Text and Photos by Angelou C. Mendoza

Participants of the MMHRDC reviewing the membership commitment undertaking.

The executive members and representatives of various higher educational institutions, medical centers, and government and non-government agencies in Metro Manila participated in the Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium (MMHRDC) to report the current status of the consortium’s accomplishments and engagements, tackle existing challenges with its corresponding opportunities and potential growth areas, and further strengthen membership through the signing of the membership commitment undertaking.

The 47 member institutions, with a common purpose of fulfilling health goals initiatives and progressing health sciences research through research and development programs and policy formulation and implementation, attended the Advisory Board Meeting on Dec. 5, 2024, at the Belmont Hotel Manila, Pasay City.

Chancellor Michael Tee, chair and lead convenor, facilitated the discussion and addressed concerns. With the presence of government and non-government agencies, Chancellor Tee presented the important matters of the academic institutions. In an open forum, he highlighted the purpose of the regional network discussions in which institutions and agencies were able to address and analyze the differences in application of research into real-world health issues per community through the assessment of the barriers, promoters, and implementation.

Chancellor Tee also addressed the concerns on capacitating the researchers, especially on the studies of clinical trials in the country, by offering support from the UP Manila Office of Research Integrity and the online availability of its research products. He also highlighted the authority of institutions in upholding research ethics, and the importance and role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in facilitating the clinical trial industry.

The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Executive Director Jaime Montoya highlighted the positive impact-output of health research from the partnerships through the MMHRDC, supported by the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS), which deals with the current health trends, concerns, and solutions to fully achieve universal health care as a national health agenda.

“Only through partnerships across regions and institutions can we unlock the full potential of our collective efforts to improve the health and well-being of every Filipino. Through the vision set by the DOST, as supported by Republic Act No. 10532, known as the PNHRS Act, and powered by the efforts of the Regional Health Research and Development Consortium, we have created a network of health research systems across the country in all regions that are not only aligned with national priorities but also responsive to the specific needs of local communities. Our partnerships serve as links between research and real-world healthcare solutions,” Executive Director Montoya shared.

He also underscored the importance of evidence-based research and findings into policy formulation, public health, and programs contributing to the well-being and health of Filipinos. The executive director also shared the abundant and available funding programs for multi-transdisciplinary research and scholarship for researchers, graduate students, and clinicians offered by PCHRD.

Presenting the respective agenda were Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-De La Paz on the “Overview of MMHRDS Advisory Board and Responsibilities of Member Institutions,” Dr. Hilton Lam on the “Presentation of MMHRDC Accomplishment Report and Engagements,” “Presentation of MMHRDC Membership Commitment Undertaking,” and Dr. Jennifer Nailes on “Presentation of Opportunities and the Growth Areas of MMHRDC.”■