Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) in association with Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium organized the celebration of the 12th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week held on August 6-9, 2018 at the CAP John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Baguio City. This year’s theme “Research and Innovation for Equity in Health” aimed at improving the health status, productivity, and quality of life of Filipinos. This is by linked the whole health research community of the country who are committed to develop ways to answer the growing health needs of our people in line with the Philippine health research agenda (NUHRA 2017-2022).
Satellite Events, August 6-7, 2018 – Satellite events such as meetings, networking, workshops, fora, discussions, consultations, updates on the latest news, developments and policies of the core committees of the PNHRS was attended by the primary stakeholders of health research such as medical practitioners, academe staffs, students, indigenous peoples, policy makers and other groups. The topics tackled were: Updates on Ethics in Research, Understanding the Data Privacy Act in the Context of Health Research, and Designing Effective Communication Campaigns among other. There was a welcome dinner on August 7 whereby VIPs and guests delivered their messages/ testimonies. There were also
entertainment and audio visual presentations presented for the participants.
Main Conference, August 8-9, 2018 – A Ramon Magsaysay Awardee 2013, National Scientist of the Philippines - Dr. Ernesto O. Domingo, was the keynote speaker for this year’s PNHRS Week Celebration. On his speech, he delivered an inspiring message and shared his journey being an academician, a doctor, and a researcher. One of his major studies conducted is his research on schistosomiasis. During the Tongtongan 1 (In Benguet, "Tongtongan," is an indigenous way of amicably settling conflicts. A consultation process) were discussed the experiences, issues and challenges that were encountered concerning this year’s theme. The Tongtongan 2 is the deliberation on how the country is ready for research: strengthening research programs of higher education’s institutions (HEIs) and research development institutions (RDIs), their practices and rewards. Parallel sessions were conducted to exchange information concerning three topics namely: (1) From Research to Public Health Programs: Forum on Sexual, Reproductive Health, HIV, Teenage Pregnancy and Mental Health; (2) Governance and Equity in Health; and (3) Assessment of the TK Documentation Program based on WIPO Recommendations.
During the fellowship night on the 8th of August, the expedition of PCHRD through the years was showcased. Participants were serenaded by live acoustic band of the University of the Cordilleras Percussion and Orchestra. The parade of regions and unity dance for all the parties which represented the union of all the 16 regions towards achieving a common goal - equity in health for the country was also highlighted.
One of the focus of this celebration is the showcase of the output of each consortia through a health research contest: oral and poster presentation for both student and professional category.
This PNHRS week celebrates the continuing effort of all of its stakeholders in improving the health status of our country. While there may be competition, it is more of setting away differences and uniting the whole country in resolving health concerns – equity in health for ALL.
For more details please see 12th PNHRS Program Book or R1HRDC Facebook Page or visit PNHRS Website
