Six seasoned researchers underwent Phase II of the Policy Brief Training which was organized by the Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium’s (WVHRDC) Research Utilization Committee (RUC).

Phase I of the training involved teaching them how to develop a policy brief from their research finding while the most recent Phase II training was held for participants for them to acquire the needed skills to devise policy briefs specifically for presenting to future stakeholders.

The participating researchers – Dr. Xerxes G. Malaga and Marites C. Villagante of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, Prof. Kezzie Lyn B. Hilado, Benedict Mark M. Carmelita, and Mr. Antonio D. Salazar, Jr. of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), and Dr. Naomi Cossette R. Luis of the Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI) – were targeted for these activities due to accomplished research projects under their belt that come with policy implications endorsed by WVHRDC member organizations.

The virtual training took place in an asynchronous session prepared by Resource Person Dr. Alice Joan G. Ferrer, the Executive Director of WVHRDC and its Secretariat. During the duration of the training, the researchers had opportunities to have their Policy Brief drafts reviewed by the resource person, facilitator, and even their fellow participants.

The training’s conclusion was marked with the participants presenting their finalized Policy Briefs and gaining feedback on how to fine-tune their work.

Adding to the closing activity was an award ceremony wherein all six researchers earned a prize, namely the Early Bird Award for Villagante, Best Layout Award for Prof. Hilado, Most Urgent Topic Award for Dr. Luis, Community Health Topic Award for Salazar, Best Policy Brief Title Award for Carmelita, and Best Topic under Pandemic Award for Dr. Malaga. (KJRGagajena/DOST VI-KMU)