Three graduates of scholarship programs of the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) presented their current research projects during the PCHRD Scholar’s Society (PSS) Research Forum last 29 September 2022.

With the theme “Transforming Lives in the New Normal through Health Research,” Dr. Heidie Frisco-Cabanos, Dr. Jennifer Maries Yap, and Dr. Agnes Castillo presented their research results on lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and osteoarthritis, respectively.

Aside from pursuing research endeavors, Dr. Cabanos, who presented the study entitled, “Targeting the drug-tolerant state in lung cancer: Can we prevent acquired resistance?” is currently serving under the DOST’s Balik Scientist Program as a visiting scientist to help in leading biomedical translational research in the country. Dr. Yap, who presented her research entitled, “AITC inhibits fibroblast-myofibroblast transition via TRPA1-independent MAPK and NRF2/HO-1 pathways and reverses corticosteroids insensitivity in human lung fibroblasts” is a research fellow at the Nagoya City University. Lastly, Dr. Castillo, with the study entitled, “Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Biological markers of Osteoarthritis by Tinospora cordifolia Stem Extracts” is working as a faculty member of the UST Faculty of Pharmacy and The Graduate School and a resident researcher at the UST Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences.

In his message to the PSS, DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya recognized the significant contributions of the members in health research, “Amid recent health crises, PCHRD scholars have been at the forefront of generating research-based, accessible solutions for Filipinos,” said Director Montoya. On behalf of the Council, he also committed steadfast support and dedication to growing the capacities of Filipino researchers.

The forum was also graced by Dr. Bernadette Ramirez, former scientist from the World Health Organization, who discussed health research landscape in the new normal while Dr. Josefina Tuazon, PSS member and a current member of the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC), tackled health research and health technology assessment.