The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last 7 February 2022 to formalize their partnership for the implementation of the Ph.D. in Health Research Program.

Under the MOU, the institutions will work together to provide a scholarship grant to aspiring health researchers and provide them with the foundational course work focused on research methods in developing a methodologically sound research project. Among the privileges for the accepted scholars include the payment of tuition and other school fees, monthly stipend, yearly book allowance, transportation allowance, insurance, and a research grant.

The virtual signing event was attended by officials from both institutions, including DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya, DOST-PCHRD Institutional Development Division Officer-in-Charge Ms. Anicia Catameo, UST Rector Rev. Fr. Richard Ang, UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, UST Vice-Rector Office for Academic Affairs Dr. Cheryl Peralta, UST Graduate School Dean Dr. Michael Anthony Vasco, and UST Graduate School Program Leader for Ph.D. in Health Research Dr. Consuelo Gonzalez-Suarez.

Rev. Fr. Ang affirms the university’s support to the DOST-PCHRD’s vision of generating research for the Filipino community. “We acknowledge the importance of this partnership, and we support your vision in promoting a more robust and inclusive health research culture responsive to the pressing health concerns and needs not only of the country but also the world,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Montoya emphasized the importance of supporting the country’s pool of researchers. “As an institution that believes in the capabilities of our Filipino health researchers, this event symbolizes our commitment to creating opportunities for our researchers to nurture their skills and potentials,” he said. “By building the capacities of our researchers, we hope to enhance the quality of health research outputs in the country, and in turn, its impacts to our communities,” he added.

The first batch of DOST-PCHRD scholars under the program are: Dr. Warren R. Bacorro, Dr. Mary Monica B. Bueno, and Dr. Ma. Belinda Christina C. Fidel.