MANILA, Philippines—Secretary Mario G. Montejo of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Prof. Carel IJsselmuiden of Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED) signed the agreement for the Philippines to host the Global Forum for Health Research 2015 in Manila last 14 March 2014 during the 32^nd Anniversary of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) at Makati-Shangri – La Hotel, Makati City.

The Global Forum 2015 will bring a new level of recognition for Manila and the Philippines as a conference venue for health research. In the process, the Philippine health research and innovation community benefits through the exchange of expertise and information between and among international partners.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, His Excellency Uye Myintuang, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. R. Toto Waspodo, Head of Chancery, and Ms. Erna Herlina, First Secretary, Economic and almost 500 health research stakeholders from various sectors.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Secretary Montejo expressed DOST’s full support for the Global Forum. The Forum, he said, will have impact on the country’s health R&D and expects better exchange of knowledge and research information.

Prof IJsselmuiden said that the Global Forum will help low and middle income countries participate in setting a global research agenda and providing solutions through science, technology and innovations for health.