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Culture contributes much to the state of health of people, according to key experts as they explored yesterday at the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila the various aspects that affect the health of people in the Asia Pacific region. Health issues such as H1N1, parasitism, bangungot (nightmare), and equitable health care took on fresh perspective as discussed in the context of culture by key experts.

The evolution of the H1N1 virus strains was discussed by Dr. Takeshi Kasai, WHO Regional Adviser in Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response. Prof. Lerma Paris of University of San Agustin in Iloilo City enlightened the audience on a case study of three young boys afflicted with parasitism caused largely by the culture of poverty they live in.

Dr. Carolyn Sobritchea analyzed the gender dimensions of climate change, particularly the adverse impacts of disasters on women’s reproductive health. With co-author Dr. Hiroko Hara of the Josai International University in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture, she recommended several measures to protect women and children from reproductive health risks and vulnerabilities during calamities, such as Pepeng and Ondoy typhoons that hit the country hard last year.

Dr. Michael Tan of the University of the Philippines Diliman used bangungot (nightmare, or pokkuri in Japan) to illustrate the potentials of transdisciplinary work in examining syndromes. He pointed to migration, diaspora, perceptions, and aspirations for wellness as important factors in developing cultural competence. Citing bangungot as an example, Dr. Tan revealed the medical and biomedical explanations of the symdrome, as well as folk explanations that have glaring similarities across cultures, particularly among Ilocanos, Japanese, and Singaporeans.

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Philippine Science High School - Eastern Visayas Campus students won Fourth Place Grand Awards in the Team Awards category of this year’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held last May 9-14 in San Jose, California, USA. The group was recognized for their study entitled “Creating a natural treatment for red tide using indigenous materials.” The group was welcomed by Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Fortunato T. De la Peña (middle) in a courtesy meeting recently. Others in photo are (L-R): Cecilia Ubarra, Intel Philippines, Education Programs Manager; Marc Mapalo, MarcArthur Limpiado, Maria Clara Isabel Sia, and Jean Reni de Guzman of the Philippine Science High School- Eastern Visayas Campus; and Dr. Claro Santiago Jr., Intel ISEF mentor/trainor and DOST Scientist. (By Joy M. Lazcano, S&T Media Service)

 

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DOST's pitch for breastfeeding. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo presents the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) and the Children for Breastfeeding, Inc (CfB) on May 17, 2010 at the Rizal Hall, Malacañang, Manila. The MoU aims to prop up PCHRD’s advocacy for breastfeeding through scientific research supportive to policies and guidelines that would further strengthen the government's Evidence-based Research Center. Also in photo are (left to right) Dr. Custer C. Deocaris, DOST Balik Scientist Awardee; Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro, Department of Science and Technology Secretary; Dr. Elvira L. Henares-Esguerra, CfB President; and Dr. Jaime C. Montoy, PCHRD Executive Director.(By Ryan H. Ebron, S&T Media Service, DOST Balik Scientist Program)

 

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A proposed bill that seeks to roll out mature and potentially important technologies generated by government-funded researches to the market was finally enacted into law recently after almost three years into legislation.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act 10055, otherwise known as “An Act Providing the Framework and Support System for the Ownership, Management, Use, and Commercialization of Intellectual Property Generated from Research and Development Funded by Government and for Other Purposes” or the “Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009” into a full fledged national statute on March 23 at the Malacañan Palace. The new law is expected to serve as the blueprint for a nationally coordinated technology transfer framework of government-funded researches.

Department of Science and Technology Secretary Estrella Alabastro said that the whole science community is overwhelmed with this development.

“We are optimistic that this new law, a landmark policy on technology transfer will revolutionize the commercialization of technologies generated by researches funded by taxpayer’s money,” Sec. Alabastro said.