The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST) joins the celebration of Science Week 2012 of the College of Sciences, University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Sampaloc, Manila last 6 February 2012.

The five-day celebration with the theme “Building a Healthier Environment through Science” featured science lectures, research poster exhibits, and interactive exhibits on mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, microbiology and psychology.

In her opening message, Professor Elena Manansala, Assistant Dean of UST Faculty of Pharmacy said that the event will encourage graduating students to do relevant researches that will impact the community. â€œIt is also an avenue to make our students aware on the researches undertaken by the university and effective way of cultivating research culture to prepare students to become productive member of the research community.”

Dr. Antonio Ligsay, Chief of the PCHRD’s Research Development and Management Division, served as reactor and keynote speaker. In his message, Dr. Ligsay motivated students to participate in discovering new knowledge through health research and development (R&D). “With those outputs you presented in the exhibits, I believe you have great potential to be part of the national endeavor to address health issues and problems of the country. Fresh minds usually have fresh ideas and we want to hear from you. If you have potential ideas for research – approach your institution’s faculty members, because together we can make the Filipino life better through health R&D.”

Dr. Ligsay also discussed the PCHRD research evaluation processes, submission of research proposal for funding and the policies and directions for health research. â€œPCHRD research priorities include genomics, drug discovery and development, studies on functional foods, hospital equipment and biomedical devices, ICT in health and chronobiology. Along with these priorities, we can maximize our creativity and keen ideas for research to seek for new technologies, products and innovations.”

UST is one of the member institutions of the Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortia (MMHRDC) of the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS).