The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) will celebrate its 43rd anniversary on March 17, 2025, at the Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City. With the theme “Building a Healthier and Wealthier Future: Advancing Research Utilization for Greater Impact,” the event underscores the role of health research in driving public health initiatives and contributing to the nation’s well-being.

The keynote address will be delivered by Department of Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, who will share his perspectives on leveraging research utilization to promote public health vis a vis sustainable economic growth.

Following the keynote address, the event will celebrate excellence in health research through the awarding of winners in various contests and the accreditation of Research Ethics Committees (RECs). First, the Capture the Heart in Health Research Photo Contest will showcase compelling visual stories that demonstrate how health research and development positively impact communities. Second, the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) will recognize newly-accredited RECs, reinforcing the commitment to ethical standards and ensuring the integrity of health R&D initiatives. Lastly, the event will also spotlight the winners of the prestigious Gelia Castillo Award for Research on Social Innovations in Health (GCARSIH), recognizing exceptional social innovations that address enduring societal and health systems challenges. 

The main plenary session entitled, “Towards a Mutually Beneficial Partnership: Understanding Policies and Strategies in Health Research Utilization” will feature insights and discussion on policies and strategies, focusing on partnerships to facilitate health research utilization. 

In the afternoon, there will be three parallel sessions namely: Bridging Research and Policy – Stakeholder Engagement and Unveiling of Competency Tools for Research-to-Policy Translation, the Philippine Association of Medical Journal Editors (PAMJE) Educational Forum and General Assembly, and the PCHRD Scholars’ Society Annual Convention.

“For over 43 years, the Council has demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication to advancing health research and development in the country. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, the 43rd anniversary serves as a testament to how research utilization can chart the path toward a healthier and wealthier future, guided by the principles of inclusivity, ethics, and meaningful impact,” said DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya. He further emphasized the importance of collaboration, inviting and encouraging the Council’s partners and stakeholders to remain steadfast in the shared mission of building a happier and healthier nation – one health R&D, one project at a time.