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- Written by Lovely Rose Bolante, Samar State University
- Category: Latest News
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Calbayog City, Samar — On May 21, 2024, the research team for the DOST-EVHRDC funded project "Factors Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Deliveries in Healthcare Facilities in the Province of Samar" held a monitoring meeting at the Calbayog District Hospital (CDH). The meeting was initiated by the project leader, Dr. Sherrie Ann C. Labid, and was attended by the CDH Chief of Hospital, Dr. Rutchie C. Jordan, along with her staff and the project's research enumerators.
The purpose of the monitoring meeting was to review the progress of the data gathering process, which is currently underway at the Calbayog District Hospital. Dr. Rutchie C. Jordan, the CDH Chief of Hospital, expressed her strong commitment to the project and its potential impact on maternal and child health in the province of Samar. As the healthcare provider, she recognized the significance of this research and the hospital's pride in being a part of it. Dr. Jordan assured that the hospital staff have been actively involved in supporting the data gathering efforts and will continue to provide any necessary assistance to ensure the successful completion of the project.
The monitoring meeting also provided an opportunity for the research enumerators to share their experiences and insights from the field.
The DOST-EVHRDC research project is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024, and the findings will be disseminated to the local community and relevant stakeholders. The successful monitoring meeting at the Calbayog District Hospital has further strengthened the collaborative efforts between the research team and the healthcare facility, ensuring the smooth progress of the project.
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- Written by Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid, Samar State University, Research Utilization Committee
- Category: Latest News
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Tacloban City, Leyte — In a race against time, a dedicated team of researchers, healthcare professionals, and local leaders have converged in Tacloban City for a high-stakes workshop that could unlock the keys to transforming health systems in the Eastern Visayas region.
The Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC) hosts a three-day "Participatory Action Research for Health Systems - Research Proposal Enhancement Workshop" from May 27 to May 29, 2024.This workshop, spearheaded by the consortium’s Research Management Committee and Capacity Building Committee, brings together diverse participants from across the region.
On the first day, the workshop began with an introduction to participatory action research by the manager of the SIHI Philippine Hub, Dr. Jana Mier-Alpano, who also discussed applying human-centered design in PAR. It was followed by a presentation from Mr. Arturo Ongkeko Jr., RN, MSc, on applying PAR in digital health innovations. Dr. Meredith Labarda, then shared an example of a PAR study, "Implementing a Community Engagement Self-Monitoring (CE-SM) Strategy for Social Innovations in Health: the Philippine Plot."
Over the next two days, the participants will present their research proposals and engage in intense discussions to refine and strengthen the quality and relevance of their work. The workshop aims to enable the participants to describe PAR and its application in health systems, discuss its use and human-centered design in health innovations, revise their research proposals to integrate its principles and methods and draft full research proposals incorporating its design.
As the workshop unfolds, the participants remain focused and determined, driven by the shared goal of unlocking the secrets to building healthier communities and creating a lasting legacy of positive change. With one day left in the workshop, the participants know that the hard work is far from over, but their resolve is unwavering, fueled by the belief that their efforts will leave an indelible mark on the region's healthcare landscape.
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- Written by Jona Jane Lopena, DILG 8
- Category: Latest News
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The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office VIII is taking significant strides in promoting health and wellness in the workplace through its commitment and support to DOH-CSC-DOLE Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2023-0001 providing for the National Policy Framework on the Promotion of Healthy Workplaces.
Among the pioneer regional agencies in Eastern Visayas to implement this national endeavor, DILG 8 aims to foster a healthier and more productive work environment, underscoring the importance of employee well-being in achieving organizational success and community development.
The national framework is intended for promotion, establishment, and strengthening of Healthy Workplaces in support of the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law. It sets directions and provides key strategies to guide the implementation of settings-based health promotion policies, plans, and programs for the Filipino workforce. The framework also identifies the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the promotion of healthy workplaces, including national government agencies and local government units.
At present, DILG RO VIII focuses on the following key initiatives in the promotion of a healthy workplace; (1) Health and Wellness Programs, (2) Safe Work Environment, (3) Mental Health Support, and (4) Employee Engagement and Education.
Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe emphasizes the importance of leadership in promoting a healthy workplace culture. "Our leaders play a crucial role in setting an example and creating an environment where health and wellness are prioritized. By investing in our employees' well-being, we are also investing in the quality of service we provide to our communities."
DILG Regional Office VIII is closely working with the Department of Health for an improved implementation and holistic monitoring and evaluation of these initiatives. The Office also assists the DOH in coordinating the implementation of the program to local government units in the region.
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- Written by Health and Nutrition Unit, DepEd Region 8. Edited by Jennylind D. Daya, DepEd Region 8
- Category: Latest News
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The Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 8 is gearing up to launch the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) for the School Year 2024-2025.
This initiative is designed to address malnutrition among the region's youngest learners, specifically targeting those from Kindergarten to Grade 6 who are severely wasted and wasted. By providing both Nutritious Food Products (NFP) and Fresh Milk Component, DepEd aims to significantly boost the health and academic performance of these students.
The main objective of the SBFP for SY 2024-2025 is to reach 133,127 learners identified as severely wasted and wasted. The program offers Hot Meals (HM) and Nutritious Food Products (NFP). These will be provided over 220 feeding days, encompassing 200 school days and an extra 20 days in a learning camp. Another provision is the fresh milk which will be supplied for 55 feeding days.
The program has secured substantial funding to support both the nutritious food products and the fresh milk component. The 13 Schools Division Offices (SDOs) in the region has been allocated specific budgets and target beneficiary numbers to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Regional Offices (ROs) and SDOs are tasked to conduct preparatory activities and procurement processes as early as January 2024. This early start is crucial to ensuring that funds are properly obligated by April 2024 and that the procurement of pasteurized and sterilized milk is completed by April-May 2024.
To ensure successful implementation, the program follows stringent guidelines to ensure efficient and effective delivery. The daily budget is set at Php 22.00 per student with flexibility to reallocate any excess budget within the weekly constraint of Php 110.00.
The NFP and milk will be served directly at schools with home distribution only allowed under community quarantine conditions. The use of Iron-Fortified Rice (IFR) is encouraged to be served once a week, in line with the Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000.
The implementation of the SBFP is an ambitious undertaking with several challenges such as logistical hurdles and ensuring timely procurement. To overcome these challenges, DepEd Region 8 is focusing on early planning, accurate procurement processes, and strong collaboration with local suppliers and volunteer groups.
The School-Based Feeding Program for SY 2024-2025 in DepEd Region 8 represents a comprehensive effort to enhance the nutritional status and academic readiness of young learners. Through careful planning, substantial budget allocation, and adherence to strict nutritional guidelines, the program aims to make a significant positive impact on the health and educational outcomes of students in the region. This initiative not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also lays the foundation for a healthier and more academically successful future for the children of Region 8.
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- Written by Junella Pearl D. Molato, Work Immersion Student from St. Mary’s Academy of Palo, Inc.
- Category: Latest News
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As part of its commitment to continuously enhancing the region's health research and development, the Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC) recently held an activity for this year's Call for Participatory Action Research (PAR) Proposals. It took place on March 15, 2024 at Generation Bread in Tacloban City. The activity was spearhead by the Research Management Committee and was participated by researchers from EVHRDC’s member state universities and colleges including LNU, SSU, NwSSU, UPTC, SLSU, BiPSU, and EVSU Ormoc.
Dr. Lucia P. Dauz, the consortium director, began the activity formally with her welcome remarks. She highlighted that this is one of the Research Management Committee's (RMC) most important activities, with the aim of generating possible funding, specifically for participatory action research (PAR). She also provided a brief overview of the process for funding and monitoring funded projects until they are completed.
Ms. Jean Gay O. Ragub, EVHRDC Coordinator, explained the rationale of the activity as well as a brief outline of the program. She then urged everyone to engage in the open forum, with the hope that the researchers will submit a capsule proposal following the event.
The presentation started with a discussion of the 2023-2028 Regional Unified Health Research Agenda (RUHRA), headed by Mr. Leonido P. Olobia, RMC Chair. Through consultations with the EVHRDC stakeholders, the consortium has identified priority regional health problems for research, which comprises 22 themes, with each theme having corresponding specific research topics. Mr. Olobia then provided a brief orientation about PAR. He emphasized the significance of PAR in health policy and systems, and that all partner communities, CSOs, POs, GOs, LGUs, and academic or research institutions may be involved in its implementation. He also explained the three elements of PAR, namely: People, Power, and Praxis.
Sr. John Mary P. Fornillos, an RMC member, presented the criteria for the evaluation of capsule proposals. There are eight criteria included, and each criterion is based on a rating system. Proponents of shortlisted capsule proposals will be requested to submit the full-blown version of the proposal..
An overview of ethics in research was presented by Dr. Jane R. Borrinaga, Ethics Review Committee Chair. Her presentation covered the following topics: What ethical clearance is; Why it is necessary; When and how to obtain it, and a short introduction of the EVHRDC-ERC and its functions. Dr. Borrinaga additionally discussed the requirements, timelines, and process for reviewing proposals submitted to the EVHRDC-ERC.
This was followed by another presentation of Dr. Lucia P. Dauz on the administrative aspect of funded research. Included in her presentation are identifying the steps in developing a research timetable and the important items for inclusion in the research budget; creating a Gantt chart; and the process of applying thePCHRD RRF guidelines in developing the budget for their proposed research, which was emphasized among the topics she presented. She also presented sample line-item budgets in which the items in the personal services, MOOE, equipment outlay, and indirect cost were emphasized.
The activity concluded with announcements made by Mr. Jeremy V. Jusay, RMC Secretariat, who stated that the RMC will conduct an evaluation of capsule proposals on April 19 once they are received by April 15, the deadline for submission. Researchers with shortlisted proposals will be invited to attend a PAR training in April. Following that is a Research Proposal Enhancement Workshop (RPEW) for the researchers to complete and finalize their full-blown proposals.
