BCHRD ERC working towards Registration and Accreditation this 2014
The Ethics Review Committee ensures that the researches involving human participants conform to the ethical standards and principles towards respect for sanctity and dignity of man (PCHRD Annual Journal 2003). DOST Administrative Order 001 Series of 20018 states that research ethics registration is mandatory.
To be able to exercise their function fully the ERC of BCHRD is working towards the process of being registered/accredited. Two of the requirements to be complied are 1) the qualification of the composition of ERC, hence two of each members (Dr. Alvin Ogalesco and Ms Catherine Campillos) will undergo Basic Ethics Training on June 24, 25, 2014 and 2) finalization of the Standard Operating Procedures of the committee. The SOP being the output of the training in 2013 was initially submitted to the Philippine Health Ethics Review Board (PHREB).The suggestions are being incorporated.
Completion of the other documents need to the completed so that the target of being registered/accredited will be achieved.
BCHRD FACILITATES BASIC ETHICS TRAINING this 2014
The Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development (BCHRD) facilitated for the 2nd time Basic Ethics Training onJune 24 and 25, 2014 at Bicol University College of Nursing Amphitheater, Legazpi City. The goals of the training are: 1) to guide participants on moral dimensions of research; 2) to assist the participants in reviewing ethical research; 3) to describe the different controls for Ethics in Research, focusing on Institutional Research Ethics Committee and the PHREB; and 4) to motivate participants to adhere and advocate quality ethical research.
The Resource Persons were from the Philippine health Research Ethics Board (PHREB), Dr. Rosario Angeles T. Alora and Dr. Ricardo Manalastas Jr., Chair of the Sub-committee on trainings and member/trainer respectively. The participants were member-institutions of the BCHRD actively participated in the role-playing, demonstrations and lecture.
The trained participants will form part of the ERC of BCHRD, Institutional ERC of the BU College of Medicine and of the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital. Each agency was provided a copy of the 2011 National Ethical Guidelines of PHREB, as reference.
The activity ended with a commitment of adhering to the ethical standard in the conduct and evaluation of researches.
DR. NAPOLEON AREVALO, DESIGNATED AS CO CHAIR OF BCHRD
The Republic Act 10532, otherwise known as the “Philippine National Health Research System Act (PNHRS) of 2013” was signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino last May 7, 2013. Sec. 13 of the law pertaining to the Regional Health Research Systems stipulates that
“The PNHRS framework shall be mirrored in all the regions of the country, forming a network of regional research consortia. Each regional health research system' shall address concerns relating to health research agenda, development of human resource in health research, conduct of researches, dissemination of research results, research utilization, resource mobilization, leadership and management.”
Supportive to this, is the Department Order No.2014-0121, issued by DOH Secretary Enrique Ona, stipulating the following provisions:
1) All Centers of Health Development Offices, DOH Regional Hospitals and Retained Hospitals to allocate 2% MOOE budget to health system research activities;
2) The DOH CHD’s Regional Director/Assistant Regional Director (ARD) if not included as Chair or Co-Chair of the regional consortium, to designate ARD as co-chair of the said consortium, in order to ensure efficient use of health resources in the region; and
3) Formulate holistic health research plan and health research agenda in the region.
With the PNHRS Act as the basis the BCHRD had opened the organizational structure to the entry of a co-chair in the person of DR. NAPOLEON AREVALO, the Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Health.
In a personal meeting with Dr. Arevalo and Dr. Alma S. Banua, the consortium director, the following topics were discussed: 1) research agenda of BCHRD; 2) research undertakings; and 3) provision of funds to research proposals. With the joined forces of DOH as the lead agency in health and the BCHRD, they both will be moving to one direction – strengthening the health research system management in the region as a strategy to improve the health conditions of the Bicolanos.
Mentoring in Research and Development is in for an effective program/project implementation
The “Big Brother Concept” in Research and Development (R&D) has been adopted in various public and private entities towards an effective program/project implementation. This is usually done by mentoring/coaching involving two (2) or more proponents/implementer in the country. Through a partnership in health R&D, mentoring/coaching for example is led by a big school (known for its track record and earned accreditations) together with another school whose R&D work is in progress, just starting or has limited capacity/capability to do R&D.
In the Bicol Region, the Ago Medical and Educational Center – Bicol Christian College of Medicine (AMEC-BCCM) has undertaken the Twinning Project in collaboration with the University of the Philippines (UP)-Manila. AMEC-BCCM was the former base institution of the Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development (BCHRD) from 2007-2011.
Recently, BCHRD conducted the Training on Health Proposal Packaging cum Writeshop. A total of thirty (30) professors/researchers and member-representatives attended this three-day training held on 21-23 July 2014 at Alvi’s Restraurant, Daraga, Albay. Dr. Ophelia Mendoza and Dr. Evangeline Amor served as resource speaker and mentor respectively, both are Consultants and Research Experts of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD). The training facilitators were Ms. Gigi Benosa, Regional Consortium Coordinator, DOST-PCHRD and Dr. Marlyn Daguno, Chair, BCHRD Research and Development Committee (RDC).
Seven (7) health proposals were presented/ critiqued by the resource speaker/mentor and the RDC members. These proposals upon completion of requirements will be endorsed by BCHRD to DOST-PCHRD for evaluation, approval, funding and possible implementation in 2015.
BCHRD now based at Bicol University (BU), Legazpi City from 2011 to date, leads in health R&D in the region. It is composed of higher education institutions (state/private universities and colleges), government/private hospitals and national government agencies. BCHRD is chaired by Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, BU President with Dr. Alma G. Banua, as the Consortium Director.
DOST-PCHRD supervises the seventeen (17) health consortia in the country including BCHRD. (Dr. P.O. Lucena, DOST V)
CALL FOR ADDITIONAL RESEARCH PROPOSALS EXTENDED BY BCHRD
President Fay Lea Patria Lauraya chair of the BCHRD announced during the 5th Regional Health Research Coordinating Council (RHRCC) meeting, that the submission of the research proposals shall be extended to June 2014 to make room for those who wants to undertake health researches. President Lauraya had called the chair of the Research and Development (R & D) Committee- Dr. Marlyn Daguno of the Bicol Regional and Training and Teaching Hospital to enjoin all the members of the consortium to submit proposals.
Funding of research proposals comes from the Regional Development Fund worth P500.00, however proposals needing more than this amount are likewise funded by the Philippine Council for health Research and Development.
A total of six (6) research proposals were submitted to the consortium and were already shortlisted by the R & D Committee.
A good news is we are still accepting research proposals and will do so year round. The requirements to submit a research proposals are as follows: 1) Submit a capsule proposal (in DOST 1B Format) to be evaluated by the R& D Committee; 2) If accepted, submit a detailed proposal (in PCHRD Format); 3) A 2nd review will be done by the R & D committee; 4) Approval from the RHRCC; and 5) Submission to the Philippine Council for final review.
2012 Regional Health Profile Bases for Research Proposal
An update on the 2012 Regional Health Profile was shared by Dr. Aurora Daluro of Department of Health, Region V during the 5th Regional Health Research Coordinating Council on ------ 2014 at the Bicol University, Legazpi City.
|
Region V |
Fully Immunized Child Target: ≥ 95 %
|
% Increase |
Infant Mortality Rate |
||
|
|
2007-2011 |
2012 |
|
2007-2011 |
2012 |
|
Albay |
79.40 |
82.63 |
3.23 |
7.32 |
8.4 |
|
Camarines Norte |
81.19 |
74.34 |
- 6.85 |
14.23 |
13.96 |
|
Camarines Sur |
78.82 |
64.36 |
-14.46 |
9.57 |
7.97 |
|
Catanduanes |
79.06 |
84.22 |
5.16 |
9.03 |
7.37 |
|
Masbate |
88.10 |
72.37 |
-15.73 |
9.83 |
6.76 |
|
Sorsogon |
79.24 |
69.15 |
-10.09 |
6.87 |
9.05 |
|
Iriga City |
67.30 |
80.91 |
13.61 |
13.51 |
5.25 |
|
Naga City |
89.68 |
96.07 |
6.39* |
15.05 |
15.89 |
|
Legazpi City |
91.59 |
90.91 |
- 0.68 |
12.6 |
8.03* |
|
BICOL REGION |
79.53 |
73.86 |
- 5.67 |
9.6 |
8.8 |
The health profile presented consisted of the: 1) Population, 2) Health facilities, 3) Crude death rate, 4) Crude birth rate, 5) Infant mortality rate, 6) Under five mortality rate, 7) Leading causes of infant mortality, 8) Fully immunized child, 9) Maternal mortality, 10) Leading causes of maternal mortality, 11) Leading causes of morbidity, 12) Leading causes of mortality, 13) House hold with access to improved / safe water supply, and 14) Sanitary toilets.
Looking at the data the 2012 health profile it showed that for the Catanduanes has the highest crude death rate (7.08) and crude birth rate (33.35); Naga City has the highest Infant Mortality Rate (15.89) higher by .84% in 20017-2011 and Under5 Mortality Rate (20.75).
|
|
Crude Death Rate |
Crude Birth Rate |
Infant Mortality Rate |
Under5 Mortality Rate |
||||
|
|
2007-2011 |
2012 |
2007-2011 |
2012 |
2007-2011 |
2012 |
2007-2011 |
2012 |
|
Albay |
4.64 |
4.69 |
21.59 |
19.95 |
7.32 |
8.4 |
12.35 |
14.41** |
|
Camarines Norte |
4.53 |
5.11 |
22.41 |
21.72 |
14.23 |
13.96 |
15.4 |
19.8 |
|
Camarines Sur |
4.04 |
4.09 |
19.49 |
20.71 |
9.57 |
7.97 |
14.32 |
12.72 |
|
Catanduanes |
5.71 |
7.08** |
21.81 |
33.35** |
9.03 |
7.37 |
13.27 |
8.55* |
|
Masbate |
3.47 |
3.6 |
24.32 |
23.32 |
9.83 |
6.76 |
13.75 |
13.51 |
|
Sorsogon |
4.6 |
5.35 |
21.18 |
21.76 |
6.87 |
9.05 |
10.12 |
16.3 |
|
Iriga City |
6.07 |
5.13 |
19.59 |
24.21** |
13.51 |
5.25 |
18.34 |
9.37* |
|
Naga City |
7.16 |
6.17 |
24.21 |
22.16 |
15.05 |
15.89 |
21.06 |
20.75 |
|
Legazpi City |
6.37 |
5.46 |
20.69 |
20.17 |
12.6 |
8.03* |
17.59 |
16.53 |
|
Bicol Region |
4.49 |
4.71 |
21.37 |
21.49 |
9.6 |
8.8 |
13.72 |
14.5 |
The data on fully immunized Child, (target is > 95%) and Infant Mortality Rate /1000 live births, only Naga City has achieved 96.07% of fully immunized children which had exceeded the target of 95%. Iriga City is 14.09 % below the target, however it has the highest % increase of 13.61%.
Also significant is that Camarines Sur achieved 60% fully immunized children in 2012 which had deteriorated to Negative 14.16%.
Looking further at the columns under the Infant Mortality Rate, Naga City exceeded the target for immunization, however the IMR went up from15.05 to 15.89. In Iriga City, the achievement in immunization shows a significant decrease in the mortality rate from 13.5 to 5.15/1000 live births. On an overall the Bicol Region neither reached the target; The Region had tripped to negative 5.67%. There is a dire need to look into the reasons for the said performance, considering that the vaccines are given for free by the DOH.
On the Maternal side, the target in 2015 for Maternal Mortality rate is 52/100,000 live births. The performance shows that Camarines Norte (46.78), Naga (51.24) & Legazpi City (51.81) achieved the target with Cam. Norte having the highest achievement. The lowest achiever is Catanduanes, whose MMR is 150. With the implementation of the Basic Emergency Obstetrical and Newborn Care (BEMONC), researchers are encouraged to investigate the reasons behind the results. The data presented can be used by researchers in coming up with research proposals to be submitted to the consortium for funding.
Application for 2015 DOST-SEI Science and Technology
(S&T) Scholarship is on
“Make S&T Your Future, Be a DOST Scholar!” This is the new slogan for the 2015 Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholarships.
In line with the S&T education thrust, DOST encourages the youth especially those graduating students from public and private high schools this coming March/April 2015. Specifically, they should belong to the top five percent (5%) of the regular high school graduating class or have high aptitude in Science and Mathematics and are willing to pursue fields of study in Science, Mathematics and Engineering. Great opportunities await our S&T scholars who will later become the country’s future achievers as scientists, engineers, researchers, teachers and others. As a government investment amounting to more or less Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (P400,000) for each scholar-graduate depending on the scholarship classification as full, partial or special, his/her enormous contribution in nation building after a period of four (4) or five (5) academic years, matters most.
For one to aspire for the S&T scholarship has to apply and comply with the requirements, take and pass the examination and enroll for authorized Bachelor of Science degrees in recognized state/private universities and colleges in the country. There are two (2) study placements: RA 7687 (for poor, talented and deserving students and Merit Scholarships (for those having gainfully employed parents).
The scholarship requirements/items to be submitted are:
· DOST-SEI Information Sheet (Form A)
· Household Information Questionnaire (Form B)
· Certificate of Good Moral Character (Form C)
· Certification that applicant belongs to upper 5% of graduating class (Form D1); or
· Certification that applicant belongs to the graduating class of DOST-SEI identified or DepEd recognized science high school (Form D2)
· Statement of applicant that he/she has not taken any undergraduate units or post secondary course (Form E)
· Statement of parent that applicant has no pending application as immigrant to any other county (Form F)
· Cetificate of Residency (Form G)
· Two (2) recent “1x1” pictures
· Photocopy of Birth Certificate
· Parent/s 2013 Income Tax Return/W2/Employment Contract for OFW/BIR Certificate of Exemption from Filing of ITR/Barangay Certificate of Indigency
· Electric bill for three (3) consecutive months in 2014
Note: Application for Merit Scholarship does not require the Certificate of Residency (Form G), Parent/s 2013 ITR/OFW Employment Contract/BIR Cert. of Exemption from ITR Filing/Brgy. Cert. of Indigency and Electric bill for three (3) consecutive months in 2014.
Application forms are available and upon completion can be filed at DOST-SEI, 2nd Level Science Heritage Bldg., DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City, Metro Manila; DOST Regional Offices, Provincial S&T Centers (PSTCs) or Office of the Congress Representative and Senator. It can be downloaded at the website, www.dost.gov.ph and www.science-scholarship.ph.
The students, their parents/guardians or any representatives may file the scholarship applications at the said offices. Secondary school registrars/in-charge are encouraged to file their students’ scholarship applications by group/batch. Deadline for submission of application is on 22 August 2014. The examination is set on 21 September 2014 (1st Batch, 7:00 a.m. - 12:00nn and 2nd Batch, 1:00 – 6:00p.m. in designated testing centers. The test permits shall be mailed/ delivered to the applicant/s or school principal for distribution to the applicants. In case of non-receipt within the week before the examination, the examinees are advised to visit DOST Region V, Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legazpi City, telephone numbers Trunklines: (052) 482-1050; ORD Telefax: (052) 482-0534(BAYANTEL); (052) 742-0911 (PLDT); Scholarship Telefax: (052) 482-0745; and Technical Telefax: (052) 482-0910 or Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) nearest them, (Dr. P.O. Lucena/C.L. Gillego, DOST V).
DOH - Regional Nutrition Council/DOST – NUTRICOMNET jointly spearhead Nutrition Month Regional Launching this July 2014
The member-institutions of the Department of Health - Regional Nutrition Council (DOH-RNC) and the Department of Science and Technology - Nutrition Communicators Network (DOST-NURTICOMNET) headed by Dr. Gloria G. Balboa, Regional Director, DOH and Dir. Tomas B. Briñas, Regional Director, DOST V, respectively jointly spearheaded the regional launching for this year’s Nutrition Month (NM) Celebration. Its theme is “Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon agapan!”
During the planning session for the conduct of this activity, the province of Camarines Sur was highly recommended as its venue with DOST’s initiative called “Science for Safer Communities (S4SC) conducted last 19-20 May 2014 in said province. S4SC, an IEC Campaign highlighted DOST’s Projects NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), DINA (Disaster Information for Nationwide Awareness) and DREAM (Disaster Risk and Exposure Assessment for Mitigation) featuring Science-based solutions, e.g. high resolution hazard maps, early warning system and others.
In complementing S4SC, RNC and NUTRICOMNET conducted the NM Regional Launch centered on “Nutrition in Emergencies”. This is a component of DRRM whose main concern is to prepare the vulnerable groups especially the women (pregnant and lactating mothers), children, Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and others. Increase in malnourished cases is an offshoot of a disaster. It should also be prioritized to prevent rapid deterioration since malnutrition particularly on infant and young children already affects Bicol’s regional standing together with other problems on livelihood/employment, etc., above all, poverty is the root cause.
Held on July 2014 at the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), the priority areas/municipalities in Camarines Sur are: Nabua, Balatan, Buhi, Baao, Pili and Iriga City with two hundred (200) local chief executives, barangay officials, health workers and nutrition scholars, and CSPC Food Technology students in attendance. Ex-Mayor Atty. Simbulan, the husband of Mayor Delia Simbulan, now the Administrator of Nabua gave the welcome remarks and cited that it was the first time in Nabua for this activity.
The Bicol River Basin traverses over the Province of Camarines Norte and Sur, and Albay with forty three municipalities (identified barangays in said priority municipalities are mostly flooded due to overflow/heavy rains).
Other important topics discussed were the following:
· 2014 NM Theme: Ms. Arlene R. Reario
Nutrition Program Coordinator
NNC Bicol
· Flood Forecasting: Engr. Dan Ragudan
Hydrologist
BRFFWC-PAGASA
Camaligan, Camarines Sur
With the recent Typhoon Glenda that directly hit the Provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte and Sur, and Catanduanes last 15 July 2014, Nutrition in Emergencies should always be among the immediate concerns by LGUs, national government agencies and other stakeholders engaged in health and nutrition, and disaster preparedness. Nutrition in Emergencies is defined as the services that form part of emergency preparedness, response and recovery to prevent deterioration of nutrition status and death. The services can include nutritional assessment; infant and young child feeding promotion, protection and support; management of acute malnutrition, micronutrient supplementation and other food or non-food based interventions.
Nutrition falls under the health cluster together with 1) Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), 2) Health, and 3) Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPS). NNC chairs the Nutrition Cluster together with DOH-Health Emergency Management Staff/ National Center for Disease Prevention and Control/ National Center for Health Facility Development/ National Center for Health Promotion/ Food and Drug Administration, DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute, DSWD-Disaster Risk Reduction Response Operations Office/ Council for the Welfare of Children, DILG, DTI, DepEd and CHED as members.
1st BCHRD Regional Forum Winners to represent Bicol in 8th PNHRS Week Celebration Student Research Competition; Governor Salceda highlights “A Leader’s Science Toolkit for Disaster Preparedness: The Case of Albay”
The 8th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week will be celebrated on 12-14 August 2014 at Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, Cebu City. The four (4) key players in health Research and Development (R&D) namely the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the University of the Philippines together with the host, the Central Visayas Consortium for Health Research and Development (CVCHRD) has lined-up a series of plenary/parallel sessions and other events focusing on the theme “Research and Innovation in Health for Disaster and Emergency Health Management”.
The PNHRS Week Celebration shall gather the various stakeholders in Health R&D to interact, to learn from each other, to share information and experiences, to voice their concern, to contribute research-based solutions to health problems, among others. Emphasis will also be given on the role of health research in disaster and emergency health management. Key areas to be highlighted include Science for Disaster Preparedness and Actions, Use of Information and Communication Technology and Tools and Policies, Coordinating Mechanisms for Service Delivery, and Role of Social Media.
Bicol’s regional winners during the 1st Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development (BCHRD) Regional Research Forum qualify in the Student Research Competition (Poster Exhibits Award). Ellen Keith C. Barreda, Bicol University (BU), College of Science will showcase her study on the “Evaluation of the Anticonvulsant Activity of Jathropa cursas L. (Tubang-bakod) Methanolic Leaf Extract in Mus musculus”. Using the extract injected to laboratory mice has shown promising results at par or even better than the usual available convulsant drugs. Previous studies have proven Jathropa as a source of renewal energy.
The other entry is the research on “Hypoglycemic Effect of Papaitan (Tinospora crispa L. Mier) Extract on Diabetic and Normal Glycemic Male Albino Mice by Christine O. Arcueno and Mark T. Despabiladeras, BU College of Nursing. “Papaitan”, a local plant meaning bitter is a potential medicinal source for lowering blood sugar among diabetics.
To be discussed by the country’s competent scientists, researchers, medical practitioners, media personality and experts on disaster preparedness and mitigation, and emergency health management and situations are the following topics/experiences.
· Lessons from Typhoon Yolanda
· Risk Communication on Typhoon, Rainfall and Storm Surges
Warning System: Post Assessment on Typhoon Yolanda
· Immediate Effects of the Typhoon among Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Families in Leyte
· Reporting from the Ground: A Reporter’s Firsthand Experience on the Effect on People, the Environment, Delivery of Health and other Services
· Bioterrorism
· Climate Change
· National Assessment of Health Research Capacity
· Ethical Issues in Research in Disaster Areas
· Individual and Community Responses to Disaster
· Disaster Victim Identification and Super Typhoon Yolanda’s Dead
· In the Eye of the Storm: Being a Victim and a Responder
· The View from the Top: Development of a Community Awareness System in Preparation for Disasters
· Organizing Response to Emergency and Health Care Delivery
· Getting Your Research Published
· Safeguarding People’s Health: Science for Disaster Management
· Strategic and Systematic Approach for Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction
· Research and Evaluation in Disaster Preparedness and Management
· A Leader’s Science Toolkit for Disaster Preparedness: The Case of Albay
· ICT Tools for Disaster Management - eHealth and Social Media
· Telehealth and RxBox, Experiences from Leyte and Bohol
· The Social Media System: A Double Edged Sword and Agent for Change
· Big Data as Surveillance Tools During Emergencies and Disasters
· Juan Direction: Coordinating Mechanisms for Better Emergency Health
· Disaster Preparedness: Is the Philippines Ever Going to be Ready?
· Government’s Response and Coordination to Disaster Preparedness Management and Post Disaster Management (in relation to health)
· Moving Forward Research and Innovation for Disaster and Emergency Health Management
Regional Development Council (RDC) Chair and Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda, the champion on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), and known for Albay’s Zero Casualty will deliver a talk on “A Leader’s” Science Toolkit for Disaster Preparedness: The Case of Albay. Albay is also recognized for its Center for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation and Climate Change Academy.
Other important events during this year’s PNHRS Week Celebration are the Professional Research Competitions; Opening Ceremonies to be highlighted by the Opening of Exhibits and the Keynote address by Secretary Panfilo M. Lacson, Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery, Fellowship Night with regional contest, and the Closing Ceremonies to feature “The Health R&D coveted awards (Consortium Website/Database Awards/PCHRD-Gruppo Medico Award for undergraduate Thesis in Herbal Medicine/5th Student and Professional Research Competitions (Oral Presentations/Poster Exhibits)/Consortium Exhibits and Dr. Alberto G. Romualdez, Outstanding Health Research Award. Aside from the student-constestants, celebration, BCHRD will represented by committee chairs [Research and Development Committee (RDC), Capability Building Committee (CBC), Regional Information, Commercialization and Utilization Committee (RICUC) and Ethics Review Committee (ERC) with Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, Chair, BCHRD and President, Bicol University and Dr. Alma G. Banua, Consorium Chair as delegation heads. (Dr. P.O. Lucena, DOST V).
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)
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).
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).
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.
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).
