At the break of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of the Philippines – Manila Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO) remains true to its mandate to bring forward service tantamount to the value of life.
With its continuous pursuit to uncover new solutions through research and technology transfer efforts, the country is destined to rise up as a stronger nation from this health calamity. This is also apparent with the new intellectual properties protected from the university’s rich technology portfolio, as well as the initiatives being forwarded for the betterment of the country.
As a matter of fact, last December 4, 2020, UPM TTBDO spearheaded the first ever online forum on health research translation, SalinLohiya. with the theme, “Pagsasalin at Bahaginan ng Saliksik Para sa Pangkalahatang Pangkalusugan.” Its aim is to showcase the classic Filipino spirit of bayanihan through an online forum about translation of research outputs, elucidated by different experts from their respective fields.
UPM TTBDO’s Director, Dir. Lourdes Marie Tejero opened the webinar by concretizing the importance of technology transfer especially during the era of New Normal. UP Manila’s Chancellor, Carmencitta Padilla then encouraged the participants with the support and initiatives the university is giving to forward the research agenda of the university for the welfare of a healthier Philippines.
The invited resource speakers showcased and shared the experiences to further inspire the participants on why technology transfer especially on health research is relevant. Director General Rowel S. Barba of intellectual Property Office of the Philippines talked about Intellectual Property Basics; Ms. Lariza Francia of Johnson and Johnson presented the current health industry landscape of Asia; The Director for Center for Drugs and Regulation Research of Food and Drug Administration, Ms. Jesusa Joyce Cirunay elaborated the relevance and importance of regulatory bodies in the country. The first part of the plenary was culminated by Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara the Undersecretary for Research and Development of Department of Science and Technology, where she talked about the current projects of the government to support technology transfer and health research translation.
Moreover, Salinlohiya presented a fresh spin on this webinar through the Researcher to Inventor Journey where the inventors themselves shared their personal and heartwarming experiences to inspire new breeds of researchers in becoming inventors. The Executive Director of National Institutes of Health of UP PGH, Dr. Eva Cutiongco dela-Paz facilitated the discussion where Dr. Raul Destura, Dr. Rafael Bundoc, Dr. Nelia Cortes-Maramba shared their fair share of challenges and eureka moments that lead their respective researches to innovations that shake the current health sector of the country.
Now, more than ever, the UP Manila TTBDO is determined to fulfill its mandate to bring innovations made by Filipinos, for the benefit of the Filipinos. (VSUbina)