After its launch during the Philippine National Health Research Week in August 2024, a total of 70 entries were submitted in this year’s run of the GCARSIH, highlighting the diverse solutions and innovations aiming to address the health challenges existing in our country’s system. The Award honors the national scientist Dr. Gelia T. Castillo who emphasized how initiatives in science must serve a human purpose.

The Finalists of the third cycle of the Gelia Castillo Award for Research on Social Innovations in Health (GCARSIH) were announced through the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development’s (DOST-PCHRD) social media platform last January.

The innovations that won the top 3 Winner places are the following:

Winning first place is the Rehabilitation for All: Flexicoaching as a Sustainable Model for Universal Access to Disability Care by QC Kabahagi Center for Children with Disabilities.

Kabahagi Center’s Flexicoaching program empowers parents as primary caregivers through a 10-session coaching model, equipping them with therapeutic skills to support their children’s progress. Using a hybrid online and onsite approach, it adapts to diverse family needs. Funded by the QC Government, it has expanded across districts and partnered with universities to reach more families with limited resources.

Placing second is the Transition of Care Program (BRGHGMC Hospital to LGU Sipocot) by Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center and the Local Government Unit of Sipocot.

The Transition of Care Program ensures seamless patient transfers and continuity of care through partnerships between local governments and healthcare providers. It reduces ER visits and costs by linking discharged at-risk patients to community nurses, who coordinate follow-up care with local health workers for integrated support.

The third place is awarded to the Cancer Navigators Program by Riverside Bacolod Cancer Care Center.

This program supports cancer patients and families through patient navigation, financial aid, care networks, and community outreach. Navigators assist with scheduling and referrals, while financial counselors connect patients to aid and support groups. It enhances care access and expands cancer services in Negros Oriental.

Aside from the winners, the Award also recognized seven Finalists:

• Katatagan Plus: A community-based MentalHealth Program by the Ateneo de Manila University in partnership with USAID Renewhealth and the Psychological Association of the Philippines
• LISA Robot: Logistic Indoor Service Assistant Robot by the University of Santo Tomas
• Medical Mobile Clinic by ABCs for Global Health
• Mnemonic Memory Training Program and Its Effect on Improving the Memory Self-Efficacy of Older Adults by Ion Gregorio of Tondo Medical Center, together with Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Manila Boys Town Complex
• PCS ACT NOW by the Philippine Cancer Society
• Refer Quezon by the Quezon Provincial Health Office
• Telepsychiatry for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by the Southern Philippines Medical Center

The ten finalists were awarded officially during the 43rd Anniversary of the DOST-PCHRD.

As PCHRD awards these Finalists, it is hoped this inspires many more innovators and changemakers to create and support social innovations that address the disparities and challenges in our country’s health system.