On February 12, the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) held the first Talakayang HeaRT Beat (Health Research and Technology) at the AIM Conference Center, Makati City.

Talakayang HeaRT Beat serves as a venue to promote the Council’s initiatives, programs, advocacy, and partnerships with the media and key stakeholders.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Pena, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Rowena Cristina Guevara, DOST Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) Director Richard P. Burgos, Orthopedic International Inc. President Engr. Jude Sasing, and Ospital ng Muntinlupa Medical Director Atty. Edwin Dimatactac graced the event.

In his message, Sec. de la Pena recognized the importance of the media in raising the awareness of the public and elevating their understanding of science and technology. He also emphasized the role of social media as a powerful tool in mobilizing the masses to invest heavily in science and technology.

“We use various social media platforms on a daily basis, both professionally and personally, and we can leverage these platforms to talk more about S&T,” Sec. de la Pena said.

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation on Axis Knee System which is a breakthrough technology funded by the Council. The Axis Knee System is a total knee replacement system developed for Asian and Filipino body structure to ensure correct knee alignment.

DOST-STII Director Richard P. Burgos also delivered a presentation on their latest initiative to disseminate research results called Siyensikat. The initiative is a new television program that will feature DOST programs and technologies which benefits every Filipino. The program will feature several PCHRD-funded technologies such as the Axis Knee System, Biotek-M Dengue Aqua Kit, e-HATID, and forensic.