TO ENHANCE capacity building activities for Filipino health researchers, the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Health Research and Development signed a memorandum of agreement with the Faculty of Tropical Medicine of Mahidol University in Thailand.

“Scholars who bring an array of experiences, perspectives, and accomplishments will be given a valuable chance to work, learn, and come together to make their mark in their respective fields through the program,” DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Pena said.

“This initiative remains true to DOST’s mission to provide world-class scientific, technological, and innovative solutions geared towards maximum economic and social benefits for the people,” he added.

Under the agreement, the PCHRD and SEAMEO TROPMED will provide scholarship grants for masteral and doctorate degrees; enable the shared use of facilities for research and training; boost knowledge exchange; and promote collaborations between other relevant scientific institutions and organizations from both countries.

The areas of joint undertaking will be tropical diseases epidemiologic studies, endemic and emerging diseases, diagnosis of tropical infections and tropical medicine and public health.

PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya described the partnership as proof of PCHRD’s commitment to strengthen the country’s pool of researchers.

“Establishing partnerships has always been a key strategy for us to accelerate our capacities in health and our overall S&T goals. This collaboration will surely advance our knowledge of the field of tropical medicine and public health,” Montoya said.

Meanwhile, SEAMEO TROPMED Secretary General Dr. Pratap Singhasivanon expressed hope for more similar initiatives.

“MOU can serve as a model for other SEAMEO member countries on how best to tap other sources of funds for their health research development efforts,” Singhasivanon said.

Founded in 1966, SEAMEO TROPMED is a regional cooperation network that serves as a focal point in higher education and research in tropical medicine and public health.