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DOST, The National Telehealth Center and UP-Manila
introduces RxBox2 in Bicol
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in cooperation with the National Telehealth Center (NTHC), University of the Philippines (UP)-Manila, The Health Sciences Center and National Institutes of Health is pursuing the roll-out of RxBox2 in the Bicol Region.
On 19 February 2014, a teleconference via Skype (the third in the country) was conducted with DOST, DOH and PhilHealth at DOST V, Rawis, Legazpi City, that served as brainstorming/discussion on project implementation for the agencies concerned. It was participated in by representatives, Dr. Gladys Escote, Medical Specialist I, Regulatory, Licensing and Enforcement Division, DOH-CHD Bicol; Dr. Myrna Suratos, Medical Specialist III, PhilHealth V; Dr. Pilita O. Lucena, Senior Science Research Specialist, DOST V in behalf of Dir. Tomas B. Briñas, Regional Director, DOST V; Dr. Kristine Mae Magtubo, Research Associate/RxBox2 Project Manager, NTHC and Ms. Alyssa Marie Evangelista, Nurse, NTHC and DOST V support staff, Engr. Sandro Noguera, Ms. Nicole Anne Bejo and Mr. Francis Paul John Castrence.
RxBox2 is a biomedical telemedicine device capable of capturing physiologic signals such as heart rate and blood pressure, and transmitting them to an electronic medical record system where the data can be viewed from a remote location. Implemented in November 2011, this DOST-funded project has a Research and Development (R & D) component whose significant result captures DOST’s priority on its health initiative “No one is left behind especially the poor”. The project is supportive to the Department of Health (DOH)’s mandate for “Kalusugan Pangkalahatan” (Universal Health Care). With main focus on Maternal and Child Health Care. That is also specified in the R & D Agenda of the Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development (BCHRD), an S & T consortium supervised by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) based at Bicol University, Legazpi City.
The project has produced one hundred (100) devices for development that needs volunteers [with sixty three (63) slots available], preferred one (1) volunteer for every congressional district in the region. A volunteer who possesses computer knowledge/skill may apply in this undertaking. He/she must submit a letter of intent to be endorsed by the Rural Health Unit (RHU)/DOH. As to the timetable, DOH shall send the list of identified RHUs to NHTC on the second week of March 2014. A training for the volunteers is scheduled in May 2014.
At present, the RxBox2 device is undergoing development for the national scale-up to improve health service deliveries in remote areas particularly for mothers, newborns and patients with chronic diseases. NTHC is hopeful that this project to end in September 2014 can be extended until 2015 and onward considering the benefits to be derived by people most especially the pregnant and the sick in the identified municipalities. (Dr. P.O. Lucena, DOST V)
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Of the nine (9) provincial/city nutri quiz winners and regional finalists, Ms. Syra L. Panoy, a barangay nutrition scholar (BNS) of San Agustin, Iriga City emerged as the 2013 DOST – NUTRICOMNET Regional Nutri Quiz Year 5 Champion in partnership with the Bicol Consortium Health Research and Development (BCHRD). BNSes Marissa M. Aguilar of Tibgao, Canaman, Camarines Sur and Margarita B. Divinaflor of Basag, Ligao City are the 1st and 2nd Runners-up, respectively. It was a consistent lead for Ms. Panoy while tie-breaking questions were administered for Aguilar and Divinaflor. After the sixth tie-breaking question (sudden death), Aguilar won as 1st Runner-up and Divinaflor as 2nd Runner-up in the said Regional Nutri Quiz. This Regional Activity was held last 19 December 2013 at the Bicol University College of Nursing Function Hall, Legazpi City.
As regional champion, BNS Panoy was awarded P 5,000, and BNS Aguilar 1st Runner-up with P 3,000 and BNS Divinaflor, 2nd Runner-up had P 2,000. All regional participants received a consolation prize of P 1, 000 each.
The Board of Judges was chaired by Ms. Arlene R. Reario, Nutrition Program Coordinator (NPC), National Nutrition Council (NNC) Bicol, together with Ms. Aida A. Naz, OIC-Regional Director, Philippine Information Agency (PIA V)/Chair, NUTRICOMNET, Dr. Rafaelita O. Lucena, Regional NUTRICOMNET Coordinator, Department of Science and Technology (DOST V), Ms. Myrna P. Rayala, Nurse II, Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) and Ms. Anneli Alejo, Planning Officer, Commission on Population (POPCOM V) as members.
Now on its 5th year, the Regional Nutri Quiz is an initiative of the Nutrition Communication Network (NUTRICOMNET) Bicol, a DOST V-led S&T network composed of health and nutrition program planners/implementers and information officers from national government agencies and private organizations, and media partners. Every year this activity is spearheaded by DOST V headed by Dir. Tomas B. Briñas, Regional Director and the DOH V Family headed by Dr. Gloria J. Balboa, Regional Director, DOH-CHD Bicol, Ms. Arlene R. Reario, NPC, NNC Bicol and Ms. Magdalena G. Abellera, Regional Director, POPCOM V. Its main objective is to continuously promote awareness on good health and proper nutrition especially among barangay residents with the BNSes and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) actively involved in the implementation of health and nutrition programs in the region. (Dr. P.O. Lucena, DOST V).
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DOST - PCHRD/FNRI and DOH conduct a study
“Evaluation of Dietary Service in Selected Hospitals
in the Philippines, includes BRTTH”
The Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST – FNRI) is conducting a study entitled “Evaluation of Dietary Service in Selected Hospitals in the Philippines”. Funded by the Department of Health through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), this study aims to fill the knowledge gap on information about the quality of foods and its corresponding cost served to in-patients provided either by an outsourced dietary service or an in-house dietary service in selected hospitals. Also, the study intends to provide information on the comparability of services undertaken by the two (2) types of food service providers as against the dietetic food service standards.
Fifty (50) hospitals nationwide are included in this study. The Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital (BRTTH) in Legazpi City is one of the selected study sites. The FNRI and DOST V Team Visit and Project Presentation at BRTTH was done on 11 February 2014 and Data Collection was finished on 12 February 2014.
The methodology of the study consisted of the following:
· Nutrient analysis of food served to in-patients
- Food weighing of two (2) sample trays (full diet only) per room type for breakfast, lunch and supper
· Interview of key informants
The FNRI – DOST V Team interviewed Dr. Rogelio G. Rivera, Chief of Hospital, Mr. Peter Almonte, Budget Officer and OIC-Chief Administrative Officer and three (3) nutritionist-dietitians. Other interviewees (face-to-face interview) were ten (10) randomly selected adult patient on full diet representing all room types.
Feedback also included the patient’s answers/comments on food taste, appearance/color, texture and temperature. Dietary food service policies and procedures were looked into/ documented/ reviewed. Facilities for improvement e.g. availability of storage equipment and energy audit formed part of the recommendations considering good dietary practices and food system management system, among others.
This study commenced in April 2013 to be completed in February 2014. Results of the study will be provided to DOH to become basis for policy making on dietary service system in various Center for Health and Development (CHD), regional hospitals and medical centers in the country.
Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Principal Investigator and Mesdames Clarita R. Magsadia, Senior Science Research Specialist, Chona F. Patalen, Science Research Specialist I and Christine Q. Verano, Science Research Analyst are the members of the FNRI project team. (Dr. P. O. Lucena, DOST V).
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BCHRD HOLDS THE 1st REGIONAL HEALTH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FORUM
The 1st Regional for Health Research & Development Forum with the theme: “SaludBicolnon: Marhay na Salud para sa kagabsan” was held last November 21,2013 at the Bicol University College of Nursing Function Hall, Legazpi City. It show cased health and health related researches of the region, both professional and student category.
A total of 70 participants who witnessed the event, mostly from the academe which were as follows: Bicol University College of Nursing (BUCN), Bicol University College of Science (BUCS), Partido State University (PSU), University of Saint Anthony (USANT), Department of Science and TechnologyV (DOST-V), Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), Catanduanes State University (CSU), Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH), Aquinas University of Legazpi (AUL), Ago Medical and Educational Center–Bicol Christian College of Medicine (AMEC-BCCM), Bicol Medical Center (BMC), Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI) and Commission on Higher Education Regional Office No.V(CHED-V).
The Panel of Evaluators for the Student Category were: Dr. Pilita O. Lucena, BCHRD chair, Research Information and Communication Utilization Committee (RICUC), Mr. Christian Rivero, member RICUC and Dr. Nilo Romeroso, member of Ethics Review Committee (ERC). For the Professional Category were: Dr. Marla Litam, Member of Research and Development Committee (R&D), Dr. Marlyn Daguno, chair R&D and Dr. Marilou Tino, member of Capacity Building Committee (CBC).
The winners for the Professional category were: 1st place: “ Acceptability and Effect of Malunggay, Monggo, and Rice (Moringaoleifera Lam, Vignaradiata and Oryza sativa) – Based Complementary Food on Selected Growth Indicator in Children: A Preliminary Study ” by Kuh V. Peterno et. al, of Partido State University (PSU); 2nd place is “Health Needs of the Community Folks of San Roque Madawon, Nabua, Camarines Sur”by Salvacion L. Tabalanza et. al. of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC).
The winners for the Student category were all from Bicol University: 1st place is “Evaluation of The Anticonvulsant Activity of Jatropha curcas L. (Tubang-bakod)Methanolic Leaf Extract in Mus musculus “by Ellen Keith C. Barreda of the College of Science (BUCS); 2nd place is “Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis in the 3rd District of Albay Philippines” by Jeffrey A. Toledo et. al of the College of Science (BUCS); and 3rd place is “Hypoglycaemic Effect of Papaitan (Tinospora crispa Miers) Stem Extract on Diabetic and Normal Glycaemic Male Albino Mice ”by Christine Arcueno et. al of Bicol University College of Nursing.
The winners of both the professional and student categories will be the entry of BCHRD to the Philippine National Health Research (PNHRS) Conference Week on August 2014. These winners were asked to submit to the consortium the full research paper with the completion of the suggestions for final clearance from the R & D Committee.
In behalf of the consortium Chair, President Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, our appreciation to the participants and CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners.
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Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development (BCHRD) participates in the 7t h Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week Celebration in Laoag City
Region V (Bicol) through the Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development (BCHRD) was well represented during the 7t h Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS).
Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya led the Bicol's delegation of seventeen (17) officials and personnel from BCHRD member-agencies who actively participated in this national event namely Dr. Alma Banua, BU (Consortium Director) and Ms. Chona Guidote, Project SStaff (BCHRD Secretariat); committee chairs, Dr. Marlyn Daguno, BRTTH (Research and Development); Dean Laarni Salcedo, CSPC (Capability Building); Dr. Rafaelita O. Lucena, DOST V (Regional Information and Communication Utilization); and Ms Sandy Lasa, USI (Ethics Review); and the three (3) student-contestants from Bicol University. Other participants are from USANT (2); ADNU; BU Colleges of Science and Medicine (2); and CSU (2).
This PNHRS Week Celebration spearheaded by the key implementing agencies [Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the University of the Philippines (UP)Manila] was an avenue for sharing/discussions of information and experiences by seventeen (17) health R&D consortia with S&T-based solutions to the problems of the country particularly on health and health related concerns.
Region V's entry "Hypoglycemic Effect of Ethanol Peel Extract of Citrus Sinesis (Orange) on Male Alloxan-lnfused Diabetic Albino Mice (Mus Musculus)" was awarded as national finalist in the Student Research Presentation Competition with a P2,000 cash prize. The student-contestants were Mary G. Estanislao, Maria I.M. Lanuzo and Irja K.E. Robles, BU College of Nursing.
Aside from the poster and research presentation competitions, other celebration highlights were the talks on Ethics in Health Review; Indigenous People's Health, and Writing for Scientific Journal; Panel Discussions on Research for People's Health and Generating More Quality Proposals; Roundtable Discussion on the Health Research Shapers focusing on the Universal Health Care; Consortium Exhibits and the Opening/Closing Ceremonies graced by local leaders of llocos Norte with Region I Health Research and Development as this year's host.
DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo was represented by Undersecretary Amelia Guevarra during the opening ceremonies (Secretary Montejo and other cabinet members were with President Aquino at that time in Davao City for the Mindanao Business Conference). Usee. Guevarra stressed on DOST's commitment for meaningful S&T based solutions and innovations for the people we serve. Better policies and services will improve their lives. She also said that DOST-PCHRD leads the PNHRS in adopting collaborative strategies to ensure that health researches will contribute to better and improved health facilities. On the other hand, R&D initiatives generate and increase knowledge and push for more public health services together with local leaders and other stakeholders who are recognized as catalyst of change.
During fellowship night with regional presentations featuring songs and dances, Region V's rendition of the songs "Sarong Banggi" and "Ano Daw Idtong sa Gogon" together with Region IV-A (with the tagalog version of "Sarung Banggi") won third prizes for the Best Choral Presentation and Best Costume. The competition was intended for every region but later changed into clusters (Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, NCR, Visayas and Mindanao).
According to Dr. Jaime Montoya, DOST-PCHRD Executive Director, the good news is for the year 2013 could be labeled as the year for health with the passage of PNHRS Act; RH Law and Sin Tax.
The Philippines will be the venue for two (2) big international events, the Global Forum for Health Research where the Philippines is recognized as a model for the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) to be held in February 2015 at PICC,Metro Manila and the International Health Conference on 23-26 November 2014 at Cebu City with the theme "Embedding Ethics in Health Research", Dr. Montoya added (Dr. ROL/Bong, DOST V).
