The 1st Regional Health Research Council Meeting of BCHRD was held on September 4, 2012, at the BU-GASS Legazpi City. It was attended by the heads of the member-agencies of BCHRD, consortium Chair President Fay Lea Patria Lauraya, consortium Director Dr. Alma Banua, and no less than PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya.
During his message Director Montoya discussed the role of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) as the Heart and Soul of the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS), and that its mission is to make life better for the Filipinos through health research. Through the PCHRD health research consortia nationwide were established, to be capacitated institutions in research, and to serve as research hubs. He emphasized that the best people to undertake research are those who know their needs and who will benefit from the results of their researches.
Among the agenda were the following: Matters for Approval including 1) Proposed BCHRD Logo; 2) Policy matters (Rotation of special committee meetings and Criteria for acceptance of additional members) and Annual membership fee, and Matters for Information including 1) Change in the schedule of project operations, 2) Present committee members, 3) Status of BCHRD Activities, and 4) Signing of MOA.
There are a total of thirteen member agencies within the consortium, duly represented by the following participants of the council meeting: Engr. Seth Baranddon of Camarine Sur Polythecnic College, Luzviminda de Villa of University of Saint Anthony, Carmelita Baylon and Dr. Yolanda Castroverded of University of Nueva Caceres, Fr. Ernesto Arceo of Aquinas University, Dr. Salvacion Macinas and Dr. Marlyn Daguno of Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital, Dr. Marla Litam of Bicol Medical Center, Director Tomas Briñas of DOST RV, Dr. Teresa de Alban of CHED RV, Ms. Marie Jean Berroya and Ms. Carina Rebulanan of PCHRD.
Dr. Jaime Montoya giving a message, and focusing on the importance of the role of BCHRD in research, particularly on research priorities-NUHRA.
