Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) technologies were among the innovations featured during the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 1^st Technology Transfer Day held on 27 April 2016 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

With the theme “PROMISE: Promoting Research and Outstanding Milestones in Innovation and Science for Entrepreneurship,” the event showcased DOST’s market-ready technologies to investors, enterprises, and organizations.

The event highlights the journey of DOST in bringing solutions which are relevant and responsive to the needs of the community and local industry as it presents home-grown technologies from agricultural productivity, industry competitiveness, countryside development, environment and disaster risk reduction and management, and quality healthcare.

Underlining the importance of quality healthcare, Dr. Portia F. Marcelo, Director, and Dr. Kristine Mae Magtubo, Project Manager, at National Telehealth Center, University of the Philippines Manila presented RxBox during the technology showcase. They explained how the device was able to provide better access to life-saving health care services in isolated and disadvantaged communities nationwide.

Another technology during the showcase was the ReliefVent, presented by Dr. Abundio Balgos of University of the Philippines Manila. ReliefVent is a compact, affordable, safe and effective ICU Ventilator that can be used for both children and adults.

Likewise, Engr. Jude Sasing, President of Orthapaedic International Inc., presented the Axis Knee System, the first and only total knee replacement system to be developed and manufactured in the Philippines and ASEAN region, and shared the success of the first public-private partnership (PPP) in the field of biomedical research.

Other PCHRD supported technologies during the exhibit were eHealth TABLET for Informed Decision Making of LGUs (eHATID), an android application which provides real time health information and a facility for direct communication between local chief executives and rural health units (RHUs) and Ovicidal/ Larvicidal Trap (OL Trap), used to detect, monitor, and control the population of dengue-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquito. The Biotek-M Dengue Detection Kit, a confirmatory test for dengue diagnosis which is designed to be used in hospitals were also displayed at the event.

Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, PCHRD Director, reported the consultations and negotiations with potential investors and organizations that transpired during the day. Aside from the health technologies on display, herbal technologies continue to attract investors as there are new applicants for the lagundi tablet and syrup for cough.

There are also inquiries for the technologies which will address diabetes, dengue, hypertension, and possible antivirals– all herbal technologies. “In a few years, with the help of the private sector, these will also hit the shelves, and the Filipino people will again benefit from the products of our own research,” Dr. Montoya added.