES who will short-list from among the nominees the finalists for in-depth validation. The third and final level shall be done by the Committee on Awards which will select the winners for the year’s GAWAD CES from among the validated finalists.

This rigid process is no joke for only a few is being selected to receive the award. In the year 2015, there were only 5 awardees while only 3 receives the award for the year 2016.

To quote on the article published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated September 20, 2017, stating the reasons why Dr Otayza was granted the prestigious award says, “For developing the Innova

tive Health Assistance Financing System, which has lightened the burden of the sick while fostering one’s responsibility for health; for her successful endeavour on Global Standard Health Care and Acquisition of Equipment, which enabled Mariano Marcos Hospital to become a specialized reference center in Northern Luzon; and for spearheading the creation of a comprehensive human health resource development that led to the establishment of the Mariano Marcos State University College of Medicine, as well as the maintenance of the accreditation of training of the different clinical departments and the creation of Family Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine Departments.”

During his speech, the President commended the honorees calling them “the men and women of goodwill” and “brilliant and innovative”. He also encouraged and reminded his fellow civil servants to “reduce the case of graft and corruption to the most minimal level” if not “totally eliminated”.

Photos of the awarding ceremony were also published by the same publication dated September 24, 2017. Congratulations!

: Super User; Regional Updates; 22 September 2017; Hits: 1802

DOHRO8 in Collaboration with EVHRDC Conducts R&D Program: EVHRDC Research Management Committee Mentoring and Coaching Activity for Researchers in Region VIII

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.

: Super User; Regional Updates; 20 September 2017; Hits: 1630

BCHRD on PNHRS Structure Organization Monitoring and Evaluation

The PNHRS has come up with the System of Monitoring and Evaluation (SOME) of the Research and Researchers, Consortium and Institution. The main goal is to help the PNHRS monitor and evaluate the research, researchers, consortium and institution’s progress in their on-going activities/ researches/projects, and to help in making it easier to determine if their activities/ researches/projects are still aligning with the Goals and Visions of the PNHRS.

The authors of the new forms in SoME are Dr. Merlita Opeña and Dr. Ophelia Saniel. They have explained that the four forms are to be used in determining the progress of each research, as well as their respective researchers. The four forms are still to be reconstructed as per suggestions of the representatives of each region. The Four Forms shall be endorsed upon revision.

: Super User; Regional Updates; 18 September 2017; Hits: 1778

BCHRD strengthens partnership with DOH-V for health research in the region

During the DOH V Research Quarterly Meeting, BCHRD director, Prof. Michael Montealegre was invited to present the Regional Unified Health Research Agenda (RUHRA) of Region V. The said meeting was attended by members of DOH-V research committee members and BCHRD director and staff last September 15, 2017 at the 7 degrees Grill and Restaurant, Legazpi City.

The said meeting was conducted to create a venue for collaboration and partnership with the regional consortium and DOH V in strengthening the health researches in the region. The BCHRD represented by Director Montealegre shared to the DOH members the new program strategies such as the Bicol HeaRT and B1oSHARE. He further presented a proposal to the DOH V entitled, " Bicol HeaRT: Bicol Regional Health Research Systems Fund Initiative" wherein BCHRD shall be calling for proposals on health services (based on RUHRA 2017-2022) while the DOH V shall provide funding of the approved proposals.

As a strategy to encourage regional researchers and stakeholders to support health R & D activities in the region, the DOH Regional Office V provides support for regional research projects through a mechanism called the Bicol HeaRT: Bicol Health Research Training and Development Program. This initiative is recognized as a strategy to encourage and inspire researchers in the region to be actively involved in research projects involving health financing, health service delivery, and DOH programs and projects (operational research projects) while being mentored by research gurus in the field of biostatistics, research methodologies, research ethics, among others. The experience obtained from implementing simple yet relevant health research projects is expected to build up capabilities of individual researchers in designing, implementing and managing health research projects. Once the researcher has been able to develop a track record, and given the availability of facilities, the researcher will be encouraged to apply for the larger scale research project/program grant initiative also available in DOST-PCHRD (through its Research and Development Management Division), DOST, DOH, CHED, as well as other national and international funding agencies.

: Super User; Regional Updates; 15 September 2017; Hits: 1592

CLHRDC joins the Health Research Community in Celebrating the 11th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week

The Central Luzon Health Research and Development Consortium (CLHRDC) recently participated in the 11th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) week held on August 24-25, 2017 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. This year’s celebration focused on the theme, “Research Innovations in Health: Empowering and Transforming Communities,” to highlight the challenges and roles of health research in empowering and improving the health status of Filipinos especially those living in marginalized communities.

As part of the celebration, plenary and parallel sessions were held to address different topics such as Drug Addiction and Mental Health, Islands of Wealth and Wellness, The Health of Marawi and the Contributed Papers such as Alternative Gender-Aware Indices for Measuring Poverty: Implications for HealthCare for the Poor and Innovative Strategy Towards Sustainable Control and Elimination of Schistosomiasis in the Philippines.

The celebration also served as venue to showcase and recognized exemplary health researches done by students and professional researchers from different regions through oral and poster presentations. Dr. Jacqueline V. Bagunu of Pampanga State Agricultural University, bagged 3rd place in the poster exhibit contest with her study entitled: “Isolation and Molecular Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) from Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as Potential Pathogen Antagonist”, while Ms. Ivy Joyce A. Buan of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, presented her study: “Computational Study of Bioactive Components of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum linn.), Luyang Dilaw (Curcuma longa linn.), and Lagundi (Vitex negundo) as Inhibitor against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) in oral research category.

The CLHRDC- Ethics Review Committee was also awarded with a Level 1 accreditation by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB), which permits it to review research proposals that have minimal risk to participants. Other CLHRDC member institutions like Tarlac State University also received their Level 1 accreditation while Angeles University Foundation’s Level 3 license was renewed which allows them to review research proposals involving clinical trials. In addition to this, CLHRDC was also recognized for having the most updated official website among the health consortia.

With these milestones, CLHRDC is inspired all the more to deliver quality health-related researches as it continues to exert more of its capabilities to improve and encourage stronger collaborative health research projects that will improve the general health status of people and communities in Region 3.

: Super User; Regional Updates; 04 September 2017; Hits: 1822

CLHRDC conducts Research Proposal Writeshop and Basic Research Ethics Training

To strengthen and enhance the research capacity of its member- institutions, the Central Luzon Health Research and Development Consortium (CLHRDC) thru its Capacity Building Committee (CBC) recently conducted a Research Proposal Writeshop on Drug Discovery and Development and Biomedical Devices Development last June 28-29, 2017 at Imerex Plaza Hotel in Angeles City.

Together with the CLHRDC- Research Management Committee (RMC), the activity was aimed at improving the quality and productivity of health-related research endeavors in Region III through the submission of quality research proposals for funding. It also served as a venue to address issues usually encountered during the review of submitted research proposals such as misaligned objectives as well as to discuss new trends in writing research proposals like the use of Mendeley database as a reference manager tool. Dr. Reynaldo Bundalian Jr., Chair of CLHRDC-Research Management Committee, spearheaded the 2-day training together with Dr. Bella G. Panlilio, Chair of CLHRDC-CBC. Other resource persons were Dr. Al D. Biag of Holy Angel University, Dr. Neil C. Tanquilut of Pampanga State Agricultural University, and Mr. Wilfredo F. Sibal of Department of Science and Technology III who shared their experiences and best practices in research proposal writing.

As a major output of the said activity, the participants were requested to prepare and present their respective draft proposals for evaluation. 14 proposals were submitted, composed of 12 proposals for drug discovery and another 2 for biomedical devices. Through this activity, CLHRDC hopes to encourage its member institutions to submit more research proposals for funding.

This activity was also followed two weeks later by the Basic Research Ethics Training which took place last July 12-13, 2017, also at Imerex Plaza Hotel, Angeles City. Dr. Ricardo M. Manalastas and Dr. Evangeline O. Santos of Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) spearheaded the 2-day training. It was attended by 28 participants from 13 institutions composed of members of their respective Institutional Ethics Review Committees (IERCs). The training was intended to capacitate participants in evaluating research proposals that involve human or animal subjects and the importance of adhering ethical norms in research.

: Super User; Regional Updates; 01 September 2017; Hits: 1656

Region 1 soars high in 11th PNHRS Week

The Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC), once again proved its research capability by way of bagging awards, competing against other seventeen (17) consortia within the country during the 11th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week celebration held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City on August 24-25, 2017.

Under the PosterExhibit Contest,the “Efficacy of Mandibular Advancement Device in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome among Filipinos Seen in DOH Tertiary Hospital: A Pilot Study” with authored by Dr Ja P.Malvar and Dr Jose B. Orosa III of Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, and IMCI Mobile Application as an Alternative Tool for Health Care Providers" authored by Nicole Kaye Mondero, Carl Ernestine Bayot, Angelica Barba and Miriam Ferreria of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, were awarded as 2nd place for professional and student categories, respectively.

Another remarkable grant is the Gold Award of R1HRDC Website for consistently updating the website, featuring the consortium's accomplishments, providing news and information for the public.

An extra pride for the consortium is Dr Ma. Lourdes K. Otayza, PNHRS Research Agenda Committee Chair and R1HRDC Chair, for being the resource speaker of “Investing in the Implementation of the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) 2017-2022” during the plenary sessions. In addition, Ms Marcia Abadilla-Fellizar of MMMH&MC, author of the study, “Child Abuse Victims seen at MMMH&MC – Women and Child Protection Unit: An In-Dept Clinical Study” stood out for being one of the finalists in the Professional Oral Research Paper Presentation.

The success of the consortium was due to combined immeasurable team efforts of the R1HRDC personnel along with its stakeholders. The passion and dedication to research work surely help in improving the health outcome for the betterment of the community especially within the region.

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