The 16th Philippine National Health Research System streamer. (DOST image)
TACLOBAN CITY – Over 400 health researchers from different parts of the country will gather in this city to discuss the crucial role of health research and innovation in achieving sustainable development goals in the post-pandemic era.
Top health research from 17 regions in the country will be presented during the 16th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) anchored on the theme “Sustainable Development: Resilience through Health Research” to be held from Aug. 8 to 11, said Jean Gay Ragub, coordinator of the Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC).
“We will highlight research outputs from different regions and disseminate outputs and activities of different research funded by the government,” Ragub said in a press briefing Friday.
Joining the event to be held at the Summit Hotel, are Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prospero de Vera III, University of the Philippines Manila National Institutes of Health Executive Director Eva Maria Cutiongco-de la Paz.
“In the region (Eastern Visayas), we will highlight research related to communicable diseases such as dengue fever and schistosomiasis, mental health, and other health research needed in the region,” said Leonido Olobia, DOH research program coordinator and chairperson of the EVHRDC research management committee
The government has set aside PHP1.5 million for the conduct of three research in the region, he said.
Lucia Dauz, DOST Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) senior science research specialist, said the week-long celebration aims to promote a smoother exchange of health research and related information among concerned stakeholders and to contribute to increased visibility and value of health research.
“The celebration also aims to gather stakeholders to be able to share their expertise, experiences, insights, and best practices in undertaking health research and development, in order to develop innovative solutions that would enhance initiatives to improve and strengthen the performance of the health research community,” Dauz added.
Organized in 1983, EVHRDC has been encouraging and promoting health research activities in Eastern Visayas.
The consortium is chaired by DOH and co-chaired by the Department of Science and Technology with members from five government agencies and academe. (PNA)
