Question & AnswerQ&A (IRR of Republic Act No. 10532)
The full title of Republic Act No. 10532 as stated in the IRR is the 'Philippine National Health Research System Act of 2013.'
The main purpose of the IRR is to prescribe procedures and guidelines for the implementation of the Philippine National Health Research System Act to facilitate collaboration, cooperation, and convergence among all stakeholders and to achieve the objectives of the Act.
The IRR must be reviewed every three years pursuant to Rule 32.
Health Research Stakeholders include local and international public and private agencies/organizations, policymakers, the academe, medical and health societies, people's organizations, and others concerned with and affected by health and development.
The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), a sectoral planning council of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), serves as the national coordinating body for health research.
The PNHRS Governing Council is composed of the Secretary of DOST as Chair, Secretary of DOH as Co-Chair, Chair of CHED, Chancellor of UP Manila, National Nutrition Council Executive Director, PCHRD Executive Director, and five private sector representatives appointed by the President.
Private sector representatives appointed by the President serve a term of two years and can be reappointed for another term.
The Council sets policies and directions for the PNHRS; reviews and approves long-term plans and programs; evaluates and approves the National Unified Health Research Agenda; reviews, approves, or disapproves research programs; and creates committees as needed.
DOST must allocate at least twenty percent (20%) of its Grants-in-Aid budget to health research.
PHREB ensures adherence to universal ethical principles protecting and promoting the dignity of health research participants, formulates guidelines for ethical conduct, accredits Research Ethics Committees, monitors ethical compliance, and networks with local and international organizations.
The Secretariat, headed by the Executive Director of PCHRD, is responsible for the smooth implementation of PNHRS programs, oversight functions, and providing technical and administrative support to governing bodies and technical working committees.
Health Research covers activities aiming to understand health challenges and improve responses, including measuring the problem; understanding causes; elaborating solutions; translating these into policies, practices, and products; and evaluating effectiveness.
TWCs focus on research themes based on health needs and WHO building blocks for universal health care; develop and monitor strategic plans; work with stakeholders and the Secretariat; and their chairs and members serve two-year renewable terms.
Amendments to the IRR can only be done in writing by any implementing agency and become effective only upon approval by all implementing agencies.
The policy is to protect and promote the right to health, instill health consciousness, and improve the quality of life of every Filipino through health research and development.