The Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC) proudly joined the 18th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week Celebration, hosted by the Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development (BCHRD), on August 13–15, 2025, at the Marison Hotel in Legazpi City, Albay.
With the theme “One Health for All: Igniting Transdisciplinary Solutions for a Healthier Philippines,” the three-day event brought together health leaders, policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and advocates from across the country to foster inclusive, science-based, and sustainable solutions to pressing health challenges. The celebration also aimed to strengthen the national health research system through collaboration, innovation, and the development of evidence-based policies.
Day 1, the event opened with the Opening Ceremonies, followed by Plenary Session 1 titled “Homegrown Inter-Agency Initiatives Towards Optimal Collaborations.” The day ended with a festive Fellowship Night, where R1HRDC made a memorable impression.
Two of R1HRDC’s committee chairs, Dr. Hilarion H. Maramba Jr., Chair of the Ethics Review Committee, and Dr. Unity Cortez, Chair of the Capacity Building Committee, were awarded Best Dressed. Their recognition was more than just fashion; it symbolized their strong advocacy for unity and collaboration.
Day 2 featured several key events, including the Oral Research Competition, Poster Research Contest, 3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers Competition, and the Consortium Poster Competition.
The Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC) proudly showcased its research excellence through qualified entries in multiple categories. Dr. Joy C. Alvarez of MMMH&MC competed in the Oral Research Paper Competition (Professional Category), while Dr. Joel C. Estacio of DMMMSU represented the consortium in the 3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers Competition.
In addition, Dr. Leo Solis, Chairman of R1HRDC, took part in the Consortium Poster Competition, underscoring the consortium’s continued commitment to advancing health research and fostering regional innovation.
The day also included a meeting of the Research Agenda Management Committee (RAMC), with Dr. Maria Lourdes Otayza, Project Leader of R1HRDC, serving as the distinguished speaker. The RAMC meeting marked the commencement of the midterm assessment of the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) 2023–2028.
The celebration concluded on Day 3 with Plenary Session 2, “Innovation, Education, and Governance Integration in One Health,” followed by the Closing and Awarding Ceremonies.
R1HRDC proudly congratulates its members for their notable achievements:
AWARD |
NAME/INSTITUTION |
RESEARCH TITLE |
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3rd Place Oral Research Presentation Competition (Professional Category) |
Dr. Joy C. AlvarezMariano Marcos State University |
Implementation of a Hearing Screening Protocol for School-Aged Children in Special Education in Selected Public Schools in Ilocos Norte |
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NATIONAL QUALIFIER |
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3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers |
Dr. Joel C. EstacioDon Mariano Marcos Memorial State University |
Reclaiming Indigenous Health: A Policy Mandate for Lawmakers and Public Health Officials |
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These recognitions underscore R1HRDC’s unwavering commitment to promoting relevant, responsive, and high-quality health research. The consortium’s active participation and visibility during the 18th PNHRS Week reflect not only the excellence of its members but also the dedicated leadership of Dr. Maria Lourdes Otayza, whose guidance continues to inspire impactful research across the region.
R1HRDC remains steadfast in its mission to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and champion transdisciplinary solutions toward building a healthier and more resilient Philippines.
