On its 44th anniversary, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a future-ready healthcare system through research and innovation. Gathering more than 300 researchers, partner stakeholders, and key experts from the health research community, the event was held on 18 March 2026 in Acacia Hotel Manila, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila.

With the theme Shaping the Four Futures of Health, the celebration highlighted the country’s progress toward a “4P” healthcare approach: personalized, preventive, predictive, and participatory, while emphasizing the need to accelerate efforts in precision medicine.

A key message during the event was the urgency of establishing a national precision medicine strategy. Global health expert Astrid Dita of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change stressed that a clear roadmap, supported by a central coordinating body, will be critical in enabling the Philippines to keep pace with global health innovations. “The Philippines is better positioned than most people realize, and the window to act is open right now,” Dita said.

DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya reflected on the Council’s 44 years of service, underscoring its role in strengthening the country’s health research system. “For 44 years, we have dedicated ourselves to improving the health and well-being of every Filipino through research and innovation,” he said, noting that the shift to 4P healthcare signals a move toward more proactive, data-driven, and patient-centered care.

Emphasizing the importance of translating research into real-world impact, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. commended DOST-PCHRD for consistently advancing health research and innovation, turning science into meaningful solutions that benefit every Filipino. He emphasized, “Agham na ramdam, hindi lamang dapat nararamdaman, kundi nararanasan at naipapamalas sa tunay na buhay.”

Adding to the milestone, the Council launched the coffee table book, “The HERDIN Story: The Country’s First and Largest Health Research Repository,” which chronicles the development of the country’s primary health research database and its role in promoting open access to Filipino research.

The anniversary also highlighted the growing accessibility of advanced technologies such as genomic testing and AI-driven diagnostics, as well as the need to strengthen local capacity in bioinformatics, workforce development, and diagnostics production. In the afternoon session, parallel activities highlighted key aspects of 4P healthcare, including fireside chats on personalized, participatory, preventive, and predictive approaches. The sessions also featured the PAMJE educational forum and the PCHRD Scholars’ Society annual convention, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, research excellence, and innovation in strengthening the country’s health research ecosystem.