UB Partners DOST on Dengue Research Project

The University of Bohol through the University Research Center (URC), and in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office 7 has entered into a memorandum of agreement on the conduct of a Dengue research project. In a formal ceremony held at the UB Information Resource Center (IRC) on February 7, 2023, the parties officially launched the implementation of the research project on, Evaluation of the Implementation of the National Dengue Prevention and Control Program in the Province of Bohol.

During the program, Engr. Tristan L. Abando, Coordinator, Central Visayas Consortium for Health Research & Development (CVCHRD) and who represented DOST Regional Director Engr. Jesus Zamora, Jr., discussed the current DOST Health Research & Development Agenda with stakeholders. A former DOST research specialist, Abando stressed the importance of accurate and reliable baseline information to ensure the successful implementation of any government project.

In response, UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III, in his written message which was read by Atty. Marlumina Teh, UB Vice President for Academic Affairs, expressed elation for the collaboration entered between the DOST and the university. According to Pres. Tirol, such engagement is UB’s contribution to improving the government’s health services likewise thanked the researcher’s health practitioners, and local government unit executives for participating in the project that included the City of Tagbilaran, and the municipalities of Dauis, Talibon, Ubay, Trinidad, and Guindulman.

The project is aimed to evaluate the extent of the implementation of the National Dengue Prevention and Control Program of the province, and to come up with recommendations based on the findings. Under the agreement, UB is authorized to publish printed and online publications in its Multidisciplinary Journal and other peer-reviewed journals for dissemination.

Present during the launching ceremony was Engr. Tristan Abando-DOST ARD for Region 7 and CVCHRD Coordinator, Ms. Ella Grace Gerolaga- DOST Assistant Research Specialist, Ms. Riza Arayan- CVCHRD Secretariat, Mr. Leonedas Saniel, PHO Representative, Mr. Jerome Gonzales, Regional Director, DILG 7, Ms. Davilyn Boloron, DOH-Bohol Representative, Dr. Jeia N. Pondoc, City Health Officer II, Tagbilaran City Health Office, Dra. Novariza Evangelista, Rural Health Officer, Trinidad Rural Health Unit, Mr. Valentino Gamutin, Tagbilaran City Mayor’s Office Representative, Atty. Marlumina Teh, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Ms. Ria Eva Sevilla, Vice President for Administration, Trustee Lumin Pamaran, Trustee Vittorio Gallito, and the members of the UB Research Team composed of Dr. Gloria Casabal, Dr. Leah Wilfreda Pilongo, and Dr. Ammon Denis Tirol.

Left to right (front): Mr. Valentino L. Gamutin (City Mayor Representative) Dr. Novariza Evangelista (Rep of Mayor Roberto Cajes - Trinidad) Ms. Ellen Grace Gerolaga (CVCHRD Secretariat) Engr. Tristan L. Abando (DOST-7 Assistant Regional Director) Atty. Marlumina B. Teh (VP Acad) Trustee Lumin T. Pamaran (BOT - Secretary) Ms. Ria Eva M. Sevilla (VP Administration) Trustee Vittorio T. Gallito (BOT - Independent Member) Upper left to right: Mr. Leonedas Saniel (Rep of Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot - Provincial Health Office Chief) Ms. Davilyn A. Boloron (Rep of Dr. Ma. Portia D. Reyes - DOH Bohol) Dr. Lloyd Lyle Ravidas (Rep of Mayor Roman B. Bullen - Dauis) Dr. Gloria T. Casabal (Chair, UB-Research Ethics Committee; Project Team Member) Mr. Jerome G. Gonzales (Provincial Director - Department of Interior and Local Government) Dr. Ammon Denis R. Tirol (Project Team Member) Dr. Leah Wilfreda E. Pilongo (Project Team Lead).