THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development awarded a research grant worth P50,000 to a student of the University of Southeastern Philippines.

The thesis proposal submitted by BS Biology major Raffy Cañeda was one of two funded by DOST-PCHRD under the Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products Program.

Cañeda is researching on the antibacterial potential of Lagnub, a plant popular for its medicinal use in treating skin infections.

Lagnub fresh leaves are also used to promote sweating during fever and to treat headaches.

“The result of the research will provide information on the antibacterial potential of Lagnub against staph infection (Staphylococcus aureus) that is difficult to treat because of resistance to some antibiotics,” Cañeda said.

He added that conventional antibiotic use is challenged by antimicrobial resistance, reduced susceptibility, poor oral bioavailability and high cost.

His research aims to address these challenges.

Cañeda said that the grant will allow him “to pursue higher research goals and methods which are often costly.”

“The grant will truly help me work more on my study which is beneficial for establishing reliable and significant results,” he added.

The grant is part of the Tuklas Lunas Program (Drug Discovery and Development Program) of the DOST-PCHRD, which aims to develop safe, effective, and affordable alternative drugs from the country’s natural resources.