Featured Videos
Latest News
- Details
- Written by Lovely Rose A. Bolante, Project Technical Staff-SSU, Sherrie Ann C. Labid, RUC Chair, EDR-SSU
- Category: Latest News
- Hits: 332
September 25, 2024 - Tacloban City, Eastern Visayas
In a conscientious effort to uphold transparency and accountability in research endeavors, the Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC) - Research Management Committee (RMC) convened at Hotel Alejandro in Tacloban City today for a pivotal progress reporting session.
Among the project leaders present were Dr. Sherrie Ann C. Labid, Executive Director for Research at Samar State University, overseeing the DOST-funded project "Factors Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Deliveries in Healthcare Facilities in the Province of Samar," and Dr. Janet Alexis de los Santos from the Visayas State University, for the project "A Descriptive Study on the Knowledge, Attitude, Perceived Behaviors toward Suspected or Confirmed HIV/AIDS clients and HIV Stigma of Barangay Health Workers among Health Facilities in Leyte." Their expertise and dedication exemplified the consortium's ethos of excellence and innovation in health research.
The event was organized by the EVHRDC headed by the Research and Management Committee Chair/ DOH-EV CHD Research Program Coordinator, Mr. Leonido P. Olobia. Accompanying him were RMC members, including Dr. Catherine O. Iglesias, ES II, Sr. John Mary P. Fornillos, Dean of Graduate Studies/Research Coordinator of Holy Infant College of Tacloban City, Inc., and RMC Secretariat Mr. Jeremy V. Jusay. Dr. Lucia P. Dauz, the Director of EVHRDC DOST Region VIII, also participated in the activity. Their collective presence, insights, and suggestions highlighted the collaborative ethos driving healthcare and research excellence in Eastern Visayas.
The progress reporting session is a testament to the EVHRDC-RMC's unwavering dedication to advancing the frontiers of healthcare and research in Eastern Visayas, setting a high standard for excellence and accountability in pursuing scientific advancement.
- Details
- Written by Consuelo B. Alarcon
- Category: Latest News
- Hits: 1016
TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-EVCHD) has cautioned the public about the spike in dengue cases in the region.
From January 1 to July 27, 2024, there were 5,730 reported cases and 13 deaths, according to the DOH-Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit report.
Out of these cases, the Leyte Province recorded 1,761 cases, the highest number of cases in the region, with two deaths.
Samar follows with 1,626 cases and eight deaths; Southern Leyte with 785 cases; Eastern Samar with 542 cases and two deaths; Northern Samar with 283 cases and one death; Biliran with 86 cases; Ormoc City with 387 cases and Tacloban City with 260 cases.
This marks a 152 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, when there were 2,273 cases and seven deaths.
Due to this spike, the DOH-8 has restated its call, emphasizing that the 4-step strategy effectively combats dengue fever.
These steps include searching for and destroying mosquito breeding grounds by removing stagnant water and their containers, such as open cans and bottles.
This includes self-protection measures such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
In addition, seeking early consultation with a doctor if someone has a fever or other symptoms and supporting fogging operations in hotspot areas. (AAC/CBA, PIA-8)
- Details
- Written by Aaron Cotejar, Philippine Information Agency
- Category: Latest News
- Hits: 945
Criminology students from the Leyte Colleges, who study and train on how to uphold the law, now take on a different role by helping save lives by donating blood through the Blood Olympics program.
This program is being led by the National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) of the Department of Health (DOH), which aims to increase the blood supply and promote a culture of generosity among the younger generation.
The Blood Olympics, which originated from the NVBSP, is now a successful undertaking managed by the Eastern Visayas Regional Blood Center.
This initiative aims to turn blood donation into a friendly competition that encourages camaraderie among participating schools and universities. What used to be a simple act of donation has now become a rallying point for community involvement and a testament to the power of collective altruism.
Students from various tertiary institutions, such as Saint Paul School of Professional Studies, Leyte Normal University, Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban, Visayas State University in Tolosa and Baybay, Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation, and St. Scholastica’s College Tacloban Inc., played a significant role in supporting the event.
These schools were selected not only for their potential to aid the blood program’s objectives but also for their capability to inspire healthy lifestyle choices among the younger generation. In appreciation of their efforts, the highest-performing schools were recognized with awards, encouraging their continued participation in this crucial life-saving initiative.
Janferson Sevilla, a fourth-year criminology student from Leyte Colleges, echoed the sentiment shared by many donors, emphasizing the profound impact of their contributions.
“In this kind of event, I can say that it is beneficial to encourage more people to donate their blood and also to have a better disposition towards others and to help those in need of blood,” she said, highlighting the ripple effect of kindness and compassion.
The DOH has set an ambitious goal for this year’s Blood Olympics to collect 2,000 units of blood from schools across Leyte. The program aims to collect around 200 bags of blood every month to help alleviate the blood supply shortage in Eastern Visayas.
Victoria Pagarao, donor recruitment officer of DOH Eastern Visayas Regional Blood Center, extended their heartfelt gratitude to all blood donors, participating schools, the Eastern Visayas Medical Center Blood Bank, the Philippine Red Cross, and other stakeholders for their invaluable support to the blood program’s cause of saving lives.
“Their contribution is really significant in addressing the ongoing need to enhance the blood supply of Eastern Visayas and in promoting the ‘Blood is Life’ through a culture of altruism and community service,” she said.
United Shalom Hospital, the sponsor for snacks and refreshments of the donors, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, facilitated donor screening and the blood donation process, ensuring a smooth and friendly experience for the criminology students.
The increasing popularity of the Blood Olympics highlights the significance of the youth’s involvement in addressing the critical requirement for blood donation. Their philanthropic contributions not only involve giving blood but also extend to providing hope, empathy, and a more promising future for their society. (AAC with reports from PIA interns Fernando Doloeras and Joey Sabornido)
- Details
- Written by Geselle Frances P. Zeta, NEDA 8, Research Utilization Committee
- Category: Latest News
- Hits: 384
Tacloban City – The Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium-Ethics Review Committee (EVHRDC-ERC), accredited by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) as a Level II Research Ethics Committee, successfully hosted a lecture on ethics in health research on 22 August 2024.
The lecture aimed to educate member institutions, prospective members of institutional ethics review committees, as well as professional and student researchers in the region. It focused on the provisions of the EVHRDC-ERC's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and highlighted the critical importance of securing ethical clearance for research projects involving human participants.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Jane R. Borrinaga, Chairperson of the EVHRDC-ERC, underscored the importance of the lecture, stating, "This lecture is crucial for promoting a culture of ethical research practices in Eastern Visayas, ensuring that research involving human participants adheres to the highest standards."
The lecture featured a range of topics delivered by the EVHRDC-ERC members, including:
History and Overview of National and International Guidelines in Health Research Ethics - Engr. Florentino L. Quiñones
Good Clinical Practice History and Introduction - Dr. Jose Carlo K. Del Pilar
Elements of Informed Consent - Ms. Noreen S. Buhat
Ethical Considerations in Protocol Development - Dr. Jane R. Borrinaga
Risk Assessment in Research - Dr. Jane R. Borrinaga
Ethical Issues in Social Science Research - Dr. Sarah B. Delorino
Conflict of Interest - Atty. Alma Sonia Sanchez-Danday
Applying the Data Privacy Act and Confidentiality of Health Information - Atty. Alma Sonia Sanchez-Danday
The ERC, PHREB SOP, and Conduct of Ethical Clearance - Dr. Jane R. Borrinaga
Post-Approval Reports and the Role of Primary Investigators - Ms. Erleta S. Pinero
Application for EVHRDC Ethics Review - Mr. Raymond G. Campo
By providing a comprehensive overview of these key topics, the EVHRDC-ERC reinforced the essential role of ethics in health research. The discussions underscored the need for adherence to ethical guidelines and the responsibilities of researchers and ethics committees to maintain high standards in all research activities involving human participants.
The event saw enthusiastic participation, with 50 attendees present onsite and an additional 86 joining virtually. Attendees received valuable insights into ethical guidelines and standards essential for protecting the rights, safety, and well-being of human subjects in health research.
- Details
- Written by Geselle Frances P. Zeta, Research Utilization Committee, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
- Category: Latest News
- Hits: 561
On 18 June 2024, the Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium-Research Utilization Committee (EVHRDC-RUC) gathered virtually via Zoom to address crucial regional issues and strategies aimed at enhancing research impact and policy development.
Chaired by Dr. Sherrie Ann C. Labid from Samar State University, the meeting convened representatives from the Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Biliran State University, and the National Economic and Development Authority. They discussed updates from previous meetings, reviewed a policy proposal, and outlined plans to translate research findings into actionable policies.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Labid emphasized the importance of utilizing research to improve public health outcomes and drive regional development.
A significant outcome was the decision to postpone the proposed incentive policy for completed research projects due to financial constraints within the consortium. Additionally, the Committee agreed to collaborate with the Leyte Provincial Government to share and potentially implement recommendations from Dr. Santiago T. Pena, Jr.'s research on antibiotic residues in meat products. The Secretariat also announced efforts to publish abstracts of completed EVHRDC-funded projects on the consortium's website (https://region8.healthresearch.ph/), aiming to enhance transparency and knowledge sharing.
Looking forward, EVHRDC-RUC plans to invite Dr. Pena to present his findings at the upcoming Leyte Provincial Development Council meeting, aiming to foster collaboration and practical application of research insights.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to advancing research utilization efforts and strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders and academic institutions to shape evidence-based policies across Eastern Visayas.
