Pfizer backs young Western Visayas researchers

MANILA, Philippines – Pfizer believes that research and development (R&D) contributes in a big way to unraveling breakthrough developments in the pharmaceutical industry. And this is the reason why it continues its investment in health research.

For several years now, Pfizer has been implementing a research program entitled “Providing an Enabling Environment for Research (PEER),” which promotes the value of health research in the country.

PEER supports local studies that are responsive to the needs of the times and is given to deserving health practitioners, researchers and faculty members nationwide. 

To extend the research grants to the Filipino youth and to develop their interest in R&D, Pfizer launched in 2005 a Youth Science Research Program that aims to produce highly competent students in the field of science and research by providing research grants to the Philippine Science High School-Western Visayas Campus (PSHSWVC). 

“Hopefully, the researches could serve as models for further studies by scientific societies and government agencies in 2010 and even beyond,” said PSHSWVC director Dr. Josette Biyo, who believes that the Pfizer program has a strong influence in developing the potential of the youth in scientific research.

Milette Belen, corporate social responsibility manager of Pfizer Philippines, shared that the mission of Pfizer in supporting research programs is for the youth to develop their passion for R&D. 

“We want everyone to understand the value of R&D and innovation and nurture their interest in the field of health research. Pfizer is committed to intensify interest among the Filipino youth to pursue R&D and create innovations,” Belen said.

The school’s research unit coordinator Edward Albaracin attested that the program continuously attracts students to explore the world of R&D. 

“R&D is quite a tedious job and that is the reason why it was a challenge to encourage students to this field of study. Being an institution whose foundation of learning is on science, our mission is to prepare students in science and technology to become researchers. With the Pfizer grant, the subject of R&D has been given its due prestige which enabled our research program to be effective in what it does to help the students learn the process,” said Albaracin.

For this year, Pfizer granted PSHSWVC another round of research grants.

The Pfizer contribution was handed to the school administration during the institution’s 18th foundation anniversary held recently at the PSHSWVC gymnasium.

Past and present grantees gave testimonies on the many benefits of being part of the Pfizer program.

“It is an honor for a high school student like me to be given the opportunity by Pfizer to embark on a research,” said Melchor Altillero, who is among the first batch of research grantees. 

“With the grant, I developed my potentials and equipped myself with skills to achieve my research objectives,” he added.

Matthew Arroz, a past research grantee who is now studying at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, said, “The grant definitely captured my interest in research. It even improved my personal work habits. But more importantly, I realized that there is much more to learn about the world and progress would not be possible without research and development. The outcome of R&D should not just adorn bookshelves, but it must make people aware that it can stimulate progress for a country.”