DOST-funded Researches presented in Health Forum

ILOILO CITY, October 27, 2017- Four researches funded by Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) and managed by Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) through
Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (WHRDC) were presented during the
WVHRDC’s Health Research Utilization Forum to motivate researchers in conducting the same
beneficial to every Filipino.
These researches include: “Modelling Dengue Cases in Iloilo Using Hierarchial Generalized Linear
Models” by Mr. Elfred John C. Abacan from the University of the Philippines Visayas; “Health Seeking
Behavior and Socio Economic Profile of the Select Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Communities in Negros
Occidental: Basis for Policy Review” by Dr. Sheilla M. Trajera from University of St. La Salle;
“Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Snake Plant (Sanseviera trifasciata) Leaf Extract” by Ms. Janice
L. Amarante of Iloilo Doctors’ College and; “Antiangiogenic Properties of Sargassum polycystum”
Extracts in Duck Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM)” by Ms. Analyn Sa-an of St. Paul University Iloilo.
“The use of Hierarchal Generalized Linear Models was indeed useful in tracing dengue cases among
different municipalities. Based on his findings, there was a direct relationship between dengue cases
and climatic factors such that when rainfall increases, there is also an increase in the number of dengue
cases. The same goes with the non-climatic factors like number of schools.” Mr Abacan said in his
presentation as regards his presentation on Modelling Dengue Cases in Iloilo Using Hierarchial
Generalized Linear Models.
On the other hand, Dr. Trajera explained that despite modernization and continuous development of
technology, indigenous people of Negros Occidental carry on with their laid back survival mechanisms.
The IPs also finds healthy lifestyle important and they are hopeful that government and NGO would
provide support for them.
As regards the study entitled Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Snake Plant (Sanseviera trifasciata)
Leaf Extract, Ms. Amarante told that snake plant leaf extract have both antibacterial and antifungal
properties caused by the biochemical components and secondary metabolites present in the extract.
However, it was found that the extract was more effective on fungi than bacteria. The findings can be
utilized by different governing agencies in developing different products that could be used in
pharmaceuticals.
Ms. Sa-an also discussed the research results which showed that high concentrations of S. polycystum
has antiangiogenic property was effective in inhibiting blood vessel growth using CAM assay.
Furthermore, she added that it contained active compounds with anti-cancer potential for the
development of anti-cancer drugs.
The PCHRD manages health research activities in the region through the WVHRDC. The WVHRDC
have member institutions in which Regional Research Fund Grant Services is coursed through. Capacity
building activities were also being held in the region to capacitate researchers not only in NCR but in all
regions in the Philippines.
The said forum was attended by a total number of 81 participants including representatives from PCHRD
last October 27, 2017 at Hotel Del Rio, Iloilo City.