Contest Guidelines and Mechanics

ELIGIBILITY

The contest is open to:

• • Category 1: Project leaders and project members whose research projects were supported by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) from 2018 to 2025.
  • Category 2: Members of the general public, 18 years old and above.

Additional notes: 

• • Projects (leaders or members) that previously won in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Capture the Heart in Health Research Photo Contest may participate again; however, winning photos from previous years may not be resubmitted. All entries must be new and original for 2026.
  • Participation is free of charge. 
  • Employees of DOST-PCHRD and their immediate family members are not eligible.

Theme: Heart for the Filipino

The Photo Essay Contest seeks compelling visual narratives that reflect compassion, service, and commitment to improving the health and well-being of Filipinos through research and collaboration.

Each entry must include:  

• • A photo essay composed of three (3) to five (5) photographs
  • A written essay (350–500 words) that weaves the images into a coherent story aligned with the theme.

Participants may join one (1) category only.

Category 1: DOST-PCHRD Supported Projects (Ongoing or Completed)

Entries should feature research-related activities such as fieldwork, laboratory work, community engagement, capacity-building initiatives, or project-led interventions.

Focus areas:

• • Impact of health research on Filipino communities
  • Collaboration among institutions, partners, and stakeholders
  • HeaRT (Health Research and Technology) for the Filipino, showing how science and innovation serve people-centered health outcomes

Category 2: General Public – Health Research and Technology (HeaRT) in Everyday Life

Entries should highlight how health research and technology touch the lives of Filipinos. The photo essay may capture:

• Everyday experiences where science and innovation improve health and well-being
• Stories of ordinary Filipinos benefiting from research outcomes, such as improved treatments, healthier practices, or accessible health services.
• Moments of care, resilience, and collaboration that show how research and technology empower communities

Focus areas:

• • Accessibility of health innovations for the public
  • Visible impact of research on daily life and community health
  • How Filipinos embrace and adapt to health technologies with compassion and hope

SUBMISSION MECHANICS

1. 1. Submit entries via email to ricud-comm@pchrd.dost.gov.ph from 19 January to 20 February 2026, 5:00 p.m.
   2. Each participant may submit one (1) photo essay  in their chosen category
   3. Email subject line format: Category Number – Photo Essay Title

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Photo Essay Components

1. Three (3) to five (5) original photos
2. Written essay (350–500 words) introducing the subject/community,  providing context, and connecting the images into a cohesive narrative

Required Details

• • Full name of participant
  • Affiliation/Institution and designation (if applicable)
  • Photo essay title
  • Category
  • Date and place where the photos were taken

Additional Requirements for Category 1

• • • • Project title
      • Project duration
      • Project leader
      • Certification from the project leader (if submitted by a team member)

COPYRIGHT AND CONSENT

By submitting an entry, participants certify that:

• They own the photographs and grant DOST-PCHRD permission to use the photo essay for knowledge packaging, information dissemination, advocacy, and promotional activities related to the Council’s mandate.
• The photographs are original, unpublished, have not won previous contests, and have not been submitted to other competitions;
• Necessary consent has been obtained from identifiable individuals featured in the photos (especially minors or vulnerable groups).

JUDGING AND AWARDS

Eligible entries will be screened by a panel of judges based on the following criteria (Total: 100%).

1. Relevance to the Theme: Heart for the Filipino (25%)
The photo essay clearly reflects the contest theme by demonstrating compassion, service, and commitment to improving the health and well-being of Filipinos.

2. Research Connection and Significance (20%)
The photo essay clearly and meaningfully demonstrates the role of health research and/or health research–based technologies (HeaRT) in the story.

For DOST-PCHRD–supported projects, this may include the visibility of research activities, processes, collaboration, or outcomes.

For general public entries, this may include showing how research-informed innovations or technologies positively impact everyday life and community health.

3. Photographic Quality and Composition (20%)
The photographs are technically sound, visually compelling, and thoughtfully composed, with clear framing and effective sequencing that supports the narrative.

4. Storytelling and Narrative Coherence (20%)
The photographs and written essay work together to tell a complete, cohesive, and engaging story, with clear context and logical flow.

5. Impact and Emotional Resonance (15%)
The photo essay evokes empathy, inspiration, or reflection, leaving a lasting impression while reinforcing the value of health research to Filipino communities.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

• Selected entries per category will be posted on the DOST-PCHRD Facebook Page for public viewing and voting from 27 February to 6 March 2026, 5:00 p.m. 
• Mechanics for online voting will be announced separately.

ANNOUNCEMENT AND AWARDING

• Winners will be notified via email. 
• Awarding of winners will take place during the 44th Anniversary Celebration of DOST-PCHRD on 17 or 18 March 2026 (final schedule and venue to be confirmed)
• Cash prizes (per category) 
  • • 1st Place: ₱10,000 
    • 2nd Place: ₱5,000 
    • 3rd Place: ₱3,000  
    • Special Awards (per category) 
      • • People’s Choice: ₱1,500
        • DOST-PCHRD Executive Director’s Choice: ₱1,500

For inquiries and clarifications, please coordinate with Ms. Allyn Villahermosa (email: aivillahermosa@pchrd.dost.gov.ph, mobile/Viber: 0977 635 9035).