INKING A PACT. The University of Bohol University Research Center (UB-URC) signs a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Science and Technology for UB to conduct a research project related to dengue. The study seeks to evaluate the implementation of the National Dengue Prevention and Control Program in the Province of Bohol. The event, held on Feb. 7, 2023, was witnessed by key persons shown in the photo. Seated from left are Valentino Gamutin, the representative of Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap; Dr. Novariza Evangelista, the representative of Trinidad mayor Roberto Cajes; Ellen Grace Gerolaga, the head of the secretariat of the Central Visayas Consortium for Health Resarch and Development; Tristan Abando, Department of Science and Technology Assistant Regional Director; Atty. Marlumina B. Teh, UB’s Vice President for Academics; Trustee Lumin Pamaran; Ria Eva Sevilla, Vice President for Administration; and Trustee Vittorio Gallito. Standing from left are: Leonedas Saniel of the Provincial Health Office; Davilyn A. Boloron, the Department of Health representative; Dr. Lloyd Lyle Ravidas, representing the town of Dauis; Dr. Gloria T. Casabal, chair of the UB-Research Ethics Committee; Jerome Gonzales ,Provincial Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government; Dr. Ammon Denis Tirol, Project Team Member; Dr. Leah Wilfreda Pilongo, Project Team Member. Contributed photo

The University of Bohol through the University Research Center (URC), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office 7 entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the conduct of a Dengue research project here.

In a formal ceremony held at the UB Information Resource Center (IRC) on February 7, 2023, the parties to the agreement officially launched the implementation of the research project which is about the evaluation of the implementation of the National Dengue Prevention and Control Program in the Province of Bohol.

During the program, Engr. Tristan Abando, Coordinator, Central Visayas Consortium for Health Research & Development (CVCHRD), who represented DOST Regional Director Engr. Jesus Zamora, Jr., discussed the current DOST health research & development agents with the stakeholders in attendance during the event.

Moreover, Abando stressed the importance of an accurate and reliable baseline information to ensure the successful implementation of any government project.

In response, UB President Dr. Victoriano Tirol III, in his written message, which was read by UB Vice President for Academic Affairs, Atty. Marlumina Teh, expressed elation for the agreement entered into by and between the DOST and the university.

According to Pres. Tirol, such engagement is UB’s contribution to help improve the government’s health services. Tirol likewise thanked the researchers, health practitioners, and local government unit executives for participating in the project. The project will be evaluating the National Dengue Prevention and Control Program implementation in. the City of Tagbilaran, and the municipalities of Dauis, Talibon, Ubay, Trinidad, and Guindulman.

The project is aimed to evaluate the extent of the implementation of the National Dengue Prevention and Control Program here in the province, and to come up with recommendations based on the research findings.

Under the agreement, UB is authorized to publish in print and online publications or other multidisciplinary journals and other peer-reviewed journals for dissemination.

Present during the launching ceremony were Abando, CVCHRD Coordinator; Ella Grace Gerolaga- DOST Assistant Research Specialist; Riza Arayan- CVCHRD Secretariat head; Leonedas Saniel, Provincial Health Office (PHO) Representative; Jerome Gonzales, Provincial Director, Department of the Interior and Local Government; Davilyn Boloron, Department of Health-Bohol Representative; Dr. Jeia Pondoc, City Health Officer; Dr. Novariza Evangelista, Rural Health Officer of Trinidad; Valentino Gamutin from the Tagbilaran City Mayor’s Office; Atty. The; Ria Eva Sevilla, UB Vice President for Administration; and UB Trustees Lumin Pamaran and Vittorio Gallito.

Also present in the event were the members of the UB Research Team composed of Dr. Gloria Casabal, Dr. Leah Wilfreda Pilongo, and Dr. Ammon Denis Tirol.