The Bicol Consortium for Health Research Development held a one day Research Agenda Setting Workshop last October 8, 2012 at the Function Hall of Bicol University Legazpi City. Its objective was to identify areas for research that should be given high priority in the region.
The BCHRD members were welcomed by Dr. Alma Banua, the consortium director. Dr. Fay Lea Patria Lauraya, BU President and BCHRD Chairperson delivered an inspirational message, focusing on the importance of research to the Bicolanos. She emphasized researches on Indigenous Herbs in the Region that can be linked to “Tuklas Lunas”, a drug discovery and development program initiated by DOST-PCHRD to provide solutions to the country's medical needs.
There were thirteen member-agency-participants, namely: Elma Peralta (Ateneo de Naga University), Lilian Legson & Hermogena Cañares (Aquinas University of Legazpi), Richard Bartolata (Bicol University), Marlyn Daguno (Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital), Pilita O. Lucena (Department of Science and Technology), Sandy Lasa (Universidad de Santa Isabel), Carmelita Baylon (University of Nueva Caceres), Marla Litam, M.D. (Bicol Medical Center), Joyce Obis (University of Saint Anthony), Dr. Luis Mendoza (Department of Health-Albay Division), and Marie Jeanne Berroya ( Regional Project Officer for Region V from PCHRD).
The workshop proper started with the presentation by Director Banua of statistical data on the health profile of region V. It was followed by a “Problem tree analysis” facilitated by Dr. Yolly Castroverde.
Five Thematic Areas identified during the workshop were as follows: 1) Health service delivery, 2) Health Development, 3) Socio-environmental health concerns, and 4) Health Technology Development, and 5) Health financing. Following is The Research Agenda For Region V.
A. HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY
1. Improvement of Maternal Health and Nutrition
a. Assessment of the health status of women
b. Assessment of the KAPs of women in their Perinatal Period
c. Effectiveness of IEC materials on maternal health care
d. Evaluation of the maternal health service delivery
2. Improvement of Child Health and Nutrition
a. Assessment of the Health Status of Children
b. Assessment of Feeding Programs in Day Care Centers (3 -6 y/o)
c. Infant Feeding Program
d. Review and Analysis of the Existing BEmONC/CEmONC in terms of Facilities, human resource expertise, usage and usefulness
e. Compliance with EPI
f. Evaluation of the Family Planning Program
B. HEALTH DEVELOPMENT
1. Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases
a. Mental Health
b. Lifestyle Diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases)
c. Trauma and Injuries
2. Prevention of Communicable Diseases
a. STI & HIV
b. TUBERCULOSIS (MDR)
3. Herbal Plants in Various Forms
a. Inventory of Herbal Plants in the Bicol Region(including pictures, location, parts of the plants used, common names and uses)
b. Preparation and utilization of indigenous herbs for common illnesses
c. Dosage forms of herbal medicine
4. Functional Foods
Beneficial/potential hazards of the following: Malunggay, Ginger, Garlic, Yakon, Cassava and Siling Labuyo
C. SOCIO- ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS
- Environment and Climate Change
A. Health effects of Climate Change among Vulnerable Groups (Elderly and Children)
- Community Development
- Health and sanitary practices among residents of resettlement areas
- Health preparedness and capabilities during emergencies
- Waste Management
- Level of Implementation of Local Ordinances on Waste Management
- Hospital Waste Management
D. HEALTH TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
- Technology Development
- Techno Verification on for health use.
- Utilization and Production of Yakon Chips as Dietary Food Supplement
- Knowledge Management
- Adoption of Health Data Base System in the Bicol Region
- Surveillance of Reported Infectious Diseases
F. HEALTH FINANCING
The participants during the two-day gruelling Research Agenda Setting and Strategic Planning Workshop.
