PCHRD News

: Latest News; 28 December 2018; Hits: 2492

To fully reap the benefits of innovations from biotechnology, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV urged for creation of more policies to support biotech discoveries, development, and commercialization during his keynote speech at the 14th National Biotechnology Week on 13 November 2018 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. He was represented by Ms. Paola Deles, Policy Head of the Office of Sen. Bam Aquino.

Sen. Aquino, the Chair of the Science and Technology Committee, affirms the significant contributions of biotechnology in solving the country’s problems. According to Senator Aquino products of biotechnology have helped in fighting diseases through development of new methods and products to detect and treat them, feeding the hungry through boosting agricultural crop yield, and improving the environment through generation of clean energy, among others.

In particular, the Senator mentioned one of the researches funded by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCHRD) which deals with the decoding of leptospirosis and sepsis gene activities to improve present-day diagnosis and treatment methods of these two diseases. Leptospirosis and sepsis remain to be the most neglected infectious diseases in the country that needs to be addressed. Senator Aquino said, “Projects such as this is very promising because we can also apply the success of this research to find solutions in treating and diagnosing other diseases in the country.”

Despite the benefits of biotechnology, our country still faces the challenge of how research and investment can prosper, thus, a supportive research and regulatory environment should be created. Senator Aquino said, “Challenges in biotechnology must be seen as an opportunity to craft more policies and initiate more programs that would advance biotechnology’s ultimate goal of developing life-saving and sustainable technologies for every Filipino.” The Senator envisions an enabling research and policy environment where the government, academe, and private sector can work together to use their resources – knowledge, capital, commercialization expertise, to discover and bring to the Filipino people the products of government researches. The Senator also mentioned the importance of the newly passed, Balik Scientist Law, for the improvement of biotechnology researches. He explained that the law provides powerful incentives to Filipino scientists abroad who would like to return to the country to share their knowledge and expertise in different fields of Science. “With the help of the Balik Scientists, we can produce world class researches that could support policy making crucial to our national development agenda,” said Senator Aquino.

Right now, the Senator Bam Aquino and his colleague are currently working with the approval of the Senate Bill No. 1211 or the Philippine Space Act. This Act would be responsible for developing space science technology policies, implementing research and education programs, establishing industry linkages between private and public sector stakeholders, protection of national territory, natural resources accounting, and capacity building for telecommunications.

In the end, the Senator expresses his full support to DOST. “Let us build on the scope of what we have already achieved to realize a world at that is healthy and sustainable for future generations,” He said.

The National Biotechnology Week celebration is observed by virtue of Proclamation No. 1414 signed by Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on 9 November 2007. Among the other participating agencies include the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

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Written by Catherine Joy C. Dimailig
Created: 28 December 2018

: Latest News; 21 November 2018; Hits: 5293

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology Development (AJSTD) is published by the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST) in cooperation with the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education of the Republic of Indonesia. It includes original research and policy articles covering the main areas of activities of ASEAN COST, namely: (1) Biotechnology; (2) Sustainable Energy Research; (3) Materials Science and Technology; (4) Marine Science; (5) Meteorology and Geophysics; (6) Food Science and Technology; (7) Microelectronics and Information Technology; (8) Space Technology and Applications; and (9) Science and Technology Policy; and (10) Infrastructure and Resource Development.

The journal accepts original research articles, technical notes and communications, and analyses of S&T policy with relevance to Southeast Asia. Also encouraged are original works with novel solutions to modern technological challenges faced by ASEAN and have the potential to affect policy change. Submitted papers will be featured in their December 2018 and June 2019 issues.

Submissions are open year-round, without charges for publication in the journal. Attached, for your reference, is the communication from the ASEAN Secretariat. You may also visit their website at https://ajstd.org/index.php/ajstd/about. For further inquiries, you may contact the Secretariat at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Manuscripts/papers may be submitted online to AJSTD through http://ajstd.org/index.php/ajstd/about/submissions.

: Latest News; 14 November 2018; Hits: 2391

The 2nd Biennial Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) Conference to be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on November 27-28, 2018 is organized by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board in collaboration with the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). The theme of the Conference is “Addressing Current Challenges in Health Research Ethics”.

Plenary and parallel sessions will be held during the two-day conference to provide all stakeholders the opportunity to focus on specific areas from their own perspective and experiences.

STEP 1: Registration:

For request of individual letters of invitation, kindly provide the following details at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.:

1. Complete name (with title if Dr., Atty., etc.)
2. Position
3. Department/Division
4. Institution
5. E-mail address
6. Contact No.

STEP 2: Payment:
To pay for the registration fee, please take note of the following details:

Account Name: PCHRD
Account Number: 1822-1032-07 (LANDBANK OF THE PHILIPPINES)
Registration fee
• Professional: PHP 6,000.00
• Undergraduate Student: PHP 3,000.00

Mode of Payment
• Bank Deposit (Over the Counter) – one deposit slip per person only

STEP 3: Confirmation:

To confirm your registration, please do the following:

Step 1: Upload scanned image of your validated deposit slip with full name of the attendee and school ID (for undergraduate students only) in the link that will be sent to you by PCHRD Events Invitation.

Step 2: Bring your validated deposit slip during the conference to claim your acknowledgement receipt.

Kindly pay and confirm on or before 16 November 2018. This is to give us enough time to prepare for your meals and kits.

For more information, kindly contact Ms. Joyce Cordon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.ethics.healthresearch.ph.

: Latest News; 22 October 2018; Hits: 2493

Pasay City, METRO MANILA- Heads up biotech community!

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with six executive departments of the government, will hold the 14^thNational Biotechnology Week celebration on 13-17 November 2018 at the World Trade Center Hall D, Pasay City. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) will lead DOST as the host of the celebration.

With the theme “Bioteknolohiya: Pambansang Hamon, Pambansang Solusyon,” the 14^th NBW celebration will highlight the valuable role and potential benefits of biotechnology to agriculture and food security, nutrition and health, sustainable environment, and economic growth.

According to PCHRD Executive Director and 14^th NBW Chair Jaime Montoya, the event will also recognize how biotechnology is both a challenge and solution to our nation’s pressing problems.

The celebration is observed by virtue of Proclamation No. 1414 signed by Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on 9 November 2007. Among the other participating agencies include the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

“I would like to invite everyone to visit the weeklong exhibit to learn the biotechnology programs of the government as well as the benefits of biotechnology studies, products, and services. I would also like to encourage everyone to share the news by using the event’s official hashtag #PinoyBiotech2018,” Dr. Montoya announced during the unfurling of the event at the DOST Flag Ceremony.

The National Biotechnology Week’s registration is free! For more information and updates, visit the event’s official facebook page (@nbwphilippines)!

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Written by Ladylove May B. Baurile
Created: 22 October 2018

: Latest News; 15 October 2018; Hits: 2296

September 26, 2018 - Swinburne University of Technology (SUT) of Melbourne, Australia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) for scientific and technological collaboration specifically in the fields of biomedical devices and digital health. Representing the Philippines in the signing ceremony was PCHRD Executive Director, Dr. Jaime Montoya, while representing the SUT was Dr. Janet Hiller, Dean of Health Sciences.

The MoU aims to develop cooperation and collaboration between the two institutions to accelerate development in S&T through collaborative activities and contribute to the attainment of the national health goals.

Under the MOU, SUT and DOST-PCHRD will work together on joint researches, capacity building such as research training, scholarships, exchange programs, and curricular development, and knowledge and expertise sharing.

Dr. Janet Hiller, addressing on this occasion, stressed that the collaboration reflects a strong commitment of using the power of data science and digital technology to improve the health of the communities. Given the challenge in size and demographics of Australia and the Philippines, the collaboration hopes to find solutions aiming to providing equitable, safe, and effective health services across very dispersed populations.

Likewise, DOST-PCHRD Executive Director, Dr. Montoya assured SUT representatives of the Council’s full support in this collaboration.

The SUT delegation also visited higher education institutes, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, and De La Salle University to discuss their initiatives on data science and biomedical devices innovation offered by their institution and met with the Department of Health for possible collaboration on health technology assessment.

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Written by Reuben Andrew R. Razal
Created: 01 October 2018

: Latest News; 15 October 2018; Hits: 2569

The European Union (EU) through the European Commission will be co-organizing with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) the “European Research Funding and Collaboration Opportunities: Horizon 2020 Info Days” in Cebu on 17 October and in Manila on 22-23 October 2018.

The aim of the events is to raise international awareness of European research and innovation, in particular about Horizon 2020, and to stimulate international cooperation in research and innovation. It also seeks to ensure global awareness of the EU’s strengths in science and technology, its role in international research and innovation cooperation and the international openness of its initiatives. Moreover, the forum will become an avenue to promote Horizon 2020 calls. Information about funding opportunities, application procedures, success stories, testimonials, and round table discussions will be part of the activities. Participation is free of charge.

Register at https://h2020-manila2018.service-facility.eu/en/registration

Note: A separate invitation will be given for the Horizon 2020 event in Cebu on 17 October 2018.

For further information, please contact the International Cooperation Service Facility of the EC / Philippines at email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone number +33 1 4367 7979.

Programs of Activities

European Research Funding and Collaboration Opportunities

Horizon 2020 Info Days

An initiative of the European

Commission 22-23 October 2018

Manila, Philippines

Venue: University of the Philippines BGC

14^th Drive University Parkways, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Preliminary Agenda

Day 1: Info Day

13:30 – 14:00	Registration
14:00 – 14:20	Opening and Welcome Speakers: Louis Dey, Acting Head of Development Cooperation of EU Delegation to the Philippines; NN, DOST
14:20 – 14:45	Keynote: Why you should participate in Horizon 2020 Presenter: Betty Cernol MCCANN, President of Siliman University Former Vice President for Programs, United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia
14:45 – 15:15	Funding opportunities in EU programmes presentation of relevant calls Focus of food related open calls: The Future of Seas and Oceans Flagship Initiative: Sustainable solutions for bio-based plastics on land and sea; Sustainable wood value chains; A vaccine against African swine fever. Presenter: Corina ABRAHAM-BARNA*
15:15 – 15:45	Coffee Break
15:45 – 16:45	How to prepare a proposal and presentation of relevant calls Presenter: Corina ABRAHAM-BARNA*
16:45 – 17:45	Expert Talk with a grantee from Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions on How to successfully participate in MSCA Moderator: Corina ABRAHAM-BARNA* Participant: Dr. Jenny LIND ELMACO, Marie Curie Alumni Association-Country Representative *International cooperation Service Facility of the EC
17:45 – 18:15	Wrap-up, DOST & RTD
18:45 – 20:30	Open Dinner

Day 2: Training Day

8:30 – 8:45	Opening and Welcome Presenter: Corina ABRAHAM-BARNA*
8:45 – 10:00	Training session; Includes Q&A Session 1: 1. Introduction to the Participant Portal 2. How to find a European partner – Networking 3. Thematics (like mobility, maybe e-readi etc.) Presenter: Corina ABRAHAM-BARNA*
10:00 – 10:30	Coffee Break
10:30 – 11:30	Session 2: Hands on training – group work on proposal evaluation Participants to use their own laptops Presenter: Corina ABRAHAM-BARNA*
11:30 – 12:15	Session 3: Financial issues: How to budget a proposal Topics of this session are financial budgeting regulations for Horizon 2020 projects, eligible direct and indirect costs, involvement of third parties, and generated income. Presenter: Corina ABRAHAM-BARNA*
12:15 – 12:30	Wrap up and end of the day 2 *International cooperation Service Facility of the EC

Download the Agenda at https://h2020-manila2018.service-facility.eu/docs/agenda.pdf

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Written by Lemuel Basierto
Created: 15 October 2018

: Latest News; 18 September 2018; Hits: 5658

Know the common blood diseases and nutrients for healthy blood

Blood plays important functions for the body. Composed of plasma, white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, blood circulates through our body and transports oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and removes waste from the cells.

As we celebrate Blood Diseases Month by virtue of the Proclamation No. 1833 declared by the former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2009, here are some common blood diseases and ways to keep your blood healthy:

Common blood diseases

Anemia, the most common blood disorder in the general population, is a condition in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein inside the red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

A person with anemia experiences shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, headache, chest pain, dizziness, pale skin, and insomnia.

In treating anemia, the primary aim is to increase the number of healthy red blood cells in the body. Depending on the type of anemia, common treatment for anemic persons includes iron supplements intake, change of diet, blood transfusions, and chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant.

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder which affects the blood's ability to clot due to low levels of blood-clotting proteins.

Signs and symptoms of hemophilia varies on the levels of clotting factor. People with mild deficiency may bleed after a surgery or trauma, while in severe cases, spontaneous bleeding occurs.

There is no cure yet for this condition. The only treatment available for hemophilia is replacement therapy wherein, concentrates of clotting factor VIII (for hemophilia A) and IX (for hemophilia B) are slowly dripped or injected into the vein. This helps in replacing the defective clotting factor of the blood.

Leukemia is a type of cancer which affects the blood and bone marrow. The cancer happens when the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells. These cells overpower the healthy blood cells and continue to increase and occupy more space, making it hard for healthy white blood cells to function normally.

Leukemia comes with two different types- acute and chronic. Acute leukemia grows rapidly while chronic leukemia grows slowly.

The causes of leukemia are still unknown. However, there are some factors that increases the risk of developing the cancer such as exposure to radiation and chemicals like benzene, cigarette smoking, hair dyes, family history of the same case, and genetic disorders such as down syndrome. Early signs of this condition include weight loss, fevers or chills, frequent infections, bone and joint pain, bleeding and bruising problem, tiredness, and weight and appetite loss.

Treatment for this condition depends on the type of leukemia and the person's health treatment capability. Types of treatment involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immune therapy, stem cell therapy, and surgery.

Nutrients for healthy blood

Changing your lifestyle especially your diet could help keep your blood on track and healthy. Foods rich in iron, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin A, and vitamin B9 are essential in order for your blood to function well.

Iron is an important nutrient that increases the production of red blood cells. Food rich in iron are red meat, organ meat, beans, cereals, tofu, dark chocolate, and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and cabbage.

Vitamin A is essential in normal development of stem cells into red blood cells. It is also needed for the immune system to function normally and actively. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, tuna fish, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and dark leafy green vegetables such as kale and lettuce.

Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine is a water-soluble vitamin which supports glucose and protein metabolism. It also supports the production of hemoglobin, a protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Vitamin B6 is essential in nurturing and maintaining blood health. This vitamin can be found in chicken, bananas, tomatoes, whole grains, nuts, green beans, liver, and fish.

Vitamin B9 or folic acid helps in protein metabolism and RNA/DNA production and repair. It is vital in making red blood cells. Best sources of folate include nuts, dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, lettuce, and edible greens such as asparagus, beans, and breads.

Vitamin B12 keeps nerve tissues healthy and sustain blood cell production. Animal products such as fish, red meat, eggs, and dairy products like milk and cheese naturally contains vitamin B-12

Blood diseases could be very dangerous especially if not treated properly and immediately. Celebrating Blood Diseases Month serves as an avenue to raise people’s awareness and understanding of blood-related diseases.

In support with its advocacy of disseminating health research information, the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development invites medical and research institutions and practitioners, universities, laboratories, and other partner institutions to publish their researches and other health-related information in Health Research and Development Information Network (HERDIN), an online database that enables online publishing, exchanging, and dissemination of quality health information in the Philippines.

For more information HERDIN and other blood-related researches, visit HERDIN’s website at http://www.herdin.ph/

Source: American Society of Hematology

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Written by Lemuel Basierto
Created: 18 September 2018

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