ILOILO City – The National Economic Development Authority Region 6 (NEDA-6) highlighted health-related researches during its 2019 regional research utilization forum here.
NEDA-6 director Ro-Ann Bacal said the research forum on Wednesday was initiated in line with the celebration of the Development Policy Research Month and was aimed to respond to health challenges.
She added with the theme “Navigating the new globalization: Local action for global challenges,” the forum has centered on health-related researches from the region “which has the potential to respond to our country’s and global health challenges.”
“We want to start conversations with the various sectors, and we want these conversations to be mainstreamed in our regular meeting until it becomes second nature to be talking about science, technology and innovation,” Bacal said.
The forum aimed to create an environment, which “recognizes the potential global impact of local researchers, affords a venue for them to be presented to the public, and increase appreciation, utilization and collaboration.”
Among those who presented their researches was young scientist Ma. Isabel Layson; academic researcher Jenny Marie Blancaflor and the two internationally renowned scientists under the “Balik Scientist” program of the Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Jonel Saludes and Prof. Loyalda Bolivar.
Layson of Iloilo National High School presented her research on the anti-diabetic components of Muntingia calabura Linn. (Tingiaceae), locally known as “aratilis” or Jamaican cherry; while Blancaflor of the University of San Agustin presented the research on phytochemicals from “kadyos” (pigeon pea) as antibiotic against drug-resistant bacteria.
Bacal commended the young scientists for their enthusiasm for scientific research and validation. “We hope and look forward to your continued work on this. We hope that there are more companies that are tying up with you because these also take resources to go up the stages,” she said.
Professor Saludes of University of San Agustin also presented the research on new antibiotics from Iloilo marine sediments, while Professor Bolivar of the University of Antique presented the research on health facilities and services available in a local government unit.
Bacal urged participants to relate the research studies presented to the current scenarios, hoping that “further studies and applications will eventually lead to medical and health solutions.”(With a report from PNA/PN)
