LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC) conducted a two-day research proposal writeshop on June 30 to July 1, 2016 at the Conference Hall, Department of Science and Technology here.
The writeshop, spearheaded by the Research Management Committee, chaired by Engr. Nathan Lubrica, was attended by 22 researchers from the 15 member institutions (DOST-CAR, NEDA-CAR, CHED-CAR, DOH-CAR, UP-Baguio, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Filipino-Chinese General Hospital, University of the Cordilleras (UC), University of Baguio, Saint Louis University, Benguet State University (BSU), Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), Kalinga Apayao State College, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC), and Ifugao State University) in the region.
The first writeshop was held on May 16-17, 2016 at the Department of Health-Regional Training Center in Baguio City where twelve (12) Capsule Research Proposals were presented for critiquing by the panel members, composing of the representatives from the four committees of CRHRDC: Research Management, Ethics, Capability Building, and Research Utilization. Criteria considered during the evaluation are: those which address priority health problems/issues identified in the Regional Unified Health Research Agenda (RUHRA) and/or National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA); with a budgetary requirement not exceeding Five Hundred Thousand pesos (P500,000.00); and with a duration of 6 months to 1 year.
Meanwhile, only four detailed research proposals were reported during the second writeshop which included Health-related privileges of senior citizens in Cordillera Administrative Region: An assessment (Cordillera Career Development College); Occupational health hazards among small scale miners in Itogon, Benguet (Dr. Eleonor Baldo-Soriano of Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center); Breastfeeding Narratives: Maternal experiences and institutional lactation support in Baguio City (Ma. Paula Luz M. Pamintuan-Riva of UP-Baguio); and Maternal health-seeking behavior of couples in CAR (Professor Sandra Lynn Baybay-Gatayen of CCDC).
In addition, three (3) Capsule research proposals which are Airshed modeling for Baguio City: A tool to promote a healthier environment (UC), Health situation towards area-based service delivery modeling (Luke Foundation, BSU, MPSPC, UP-Baguio), and Water testing and mapping of water sources using Geographic Information System at Bontoc, Mountain Province (MPSPC) were also assessed by the panel members.
The proponents will revise the detailed research proposals based on the recommendations during the presentation to be submitted to CRHRDC on or before July 18, 2016 for approval of Technical and Ethics committees. After complying with the requirements, the consortium will endorse the proposals to Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) for funding. PCHRD will review research proposals and give approval. Once approved, CRHRDC will facilitate the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement among the concerned parties.
By MARLYN POKING-WACNAG