THE Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) has forged an agreement with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Tropical Medicine and Public Health (SEAMEO TROPMED) Network to expand the coverage of scholarship opportunities in health for Filipinos across Southeast Asia.
Conducted via Zoom, the memorandum of understanding was virtually concluded by officials from both parties last April 22.
The signatories included DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Leah Buendia, PCHRD executive director Dr. Jaime Montoya, and SEAMEO TROPMED Network secretary general Dr. Pratap Singhasivanon, and deputy coordinator Dr. Ma. Sandra Tempongko.
The collaboration serves as an expansion to the preceding partnership forged between the DOST-PCHRD and the SEAMEO TROPMED Thailand in 2021, which aims to develop and implement graduate studies under the Faculty of Tropical Medicine (FTM) in Mahidol University.
This initiative with Thailand paved the way for the implementation of MSc and PhD in Tropical Medicine Programs, which has supported seven scholars to date.
With the expanded coverage of the partnership, aspiring Filipino scholars may gain access to a wider range of research centers, specialists, and policymakers, offering a multi-country, multi-disciplinary approach for capacity building not only in Thailand, but also in other member countries of the Network within the Southeast Asian region.
Specifically, the collaboration will focus on enhancing capacity-building initiatives, improving diagnostic and treatment approaches, and providing access to globally recognized practices in disease control for improved healthcare delivery. It will also foster coordinated regional initiatives dedicated to addressing the increasing transnational burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. explained how forging partnerships is a key element to the DOST’s strategy in promoting scientific and technological advancement in the Philippines.
“The DOST actively pursues collaborative ventures with international partners to expand the reach of our support and programs. We are likewise grateful to the SEAMEO TROPMED Network for this chance to learn, innovate, and develop solutions to health problems that concern our region,” he said.
Usec. Buendia described the partnership as a way to address diseases that are critical for the Philippines and the region: “Through mutual support and joint efforts, we are better positioned to deal with risks affecting many countries, from dengue and malaria to newer re-emerging and emerging tropical diseases.”
Citing accomplishments from the previous batch of scholars, Dr. Singhasivanon expressed his hope for more aspiring Filipino researchers to engage in the program.
He also highlighted how the TROPMED centers can better collaborate under the expanded MOU “for knowledge sharing between scientists in health research and related issues of regional concern.”