The study entitled, “Kalinga Para Kay Lolo at Lola: The Need for an Accessible Primary Healthcare for the Elderly,” by Dr. Marjorie Nolasco of the Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, Nueva Ecija won first place at the 3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers Competition on 11 August 2022 at the Clark Marriott Hotel.

Organized by the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and part of the 15th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week celebration, the competition was designed to cultivate the presentation and research communication skills of Filipino researchers.Ultimately, it aims to encourage utilization of research results into policies and actions. 

“The most important benefit of health research lies in its utilization, translated into strategies, technologies, policies and interventions that will make lives better for the Filipinos,” said PNHRS Research Utilization Committee (RUC) Chair Dr. Marie Carmela Lapitan, emphasizing research as a tool that influences health programs and systems. 

This year’s winning pitch pushed for improved accessibility of primary healthcare for the elderly at the barangay level. According to local data from emergency room (ER) consultations, the majority of health concerns of elderly patients can be treated through outpatient care. Recognizing that private outpatient care may be inaccessible to some, Dr. Nolasco’s study recommends local government units (LGUs) to establish elderly clinics in all barangay centers and the implementation of healthcare information campaigns among the elderly to increase their level of healthcare literacy. At the national level, the study suggests the implementation of a nationwide health program, through the Department of Health (DOH), dedicated to addressing geriatric health needs. It also calls for the involvement of medical societies to capacitate primary healthcare providers in caring for Filipino elderly.

Bagging second place was Region 2 represented by Prof, Jennifer Luyun; while Region 12 represented by Dr. Benneth Mercado won third place. For special awards, Region 6 represented by Mr. John Michael Gabriel Zaragoza won the People’s Choice Award.

In her closing message, DOST-PCHRD Research Information, Communication, and Utilization Division (RICUD) Chief Ullyann Garcia highlighted how the activity impacts healthcare. “Researchers can reframe the way health policy issues are seen, and collaboration with policy-makers initially can enhance implementation later,” she said.