MIMAROPA Health Research and Development Consortium
Republic of the Philippines
MIMAROPA Health Research and Development Consortium
Programs and Projects
The MIMAROPA Health Research and Development Consortium (MHRDC) implements strategic programs and activities aimed at strengthening health research capacity, promoting ethical standards, and advancing evidence-informed health policies in the MIMAROPA region.
Call for Proposals for the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Regional Research Fund (RRF)
The Regional Research Fund (RRF) supports health research initiatives that address priority health concerns in the MIMAROPA region. Through this funding mechanism, the Consortium encourages faculty members, health professionals, and early-career researchers to actively engage in meaningful research that contributes to improving regional health outcomes.
Who May Apply
Researchers from MHRDC member institutions, government agencies, and health facilities may apply. Medical residents may also submit proposals under the supervision of a senior researcher. All submissions must be endorsed by the Head of Agency or Institution.
Project Requirements
Proposals must align with the Regional Health Research Priorities, have a maximum duration of 12 months, and a total budget not exceeding Php 1,000,000.00 (inclusive of honorarium). All submissions must follow the DOST Grants-in-Aid format and documentary requirements.
How to Apply
Proposals are submitted to the Research and Development Management Committee (RDMC) through the MHRDC Secretariat. Submission deadlines are announced through official channels.
Application Windows
Batch 1: January to February
Batch 2: July to August
Technical Review of Health R&D Proposals (Virtual In-House Review)
Overview
All submitted proposals undergo a technical review process conducted by the Research and Development Management Committee – Technical Review Board (RDMC-TRB). This ensures that research proposals meet scientific, ethical, and feasibility standards prior to endorsement for funding.
Evaluation Process
Each proposal is reviewed by subject matter experts, including a biostatistician or epidemiologist, and external evaluators when necessary. The review process ensures fairness, rigor, and transparency.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals are assessed based on relevance and significance, technical and ethical merit, data management plan, feasibility, proponent and institutional capacity, and marketability potential (for product-based studies).
Ethics Training and Accreditation Assistance
Basic Research Ethics Training (BRET)
Overview
The Basic Research Ethics Training equips researchers with the knowledge and skills to conduct ethical and responsible health research. The training emphasizes the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and respect for persons.
Participants will explore the core principles of research ethics—Respect for Persons, Beneficence, and Justice—as outlined by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB). This activity not only protects research participants but also supports the accreditation and capacity-building of Institutional Research Ethics Committees (IRECs) within our consortium.
Training Coverage
Topics include informed consent, risk-benefit assessment, protection of vulnerable populations, structure and functions of Research Ethics Committees (RECs), and emerging ethical issues in health research.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Workshop
Overview
The SOP Workshop assists institutions in strengthening and aligning their Research Ethics Committee procedures with national accreditation standards. It enhances institutional readiness for ethical review and compliance
SOP participants gained a clearer understanding of the six (6) PHREB accreditation standards—covering REC functionality, SOP adequacy, review completeness, post-approval procedures, documentation systems, and administrative support.
Accreditation Assistance
Overview
Offers guidance and assistance to institutions seeking to establish or accredit their own Institutional Ethics Review Committees (IERC). This support is vital for building a strong, ethical research ecosystem in MIMAROPA, which is a core part of the consortium’s mission.
Annual Health Research Forum (HRF)
Overview
The Annual Health Research Forum is a flagship event of the Consortium that showcases completed health research studies from across the MIMAROPA region. It provides a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and recognition of research excellence.
Presentation Categories
The forum features Oral and Poster Presentations under Professional and Student categories. Qualified entries undergo screening and final judging by invited experts.
Awards and Recognition
Cash prizes are awarded to top presenters in each category, including a People’s Choice Award. The forum fosters a culture of research excellence and innovation in the region.
Documentary Requirements
- For the Research Paper and Research Poster presentations, electronic copy of the abstract of the completed research paper in PDF format shall be submitted, with the following conditions:
- The abstract shall be limited to 1 page with 300 words in size 11 Times New Roman font and with 1” margin on all sides
- The abstract shall consist of Title, Authors, Introduction, Methodology, Results and Discussion, and Recommendation/s.
- The abstracts shall also be submitted to their Heads of Agency/Institution or Research Directors for bulk compilation and submissions.
- Endorsement form signed by the Head of Institution/Agency or Research Director shall also be submitted.
Linkages to Potential Health R&D Funding Agencies
Overview
This aims to bridge the gap between researchers in the MIMAROPA region and potential funding sources. The consortium proactively identifies and establishes connections with various local, national, and international funding agencies, and disseminates information about available grants and funding opportunities. This service greatly assists researchers in securing the financial support needed to conduct their studies and bring their projects to fruition.
Capacity Building Initiatives
Overview
The MHRDC’s Capacity Building Committee aims to advance health R&D and improve lives by equipping researchers with the necessary skills. Its initiatives are multi-faceted, focusing on key stages of the research process. It trains researchers to craft compelling proposals to secure funding, and to translate findings into effective health policies to ensure research has a tangible impact.The program also equips researchers with advanced skills like meta-analysis and instills the highest ethical standards, aligning their work with the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) to address the country’s most pressing health issues.
PNHRS Week Celebration
Overview
Every year, MHRDC proudly participates in the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week Celebration. This national event allows us to showcase the talent and dedication of the MIMAROPA research community to a wider audience of stakeholders and policymakers.
Through poster exhibits, oral presentations, and networking sessions, we strengthen our linkages with national partners.