The Health Research Consortium in Zamboanga Peninsula conducted a Research Agenda Setting Workshop for 2012 to 2014.

The consortium chair's domicile sponsored the said event at their LRC conference room at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University. The first day commenced with the usual Opening Ceremonies. Fr. Anotnio F. Moreno, President of the Ateneo welcoming the participants coming from the Academe, NGO's, and the Regional Offices of the Department of Health and the Commission on Higher Education.

The workshop aimed at the 1) Formulation of the ZCHRD Research Priority Agenda based on the DOST-PCHRD NUHRA, DOH R&D framework, and the CHED's National Higher Education Research Agenda-2 for 2009-2018; 2) Equip and provide ZCHRD member institutions an avenue to plan, implement programs, and activities that are sustainable to strengthen Regional R & D networks; and the 3) Harmonization of various R&D activities among ZCHRD members and partners.

The first day (June 18) commenced with the usual Opening Ceremonies. The presentation of the Health Research status in Zamboanga Peninsula by Dr. Agnes Mabolo and the DOST-PCHRD’s NUHRA by Ms. Annie Catameo gave the participants points to ponder on during the consultation facilitated by Dr. Grace Rebollos right after. The afternoon session was used for brainstorming and clustering of information culled-out from the consultation made in the morning. The participants were grouped into five. Each group selected a team leader, secretary, and rapporteur for each small group. They were then asked to brainstorm to identify and then write on Meta cards priority R&D concerns/topics/ areas based on inputs from the presentations made. The participants were then requested to categorize and synthesize them and later on report to the whole group on the most common issue and those, which are different. The workshop, on the second day, resulted in the development of the Regional Unified Health Research Agenda for 2012-2014 as follows:

1. 1. Health spending patterns
   2. Evaluation of existing health programs
   3. Governance
   4. Mental health
   5. Environmental
   6. Quality health care
   7. Evaluation of health facilities
   8. Research culture
   9. Health research management
   10. Food security
   11. Non communicable diseases
   12. Infectious diseases
   13. ICT

The basis for determining the said unified research agenda were based on 4 criterion:

1. 1. It affects mortality and morbidity
   2. Unmet needs
   3. Emerging diseases
   4. Availability of resources (expertise and facilities)

The result of this Agenda setting will be published in a brochure along with the proposal writing guide, templates, and other materials in writing research proposals.

For more information on the activities of the consortium, interested researchers may reach us through Mr. Ricardo J. Apolinario III at Zamboanga Consortium for Health Research and Development, DOST IX Compound, Capt. F. Marcos St. cor. Gen Alvarez St., Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City 7000 with telephone numbers Tel No. (062) 991-1024 || TeleFax (062) 992-1114 Website: region9.healthresearch.ph or E-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. || This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.