MAKATI CITY, Metro Manila- The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development Scholars’ Society (PSS) elected a new board of directors during the 34^th PCHRD anniversary celebration on 17 March 2016 at the New World Makati Hotel.

The newly elected officers were Dr. Rommel Salazar of De La Salle University, Dr. Nymia Simbulan of University of the Philippines (UP) Manila, Mr. Rogelio Cruz of Centro Escolar University (CEU), Dr. Maricar Ching of CEU, Dr. Maria Ruth Pineda-Cortel of University of Santo Tomas (UST), Mr. Mac Gerald Cueto of University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMMMC), Dr. Benida Fontanilla of UERMMMC, Dr. Eleanor Galvez of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Dr. Bella Panlilio of Angeles University Foundation, Dr. Ross Vasquez of UST, and Dr. Erna Arollado of UP Manila.

PSS new members, including the three presenters, as they took their oath

According to former PSS President Dr. Josefina Tuazon, although she did not run for reelection, she was privileged to serve the Society and the Board since 2009.

“I see this decision as a step towards opening the way for new leadership and new ideas to infuse the Board and the Society. Rest assured, I will continue to be active and support the new Board and the Society,” she said.

Another highlight of the assembly was the presentation of the research projects of newly graduated PCHRD scholars including Dr. Jacqueline Burgos of UP Los Baños who presented her study entitled “Cacao (Theobroma cacao L) Proanthocya-nidins and its Interactions with Artesunate and in vitro Physiological Effect of such inter-actions in Jurkat Leukemia Cell Line,”Mr. Noel Salvoza of UP Manila who presented his study entitled “Evaluation of Serum MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Chronic Hepatitis B and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease,” and Dr. Racquel T. Chua-Barcelo of Saint Louis University who presented her study entitled “Ethnobotany, Secondary Metabolites, Anti-oxidant Activity and Toxicity of Selected Wild Fruits in Benguet, Cordillera Administrative Region.”

Dr. Jaime Montoya, PCHRD Executive Director, extended his gratitude to Dr. Josefina Tuazon for leading PSS over the past four years and the members for their commitment.

“I encourage everyone to continue to be receptive and responsive to the needs of the Society so we can achieve more in the years to come. I also push for an improved networking and partnership among members especially now that we are promoting the globalization of research and innovation. Your role in this endeavor is very valuable considering that you are the new breed of researchers in our country,” he added.

The amendments to the PSS constitution and by-laws were discussed. PSS new members, including the three presenters, also took their oath.

PSS was organized to provide a forum for the PCHRD Scholars to exchange health research information and to develop networking and partnerships. For more information, visit their website at pss.pchrd.dost.gov.ph.