The Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) through their Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products provides financial support to undergraduate students conducting research on natural products specifically focused on plants and microorganisms. This annual program aims to cultivate a strong research culture in the field, increasing the volume of studies and developing a pool of experts specializing in natural products research as well as provide support for young researchers who wish to delve deeper into the field of health research.
In 2024, the Council funded 32 undergraduate thesis projects in the country, among which two (2) were from Region VI, each coming from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and the University of San Agustin (USA).
One of the grantees is Carlos Anthony Henry E. Cortes, a fourth-year BS Biology student from UPV, along with his research adviser, Dr. Mark S. Calabon. Their study, “Taxonomy, Phylogeny, and Biological Activities of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Seagrass Species in Nogas Island, Antique, Philippines,” seeks to classify and analyze the biological activities of endophytic fungi found in seagrass species from Nogas Island. The data from this study could serve as a foundation for discovering and developing new pharmaceutical agents, particularly antibiotics and antimicrobials. Mr. Cortes emphasized the limited research on seagrass fungal endophytes in the Philippines, despite the country’s extensive seagrass meadows which further inspired him to pursue the project.
Another funded project, from the University of San Agustin by a BS Chemistry student Royze Ann G. Evangelista, with guidance from Dr. Relicardo M. Coloso entitled “Purification and Characterization of the Protease Inhibitor of the Brackish Water Filamentous Green Algae Chaetomorpha brachygona,” aims to purify and characterize the molecular properties of a protease inhibitor found in the algae. This study is believed to hold significant potential for advancing biomedical research and developing new treatments for diseases. Expected outcomes include a published scientific journal article, a purified protease inhibitor, and the training of a student in laboratory techniques, safety, and analytical methodologies.
To monitor the progress of these research projects, the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology VI and the Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium, conducted institutional visits and progress reporting meetings on February 10, 2025. The purpose of this visit is to evaluate the progress of the research projects, ensuring they align with the objectives and guidelines of the grant and provide an opportunity to offer guidance and address any challenges the grantees may encounter to ensure the successful execution and timely completion of the projects. The visit also aimed to further promote the Undergraduate Thesis Grants to the institutions to guarantee more proposals for submission in this year’s call as the PCHRD hopes to receive more proposals and extend its funding opportunities to more undergraduate researchers who are interested in pursuing health research in the field of Natural Products.
In addition, DOST VI – WVHRDC visited Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B) on February 12, 2025, where a research team from the said institution is also a grantee of the Undergraduate Thesis Grant. The team is composed of Ivan Joshua Carmona, Lucky John Java, Audrei Magallanes, Anthony Villanueva, and Claire E. Occeña, under the supervision of Ms. Rheene Rose D. Bajon. Their study, “Inhibitory Activity Against Cholesterol Esterase and Antioxidant Properties of Cinnamomum mercadoi Bark Hydroalcoholic Extract,” explores the potential of cinnamon extract in managing cholesterol levels. If proven effective, the study could lead to the development of natural treatments for hyperlipidemia, offering an alternative to synthetic cholesterol-lowering drugs with potentially fewer side effects. Additionally, their research could provide valuable insights into the phytochemical properties and mechanisms of action of Cinnamomum mercadoi, benefiting both public health and local farmers in Negros Occidental, where the species is commonly found.
The Council and Consortium also took the opportunity to promote more funding opportunities not only for undergraduate researchers, but also for the faculty, and academic institutions. By regularly disseminating Calls for Proposals for various research programs, DOST, PCHRD, and WVHRDC aim to encourage more schools to engage in health research and in other fields aligned to the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) for 2023-2028. These efforts help support innovative ideas, promote collaboration, and strengthen the research culture in the academic and healthcare communities within the region and across the country. (KFADuspar/RDIMS)