Bicol University College of Nursing (BUCN) Professor Dr. Mary Joy B. Sande represented the Bicol region and won 2nd place during the virtual 3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers Competition held by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) on March 17, 2021.

Founded on March 17, 1982, the competition was in line with the 39th PCHRD anniversary dubbed, Strategic R&D Partnership for Global Health. It focused on the presentation of successfully completed health research studies with aims of exercising and cultivating researchers’ presentation, and research communication skills as a way of sharing evidence to stakeholders and policymakers.

The panel of judges consists of University of the Philippines (UP) Manila – National Institutes of Health Executive Director Dr. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-Dela Paz; National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Chief of Economic Development Specialist, Social Development Staff – Health, Nutrition, and Population Division Ms. Arlene S. Ruiz; Department of Health (DOH) – Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau OIC-Director Dir. Frances Rose Elgo-Mamaril; and Philippine Heart Center Management Information Systems Division Chief Dr. Pedro P. San Diego, Jr.

Competed against 11 other policy pitches represented by each region, Prof. Sande presented her policy pitch entitled “Antenatal Care: Every Pregnant Mother’s Right for Quality Care,” based on her research on the Utilization and Implementation of Antenatal Care Services in Iriga City and Tabaco City.

Receiving the most number of votes from the participants, People Choice Award was given to Dr. Bella P. Magnaye for her pitch, “No Plastic, No Risk” of Region IV-A with a cash prize of P5000. Meanwhile, landing 3rd place awarded with P10,000 was Mr. Noriel P. Calaguas for his pitch, “9 Ways to Improve Gay and Bi Men’s HIV Testing Rates” of Region III and 1st place awarded with P30,000 was Dr. Gina S. Itchon for her pitch, “The Web-Grid Project: Helping LGUs Make Better and Faster Decision during Emergence” of Region X. Prof. Sande was awarded with P20,000 for her 2nd place winning pitch.

After the announcement and awarding of the winners, PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya delivered the closing remarks.

The program was facilitated by a Research Fellow from the United Nations University, Dr. Harvy Joy Liwanag.