The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) awarded two outstanding health research mentors on 18 March 2026 at the Acacia Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Dr. Donald G. Manlapaz, Chairman of the Physical Therapy Department under the College of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Santo Tomas, was named the National Winner in the Junior/Early Career Researchers Category. Prior to his national recognition, he was selected as the National Capital Region (NCR) Cluster Winner. Dr. Manlapaz’s mentoring work spans from clinical research in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, qualitative studies on patient experiences with osteoarthritis, rehabilitation technology and education, and implementation research in telehealth. He has also led capstone projects focused on community-based health promotion.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jezyl C. Cutamora, Professor VI of Cebu Normal University – College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, was named National Winner in the Graduate Students Category. She was earlier recognized as the Visayas Cluster Winner before advancing to the national level of the selection process. Dr. Cutamora has guided graduate students and colleagues in adolescent health, HIV-related research, evaluation designs, big data analytics, aging and gerontology, mental health, maternal care, public health interventions, and mixed methods research.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. explained, “The award highlights the vital role of mentors in strengthening the country’s health research and development efforts. Through sustained guidance and support, these mentors help nurture the skills of their students and future researchers, enabling them to pursue studies with greater clarity and confidence.”

The Best Mentor in Health Research is awarded to individuals who guide researchers in line with the goals of the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS), particularly aligning research efforts with the national priorities outlined in the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA).