Regional News
A meet and talk session that was held at Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH&MC) in Batac City Ilocos Norte in which the R1HRDC's organizational structure was discussed together with how the consortium runs the organization in a resilient, effective and efficient manner that made it become a well established one. They also visited the Tuklas Lunas Center situated at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Batac City, Ilocos Norte.
Participants from MIMAROPA region were composed of Prof. Marissa Pontillas (Chair, MHRDC),Dr. Patrick Regoniel (Director, MHRDC), Mr. Marvin Plata (Chair, ERC), Dr. Romeo Lerom (Chair, R&D), Dr. Diosdado Zulueta (Chair, CBC), Dr. Virginia Alkiate, Ms. Sol Theresa Logo, Mr. Hagari Toyokan, Mr. Justine Byla-ay (CHED MIMAROPA), Ms. Sabrina Elechosa (SRS II, DOST-PCHRD),Mr.Jezreel Sarabia (member,ERC), Ms. Rhoda Lyn Ramos (DOST MIMAROPA-Project Staff), Ms. Angela Kaye Reyes, Ms. Janet Cayabyab and Ms. Angelie SOngco (DOH-MIMAROPA).
Imparting the strategies and techniques from region 1 were Dr. Maria Lourdes K. Otayza, chair R1HRDC, Dr. Jose B. Orosa III, chair R&D, Dr. Mercita Queddeng, chair RUC, Dr. Hilarion H. Maramba Jr.,chair ERC with members Dr. Larguita Reotutar, Dr. Marivic Alimbuyuguen and Ms. Anita Criste and Ms. Lucila Roja from DOST-PCHRD.
This undertaking along with the support of the R1HRDC and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) is one of MHRDC's ways to achieve their mission to be the catalyst of change not only in research but also in the health of the MIMAROPA Region.
The resource persons for the training included Professor Carolyn Yoro from the Central Philippine University who lectured on the topic Data Management and Appreciation. Professor Leah Araneta from the University of the Philippines Visayas gave a lecture on various topics, including description of data, basic concepts of Statistics, data presentations, and types of parametric and non-parametric statistical tools. Prof. Araneta also gave a workshop on preparing a coding manual and coding file, and supervised a hands-on practice on how to navigate a statistical software, encode data, process data, and generate results. A day was also spent by the trainees to process, analyse, interpret, and write a portion of their on-going researches. The output of the trainees were presented on the last day for comments by Dr. Alice Joan Ferrer from the University of the Philippines Visayas and currently the executive director of the Consortium. Dr. Ferrer gave a lecture on Data Analysis, Presentation, and Interpretation and how to write the different parts of a research report.
The training aimed to help researchers in the data processing, interpretation, and write up stages of their work. The training is one of the three trainings for 2017 that the Human Resource Committee of the Consortium is conducting. Providing support to the training as preceptors were Prof. Ma. Socorro Leong-on, Prof. Louie P. Hijalda and Dr. Ma. Delsa Gange from University of San Agustin, Prof. Melba Sale from Central Philippine University and Mr. Benedict Mark Carmelita from University of the Philippines Visayas.
-Cherry Joy M. Dagting
Informative, exciting and fun S&T activities will be held during the Regional Science and Technology Week 2017, a weeklong celebration that highlights the significant contributions, innovations, and breakthroughs of Science and Technology in the lives of the Filipinos towards holistic countryside development.
It aims to bring science and technology closer to the people, letting them get a first-hand experience on how science and technology work for a better and progressive life.
Anchored in the theme “Science for the People”, DOST R02 prepared various activities for the general public including S&T Quiz, Science Explorer, Technology Fora, Search for Ginoo at Binibining Agham at Teknolohiya, S&T Trivia, and many more.
Kids will have a unique science experience in the Science Explorer, a mobile interactive learning facility that provides access to audio-visual equipment, interactive exhibits, and countless learning materials letting the students learn concepts and ideas in science in a more exciting and fun ways.
Also, numerous DOST—assisted products owned by micro, small and medium enterprises in the region will be displayed and sold in the S&T Bazaar.
Moreover, different Regional Testing Laboratories nationwide are expected to come for the first ever National Laboratory Summit. This will further strengthen the awareness of laboratory personnel and staff to various regulations and laws and the significant breakthroughs in laboratory testing.
Aside from these, cash prizes will be given to researchers, inventors, faculties and students with the best research outputs and innovations during the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) scheduled on August 14-18, 2017. Winners from the regional level will compete to the national contest for the 2018 National Invention Contest (NICE).
The Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (SARAI) Project spearheaded by the University of the Philippines Los Bańos will also be introduced during the S&T event.
SARAI aims to improve the forecasting and crop monitoring system of the Philippine crops including rice, corn, coconut, banana, coffee and cacao. SARAI team has developed various systems and technologies including Cost-efficient soil moisture sensors and meters, Smarter Pest Identification Technology (SPI Tech), SARAI-Enhanced Cost-Efficient Soil Moisture Sensors and Meters, Smarter Pest Identification Technology, SARAI-Enhanced Agricultural Monitoring System (SEAMS), Automatic Weather Station (AWS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (AUV), and SARAI Knowledge Portal.
DOST key officials including Secretary Fortunato dela Peńa, Undersecretary for Regional Operations - Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano, Assistant Secretary for Finance and Legal Affairs - Emmanuel S. Galvez, DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute Director Edgar I. Garcia, other DOST regional directors and other representatives from DOST’s attached agencies and research councils are expected to come.
Also, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Regional Line Agencies, Provincial and Municipal Local Government Units and other partner stakeholders will also extend their support and presence during the RSTW 2017.
The activities are open to public for free. Updates will be posted in our official Facebook Account @www.facebook.com/cagayanvalley. Don’t forget to like our page @www.facebook.com/DOST.Region2.
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CLHRDC and DOH RO 3 Held the 1st Central Luzon Health Research Forum
The Central Luzon Health Research and Development Consortium (CLHRDC) in partnership with the Department of Health RO3 successfully conducted the 1st Central Luzon Health Research Forum with the theme, “Translational Research: Addressing Health Inequities in Central Luzon” last April 25-26, 2017 at Subic Bay Travelers Hotel, Subic Freeport Zone. The forum provided a platform to link institutions engaged in or with interest in health research activities to explore ideas on topics that impact regional as well as national needs.
Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, Regional Director of DOST III and Chairman of CLHRDC, who was also a member of the panel of evaluators stressed the need to align health research projects with the 10- point development agenda of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, adding that proposals geared towards the priority areas identified in the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) has better chances of being approved for funding. “We should be thinking of the research output as something that will benefit not only the people we serve but also our institutions, our families and ourselves. The products of our minds should be economically viable, sustainable and beneficial”, Dr. Sicat added. He also announced that the Region III will be hosting the Philippine National Health Research System Week next year.
Researchers from higher education institutions, local government units, public and private hospitals participated in the competing and non-competing categories. In addition, authors of published research papers presented their studies and shared their experience in publishing in reputable journals. Researches presented ranged from health technology development, health financing, health service delivery and socio-environmental health concerns.
The following were declared winners in the professional and student categories. The 1st and 2nd placers in both categories will represent Region III in the upcoming Philippine National Health Research Systems (PNHRS) Week Celebration in August.
Oral Research Presentation (Professional Category)
1st place – Ivy Joyce A. Buan and Danilet Vi M. Mendoza (NEUST)
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)
2nd place – Jacqueline V. Bagunu, et al. (PSAU)
Isolation and Molecular Identification of Lactic Acid bacteria (LAB) from Nile Tilapia (Oreo-chromis niloticus) as Potential Pathogen Antagonist
3rd place – Kay Ann J. Tongol, et al. (WUP)
Assessment of the Antioxidant and Cholesterol- Lowering Activity of Artocarpus ovatus Blanco (Moraceae) Leaf Extract
Geraldine C. Sanchez, et al. (PSAU)
Hypocholesterolemic Effects of ICRISAT-bred Pigeon pea Dried Leaves fed in White Mice Fed with High Cholesterol Diet
Oral Research Presentation (Student Category)
1st place – Aileen A. Gutierrez, et al. (AUF)
Determining the Anti-angiogenic and Cytotoxic Activity of the Crude Ethanolic Extract from Saccharum spontaneum linn (Talahib) on Duck Eggs and Human Breast Cancer Cells Lines (MCF7)
2nd place - Kayeslyn Jill F. Sanchez, et al. (AUF)
The Effectiveness of Short Messaging Service (SMS) as a Strategy to Improve Adherence to TB Service in Angeles City: A Randomized Control Study
3rd place - Ruiza U. Ismael, et al. (AUF)
In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Allamandra Cathartica L. Leaf Ethanol extract against A549 Human Lung Adenocarcinoma
Aside from the forum, the event also served as an avenue to strengthen linkages among public and private research institutions in Central Luzon.
CLHRDC is committed in generating health- related researchers to help improve the health conditions of the people in Central Luzon and will continue its effort to improve and encourage more collaborative health research projects in Region III.
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Consultation of Stakeholders for the Development of the Central Luzon Unified Health Research Agenda (RUHRA) for 2017-2022 Held in Angeles City
12 research areas that seeks to address health-related concerns in Central Luzon were identified during a consultation workshop spearheaded by Central Luzon Health Research and Development Consortium (CLHRDC) last April 27-28,2017 in Angeles City.
Together with the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS), the activity was facilitated by the Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes (AIHO), a non-stock, non-profit, public health consulting firm that was commissioned by the PCHRD-DOST to assist regional health R&D consortium in coming up their respective regional R&D agenda. Following the National Guidelines for Health Research Prioritization developed by the PNHRS, workshop participants were able to identify the following Health Research Priorities during the consultation:
1.Nutrition and Safety
2. Maternal and Child Health
3. Technology and Innovations for Health
4. Sexually and Reproductive Health (e.g adolescent)
5. Health Service Delivery and Health Workforce
6. Financial Risk Protection
7. Communicable Diseases (STI, HIV and AIDS, TB, vector-borne disease and other emerging and reemerging disease)
8. Disaster Risk Reduction Management for Health
9. Diseases of Urbanization and Industrialization (Environmental Health, Mental Health)
10. Health of Aging Population
11. Health Research Governance
12. Indigenous People's Health
The draft document which will later become the Regional Unified Health Research Agenda was formulated with inputs from multi-sectoral participants from government agencies like Department of Health RO3, Department of Science and Technology III, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Provincial Health Office and the Commission on Population Region III, Higher Education Institutions like Angeles University Foundation, Republic Central Colleges, University of the Assumption, Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, Wesleyan University, Bulacan State University and Pampanga State Agricultural University, as well as Government Hospitals such as Mariveles Mental Hospital, and other organizations such as Integrated Midwives’ Association of the Philippines and Pampanga Medical Society.
Similar consultation workshops were also held in the different regions of the country. The consolidated output from these consultations will be incorporated into the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) and will be launched in the upcoming PNHRS Week Celebrations in August 2017 at the PICC. It will also be disseminated through newsletters, publications, organizations’ official websites and a formal document that will be sent to all the stakeholders. It is envisioned to be monitored and revisited every two (2) years for the progress and status of the set priorities.
To motivate the target stakeholders in promoting productivity and innovation through research, the Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC) thru the Research and Utilization Committee (RUC) conducted a regional research conference held on May 25, 2017 at Teatro Ilocandia, Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, Batac City Ilocos Norte with the theme:"R1HRDC Bolstering People's Quality of Life through Health Research and Dissemination". Headed by Dr. Maria Lourdes K. Otayza, Chairman, R1HRDC and Dr. Mercita Q. Queddeng, Chairman, RUC, the conference aimed to: (1) provide platform for professional and student researches for health utilization and dissemination (2) strengthen collaboration between researchers and institutions (3) support, encourage and nurture scholarly work of student and professional researcher.The keynote speaker was Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, OIC President of Mariano Marcos State University.
More than three hundred (300) participants from different member institutions/agencies attended the said conference.Winners during the competition were the following:
Professional - Oral Presentation
| Award | Research Name | Author/Presenter | Institution |
| 1st Place | Status of Voluntary Blood Donation Program and Services in the Philippines Red Cross Pangasinan Chapter | Dr Catherine DG. Torio | Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation |
| 2nd Place | Challenges Encountered by the Relatives of Clients with Alzheimers Disease | Sharon Orcajo | Lyceum Northwestern University |
| 3rd Place | Morpho-cytoxicity of Ethanolic Crude Extracts of Nuclea Orientalis (L) Lin on Allium cepa (L) Roots | Ms Maingeline B.Vivit | Mariano Marcos State University |
Professional - Poster Presentation
| Award | Research Name | Author/Presenter | Institution |
| 1st Place | In Vitro Evaluation of the Antifungal Properties of Cotton Fabric Treated with the Ethanolic Extract of Propolis from Apis mellifera against Tricophyton Rubrum | Mr Ramoncito Gabriel O.Paragas, et. al | Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation |
| 2nd Place | Phytochemical Screening and In Vitro Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Nuclea orientalis (L) Lin | Ms Maingeline B.Vivit | Mariano Marcos State University |
| 3rd Place | Formulation, Quality Control and Stability of a Polyherbal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo | Mr Pocholo A. Trinidad | Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation |
Students - Oral Presentation (Medical) Category
| Award | Research Name | Author/Presentor | Institution |
| 1st Place | MMSU Disaster Framework: Integrating Physical Therapists in the Resiliency of Ilocos Norte | Francis Clarence C. Chua, et. Al | Adviser Dr Cheryll Didi Nellie N. Obra Mariano Marcos State University |
| 2nd Place | IMCI Mobile Application as an Alternative Tool for Healthcare Providers | Nicole Kaye C. Mondero, et al | Adviser Mr Milencio Milan Don Mariano Marcos State University |
| 3rd Place | Hospital-Based Healthcare Professionals Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude and Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Practices in Tertiary Hospitals in Ilocos Norte | Alana M. Sambrano, et al | Adviser Ms Julie Ann Gattoc Mariano Marcos State University |
Students - Oral presentation (Herbal) Category
| Award | Research Name | Author/Presentor | Institution |
| 1st Place | The Analgesic Effectiveness of Piper Betle L. (Piper betle) and Jatropha Curcas L. (Purging Nut Tree) Liniments for Arthritic Pain | Parida Joy C. carpio, et. al | Don Mariano Marcos State University |
| 2nd Place | Platelet Augmentation Activity of Suma from Pinili, Ilocos Norte: Munno-munnot (Clausea sanki), Ngarusangis (Ehretia microphylla) , Barsanga (Eluesine Indica) and Ilocos White Bawang (Allium sativum) | Lois Lyn Gacosta, et. Al | Adviser Ms Janelyn V. Rojas Mariano Marcos State University |
| 3rd Place | Nutraceutical and Toxicological In Vitro Analysis of Standardized Schizophyllum commune for Capsule Formulation | Princess Aira Carbonel | Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation |
Students - Poster Presentation Category
| Award | Research Name | Author/Presentor | Institution |
| 1st Place | Anti-acne Tyrosinace Inhibition Activities of Propolis Produced by Philippine Stingless Bee (Trigona biroi) | Esther Faith Gabriel, et. Adviser Ms Angelica May DC Mendoza | Mariano Marcos State University |
| 2nd Place | Vermicidal Property of Star Gooseberry (Phyllantus acidus) Fruit Extract | Vaithalingam Kalachelvan, et. al | University of Northern Philippines |
| 3rd Place | In Vivo Analysis of the Anthelmintic Property of Calabash (Bignoniaceae cresentia cujete L.) Fruit Extract in Syrup Form | Aftab Miya Ansari, et. al | Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation |
Members of the Technical Panel of Evaluators who served as judge in assessing the significance and quality of the researches were: Dr. Jose B. Orosa III, Chairman,R&D; Dr.Ederlyn A. Cadorna from UNP; Dr. Ricardo S. Guanzon, Chairman, Research Committee MMMH&MC (Professional Category), Dr. Hilarion H. Maramba Jr.,Chairman, ERC; Dr. Cynthia P. Lopez from LNU; Dr. Lori Marseli De Castro from NWU (Student-Medical Health Category); Dr. Mercita Q. Queddeng, Chairman, RUC; Dr. Amelia Dumaoang from DOH; Ms. Remedios Mangoba from MMMH&MC (Student-Herbal Category); Dr. Corazon G. Pardo; Dr. Solita Evangeline Banez; Prof. Loreen Cayabyab (Poster Category-Student and Professional).Facilitators during the contest were Dr. Marlou Savella from UNP, Dr. Cecilia Villamor from DMMMSU and Ms. Ma. Lyn P. Cortez from VMUF.
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First Stop of the DOST IX Science for the People Festival: Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay
In its bid to bring the gains of science and technology closer to the people, the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. IX (DOST-IX) brought its fiesta-inspired version of the agency-wide Science for the People (SFTP) to the municipality of Titay in Zamboanga Sibugay Province.
The celebration of the SFTP Festival aims to reduce demographic inequality, create opportunities for businesses and employment, build and strengthen partnerships with local organizations, and expand the potential for growth in the countryside.
Through the SFTP Festival events, communities are set to benefit from the opportunities to be created by tech bazaars and exhibits, technology business fora, and various S&T trainings, among other enriching activities.
Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay
Located at the western part of the Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen), Titay is a humble yet thriving municipality that acts as the gateway for travelers headed for Zamboanga del Norte and the other provinces of ZamPen. Given its inland location and distance from the main cities, it is often found on the wanting side of science and its advancements. Knowing that the municipality was set to celebrate its Araw ng Titay on the 24th of May, DOST-IX held the first of the three-day SFTP festival on the 22nd, ensuring that the festival’s final day would end in a bang.
The Exhibits
As early as 7am, the municipal hall saw participants pour in by the hundreds, each making their way through the agency’s various displays sprawled across the grounds’ expanse.
Each exhibit had its own S&T advantage to bring to the table; the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Stations or STARBOOKS, offered onlookers a glimpse of its capabilities - a digital library that allows users access to over 500,000 local and foreign S&T resources in text, video, and audio formats, which include digitized journals, serial publications, reference materials, and other sci-tech resources found in the DOST-STII (Science and Technology Information Institute)'s libraries.
The agency’s RSTL or Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories exhibit shared to guests the various laboratory services they offer, as well as introduce them to OneLab - a platform that interconnects DOST labs and their services, allowing customers to submit their samples to the nearest DOST lab for analysis, testing, and/or calibration - even if that lab currently does not have the means to process the said sample.
Also on display was the RxBox, - a compact, easy to operate, 6-part telemedicine device that could immediately and accurately provide patients data on their current health status. The RxBox contains a Blood Pressure Monitor a Pulse oximeter – which measures the level of oxygen in the patient’s blood, an Electrocardiogram or (ECG) a Fetal Heart Monitor a Maternal Tocometer – that measures the strength of a mother’s uterine contractions during labor and delivery, and a Temperature Sensor.
Adjacent to the RxBox stood lifesaving devices of a different kind; project DEWS (Deployment of Early Warning Systems) put on display models of the different warning devices installed in the municipality and in the region, as well as educated participants on how these devices aided in preventing and mitigating potential disasters.
Acting as the event’s concession stand, the Techno Bazaar featured products from DOST-assisted businesses and firms – everything from Cassava chips to crafted art – all acquired through the agency’s SETUP (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program), and available on Onestore.ph – the online e-commerce web portal for S&T goods and commodities.
Day 1
A number of forums were conducted on the SFTP’s first day. One gave Titayanons an in-depth look at the agency’s S&T support services, and the SETUP program, where investment and technology-transfer opportunities in the municipality were discussed. The other, a discourse on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, which educated locals on the different types of disasters, their early detection, and how the said could and would affect their municipality.
Day 2
The second day saw residents participate in the different techno trainings and demonstrations conducted by the agency. Titayanons gained advanced knowledge in Buko juice processing, as well as the processing of various fish and meat products. As a locale having much of the said resources available, the conduct of the techno trainings is expected to better the knowledge of residents who are engaged in the business of dealing with such, as well as inspire others to venture into the trade. A forum on other important DOST programs and services was also held for the benefit of the community. Among those discussed were the RxBox, and the agency’s CEST (Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology) and S&T scholarship programs.
Day 3
An event of this scale deserved nothing short of an exit equivalent its grandiosity. As such, the event’s third day called for 3 major activities: tree planting, a nutri-feeding program for children, and the sharing of agency-assisted products to senior citizens.
At first light, DOST-IX, along with the local police and other local government agencies set out for the municipality’s barangay Imelda, where over 100 fruit-bearing trees were planted. Immediately after the activity, the agency made their way to the municipality gymnasium, where close to 800 people – made up of mothers, children, and senior citizens – took part in the culminating activity.
In the days to come, DOST-IX plans to bring the Science for the People Festival to even more towns and municipalities in the region, continuing its drive to improve the quality of life in distant remote communities through science and technology.