In line with the growing number of transgenders in the country who are currently taking self-prescribed hormone replacement therapy,  the Department of Science and Technology through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) has approved a grant for the study entitled “Clinical and Metabolic Profile of Male-to-Female Transgender in Zamboanga City”.

Dr. Alex Y. Pang, Jr., researcher and medical resident of Zamboanga City Medical Center, said that the study aims to increase awareness not only among male to female transsexuals, but also among health practitioners on the effects of taking self-prescribed cross-sex hormone therapy.   The treatment of such individuals to acquire the physical appearance of other sex is through hormonal treatment or surgical manipulation.   The study will also determine the characteristics of transgender currently or previously on cross-sex hormonal treatment.

Aside from gaining a better knowledge and understanding on the results or consequences of taking self-prescribed hormonal replacement therapy, the research findings will also help the Department of Health (DOH) in conducting thorough investigation and research on related issues which will contribute to policy formulation to regulate the use of the same.

The research will receive funding assistance amounting to Two Hundred Thirty Two Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Three pesos (PhP232,223.00) from the DOST-PCHRD,  through the Zamboanga Consortium for Health Research and Development (ZCHRD).  The study is expected to start this March and shall be completed within in six months.

PCHRD is one of the three sectoral councils of the DOST. It is a forward-looking, partnership-based national body responsible for coordinating and monitoring health research activities in the country.   

ZCHRD was organized to optimize the use of research in alleviating health and nutrition problems of the people in the region.  The consortium is chaired by Dr. Teresita Montaño of Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU).    DOST-PCHRD provides financial and technical support to the consortium.  DOST-IX serves as the secretariat of the consortium. (DOST IX PRESS RELEASE)