Members of the Health Research and Development Consortium-12 (HRDC-12) of the Department of Science and Technology-Region 12 (DOST-12) and officials of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of DOST visited General Santos City last April 10-12 for the "Institution Development of Activities in Region 12" project.
Highlights of the visit include the presentation of three HRDC-12 completed research projects that were implemented in 2012 through the DOST-PCHRD’s Regional Research Fund (RRF) initiative. The projects presented includes: Health and Lifestyles of Indigenous and Moro Aged People in SOCCSKSARGEN by Dr. Inoray D. Osop; Maternal and Infant Health Survey in Three Indigenous Communities of SoCSarGen by Dr. Prescillano D. Campado, Dr. Alah Baby C. Vingno, and Dr. Andrea V. Campado; and Pesticide Residues in Surface Waters and Groundwater Supplies in Large Scale Agricultural Areas in T’boli, South Cotabato: A Health Concern by Prof. Janet T. Comoda and Prof. Maria Amelia R. Punla. These projects were primarily reviewed by DOST-PCHRD consultant Dr. Jesus N. Sarol Jr.
Neophytes researchers were also invited to attend on the training on basic research methods at the same venue. During the leveling of expectations, the researchers emphasized the need to also upgrade their competencies on data analysis and technical report writing to hone their skills in producing quality research papers and technical paper presentation.
There were 36 participants from the member-institutions who attended the activity.
During the training, the participants together with resource speaker Dr. Ophelia M. Mendoza were able to review six R&D proposals with emphasis on objectives, methodology and plan for data analysis. Open forum and discussions were also conducted.
To address issues and concerns from the different activities of the consortium, the following recommendations were formulated: generations of S&T based researches, maintained/updated website, involvement of PNHRS pillar institutions in the region by conducting activities which could generate outputs that have impacts on R&D, and HRDC-12 should join PCHRD in undertaking institutional visits to RHRDC member-agencies to broaden their research capacity and likewise influence member-agencies with respect to the implementation of health and R&D activities.
HRDC-12 is one of the five science and technology consortia under the auspices of DOST-12. The other consortia are the Cotabato Region Industry and Energy Research and Development Consortium-12 (CRIERDC-12), Consortium of Analytical Laboratories (LabCon-12), Regional Information Technology and E-Commerce Committee-12 (RITECC-12), and Nutrition Communication Network -12 (Nutricomnet-12).
With the HRDC-12 objective of strengthening the system of collaboration and improve health conditions in the region, Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan expressed optimism that the consortium could play a vital role in helping the socio-economic progress of SOCCSKSARGEN.
