On May 16, 2025, the Admiral Hotel Manila hosted the Culminating Activity and Awarding Ceremonies of the Gelia Castillo Award for Research on Social Innovations in Health (GCARSIH) 2024. This event brought together innovators, mentors, and public health advocates to honor transformative solutions addressing health challenges in the Philippines.
Dr. Venus Oliva Cloma-Rosales, MD, MPH, ME, Managing Director and Founder of 101 Health Research, served as a resource speaker and mentor for the GCARSIH 2024 Training and Mentoring Package. Reflecting on the event, she shared insights that underscore the profound impact of social innovation in health.
“We choose this path every day because we believe it is the right thing to do.”
— Dr. Meredith Labarda, SIHI Philippines
This statement encapsulates the commitment of health innovators who persist in their work, often without recognition, driven by a sense of purpose and the desire to effect meaningful change.
Finalists at the event echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that their initiatives are not merely therapeutic interventions but catalysts for transformation, aiming to provide recovery with dignity.
The words of National Scientist Gelia Castillo, “Science must first have a human purpose,” resonated deeply with attendees, reminding them of the fundamental goal of public health and research: to serve humanity.
Dr. Cloma-Rosales noted the emotional impact of these reflections, stating that, as someone who often approaches challenges analytically, she was profoundly moved by the heartfelt expressions of purpose and dedication shared during the event.
The GCARSIH 2024 community and culminating activity served as a celebration of hope and a testament to the collective efforts of individuals striving to improve health outcomes in the Philippines. It reinforced the message that no one is alone in their daily struggles and that collective action can lead to significant advancements in public health.
Accompanying Dr. Cloma-Rosales were interns from the National University of Singapore (NUS), who described the event as “eye-opening,” gaining valuable insights into the real-world applications of social innovation in health.
“It is in giving that we receive.”
— St. Francis of Assisi
Dr. Cloma-Rosales reflected on this quote, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to give back through her involvement with GCARSIH. She acknowledged the support and inspiration she has received from family, friends, and mentors, and emphasized the joy of contributing her talents and time to such a meaningful cause.
She extended heartfelt thanks to the GCARSIH organizers, including Dr. Pamela Pasco, Dr. Jana Deborah, Dr. Asher, SIHI Philippines, UP Manila, DOST-PCHRD, her mentees Dr. Juri and Dr. Christianne from Bicol Geriatrics Hospital/Sipocot, co-mentor Gary Carandang, and her interns.
The GCARSIH 2024 event highlighted the importance of social innovations in health and the collective commitment to advancing public health in the Philippines. It served as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals and collaborative efforts can have on communities and the health system at large.
For more information on GCARSIH and social innovations in health, visit SIHI Philippines.
