The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) brought together health researchers, policymakers, local government leaders, development partners, and health sector stakeholders to explore how research evidence can be translated into better health care implementation during the 9th PhilHealth STUDIES Forum on September 17, 2026, in Pasig City, Metro Manila.

Carrying the theme From Insights to Impact: Elevating PhilHealth Implementation for Fair, Quality Health Care, the forum underscored the critical role of evidence-based research in strengthening health programs, improving service delivery, and supporting responsive and informed decision-making.

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. emphasized the importance of a data-driven approach in advancing meaningful health reforms. Highlighting the partnership between DOST, through PCHRD, and PhilHealth in generating policy research, he called on stakeholders to address key concerns in health care, including communication equity, financial integrity, strategic purchasing, and patient dignity.

“Pinatutunayan nito na kapag nagsanib ang agham at serbisyo publiko, ang progreso ay hindi lamang nananatili sa papel: ito ay nararamdaman. Agham na ramdam, agham na ramdam ng bawat Pilipino,” Sec. Solidum said, underscoring the need to translate research insights into systemic improvements that contribute to national health security.

Echoing this call for evidence to inform action, PhilHealth Acting Senior Manager of Corporate Planning Department Mr. Dennis Formadero highlighted the role of research in advancing the shared goals of the health sector under the Unified National Agenda for Health (UNA) Para sa Kalusugan.

As PhilHealth and the Department of Health move forward with a common purpose through UNA Para sa Kalusugan, Formadero emphasized that evidence can help guide decisions and ensure that reforms respond to the needs of Filipinos. “If UNA Para sa Kalusugan is our banner, then evidence is our compass,” he said, underscoring the importance of using research not only to generate knowledge but also to strengthen implementation and improve health outcomes.

The forum featured three plenary sessions that explored how research findings can inform the implementation and improvement of health programs. Beyond presenting study results, the sessions provided a collaborative space for researchers, implementers, and policymakers to examine the implications of current evidence in real-world health care settings and identify opportunities for action.

In her message, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development and DOST-PCHRD OIC Dr. Leah J. Buendia commended PhilHealth’s continued commitment to evidence-based governance. “Evidence must not end with the study. It must move into action,” Usec. Buendia said.

Reaffirming the shared commitment of both agencies, Usec. Buendia called for sustained collaboration to ensure that health research consistently translates into responsive interventions, informed decision-making, and ultimately, improved health outcomes and universal health care for all Filipinos.