Declaration of Policy
- State policy to protect and promote the right to health.
- Aims to instill health consciousness.
- Aims to improve quality of life through health research and development.
Definition of Key Terms
- Health: Optimal physical, mental, and social well-being.
- Health Research Stakeholders: Public/private agencies, policymakers, academe, medical/health societies, people’s organizations.
- National Unified Health Research Agenda: Priorities addressing population health needs aligned with universal health care goals.
- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD): DOST sectoral council for health science and technology leadership.
- Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB): National body ensuring ethical conduct in health research.
- Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS): Framework based on inclusiveness, quality, equity, linking health and S&T systems.
- Regional Health Research Systems: Regional consortia mirroring PNHRS framework.
- Research: Development of knowledge in five stages - problem measurement, cause understanding, solution elaboration, policy translation, effectiveness evaluation.
Institutionalization of the PNHRS
- PNHRS established through Memoranda of Understanding between DOST and DOH.
- Institutionalized under PCHRD mandate as national coordinating body.
Objectives of the PNHRS
- Improve health status, productivity, and quality of life of Filipinos by:
- Aligning health research with system needs.
- Maximizing benefits from health research investments.
- Promoting good governance and ethical research management.
- Engaging in national and international partnerships.
- Ensuring sustainability of research resources.
Composition of the PNHRS
- Composed of Governing Council (GC), Steering Committee, Technical Working Committees (TWC), and Secretariat.
- The entire health research community is an indispensable partner.
PNHRS Governing Council (GC)
- Composed of:
- Secretary of DOST (Chair).
- Secretary of DOH (Co-Chair).
- Chair of CHED.
- Chancellor of University of the Philippines Manila.
- National Nutrition Council Executive Director.
- PCHRD Executive Director.
- Five private sector representatives.
Powers and Functions of the GC
- Set policies and directions.
- Review and approve long-term plans and programs.
- Approve National Unified Health Research Agenda.
- Review and approve/disapprove research programs.
- Create committees as necessary.
PNHRS Secretariat
- Headed by PCHRD Executive Director.
- Responsible for smooth implementation and oversight.
- Provides technical and administrative support in:
- Research and Development Management.
- Institution Development.
- Research Information, Communication, and Utilization.
- Finance and Administration.
Steering Committee
- Created by GC, headed by PCHRD Executive Director.
- Members include directors and representatives from DOH, CHED, UPM-NIH, NEDA, PHREB, PHIC, NSO, PRC, DOTC-LTO, DENR-EMB, LGUs, and TWC Chairs.
- Functions:
- Recommend policies to GC.
- Oversee implementation and harmonization of PNHRS activities.
- Coordinate activities of the six PNHRS TWCs.
- Monitor and report progress to GC.
Technical Working Committees (TWC)
- Created by GC aligned with research themes based on country’s health needs and WHO building blocks for universal health care.
- Develop and monitor strategic plans.
- Work closely with stakeholders and Secretariat.
Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB)
- Ensures adherence to universal ethical principles in human health research.
- Formulates and updates ethical guidelines.
- Develops and standardizes ethics review committees.
- Monitors performance of institutional ethics committees.
- Promotes establishment of effective ethics review.
- Advises PNHRS GC and others on ethical issues.
- Engages in discourse and networks locally and internationally.
Regional Health Research Systems
- Regional consortia mirror PNHRS framework.
- Address regional health research agenda, human resource development, conduct of research, dissemination, utilization, resource mobilization, leadership, and management.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Annual Reporting
- GC through Secretariat conducts regular monitoring and evaluation.
- Determines accountabilities to contributing agencies.
- Details to be provided in Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- To be promulgated by DOST-PCHRD, DOH, CHED, and UPM-NIH within 60 days of effectivity.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the rest remains valid.
Repealing Clause
- Any inconsistent laws, orders, or issuances are repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.
Effectivity Clause
- Act takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.