The 2024 Call for Proposal for the Health Research Policy Translation, Evaluation, and Engagement (POLISEE) Grants Program is NOW OPEN. Interested proponents may now submit their proposal through the PCHRD Project Management System (https://projects.pchrd.dost.gov.ph) on or before April 26, 2024.

I. Background and Rationale 

In an effort to strengthen the utilization of health research through policy translation, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) launched the “Health Research Policy Translation, Evaluation, and Engagement (POLISEE) Grants Program” which aims to support research and activities focusing on the production of standards and guidelines in health practices, methods in clinical practice, policies creating standards for health, and assessment of existing health policies. The Program also includes assistance in conducting activities related to policy translation including development of policy instruments, capacity building on policy translation, and policy stakeholder engagement.

II. Objectives of the Program

The Program aims  to enhance the utilization of health research in policy-making processes, ultimately contributing to the development and implementation of effective health policies that lead to significant health gains in the Philippines.

III. Eligibility Requirements

The proponent must possess the following qualifications to become eligible for the grant:

• Project leader must be Filipino
• Does not have any outstanding accountabilities with DOST-PCHRD
• Has no pending administrative or criminal cases
• Permanently employed in the implementing institution

For Support to Health Policy Advocacy Projects including New Health Policy Research and Health Policy Advocacy Events, the proponent must also be a permanent employee of an institution that is a member of any of the 17 Regional Health Research and Development Consortia.

IV. Call Scope

A. Completed PCHRD-supported Research (completed within the previous year)

The scope of the grant includes health research, programs, and/or projects that were funded by the DOST-PCHRD through its Health R&D Grant or through the Regional Research Fund. The projects should also be completed (projects with submitted terminal report and audited financial report) within the last fiscal year and should contain a policy implication or a policy deliverable that was not met or produced during the original duration of its implementation.

At the end of the project, grantees are expected to develop a policy instrument or tool based on the findings of their original and completed DOST-PCHRD-supported project. The project must also be able to perform stakeholder engagement activities with its target or intended policymakers to guarantee that the policy instrument or tool that they have developed is effectively disseminated.

B. New Health Policy Research

The grant covers research focused on generating novel health policies, techniques, and guidelines, as well as evaluating and assessing current health policies. The goal is to provide recommendations for improvements and amendments, as well as to develop other relevant policy instruments or tools to improve public health. Projects should be based on one of the key themes or sub-themes identified in either the present National Unified Health Research Agenda or the Regional Unified Health Research Agenda. 

The primary output of the proposed research must produce any of the following: 

• • Standards and/or guidelines in health practices;
  • Methods in clinical practice;
  • Policies creating standards for health;
  • Assessment/Evaluation of existing health policies (w/ proposed recommendation); or
  • Other similar policy instruments/tools intended to improve public health 

Aside from the policy instrument/tool generated, another key outcome is the holding of a stakeholder engagement or policy forum to communicate the policy instrument/tool to its intended and/or target users.

C. Health Policy Advocacy Events and/or Stakeholder Engagements

The funding covers policy advocacy events or stakeholder engagements that are expressly meant to raise awareness and cultivate appreciation among researchers and policymakers for evidence-based policymaking in the health sector. The goal of these advocacy campaigns is to highlight the importance of using strong evidence in policy choices. Policy advocacy events or stakeholder should focus on one of the primary themes or sub-themes identified in either the current National Unified Health Research Agenda or the Regional Unified Health Research Agenda.

The supported events include, but are not limited to, the following:

• • Health Policy Workshops and Seminars
  • Roundtable Discussions on Health Policies
  • Health Policy Briefings
  • Health Policy Forums/Town Hall
  • Health Policy Advocacy Campaigns
  • Lobbying Sessions for Health Policy and Legislation
  • Community Consultations in support to Health Policy Formulation

V. Application Process and Documentary Requirements

The proposals should be submitted through the PCHRD Project Management System (https://projects.pchrd.dost.gov.ph) by April 26, 2024. The proposal shall include the following requirements:

A. For PCHRD Completed Projects

      General Requirements:

• • Clearance Form for Project Leader with Previously Funded Project (DOST Form 17)
  • Certificate of completion, if certificate of completion is not yet available:
    • Oath of Undertaking (to receive further grants)
    • Endorsement Letter from Funding Agency of Original Project
  • Audited Terminal Report
  • Audited Terminal Financial Report (DOST Form 16)
  • Endorsement of Agency Head
  • Project Proposal following the PCHRD Detailed Proposal Form
  • Project Line Item Budget (DOST Form 4)
  • Work Plan (DOST Form 5)
  • List of Personnel Involved (DOST Form 11)
  • Curriculum Vitae of Proponent(s)
  • Certificate of Employment (COE) of the Project Leader indicating that he/she is a plantilla employee and is not due to retire during the conduct of a program/project
  • Ethics clearance, if applicable
  • Biosafety clearance, if applicable
  • Informed Consent Form, if applicable
  • Case Report Form, if applicable

    Additional Requirements: 

1. 1. Private Sector/NGO

• • SEC registration, or DTI registration, or CDA registration certificate, or other authenticated copy of latest Articles of Cooperation and other related legal documents
  • Co-signers Statement (if applicable)
  • Copy of latest ITR
  • Audited Financial Statements for the past three (3) years preceding the date of project implementation
  • Documents showing that NGO/PO has equity to 20% of the total project cost
  • Disclosure of other related business, if any
  • List and/or photographs of similar projects previously completed, of any, indication the source of funds for implementation
  • Sworn affidavit of no relation by the NGO/PO secretary

1. 2. Civil Service Organizations (CSOs)

• • Compliance to regulations as required by the GAA pertaining to fund transfers to CSOs

1. 3. Foundations

• • DOST certification as accredited by the Science and Technology Foundation Units

1. 4. Private Educational Institutions

• • CHED Certification

B. For New Health Policy Research and Health Policy Advocacy Events and/or Stakeholder Engagements

      General Requirements:

• • Endorsement of Agency Head
  • Project Proposal following the PCHRD Detailed Proposal Form
  • Project Line Item Budget (DOST Form 4)
  • Work Plan (DOST Form 5)
  • List of Personnel Involved (DOST Form 11)
  • Curriculum Vitae of Proponent(s)
  • Certificate of Employment (COE) of the Project Leader indicating that he/she is a plantilla employee and is not due to retire during the conduct of a program/project
  • Certification that the implementing agency is a member institution of the consortium
  • Ethics clearance, if applicable
  • Biosafety clearance, if applicable
  • Informed Consent Form, if applicable
  • Case Report Form, if applicable

    Additional Requirements: 

1. 1. Private Sector/NGO

• • SEC registration, or DTI registration, or CDA registration certificate, or other authenticated copy of latest Articles of Cooperation and other related legal documents
  • Co-signers Statement (if applicable)
  • Copy of latest ITR
  • Audited Financial Statements for the past three (3) years preceding the date of project implementation
  • Documents showing that NGO/PO has equity to 20% of the total project cost
  • Disclosure of other related business, if any
  • List and/or photographs of similar projects previously completed, of any, indication the source of funds for implementation
  • Sworn affidavit of no relation by the NGO/PO secretary

1. 2. Civil Service Organizations (CSOs)

• • Compliance to regulations as required by the GAA pertaining to fund transfers to CSOs

1. 3. Foundations

• • DOST certification as accredited by the Science and Technology Foundation Units

1. 4. Private Educational Institutions

• • CHED Certification

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: What can I expect from this program?

A: We will be able to offer you financial and technical support while you develop a policy instrument and hold a number of meetings, dialogues, and engagements where you may introduce or advocate the use/adoption of your policy instrument to potential stakeholders.

2. Q: Can I be a project leader in the project I will submit a proposal on and at the same time be a part of another project as a staff?

A: Yes, in this case, we are only strict with the eligibility of the project leader.

3. Q: In submitting the proposal, should the institution be informed first?

A: Yes, the funding shall be released through the institution and not directly to the project team/leader.

4. Q: If the proponent does not advance to the next level of evaluation, will the proponent be advised or notified?

A: The proponent will be notified officially through email with the reasons for disapproval and suggestions on how to improve the proposal for later submission.

5. Q: If the proposal is approved, however the proponent is not connected anymore to his employer who endorsed the project, will it be pursued?

A: Yes, provided that the project stays with the Implementing Agency. In this case, the Implementing Agency shall request the DOST-PCHRD for change in Project Leader. The request will be evaluated as to the expertise and track record of the replacement and further be concurred by both outgoing and proposed Project Leader.

6. Q: Is there a possibility that separate proposals from the same proponent be approved at the same time?

A: It is possible that given the evaluation of project proposals are simultaneous. However, there is a rule that each project leader should handle a maximum of three (3) DOST-funded projects at the same time. (DOST AO 011 series of 2020 – Part X A.4)

7. I still have questions and clarifications, where can I contact you?

A: You may reach us by email at policy@pchrd.dost.gov.ph.