Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development

𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄: 𝐁𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐃 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏!

The Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development (BCHRD) successfully convened the 𝟐𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 (𝐓𝐖𝐆) 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 on 𝟏𝟒 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 at the 𝐈ñ𝐢𝐠𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥, 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐩𝐢 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲.

The assembly was presided over by 𝐃𝐫. 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐨 𝐏. 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐫., 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐕 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐃-𝐑𝐇𝐑𝐂𝐂 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧, who brought together visionary institutions and agency heads from all consortium member institutions. The meeting served as a strategic platform to align the consortium's goals and plan the future direction of health research and development in the region.

Presiding over his first RHRCC Assembly, Dr. Anduyan highlighted that, 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘊𝘏𝘙𝘋 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴, 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘢-𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯-𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭-𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺.

Earlier in the day, the four (4) committees also convened for their 2nd Quarter Joint Committee Meetings, underscoring the shared commitment to streamlining regional health research operations and mapping out upcoming committee activities.

The meetings signify a coordinated and impactful regional health research ecosystem, dedicated to translating research outputs into actionable solutions and improved health outcomes for the Bicol community.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all RHRCC members and representatives and TWG members for the unwavering commitment and support in fostering an impactful health research ecosystem for all Bicolanos. Together, let us continue advancing a responsive and inclusive health research agenda in the region.

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Are you a mental health researcher in need of RRL on mental health in the Philippines? We’ve got you covered! 🧠📚

Skip the endless scrolling and streamline your literature review. The Bibliography of Mental Health Research in the Philippines is now ✨ available✨!

Implemented by the De La Salle University-Social Development Research Center (DLSU-SDRC) and supported by the DOST-PCHRD under its Brain and Mental Health R&D Program, this resource is built to support students, academics, and policymakers in accelerating local mental health research.

🔍 What’s next? These compiled results will soon form part of the upcoming Mental Health Information System (MHIS) being developed by the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), and will continue to be improved once the system is fully up and running!

Access the file now. Scan the QR code in the photo or visit: bit.ly/Bibliography-Mental-Health-Research

READ: DOST funds R&D to develop first locally-made device for abdominal defect in newborns | 🔗: bit.ly/PR_GastroschisisDevice

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. introduced a DOST-funded project at the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila who are developing the first locally-made pediatric abdominal wall defect assistive device for gastroschisis.

We are pleased to announce that we have received a total of ✨110✨ applications across all 17 regions!

Stay tuned for updates on the shortlisting results!

The PhilHealth STUDIES Program, implemented by the Council that serves as a platform that generates and translates evidence to strengthen PhilHealth policies and operations, gathered PhilHealth officers & technical personnel for a Brown Bag Session on turning insights into action on May 4, 2026.

The featured study, “Enhancing Member Awareness: Reviewing PhilHealth's Communication and Marketing Strategies,” highlighted key strengths, gaps, and actionable ways to better reach members nationwide.

From stronger community outreach to enhanced digital engagement, PhilHealth continues to move toward more inclusive and effective communication for every Filipino.

Because research matters most when it drives real change. ✨

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY! ⏳

Don’t miss the opportunity to turn your thesis into impactful health research. 🔬

If you’re ready to explore natural products from plants and microorganisms indigenous to the Philippines with real-world health applications, this is your final chance to apply!

▪Up to Php 75,000 grant support
▪For eligible 3rd and 4th year students in health and science-related programs

Submit your complete requirements through the BCHRD email at: [email protected] before the deadline closes by 5 PM.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY! ⏳

Don’t miss the opportunity to turn your thesis into impactful health research. 🔬

If you’re ready to explore natural products from plants and microorganisms indigenous to the Philippines with real-world health applications, this is your final chance to apply!

▪Up to Php 75,000 grant support
▪For eligible 3rd and 4th year students in health and science-related programs

Submit your complete requirements through your RHRDC before the deadline closes by 5 PM.

Good news! You still have time to apply. ⏳

The deadline for the DOST-PCHRD Postdoctoral Fellowship has been extended until May 4, 2026.

If you missed the first deadline, this is your chance to step forward and apply for a fully supported research opportunity at the University of Toronto 🇨🇦

One more shot to take your research global. Go for it. 😉

📩 Submit your CV and Application Form here: bit.ly/2026FGS_SubmissionLink

LAST 2 DAYS TO APPLY! ⏳

Don’t miss your chance to secure funding for your undergraduate thesis! The 2026 DOST-PCHRD Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products is closing on April 30, 2026 , and this could be your opportunity to turn your research into real-world health solutions.

💰Up to Php 75,000 grant
🔬Open to 3rd & 4th year students in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nursing, and Health & Allied Sciences

Make sure your proposal:
✅Uses natural products from plants or microorganisms that are indigenous to the Philippines
✅Has clear health applications
✅Meets all documentary requirements

Submit via your Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (RHRDC). Apply now before the deadline: April 30, 2026.

🚨 LAST DAY TO APPLY 🚨

If you’ve been thinking about it, this is your final chance! 😉

If you’re a Filipino researcher with an MD-PhD or PhD and meet the qualifications, you could be one step away from training at the University of Toronto through the DOST-PCHRD Postdoctoral Fellowship.

📩 Send your CV and Application Form here: https://bit.ly/2026FGS_SubmissionLink

𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 of the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐁𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐃 𝟑-𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐔𝐓𝐄 𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍!

Heartfelt congratulations to our health researchers for successfully translating complex research findings into powerful policy for a healthier Bicol Region. Their dedication to scientific rigor is paving the way for a brighter and healthier future for every Bicolano!

Congratulations to our outstanding health researchers and champions of health advocacy!