As the lead agency for health and health-related research initiatives, Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) continues to support various health research projects and activities to help address the challenges brought by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.
During the virtual “Talakayang HeaRTBeat” on Monday, May 17, the DOST-PCHRD presented several health research projects and innovations that have already provided significant inputs and contributions in the field of diagnostics, public health surveillance, and treatment for COVID-19.
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“The DOST-PCHRD, with the steadfast support of the DOST system, will continue to strive in bringing accessible, research-based health solutions to support our recovery from this global health crisis,” said DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya during his opening remarks.
In 2020 alone, the DOST-PCHRD said that it supported the implementation of 36 research projects related COVID-19.
DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña presented the COVID-19 completed projects. “It is very heartwarming to see all of you gathered here today to discuss relevant topics relating to innovations made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “Allow me to introduce some of our successful and completed projects among many of our initiatives to fight the pandemic,” he added.
During his presentation, de la Peña discussed four complete projects related to COVID-19 which include the GenAmplifyTM CoronaVirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) rRT-PCR Detection Kit, the development of Swab Testing Stations, the Biosurveillance of COVID-19 in the Philippines through whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from patients, and in vitro study on the efficacy of Lauric Acid and Derivatives against SARS-CoV-2.
“What I presented to you was just an introduction to the innumerable accomplishments of these completed projects supported by DOST and PCHRD,” de la Peña said.
He added that more innovations and health research efforts will be presented in the upcoming 40th anniversary celebration of PCHRD which shall start this June.
“As I end my presentation, allow me to express my gratitude to our Filipino researchers who are tirelessly working in the frontlines to help us fight this pandemic,” de la Peña said.
The DOST, de la Peña added, remains committed to support them in using their expertise to serve the Filipino people through scientific research.
De la Peña also thanked the media for supporting science and health research and for promoting local innovations that are geared to serve the Filipino people.
“Let us make this event an enabling environment for educating everyone with fresh and correct information about our scientific innovations against the pandemic,” he ended.
