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Written by Marko Jaise P. Perpiñan, DOST - EVHRDC

Category: Latest News

Published: 28 February 2024

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A two-day internal training program on current ICT trends and technologies, such as network monitoring, VPN (virtual private network), and pfSense Firewall for information system security, is offered by DOST - STII.

Department of Science and Technology - Management Information System Unit conducted the "Training on Information System Security and Preventive Maintenance of ICT Equipment" training and invited resource persons from the Department of Science and Technology - Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST - STII). Mr. Alfon Narquita and Mr. Mark Jayson Sison addressed the topic of Securing Networks with pfSense and OpenVPN: Enhancing Connectivity and Privacy in DOST Regional Office VIII.

During the training, Mr. Alfon Narquita provided participants with a demonstration of how to install pfSense — a powerful and user-friendly program that makes networks safer. This program includes firewalls and virtual private networks (VPNs) for homes, businesses, government organizations, and educational institutions.

Additionally, Mr. Mark Jayson Sison gave a brief introduction to OpenVPN — a tool for establishing a secure connection via an unsecured communication channel, such as the public Internet, between a computer and a network or between two networks. Lastly, Mr. Mark Jayson gave the participants instructions on installing OpenVPN and explained how using the program would help them.

Engr. Florentino L. Quiñones, the director of DOST - Management Information System, gave his closing remarks and identified his key takeaways. It is anticipated that the lessons learned will be put to use to guarantee greater network security of the DOST Regional Office and Provincial Science and Technology Offices of Region VIII.

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Written by Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid, Samar State University, Research Utilization Committee

Category: Latest News

Published: 11 December 2023

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The project "FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOMES AMONG DELIVERIES IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN SAMAR" has achieved significant milestones in its implementation, signifying a promising advancement in understanding and addressing adverse pregnancy outcomes in the province. With the finalization of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Province of Samar and the participating hospitals- Samar Provincial Hospital, Basey District Hospital, and Calbayog District Hospital, along with orientations and data-gathering efforts, the project is making remarkable progress toward its objectives.

On November 30, 2023, the MOA was successfully concluded between Samar State University (SSU), the Province of Samar, and three key healthcare facilities: Samar Provincial Hospital (SPH), Calbayog District Hospital (CDH), and Basey District Hospital (BDH). This collaborative agreement solidifies the commitment of all parties involved in supporting the research project and facilitating access to vital data and resources.

To ensure the seamless execution of the project, successive orientations were conducted for the research enumerators and research field supervisors. These sessions equipped the team members with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively gather accurate data while upholding ethical guidelines and ensuring participants' privacy and confidentiality.

The diligent efforts of the research team have yielded significant results, as data gathering for the SPH was ongoing and shall be done within four months. This extensive data collection period will provide valuable insights into the factors associated with pregnancy outcomes in the hospital setting within the province. The initial data obtained from the said hospital is undergoing a thorough review to ensure its accuracy and completeness. The research team carefully examines the gathered information to uncover essential insights into the factors associated with pregnancy outcomes in the hospital setting.

Simultaneously, data gathering at BDH has also commenced. This data collection phase will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing adverse pregnancy outcomes across different healthcare facilities in Samar.  

This Php 622,250 project funded by EVHRDC and SSU is a collaborative endeavor aimed at improving maternal and fetal health outcomes in the Province. By identifying and analyzing the factors contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes, the research team strives to develop evidence-based interventions and policies that will drive positive changes in healthcare practices.

The research team, led by Dr. Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid, holds the position of the Executive Director for Research at SSU and serves as the concurrent Chair of the EVHRDC’s Research Utilization Committee. Comprising the team are members: Dr. Sheriah Laine de Paz-Silava, an Associate Professor from the College of Public Health, UP-Manila, and Dr. Leodoro J. Labrague, a Clinical Assistant Professor at Loyola University Chicago. Notably, both de Paz-Silava and Labrague previously resided in the Province of Samar for an extensive period before relocating to other places. 

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Written by Mary Grace P. Tariao, DOST VIII, Project Technical Assistant III

Category: Latest News

Published: 12 January 2024

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The Eastern Visayas Health and Research Development Consortium (EVHRDC) conducted its 1st Quarter Executive Committee and Committee Chairs Meeting on January 8, 2024, at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City where it was attended by the Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology Region VIII, Engr. Ernesto M. Granada.

Aside from the presence of the EVHRDC Secretariat with its Consortium Director and Coordinator, Dr. Lucia P. Dauz and Jean Gay O. Ragub, respectively, the committees have also been well-represented. The Regional Director of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region VIII, and Executive Committee member, Meylene C. Rosales has temporarily presided over the meeting wherein the agenda being highlighted is the approval of the CY 2024 Work and Financial Plan (WFP), and the presentation of the created Philippine National Health Research (PNHRS) Survey Tool for easy consolidation of its data.

Moreover, as part of the program, the EVHRDC hosted a tribute to its Co-chairperson, Engr. Ernesto M. Granada's retirement from DOST VIII takes effect on January 15, 2024. Each member expressed their gratitude and well-wishes to RD Granada in person and on recorded videos. The EVHRDC EXECOM Chairperson and Department of Health (DOH) Region VIII Director Dr. Exuperia B. Sabalberino gave her message thru video recording while those who gave their messages in person were the acting presiding officer herself, Meylene C. Rosales first which was followed by then VSU President, Edgardo E. Tulin, wherein like everyone in the room, they both congratulated him for now having more time to travel, sleep, read, and focus more on his health and family. They have also given him tokens which made him known as someone fond of reading.

RD Granada is known for his calm and applauding accomplishments with all his various projects as the Regional Director of DOST 8 for about four (4) years. His involvement in EVHRDC started when he was still the DOST8 ARD for Technical Operations and was designated as a member of the Ethics Review Committee (ERC) of the consortium from 2015 until 2017.

In 2017, RD Granada was appointed by the EVHRDC EXECOM as the Consortium Director until his appointment as Director IV and DOST-8 Regional Director on March 9, 2020, on which date he also assumed as the EVHRDC Co-Chairperson. His former staff at the Office of the Regional Director, Jean Gay O. Ragub, who is now the coordinator of the EVHRDC, has highlighted her approach to work as something she has emulated from RD Granada who has been accordingly a meticulous and hard-working leader.

RD Granada has also expressed his gratitude to everyone for hosting a tribute for him. He shared how he has supposedly been retiring as early as September 2023 due to health issues but has extended after the gradual improvement in health conditions and work demands, making him reach the month of his official retirement date instead.

The DOST 8 Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations, Ms. Marilyn O. Radam, and Supervising Science Research Specialist, Dr. Ramil T. Uy also attended the said meeting. Their presence gave room for RD Granada to announce the changes in DOST VIII administration following the Special Order No. 005, series of 2024 released by the office designating ARD-TO, Marilyn O. Radam as the DOST VIII OIC Regional Director for the period January 15, 2024 to March 15, 2024. Afterward, the Assistant Regional Director for Finance Administrative Section (ARD-FAS), Dr. Rufino E. Mengote will take over the position for the period of March 16, 2024, to May 15, 2024, and after his term, Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaña, the Provincial Science and Technology Director (PSTD) in the Province of Leyte will then take his turn as the OIC Regional Director from May 16, 2024, to July 15, 2024.

The “big bang” event for the year 2024 ended with a congratulatory toast for the successful conduct of the meeting, and the mandatory retirement from government service of RD Granada. 

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Written by Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid, Samar State University, Research Utilization Committee

Category: Latest News

Published: 11 December 2023

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In a display of commitment to regional healthcare advancement, the Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC) recently hosted a Stakeholders' and Community Dissemination Forum. Held on November 10, 2023, at the Robinson's Mall Expansion Activity Area in Tacloban City, the event was pivotal for acknowledging groundbreaking research projects and their potential impact on the region's health landscape.

Dr. Exuperia B. Sabalberino, Chairperson of EVHRDC, and Mr. Leonido P. Olobia, Chairperson of the Research Management Committee (RMC), acknowledged the invaluable contributions of participants and researchers in advancing healthcare knowledge in the region. The forum culminated in an open discussion facilitated by Ms. Leslie Joy L. Calvo, EVHRDC Project Staff, fostering an engaging exchange of ideas and insights among attendees. The occasion not only celebrated the dedication of researchers but also served as a call to action.

Regional Director Engr. Ernesto Granada urged the researchers and other attendees to translate research findings into policies, interventions, and activities that can effect meaningful change in Eastern Visayas' health landscape. The showcased projects are poised to shape the region's healthcare trajectory, offering tangible pathways towards a healthier, more prosperous Eastern Visayas. Mahatma Gandhi once said, "It is health that is real wealth." The forum's success echoes this sentiment, laying the foundation for a future where health is the truest form of wealth for Eastern Visayas.

Dr. Sherrie Ann Labid, Chairperson of the Research Utilization Committee (RUC), delivered a stirring rationale, emphasizing, "The health of a nation is the wealth of a nation." Her words encapsulated the essence of the forum – a convergence of research, innovation, and actionable solutions aimed at fostering a healthier Eastern Visayas. The event highlighted diverse research initiatives funded by EVHRDC, showcasing pivotal studies dedicated to unraveling health complexities. Projects such as the study on conditionalities for 4Ps recipients, exploring traditional healing practices in Calbayog City's Sitio Peña 2, and investigating the determinants of health status among voluntary blood donors were unveiled. These studies underscored the importance of local research in addressing region-specific health challenges.

The EVHRDC forum is a testament to collaborative efforts, envisioning a region where health research illuminates the path to a brighter, healthier future.