The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, one of the three sectoral councils of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST) and lead national agency responsible for coordination and monitoring health research initiatives in the country will mark its 30^th year in service on 16 March 2012.

Through the years, PCHRD has advocated for a strong health research culture and mobilized resources to generate knowledge, technology and innovations and their use in Philippine health care.

To celebrate its 30^th Anniversary, PCHRD will hold a symposium on 16 March 2012 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel with the theme, “Health Research for Development.” Keynote speaker of the event is Vice-president Jejomar C. Binay, Sr.Â

Presentation of policy initiatives and strategies for health research and development highlights the morning program. Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Chair of Congressional Commission on Science and Technology and Engineering (COMSTE); Congressman Angelo B. Palmones, Vice Chair of the Science & Technology Committee of the House of Representatives and AGHAM Party List Representative; and Dr. Bernadette L. Ramirez, Scientist for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) will lead the discussions.

In the afternoon, there will be technical sessions on PCHRD supported projects. Prof. Ma. Nilda M. Munoz, DOST Balik-Scientist Awardee of 2010-2012, will discuss â€œSecretory Group V Phospholipase A2: A Novel Biomarker in Asthma”; Dr. Jose Enrico H. Lazaro, Assistant Professor of Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Diliman, will talk about â€œPharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of hCC49 Immunoliposomes in Nude Mice”; and Dr. Edsel Maurice T. Salvana, Assistant Director, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Manila will present â€œThe Influenza Code: Using the A(H1N1) Genome to Fight Future Pandemics.”