The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) successfully concluded its annual Capture the HeaRT in Health Research Photo Contest, awarding standout entries that visually showcase the impact of health research on Filipino communities.

This year’s top prize in the DOST-PCHRD supported projects category was awarded to From Fear to Fascination, a photo entry featuring the council-supported project on the Development and Application of Sterile Insect Technique for the Control of Dengue Mosquito, Aedes aegypti.

The second-place award went to the photo WaterWays: Saving Lives, One Drop at a Time, which stemmed from the ongoing project Pilot Scale Testing and Pre-Commercialization Evaluation of the Prototype Biosensors for Detecting Schistosoma japonicum and Leptospira spp. in Environmental and Flood Waters while the third place was awarded to Ayta’s Health and Well-being: Crossing Borders, Bridging the Gap through TKDL, from the completed project entitled, Documentation of Traditional Knowledge and Practices on Health and Development of a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) on Health among Ayta Communities in Pampanga.

The contest attracted 160 photo entries across three categories: DOST-PCHRD Supported Projects, General Public, and Heart Heroes — the latter introduced this year to honor mentors, leaders, and advocates in health research.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. and PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya led the awarding ceremony during the Council’s 43rd Anniversary celebration on March 17, 2025, in Pasay City.

“Through this contest, we celebrate not just creativity, but the tireless work of our researchers whose innovations make a lasting difference in the lives of Filipinos,” said the DOST Secretary.

Winners

DOST-Supported Projects

First Place: From Fear to Fascination

Second Place: WaterWays: Saving Lives, One Drop at a Time

Third Place: Ayta’s health and well-being…Crossing borders, Bridging the gap thru TKDL

PCHRD Executive Director’s Choice Award: WaterWays: Saving Lives, One Drop at a Time

People’s Choice Award: Ayta’s health and well-being…Crossing borders, Bridging the gap thru TKDL

Heart Heroes

First Place: No Distance Too Far to Bring HeaRT and Healthcare to Every Filipino

Second Place: Happy To Serve

Third Place: Doc to the Barrio

PCHRD Executive Director’s Choice Award: No Distance Too Far to Bring HeaRT and Healthcare to Every Filipino

People’s Choice Award: The Echoes of Yesterday, The Evolution of Today

General Public

First Place: Volunteerism for a Greener Future

Second Place: Making a Difference Despite Disability: Inspiring People, Instilling Hope

Third Place: Separated by waters, Isolated from healthcare

PCHRD Executive Director’s Choice Award: Making a Difference Despite Disability: Inspiring People, Instilling Hope

People’s Choice Award: Heart and Hand

The Capture the HeaRT in Health Research Photo Contest is part of the HeaRT for the Filipino campaign — a continuing effort to highlight the contributions of health research and technology in improving the lives of Filipinos. Launched in 2023, the campaign serves as a platform to connect science with the community through creative and inspiring visuals.