The UIC Pharmacy program, in its mission to engage in researches focusing on green chemistry and natural product formulation compels its graduates to undertake quality and relevant studies.
Last March 2013, the DOST-PCHRD Gruppo Medica, enjoined UIC faculty, staff and students to participate in the nomination/search for the 2013 DOST-PCHRD Best Mentor in Health Research Award and the 2013 DOST-PCHRD – Gruppo Medica Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis in Herbal Medicine. The Award highlights research that can lead to practical and/or commercial applications that provides the motivation for students, with the technical guidance of their faculty advisers, to view undergraduate thesis not merely as an academic exercise, but as an excellent opportunity to contribute to national interest.
The Award was open to all undergraduate students of Colleges of Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nursing, and Arts and Sciences who have completed thesis projects on medicinal plants within the current school year. Nominations must be made by the students’ faculty adviser and should be endorsed to DOST-PCHRD by the College Dean and the region-based health research and development consortium (Region XI RHRDC). Each school/college was allowed to endorse a maximum of three projects.
A total of 35 research activities were submitted to DOST-PCHRD Gruppo Medica nationwide. Pre-screening and evaluation were made by the regional consortium (Region XI – RHRDC), and final endorsement to DOST – PCHRD. Selection of 13 Semi-finalist by Gruppo Medica Inc. (GMI) was done last June 2013. Last July 10, 2013 five research entry finalist were called for an Oral Presentation to the Screening committee and final deliberation/evaluation of finalists at the Hyatt Hotel, Manila. The Top three (3) winning entries finally received their award at Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center at Paoay City, Ilocos Norte.
Screening Committee members included the Regional Health Research and Development Consortium – for prescreening; UP Institute of Chemistry; UST Research Center for the Natural Sciences; DLSHSI Center for Biopharmaceutical Research; Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Gruppo Medica Inc. (GMI) and DOST – PCHRD.
The UIC Research entitled, “Antibaterial, Toxicological and Mutagenic Evaluations of the Formulated Ointment of Knobweed (Hyptis capitata jacq. Lamiaceae Leaf Extract against Methicilin – Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)” won second place as DOST – PCHRD – Gruppon Medica Awards for Outstanding Undergraduate thesis on Herbal Medicine.
The UIC students namely: Rose Ann Mencenido, Ivana Lee Miranda, and Darlene Quiñon, together with their adviser Judee Nefulda Nogodula, MSc received a Plaque of Recognition and a cash award from the DOST – PCHRD – Gruppo Medica Awards Inc.
The UIC Pharmacy program has focused astounding interest to prepare for the next quest.
Written by: Dr. Ma. Eva C. San Juan