TAGUIG CITY — Building a stronger health research workforce is essential to addressing the Philippines’ evolving healthcare challenges. Recognizing this, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), is accelerating its investment in local researchers and institutions through the Health Research Capacity Building (HRCB) Grant Program.

The initiative reinforces the country’s capacity to generate innovative, evidence-based solutions for better health outcomes by focusing on technical expertise, specialized skills, research leadership, mentorship, and institutional strengthening aligned with national health priorities.

“Through the HRCB Grant Program, DOST through DOST-PCHRD continue to support initiatives that build competencies, expand research opportunities, and enhance institutional capacities toward a more responsive health R&D community,” said DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr.

DOST-PCHRD recently conducted inception meetings with its newest grantees to align project implementation plans, objectives, and expected outputs. 

On 10 June 2026, the DOST-PCHRD staff met with the project proponents of the E-F&N: Expanding Food & Nutrition Skills through Digital Learning and Micro-credential Tracks project, which aims to expand access to quality food and nutrition learning opportunities through an enhanced iTrain digital learning platform and a DOST-FNRI-led certification system. Through digital training modules, expert-guided learning materials, and competency-based learning tracks, the project will help food and nutrition professionals, and learners develop skills in nutritional assessment and the use of DOST-FNRI-developed nutrition tools, supporting the development of a skilled workforce that can contribute to evidence-based food and nutrition practices nationwide.

On 17 June 2026, the DOST-PCHRD staff met with the project proponents of the Healthy Pisay: An HLI Initiative for the PSHS System project, which aims to establish all 16 PSHS campuses as accredited Healthy Learning Institutions (HLI) by integrating health-promoting practices into the school environment. Through the development of PSHS-specific HLI standards, an assessment tool, and a monitoring and evaluation system, the project will support the creation of healthier learning spaces that promote student well-being. In partnership with the Department of Health – Health Promotion Bureau (DOH-HPB) and DOST-FNRI, the project also seeks to develop a model that may guide other educational institutions in creating healthier learning environments. 

Lastly is the Building Research And Interest in Neuroscience in the Philippines (BRAIN-PH) project of the University of the Philippines Manila – National Institutes of Health (UP Manila-NIH), which has been under implementation since September 2025, with its activities conducted under the promotional name of “NeuroLakbay.” Currently led by Dr. Rohani Cena-Navarro, the BRAIN-PH project aims to promote neuroscience literacy and research in the Philippines and increase the country’s pool of health researchers specializing in neuroscience. 

Embodying the DOST’s core mantra, the HRCB Grant Program remains dedicated to cultivating institutions and creating opportunities for future health professionals across diverse scientific disciplines.

“Through the HRCB Grant Program, we affirm our utmost support and investment in researchers, learners, and partner institutions that can contribute to the advancement of health R&D in the Philippines,” Secretary Solidum concluded.

Interested health researchers and institutions looking to secure funding under the HRCB Grant Program are encouraged to monitor upcoming DOST Call for Proposals (CFP) announcements. For updates, visit the official communication channels and websites of the DOST and DOST-PCHRD.