EVHRDC Holds First-Ever Stakeholders’ Forum, Turns Over Policy Briefs to Leyte and Samar for Evidence-Informed Health Policymaking

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Marking a significant step in institutionalizing research-driven public health action, the Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC) successfully held its inaugural “Stakeholders’ Forum: Policy Dialogue on Health Issues” on December 9–10, 2025, at Hotel de Fides, Tacloban City.

The landmark activity convened researchers, policymakers, provincial leaders, hospital administrators, municipal health officers, and frontline workers to transform regional health research findings into actionable and locally responsive policy directions for Eastern Visayas.

Day 1: Opening the Dialogue—Aligning Science and Governance

The activity commenced with welcome messages that underscored the forum’s importance in translating scientific evidence into actionable policy. Dr. Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid, Executive Director for Research at Samar State University and Chair of the EVHRDC Research Utilization Committee, emphasized the consortium’s commitment to ensuring that research outputs meaningfully inform local health systems.

This was followed by Mr. Leonido P. Olobia, Chair of the EVHRDC-RMC and DOH-EVCHD Research Program Coordinator, who outlined the objectives and flow of the two-day activity, setting the tone for a collaborative, solution-oriented dialogue.

A key feature of the opening day was a multi-level panel discussion that brought together perspectives from different governance levels, featuring:

• Atty. Carlo P. Loreto, Majority Floor Leader, Province of Leyte
    • Ms. Arlene P. Aquino, MDM, PhDPM, AFP (Ret.), OWLENS 2024 Awardee
    • Dr. Katerina C. Abiertas, Municipal Health Officer, Samar; President, AMHOP VIII
    • Dr. Ronald E. Flores, Provincial Health Officer II
    • Ms. Maria Mila Baltazar, RN, MM, MAN, Chief Nurse, Leyte Provincial Hospital
    • Mr. Leonido P. Olobia, DOH Research Program Coordinator

Their insights illuminated the challenges, opportunities, and governance realities surrounding health policymaking in the region. The discussion was skillfully moderated by Dr. Jonas P. Villas, Chair of EVHRDC-SOMEC and Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, ensuring a cohesive and engaging exchange of ideas.

Day 2: Evidence-to-Policy Workshops Guided by Expert Facilitation

Building on the discussions from Day 1, the second day focused on guiding participants through the meticulous process of translating research findings into concrete policy directions. Once again, Dr. Jonas P. Villas served as the lead facilitator, providing structured guidance that allowed participants to refine and articulate evidence-based policy options with clarity and coherence.

Under his leadership, participants undertook a systematic process of problem analysis, policy framing, evidence prioritization, and formulation of policy recommendations. The workshops drew from studies previously presented during the 2025 Regional Health Research Symposium, covering urgent health concerns such as:

• ICT competency of healthcare workers

• Immunization gaps across communities

• Infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in hospitals

• Emergency response readiness in geographically isolated areas

• Maternal and neonatal outcomes in the region

Through Dr. Villas’ facilitation, these diverse evidence bases were synthesized into actionable policy briefs tailored to the needs of provincial, municipal, and hospital-level decision-makers.

Final Policy Briefs Developed and Endorsed:

• Strengthening ICT Competency of Healthcare Providers in Ormoc City: Building a Digitally-Ready Barangay Health System

• Closing Immunization Gaps in the Province of Leyte

• Aligning Data, Governance, and Multi-Level Coordination for Universal Health Care in Eastern Visayas

• Strengthening Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Compliance in Region VIII Hospitals

• Institutionalizing Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) in Far-Flung Communities of Ormoc City: Evidence-Based Policy Directions for Sustainability

• Reducing Adverse Birth Outcomes in Samar through Maternal Education, ANC, and Social Support

These policy briefs were formally received by representatives from various governance levels:

• Dr. Katerina C. Abiertas (Municipal/MHO Level – Samar)

• Ms. Maria Mila Baltazar (Hospital Level – Leyte Provincial Hospital)

Their acceptance signified their commitment to integrating research-backed recommendations into local planning, program development, and investment prioritization.

Recognizing Collaboration and Commitment

The awarding of certificates to resource persons by Dr. Lucia P. Dauz, Consortium Director, and Committee Chairs,  acknowledged the active participation of experts who contributed to the forum’s success.

In her closing message, Dr. Dauz affirmed that this inaugural policy dialogue marks a pivotal shift in the region’s approach to health governance - where research utilization becomes a standard practice rather than an exception.

A Milestone for Eastern Visayas Health Research

The Stakeholders’ Forum: Policy Dialogue on Health Issues stands as a landmark achievement for EVHRDC, demonstrating how collaborative, evidence-based policymaking can shape the future of public health in Eastern Visayas.

By successfully developing and turning over policy briefs grounded in local evidence, EVHRDC has strengthened the bridge between scientific research and governance—ensuring that policies and programs are responsive, strategic, and people-centered.

The forum sets the stage for sustained partnerships and continuous policy innovation, paving the way for a healthier and more resilient Eastern Visayas.

Supporting the successful implementation of the activity were the members of the secretariat:

• Ms. Doris S. Cadion, PTA III

• Mr. Vincent Bato

• Ms. Jass Dilao
  whose coordination ensured the smooth flow of the two-day program.