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Medicine Made Specifically for Filipinos? DOST and PCHRD are on it

(Image: DOST PCHRD)

• Studies have shown that the effectiveness of treatment and therapy may vary based on genetic differences.
• DOST and PCHRD are investing in omic technology, which will allow local scientists to conduct medical research tailored for Filipinos.
• Omic technology will benefit not just the medical field, but other sectors as well.

Despite what we may have been conditioned to think, medical research isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition.

Research has shown that the effectiveness of medicine and therapy may vary depending on patients’ race, diet, and environment, among other factors. Medicine made for Americans or Europeans, for example, are unlikely to be as effective if they’re used by Filipinos.

To solve this, medicine and therapy options must be tailored to suit the traits and needs of people living in a particular country. However, this requires a combination of enough data and the right facilities.

DOST’s ‘Omics’ program ushers personalized medicine for Filipinos

Panelists at the “Talakayang HeaRT BEAT” technology media conference (L-R) Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, Sec. Fortunato T. de la Peña, Dr. Cynthia P. Saloma, and Dr. Rody G. Sy. (Photo by Henry A. de Leon, DOST-STII)

The right medicine with the right dose to the right Filipino. This, in essence, is how Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña described the ultimate goal of the government’s “Omics” program.

DOST presented the “Omics” program dubbed “Omic Technologies for Health: ‘Lunas na Sakto sa Pilipino’” during the “Talakayang HeaRT BEAT held on 27 February 2019 at the La Breza Hotel in Quezon City.

PRRD signs Universal Healthcare Care law

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the ceremonial signing of the Revised Corporation Code and the Universal Health Care Act, presentation of the Social Security Act of 2018, Philippines Sports Training Center Act, An Act Providing for the Reapportionment of the Province of Southern Leyte into Two Legislative Districts, and The New Central Bank Act as well as the presentation of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) dividends at the Malacañan Palace on February 20, 2019. ROLANDO MAILO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday signed the Universal Health Care Act into law which will automatically enroll all Filipinos under the government’s health insurance program.

Duterte signed the landmark legislation in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, saying the new law will surely make a positive impact in the lives of the people.

Research finds solutions to wastewater clean-up

(DOST / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a bid to address the pressing issue on treating the wastewater of the country’s renowned surf spot in Siargao, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) supported a research project to develop a wastewater clean-up technology.

General Luna, Siargao, which is the home to the famous “Cloud 9” wave, has been facing a pressing issue on treating their wastewater as this has an effect on ensuring the sustainability of province’s tourism.