Mr. Norman Jake Mabalot, a researcher based in Zamboanga City had recently received a grant worth ₱345,257.75 to advance studies on the use of Blumea balsamifera (Sambong) leaf extracts for the prevention and treatment of calcium oxalate formations (kidney stones).
The grant will be used to acquire the necessary provisions and supplies for the conduct of various tests on calcium oxalate stones using Sambong, potassium citrate, and a combination of both.
The local researcher is a graduate of Master of Science in Pharmacy from the University of San Carlos in 2018 and a product of Universidad de Zamboanga with a degree in Pharmacy.
Mabalot is among the pool of 24 budding researchers from different member institution of the Zamboanga Consortium for Health Research and Development (ZCHRD) who participated in the Basic Research Method training conducted by the Department of Science and Technology IX last 22-24 May 2019.
Funded through Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) through the ZCHRD – Regional Research Fund (ZCHRD-RRF), the study is expected to yield developments within the course of 6 months.
The DOST through its various arms provides funding for studies in designing, implementing, and managing health research projects.
Regular staff and faculty members of research institutes, medical and allied health sciences, hospitals, and other health-related agencies may submit research proposals to the ZCHRD secretariat at DOST S&T Information Center, 2nd Floor MCC Building, San Jose Road, Zamboanga City.
For more information on ZCHRD - RRF, please call (062) 955-3654 or text 0995 1548 865 and look for Marielle Atilano, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DOSTRegion9 (Marielle Atilano, DOST IX Press Release)
