The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), together with other DOST agencies, will spearhead the Human Well-being Cluster Exhibit at the upcoming 2024 NSTW in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, from November 27 to December 1, 2024.  

With the theme, “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” the 2024 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) highlights the importance of scientific and technological (S&T) innovations in advancing national resilience and sustainable development. It also aims to increase awareness of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) supported and funded projects, programs, innovations, services, and accomplishments.

Under the Council’s leadership, the Human Well-being Cluster at the 2024 NSTW will present a diverse range of research projects and solutions, from advancements in nutrition and health science to innovative educational programs aimed at fostering a health-conscious generation. Including the PCHRD, the participating agencies under the Health Cluster are the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), Science Education Institute (SEI), Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), and the Philippine Science High School System (PSHS).  

As part of the activities, the Council will also hold a special dance instruction activity based on the PCHRD-funded and supported Improving Neurocognition Through Dance and Kinaesthetics (INDAK) Project. The activity highlights how dance and movement can contribute to mental wellness, giving participants practical insights into how movement-based therapies can support cognitive health.  Recently, the INDAK project, through the Filipino Multicomponent Intervention to Maintain Cognitive Performance in High-Risk Population (FINOMAIN) pilot study, has become part of the WORLDWIDE (WW) FINGERS, a global network for coordinating clinical trials for risk reduction and prevention of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease through multidomain interventions.