The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) celebrated its 42nd anniversary with 411 health researchers, partners, and stakeholders from various sectors, highlighting significant achievements and strategic partnerships aimed at advancing health research in the country on 25 March 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City.

Themed, “Forging the Future@42: Strengthening Health Research Capacities through Dynamic Partnerships,” the celebration featured interactive sessions which provided a platform for stakeholders to gain insights and exchange ideas, showcasing PCHRD’s multifaceted approach to strengthening health research capacities.

The keynote speech delivered by Dr. Claudio Tiribelli, Scientific Director of Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF) emphasized the importance of international partnerships by highlighting ongoing collaborations and initiatives in establishing the Philippine Liver Network and the Philippine Liver Biobank.

“The Philippines is going to be the only country in the world to have a liver network. We have to put a lot of effort in order to make this starting and growing. This is important because this will optimize treatment of different liver diseases across the country,” Dr. Tiribelli emphasized.

FIF is among the partners of DOST-PCHRD in implementing one of its foreign graduate scholarships — the PhD in Molecular Biomedicine program focused on molecular hepatology within the PhD Program in Molecular Biomedicine of University of Trieste (UNITS). This three-year fellowship program integrates basic research and clinics focusing on the study of molecular approaches to cancer biology, genetics, jaundice, and metabolic diseases.

Also in attendance in the celebration were DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. and DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Leah J. Buendia who both emphasized the importance of partnerships in advancing the health research landscape. 

“With PCHRD reaffirming its advocacy for partnerships, we will be headed towards building a more robust and productive health research community that works as one towards shared goals. With OneDOST4U, I would like to assure that you have our full support in enabling the advancement of health research in the country. We are your partner in bringing scientific health solutions to the people,” said Secretary Solidum.

Usec. Buendia reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in research infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives. “In moving forward, we will build on these meaningful experiences as we continue to strengthen investment in research infrastructure, capacity-building initiatives, and the development of human capital in the field of health research,” Usec. Buendia emphasizes.

In his welcome remarks, DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Montoya expressed gratitude for the support received and highlighted the council’s accomplishments in the past year, including mobilizing significant funds for research and development projects, capacity-building activities, and S&T services.

“With the support that you have given us, we can address pressing health problems for our communities and pursue our commitment of making lives better for the Filipino people. Last year we were able to mobilize 508 million pesos for R&D projects; 86 million pesos for capacity building activities, and 56 million pesos for S&T services,” Dr. Montoya furthers.

An awarding ceremony also took place to recognize the contributions of exemplary individuals and institutions in health research, including the 2024 HeaRTNovation Hubs Grantees, winners of the 2024 Capture the HeaRT in Health Research Photo Contest, the distinguished recipient of the 2023 Best Mentor in Health Research award, and the Accredited Research Ethics Committees (RECs) of the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB). 

Following the main conference, the Council conducted the following sessions in the afternoon: 

1. Talakayang HeaRTBeat Press Conference: This press conference highlighted the partnership between the Philippines and FIF, focusing on the liver research advancements in the Philippines.
2. HERDIN Collaborative Workshop: This workshop will gathered inputs from the regional health research consortia Aimed at to enhance the functionality of the national health research database, this
3. PAMJE Educational Forum and General Assembly: PAMJE organized an educational forum to enrich participants’ knowledge and skills
4. PCHRD Scholars’ Society (PSS) Annual Convention: Facilitate knowledge exchange and networking among scholars and researchers to ensure members stay updated of the latest advancements in health research.

The celebration was hosted by Dr. Loraine Kay D. Cabral and Dr. Noel C. Salvoza, DOST-PCHRD Scholars.