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DOST-CAR honors top S&T schol- ar-graduates in the region
DOST-CAR honors top S&T scholargraduates in the region
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■ ROSTON JOHN BONILLA
Ninety-six (96) DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) scholar-graduates from Cordillera were recognized during the 2022 In Touch with Excellence Ceremony held on December 9, 2022 at Newtown Hotel, Baguio City. The conferment, dubbed this year as “Pagkilala sa mga Kahusayan, Karunungan, Kagalingan ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan,” sought to celebrate scholar-achievers who exhibited exceptional academic performance capping off their undergraduate degrees with Latin honors.
Overall, three (3) summa cum laude, 19 magna cum laude, and 74 cum laude from five (5) universities in the region— Benguet State University, Saint Louis University, University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, and the University of the Philippines Baguio—were recognized and awarded the DOST Medal of Excellence, including one (1) of the scholar-graduates who topped his licensure examination.
During the event, DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog applauded the awardees for their determination in striving to reach the summit of excellence. She then invited the graduates to be one with the country’s S&T workforce and “build our nation to greater heights.”
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U Solidum Jr. also urged the awardees to uphold the core values of a DOST scholar. He encouraged them to continue raising the values of professional excellence, servant leadership, and social responsibility as they venture into their professional careers. Meanwhile, SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo, commended the scholars for proving to all Filipinos that they value the people’s sacrifice and support. As future drivers of development, she reminded the scholars to use their scientific and innovative minds in addressing national and global issues. “Remember that each people’s lives transformed will ultimately serve as the indicator of how successful we are as science professionals,” she added.
Meanwhile, in a bid to inspire and motivate the honorees as they get ready to serve the country, Mr. Braille C. Gawigawen, a 2007 RA 7687 scholar-graduate of BS Electronics and Communications Engineering shared his own success story and on how the DOST scholarship helped him during and even after graduation.
In closing, Dr. Pepita S. Picpican, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Division shared that the conferment need not be the end but rather, a new beginning that marks renewed commitment to pursuing S&T excellence.
CRHRDC assists its members in establishing IREC
■ ELIZABETH PORSHA L. KULALLAD
In the fulfillment of its mandate to promote and establish an influential health research ethics committee, the Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium, through its Research Ethics Committee (REC), assists member institutions in the region in establishing their own Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC) that caters to institutional researchers.
The REC, led by Dr. Jun C. Corpuz (Chair) and Ms. Maria Rowena C. Madarang (Consortium Director) together with Ms. Lilia Rose Say-awen (Co-chair), Dr. Robert E. Tolentino (member), Dr. Eleonor Cuarte (Member), Dr. Judith Odangee Magwilang (member), Ms. Rosella Bahni (member), Elizabeth Porsha L. Kulallad (secretariat), Femarie B. Changli (secretariat) and Wilbur F. Bocalan (secretariat) facilitated the series of orientations and workshops on the establishment of the IREC and developing their respective Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
On 28 and 29 July 2022, the committee conducted its first orientations on forming IREC on two (2) hospitals in Apayao, namely: (1) Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center (FNLGHTC) led by Dr. Marlene L. Lubo, Medical Center Chief and (2) Conner District Hospital (CDH) led by Dr. Nelson Rigor, Medical Center Chief. Similarly, Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital (LHMRH), led by Dr. Eduardo B. Calpito, Medical Center Chief, located at Bauko, Mountain Provincewas assisted on 15 October 2022.
Acknowledging the challenges in developing a SOP applicable from the institution’s perspective and aligned with the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) guidelines, the REC substantiated the requests for assistance through a workshop focusing on the Twenty-Seven (27) SOPs in the Template version 2020 provided by PHREB. The FNLGHTC SOP Workshop was conducted on 30 August 2022 at Caba La Union, while the CDH SOP Workshop was on 19 December 2022 at Conner, Apayao.
Ms. Maria Rowena C. Madarang Consortium Director
CRHRDC conducted its operations and
strategic planning ■ ELIZABETH PORSHA L. KULALLAD
The CRHRDC conducted its operations and strategic planning on November 28-29, 2022 at the Orchard Hotel, Legarda Road, Baguio City.
Dr. Karell Jo Angelique C. Calpito, DOST – PCHRD S&T Fellow I, with the assistance of Ms. Maria Angelica Lanuza and Ms. Maria Belen Balbuena, facilitated the two-day session participated in by the four (4) working committees (Research Management Committee, Research Ethics Committee, Capacity Building Committee, and Research Utilization Committee), and Consortium Director Maria Rowena C. Madarang, secretariats and the Four Pillars heads. The Four Pillars refers to the core regional agencies that spearhead the health research and development (R&D) activities in the region, namely: the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB).
The activity resulted in the reformulation of strategic objectives and key performance indicators. The participants also set up new targets that seem fit for the new normal and based on the discussions during the group session.
CRHRDC holds 2nd Governing Board Meeting ■ ELIZABETH PORSHA L. KULALLAD
The 2nd Governing Board Meeting was held on 22 November 2022 at the CHED - CAR Function Hall, Km6., La Trinidad Benguet. It was presided and facilitated by the chair, Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan, and assisted by the consortium director, Ms. Maria Rowena C. Madarang.
The twenty-seven (27) institutions were invited to officially welcome Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center (FNLGHTC) in the consortium as its 28th member. Further, the members agreed and made final the effectivity date of the revisions to the CRHRDC By-laws and agreed to take effect on November 22, 2022. November 2022 despite the transitions made in time with the new normal. She also highlighted the expansion of the consortium in conducting nationally funded projects through the World Health Organization in partnership with the Department of Health and Health Justice.
WHO Funded Projects
A. Technical Assistance in Strengthening Monitoring Adverse Events Following COVID-19 Vaccinations
The consortium, through Dr. Erlinda C. Palaganas (regional coordinator) as the project lead, engaged in a technical assistance program to strengthen the monitoring of adverse events following COVID-19 immunizations. Five medical officers were deployed across the Philippines’ major regions – North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and NCR, and supported Epidemiology Surveillance Units (ESU) in case investigations and strengthened the capacities of field units in adverse event surveillance and immunization rollout. Over six months, the program was able to document essential observations on the strengths and weaknesses of the country’s adverse events following the immunization (AEFI) surveillance system. The continuous reinforcement of ESUs in various forms is imperative for optimizing AEFI surveillance and investigation as we move toward a postpandemic context. continued on pg 17
Participants, Presenters and CRHRDC RUC members during the 3rd Regional Mental Health Forum
Ms. Maria Rowena C. Madarang (Consortium Director) delivering her closing remarks during the 3rd Regional Mental Health Forum
■ FEMARIE B. CHANGLI
T
he Research Utilization Committee of the CRHRDCspearheaded the 3rd Regional Mental Health Forum on October 17-18, 2022.
This two-day activity provided an interactive platform for professionals, graduate, and undergraduate students to present their completed studies and disseminate their research-based understanding. Likewise, it strengthen the engagement and investment of all stakeholders to meet the full spectrum of mental health needs through a communitybased network of accessible, affordable, and quality services and support.
The forum was attended by different line agencies, private sectors, State University Colleges (SUC), Higher Education Institutions (HEI), and hospitals in the region. Expert speakers and presenters shared their knowledge and research findings on Mental Health Awareness in the three (3) categories of Adolescent, Women, and Adulthood Mental Health Care.
At the end of the category, the participants were given time to ask questions during the open forum from the presenters and expert panels for better understanding of the researches presented and for better references for future studies.
As highlighted by Dr. Rufina Abul, RUC Chair and Mental Health Awareness advocate, there is a stigma surrounding the word “Mental Health.” Because of this, there is a dire need for more mental health forums and research to enlighten everyone that mental health is everybody’s responsibility.
The Forum was formally closed by the Consortium Director Ms. Maria Rowena C. Madarang, notable of emphasizing the quote, “Mental Health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going”. She also encouraged researchers to conduct researches on Mental Health Issues or any Health issues in our society.
Through the consortium, research and efforts of identified researchers are properly consolidated for better dissemination or utilization, resulting in a more significant promotion that maintains and improves the health community.
Dr. Rufina C. Abul, CRHRDC-RUC Chair, during the 3rd Regional Mental Health Forum
■ FEMARIE B. CHANGLI
The CRHRDC Capacity Building Committee members spearheaded the Qualitative Data Analysis Training to enhance the research capabilities of researchers in the Cordillera on qualitative methods on
September 19, 2022.
During the training, DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog pointed out, “ Vast challenge of training experts who impart knowledge and pieces of information during capacity-building activities to upkeep more researchers to conduct studies for better community development.”
Dr. Erlina C. Palaganas , Regional Coordinator and Qualitative Speaker, introduced the Qualitative Data analysis to the participants. Meanwhile, Dr. TJ Robinson Moncatar, an expert speaker on Qualitative data analysis from the University of the Philippines Manila, discussed the use of the qualitative method in conducting research. In his lecture, he described the phases of qualitative data analysis and the existing methods for displaying qualitative results.
The training was concluded by the Consortium Director Ms. Maria Rowena Madarang. She highlighted the objectives of the training and encouraged the participants to conduct qualitative health researches with the management and analysis of qualitative data. “ Vast challenge of training experts who impart knowledge and pieces of information during “ capacity-building activities is to upkeep more researchers to conduct studies for better community development.
Dr. Nancy A. Bantog DOST-CAR Regional Director
An excellent working environment leads to greater employee participation, and one way of demonstrating this is by recognizing and rewarding the people who have contributed much in the achievement of the agency mandate.
December 8, 2022 is another date to remember as DOST-CAR engages its second part of the “SIGED NAN DOST-CAR”. Several awards were handed to the deserving employees and/or offices.
Provincial Science and Technology Offices
1st Place PSTO-Benguet
2nd Place PSTO-Ifugao
3rd Place PSTO-Kalinga
BEST OFFICES
Office of the Regional Director
1st Place Records Unit
2nd Place
Management and Information Services Unit
Technical Services Division
1st Place Scholarship Unit
2nd Place Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories Unit
3rd Place
Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program Unit
Finance and Administrative Services
1st Place General Services
2nd Place Supply and Property Unit
3rd Place Cashiering Unit
Gender Mainstreaming has always been highlighted in the execution of the Programs, Projects and Activities. Following the results of the Gender and Development Accomplishment Report, contributions by offices and units are likewise hereby recognized:
BEST GAD IMPLEMENTER
Provincial Science and Technology Offices
1st Place PSTO-Kalinga
2nd Place PSTO-Apayao PSTO-Benguet PSTO-Ifugao
3rd Place
PSTO-Abra PSTO-Mountain Province
Units
1st Place Accounting Unit
2nd Place Budget Unit Planning Unit Cashier Unit
AWARDS RECEIVED BY DOST-CAR
Outstanding Regional Partner Award
given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Certificate of Appreciation
given to DOST-CAR for being an exhibitor during the 2022 National Science & Technology Week
100% Budget Utilization
ORD Records Unit
TSD Sericulture Unit S&T Promo Unit
FAS Cashier
Highest Refund Rate
PSTO- Benguet (96.78%) PSTO-Ifugao (93.69%) PSTO-Kalinga (94.01%) PSTO-MP (89.48%)
Percentage of transferred project equipment
2009-2019 PSTO-Ifugao (1st Place) PSTO-Benguet (2nd Place) PSTO-Kalinga (3rd Place)
2020 PSTO-Benguet (1st Place) PSTO-Ifugao (2nd Place) PSTO-Kalinga (3rd Place)
Proposals submitted for early engagement
PSTO- Benguet (10 LGIA proposals submitted over 8 targeted for CY2023)
Masters of Ceremony during the conduct of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) in September
Sheila Marie Singa- Claver Femarie B. Changli Rafl B. Sapi-il Elizabeth Porsha L. Kullalad Roston John D. Bonilla Daisy Lou S. Quinio Grangery M. Agtualo Cecil G. Dionisio Merriam C. Antolin Orlando B. Menzi Karl Ian O. Martinez.
Certificates of Recognition were likewise given to members of all technical working groups who worked for the successful conduct of the NSTW.
Certificate of Appreciation
given by the DTI-CAR for the consistent and invaluable contributions of DOST-CAR to the development of the Cordillera Coffee Industry and for the agency’s participation during the DTICAR’s 2022 Coffee Investment Forum.
Plaque of Recognition
given by the DILG-CAR for the unparalleled commitment and unwavering support of DOST-CAR to their programs, projects, and activities. To access more photos and awards given during Siged Nan DOST-CAR Part 1, scan the QR code below.
