The 18th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week Celebration, held on August 13–15, 2025, in Legazpi City, Albay, gathered researchers, policymakers, and advocates under the theme:
“One Health for All: Igniting Transdisciplinary Solutions for a Healthier Philippines.”
The 101 Health Research (101HR) delegation actively participated in this milestone event, coming away enriched, energized, and inspired to continue advancing health research in the Philippines.
Enriched by Plenary Talks
Delegates gained valuable insights from plenary sessions that deepened discussions on the One Health approach—integrating human, animal, and environmental health research to address complex health challenges. These sessions underscored the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration to achieve a healthier, more resilient nation.
Launch of the NUHRA Midterm KAP Survey (August 13)
On the opening day, 101HR officially launched the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Survey for the midterm evaluation of the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) 2023–2028.
The survey—endorsed by the DOH Single Joint Research Ethics Board (SJREB-2025-63)—aims to capture stakeholder awareness, adoption, and alignment with NUHRA priorities. Respondents will also receive an exclusive research toolkit and a special report on the evaluation results.
Research Agenda Management Committee Meeting (August 14)
101HR also facilitated the Research Agenda Management Committee (RAMC) Meeting, a vital step in guiding NUHRA’s direction. The meeting featured:
- An overview of the NUHRA midterm evaluation process.
- Presentation of initial findings from the KAP Survey and web scraping analysis.
- A focused group discussion (FGD) to capture qualitative insights and recommendations.
Key Informant Interview with Experts (August 15)
The final day was highlighted by a Key Informant Interview (KII) with distinguished health leaders:
- Erlinda Castro-Palganas, PhD, RN, Editor of the PNA Philippine Journal of Nursing.
- Pio Justin V. Asuncion, RN, MPH, MOHRE, FRSPH, Division Chief, Health Research Division, DOH Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau.
The exchange offered fresh perspectives on health policy, research dissemination, and academic publishing, inspiring delegates to push for stronger research-to-policy linkages.
A Glimpse of Bicol’s Warm Hospitality
Beyond the academic exchange, the 101HR delegation also savored the rich culture of the Bicol region—capturing postcard-worthy views of the majestic Mayon Volcano and enjoying its signature local flavors before returning to Manila.
A Productive Week Indeed!
The 18th PNHRS Week proved to be more than just a conference—it was a convergence of ideas, collaborations, and shared aspirations for a healthier Philippines. For 101 Health Research, it was a week of deep learning, meaningful contributions, and renewed commitment to advancing NUHRA and transdisciplinary health solutions.
