From Shelves to Tables: Sharing Research Translated to Policies for Sustainable Tourism and Primary Health Care
To promote inclusive and research-driven regional development, the Department of Science and Technology–National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) brought its policy research to Cagayan Valley on April 21–23, 2025. Through the “May Magandang Bukas Mula sa Pagtuklas” (MMBMP) and policy roundtable discussion (RTD), the Council featured two (2) policy research initiatives on sustainable community-based tourism and access to primary health care. These activities, conducted under the Council’s Research Information, Translation and Communication (RITAC) Program, aim to make research findings accessible and relevant to various stakeholders.
Empowering Communities through Sustainable Eco-Tourism
MMBMP staged the research project, “Sustainable Community-Based Tourism Potential and Development of Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela in the New/Next Normal” at the Cagayan State University (CSU) – Claude Andrews Campus on April 22. This interactive, talk show-style segment allows researchers to share findings and policy implications in a conversational setting with students, faculty, and government stakeholders in Region II.
Mr. Jame Monren T. Mercado, Project Leader and Member of the NRCP Social Sciences Division, discussed how sustainable community tourism can uplift local economies and preserve cultural heritage. He emphasized three (3) key elements for a sustainable tourism zone: environmental significance, cultural and historical value, and community participation. Mercado presented the current tourism landscape in Echague, Isabela, highlighting local delicacies such as dinengdeng and agurong; cultural attractions like Dipanyong Cave and Madadamian Falls; and recreational activities including swimming, trekking, and picnicking
Following a comprehensive assessment, the project team developed a strategic framework that led to the formulation of the Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela Sustainable Tourism and Strategic Development Plan 2023–2033 – an approach that can also be adopted by other municipalities and regions. This plan outlines regulations and recommendations for transportation, accommodation, food services, local crafts, festivals, and community-based eco-tourism activities. Ordinances in the plan aim to protect and preserve the environment and culture of Isabela communities at the same time, supporting their socio-economic activities.
Local government and agency partners echoed these outcomes. Mr. Louie Simbi, Municipal Cultural and Tourism Officer of Isabela, pointed out the link between community involvement, stakeholder support, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability. Ms. Cheeza Leia Cacacho Tagarino of DTI Region II affirmed the agency’s support through promotion and patronage of local products to enhance eco-tourism.
“Eco-tourism not only benefits the community, tourists, and the environment, but also helps protect and preserve our resources for the next generation. Thus, research and the creation of policies are crucial for the realization of sustainability,” Mercado emphasized.
Inspiring Future Researchers and Policymakers
Students and faculty researchers from CSU’s Colleges of Hospitality Management, Business Entrepreneurship and Accountancy, and Teacher Education participated in the event. The interactive activities sparked student’s interests in policy research and encouraged meaningful dialogue. Similarly, faculty researchers gained insights into how academic studies can inform public policy.
Dr. Maria Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas, NRCP President, and Dr. Junel B. Guzman, CSU Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, highlighted the importance of student involvement. Both emphasized that their involvement in the research discussions prepares them for future roles as researchers, policymakers, and leaders. Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda, NRCP Executive Director, added that exposing students to real-world policy applications of research is a valuable investment in building a knowledge-driven future.
Research Shelf to Policy Roundtable: Primary Healthcare Recommendations for Government Employees
A roundtable discussion (RTD) was also held to share another policy research project titled, “Access to Primary Care Facilities and Services of Government Employees and Their Immediate Family,” to key stakeholders in Region II at the CSU–Claude Andrews Campus on April 23.
The discussion aimed to present the results of the NRCP-funded policy research, examine current healthcare systems and practices, and assess the implementation of new healthcare policies by regional agencies.
Dr. Roderick M. Napulan, Project Leader and DOH Director IV, highlighted significant gaps in healthcare access despite the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, citing persistent challenges based on the lived experiences of government workers and their immediate families.
Despite national health reforms, the study found that 80% of respondents have PhilHealth coverage, 63% have not availed any form of medical assistance, and only 33% of surveyed government employees could reach a Primary Care Facility (PCF) within 30 minutes. Moreover, 66% of respondents visited a PCF in the past year. Key barriers included low health-seeking behavior, unaffordable healthcare costs, and a shortage of healthcare personnel and infrastructure.
Dir. Napulan outlined several research-driven recommendations including expanding PhilHealth outpatient benefits, increasing support for healthcare unions, boosting budget allocations for public health programs, and amending existing policies to make better use of healthcare facility resources. He also noted that the study’s outcomes supported Executive Order No. 64 s. 2024, particularly Section 7, which grants a medical allowance of up to Php7,000 to government personnel, as endorsed by the Department of Health to the Department of Budget and Management.
RTD drew participation from key agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Science and technology (DOST) Region II, as well as faculty members of CSU’s College of Allied Health Sciences and College of Medicine.
During the breakout sessions, stakeholders shared details about their current healthcare benefits and discussed which policy recommendations should be prioritized and strengthened. Key findings showed the need to improve healthcare support for government employees by expanding PhilHealth to ensure zero co-payment, training offices to run health programs, and including contract of service workers in the definition of “government employee.” Stakeholders also recommended creating a health information system to track employee health and guide policy decisions. The results of the discussion are expected to inform ongoing and future health policy initiatives tailored for government employees
MMBMP and RTD activities in Cagayan formed part of DOST-NRCP’s sustained efforts under its RITAC and Policy Research Program which aim to translate scientific research into responsive policies and institutional practices. To support these goals and strengthen engagement with regional stakeholders, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between DOST-NRCP and Cagayan State University (CSU) to formalize the partnership in advancing research translation and policy development in the region.
The agreement highlights NRCP’s mandate and its commitment to capacitating researchers and institutions in generating research-based evidence that inform local and national policies. These on-ground engagements exemplify the mandates of the Council to move research from the shelves to policy tables, thereby bridging science, governance, and community development through research and output-driven dialogues and collaboration. (Rose Dagupen, S&T Media Services)
