June 8, 2023
Dear Ms. Cuartero,
Thank you for your request dated June 6, 2023, under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch. You are requesting information of the following:
1.) Does/Did DOST conduct any other studies on other available and possible early treatments or preventive measures against Covid-19 please exclude Covid-19 vaccines?
- If yes, provide me with the documents on the details of the studies and the results thereof.
- If none or discontinued, provide me with the documents on the details of the decision not to conduct studies on other available and possible early treatments or preventive measures against Covid-19 together with the results thereof.
The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), a sectoral council under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is mandated to: (1) formulate policies, plans, programs, projects, and strategies for health S&T development; (2) program and allocate government and external funds for research and development (R&D); (3) monitor R&D projects; and (4) generate external funds.
In response to your query, the DOST and PCHRD supported a COVID-19 program entitled "Addressing and Responding to COVID-19 through Health Research" or ARCHER Program. Aside from Vaccine-related Initiatives, this program consists of the following areas:
Repurposing of Existing Drugs, Supplements and Other Formulations and Clinical Trials of Candidates Drugs/ Formulations
Diagnostics and Kit Validation Studies
AI/ICT-Driven Models and Prediction Studies
COVID-19 Behavior Studies
Facility, Laboratory, and Hospital Equipment Enhancement
Regulatory Studies
Other COVID-19-Related (Public) Health Research
Further, a total of seventy-one (71) research studies were funded and monitored under this program.
In addition, project-related documents and information often contain sensitive and confidential data. In order to ensure the proper handling and protection of such materials, we have established a protocol that requires us to carefully evaluate and assess the legitimacy of requests. This step is necessary to safeguard the interests of all parties involved.
Therefore, we kindly request that you provide us with an official letter addressed to our Executive Director, Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, who oversees the release of project-related documents. This letter should clearly state the purpose of your request, the specific information or documents you seek, and how they will be utilized. Upon receiving your formal request, we will thoroughly review it and promptly respond with further instructions or any additional requirements if necessary.
We understand that this may seem like an additional step, but it is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our project management processes and ensuring that confidential information remains protected. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter and look forward to receiving your official letter.
Kindly accomplish the PCHRD FOI Request Feedback Form at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMmMunhzF0c-LOOzzfZn3agWBcBbAAdYTqZAHJ4xcQ-TFyyg/viewform
Should you have any questions regarding your request, kindly contact us using the reply function on the eFOI portal https://www.foi.gov.ph/requests/aglzfmVmb2ktcGhyHwsSB0NvbnRlbnQiElBDSFJELTk2MjQ1ODk4MjkxMww, with ticket number #PCHRD-962458982913 or contact us at:
[email protected].
Thank you,
Respectfully yours,
Alec Benjamin M. Gonzales
DOST-PCHRD FOI Receiving Officer
