MAHLAP 20th Anniversary Celebration and National Congress and Seminar Workshop

Gina G. Canceran

Inside this issue:

MAHLAP 20th Anniversary Celebration

1

Message from the Secretary of Health

2

MAHLAP 20th Anniversary Logo

2

20th President’s Report

3

Inaugural Address of the 21st President

4

MAHLAP Financial Report

5

List of Paid and New Members

6

MAHLAP Annual Planning Workshop

7

Research Translation Platforms

8

World Book and Copyright Day

9

WHO Library Activities

10

World Malaria Day

11

KM Launching 12

MAHLAP N E W S L E T T E R

Medical and Health Librarians Association of the Philippines

J A N T O J U N E 2 0 0 8 V O L U M E 2 1 , I S S U E 1 – 2

Participants of the National Congress and Seminar Workshop 2008

On its 20th year Anniversary, the Medical and Health Librarian’s Association of the Philippines (MAHLAP) conducted a National Congress and Seminar-Workshop on the theme “Expanding Knowledgebase Competencies of Health Sciences Libraries and Librarians” held on February 28-29, 2008 at the Hotel Kimberly, Pedro Gil St. Ermita, Manila. The conference aims to review and discuss the evolving role of health librarians and information professionals in order to adapt to recent developments in medical and health librarianship. Sixty-one medical and health librarians and information specialists attended the two-day conference.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Gemiliano Aligui, President of the Asian Foundation

for Tropical Medicine, and former Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). Resource persons from University of the Philippines Manila, PCHRD-DOST, World Health Organization, De La Salle University, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Bulacan State University, and STII-DOST shared their expertise during the plenary sessions followed by open forums.

Mr. Wim Van der Putten (Swets Information Services), Ms Noor Ashikin

(EBSCO Publishing), Ms. Charmaine Teodoro (CE-Logic) and Mr. Peter Chung (I-group Asia Pacific Ltd.) delivered product demonstrations. The 10th International Congress of Medical Librarianship (ICML) hosted by the University of Queensland Australia on 31 August to 4 September was also promoted.

The organizers were also grateful to the support given by Ms. Merlita Opeña

(PCHRD), Ms. Prudenciana Cruz, (Director-National Library of the Philippines), Ms. Susima Gonzales (President-Philippine Librarian’s Association, Inc.) and past presidents of MAHLAP. ±

ISSN 0116-737

MAHLAP@20: Message

My warmest greetings to the Medical and Health Librarians Association of the Philippines (MAHLAP) on the occasion of its National Congress and the 20th anniversary of its Foundation.

The Department of Health joins you in your efforts to advance the competence and knowledge of our health librarians throughout the country toward professional health research and the use and sharing of essential health information.

Your commitment to promote excellence, greater responsibility and relevance in your profession can only contribute to our vision of sculpting an effective and responsive healthcare system for the Filipino people.

We fully support you in this endeavor as together we commit to face the challenge of global competitiveness in the New Millennium.

Thank you and once again, my congratulations on your 20th Anniversary. ±

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P A G E 2 M A H L A P N E W S L E T T E R

Francisco T. Duque III, MD, MSc. Secretary of Health

MAHLAP 20th Anniversary Logo

"In doing the design, I used simple elements that reflect the true strengths of our organization - a 20 year-old association’s full of energy, education and goals - in pursuit of

global excellence in the field of medical librarianship”

» The logo represents a circle which means evolving and global; » The sun rays at the back of the MAHLAP logo represent energy and commitment, ready to burst

into full bloom among all members; » Green and blue has been our association’s color and this symbolizes the healthiness and serenity

of the organization; » The logo represents the organization in its 20th founding anniversary that has remained active

over the years and still ready to burst into global challenge of a new era.

Logo designed by Mr. Gilbert D. Santos, 2007 Conference Chair

MAHLAP 20 years of Prestige

Assembly & Par Excellence 1988-2008

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P A G E 3 M A H L A P N E W S L E T T E R

20th President’s Report

Gina G. Canceran

2007 President Dear Guest, MAHLAP Past Presidents, Fellow librarians, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, A pleasant good afternoon !

First of all allow me to express my sincerest thanks to all the MAHLAP 2007 officers for their utmost cooperation and for the job well done. We are like one big family working together as brothers and sisters, sharing ideas and aspirations in making the year 2007 a fruitful year. Likewise, thank you to Ms. Felicidad Juanillo, Ms. Aida Aracap and Ms. Naty Caballero for the all out support they extended to us. To Ms. Elnora Conti for devoting her time as emcee. During my term as MAHLAP President, the following accomplishments were achieved: We started with a planning workshop held in Apartelle de Fransesca, White Beach, Puerto Galera Oriental Mindoro where we conceptualized and planned our activities and projects. During the 28th Manila International Bookfair Celebration we conducted a Forum entitled “Intellectual Property Rights : Issues and Concerns in Health Sciences Libraries” held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City on August 30, 2007 and our guest speaker was Atty. Elizabeth Pulumbarit, Legal Officer University of the Philippines Manila. As part of MAHLAP’s outreach project we donated books and magazines to the children of Bahay ni Rizal at Calamba Laguna last September 29, 2007. MAHLAP Officers and selected members attended a workshop entitled “Finding the Best Evidence for Medical/Health Sciences Librarians” held at the University Library, University of the Philippines Manila last October 1, 2007 sponsored by SEA-ORCHID Project. SEA-ORCHID is a five-year collaborative project (2004-08) between four countries in South East Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia) and Australia. The Project aims to address whether the health of mothers and babies in the four SE Asian countries can be improved by increasing the capacity for research synthesis and improving the implementation of effective interventions. As part of our commitment to PLAI we attended in the National Book Week Fellowship last November 30, 2007. As MAHLAP President I was invited to attend the workshop entitled “Knowledge System for Health Workshop” at the Department of Health last March 20, 2007. We regularly published of the MAHLAP semi-annual Newsletter and the MAHLAP website was revised and re-launched. Lastly, we organized this Annual National Congress with the theme “ The Expanding Knowledgebase Competencies of Health Sciences Libraries and Librarians” at Hotel Kimberly, February 28-29, 2007. In closing allow me to express my deepest thanks to the following for sponsoring this conference : Philippine Council for Health Research Development. Over the years PCHRD has always been generous in supporting MAHLAP, technically and financially, in our projects and activities, Swets Information Services, c-e logic Inc., i-Group (Asia Pacific) Ltd., EBSCO Publishing and UNILAB Inc. To our keynote speaker Dr. Gemiliano Aligui, MAHLAP Past Presidents, to our friends from the book industry, STII for their publications, with special mention to Ms. Nona Avelina for facilitating our request to PCHRD, to my UP Manila family, and to Mr. Wilfred Villaruz for developing the MAHLAP website. To all of you who attended this two-day event thank you very much for your continued support in making this event successful. Maraming Salamat po sa inyong lahat at Mabuhay ang MAHLAP! ±

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P A G E 4 M A H L A P N E W S L E T T E R

My journey of profession before standing in front of you here started being a

fresh graduate of the University of Santo Tomas with the Degree of Bachelor of

Secondary Education major in Library Science in 2000. I was then cramming with lots

of prayers for the boards sometime in November of that same year which the great Lord granted

me with triumphant end.

In January of 2001, being a newly licensed librarian, I have all the guts and excitement to send out my first

application letters to my prospective employers.

After 2 months of waiting, I received calls from the three leading broadcasting networks in the country, one from

an exclusive school for girls near Robinsons Galleria and from the Department of Health. Having in mind the

stability of the institution and security of my tenure, not to mention my numerous possible exposures with the

“bigatin and the kataas-taasan“ as they call it, I personally chose the National Epidemiology Center of which I now

belong.

Inspired by its Librarian, I was invited to my first Forum with MAHLAP in August of 2001. Having in doubt if I

was entering into a social or status symbol club, I still join the prestigious assembly after several persuasions from

my boss. With my first librarian mentor, I was unofficially involved as an event organizer assistant in 2002. I have

then appreciated its goals of disseminating health information, enhancing and cultivating its members’ cooperation

and welfare. I found myself useful and worthy as a member with lots of fun working with its organizing staffs.

With new found friends in MAHLAP, I was first voted as a Press Relation Officer by my co-members in 2004.

Inspired of the event’s speaker who happens to be my college mentor, he was too proud to say that someday I will

be the next leader. Having those thoughts in my heart I remained active with my endeavors as a member, and in

2006 and 2007 I was voted as the treasurer and vice president respectively. Challenges never go behind me, but

camaraderie just keeps me going.

As a new breed of leader, I hope to: 1. Facilitate long standing partners in the local and global librarianship landscape; 2. Create an interactive MAHLAP Website; 3. Invite Programs of Full Bright Scholarship to its worthy colleagues; 4. Propose short term workshops for efficient net usage and database encoding; 5. Maintain interlibrary network and linkages of all members of MAHLAP to health and medical

libraries and information resource centers; 6. Design team building activities during annual conventions;

And to continue: 7. Annual outreach program; 8. Annual BookFair Forum; 9. Propose out-of-town convention venues; 10. Update MAHLAP directory.

Inaugural Address of the 21st President

Gilbert D. Santos 

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P A G E 5 M A H L A P N E W S L E T T E R

roposed plans are always heard year by year without realizing that one has to have its good share to accomplish it. Team unity, cooperation,

initiative and active participation are few of its active ingredients. With our continuing membership, being one of the few members of this elite

assembly we formed, I personally invite you to be actively involved into this hopeful new system of ours. “ Masasamahan and Maaasahan ko ba kayo sa

ating paglalakbay? O mamasdan nyo lamang ako sa aking paglalakbay?”

Lastly, it is not enough that you say, “Do this or do that, and then become utterly regardless and forgetful of what you have required. If you can do but

little, you are responsible only for the doing of that little.”

To Secretary Francisco Duque III of DOH, Director Enrique Tayag of NEC, for giving me a chance to prove my worth not only to myself but to others

as well; to Director Jaime Montoya and Ms. Merlita Opeña of PCHRD, for their undying support to MAHLAP; Director Prudenciana Cruz of the

National Library, who unselfishly bestowed her time to induct all our officers; Mrs. Susima Gonzales of PLAI, who continually guides us in our

ventures; to Ma’am Aida Aracap, Ms. Lot Dorado, Mr. Jan Tugadi and Dr. Noel Sobrevega, who inspires me to be better, if not the best; and not to

mention the past presidents and colleagues who continually support and participate in all MAHLAP activities; and to my FAMILY and forever friends

who uplift my spirit whenever I am downhearted, I thank you all for sharing this essential moment of my chosen field of vocation. A pleasant afternoon

to all of us! ±

MAHLAP F i n a n c i a l R e p o r t 2 0 0 7

Funds from 2006 P28,744.96 Income

Forum on August 2007 Registration 5,250.00 Donation from SWETS 9,898.00 From MEGATEXTS 2,000.00 Registration Fees (MAHLAP Forum) 1,400.00 Sales of Directory 150.00

TOTAL P47,442.96

Less Expenses: MAHLAP Forum 3,030.00 Outreach Program September 2007 1,818.00 Monthly Meetings 1,983.06 National Book Week Fellowship 3,000.00

TOTAL P 9,831.06 Total Income P47,442.96 Total Expenses - 9,831.06 Cash on Bank P 37,611.90

Prepared by: Noted by:

Mr. Mark Gil A. Bendo Ms. Gina G. Canceran Treasurer President

Audited by:

Ms. Cleotilde C. Reyes

Auditor

P

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P A G E 6 M A H L A P N E W S L E T T E R

List of Paid and New Members

MEMBERS INSTITUTION Given Name MI Surname 1. Lelita A Abacan Manila Adventist Medical Center New 2. Maxima S Alilio Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas New 3. Aida S Aracap DOH-Central Library 4. Anthony J Bahia DLSU-Health Sciences Institute 5. Pacita N Balaoing San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation, Inc 6. Erlinda G Barredo Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila 7. Emily A Bringas Lorma Colleges New 8. Marietta M Buela UP Manila - College of Pharmacy 9. Jeanette Z Burillo Philippine Heart Center 10. Marybel P Caasi UP Manila 11. Maricris V Cadaba UNILAB 12. Helen M Cañizares Western Visayas State University 13. Nimfa V Castro UP Manila - University Library 14. Mark James G Cayabyab The Medical City New 15. Maria Magdalena S Dawawong Baguio General Hospital & Medical Center 16. Maria Pinky J De Guzman Metropolitan Hospital College of Nursing

18. Lelia D Evangelista Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas New 19. Edeliza C Gallo Occupational Safety & Health Center 20. Huwaran C Galora C& E Publishing New 21. Susima Gonzales PLAI 22. Ma. Elsa Guarino Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas New 23 Carmelita C Guilatco FNRI-DOST 24. Filomena A Juanillo UNILAB 25. Rosario F Lopez STII-DOST 26. Mely Maniago UP Diliman - Economics 27. Ma. Lindie D Masalinto University of Perpetual Help-Biñan 28. Corazon B Monroy Our Lady of Fatima University 29. Jennifer P Ogorda DLSU-Health Sciences Institute New 30. Janet P Pagat Philippine College of Health & Sciences, Inc. New 31. Maribel B Palafox STII-DOST 32. Charles A Pasicolan Manila Doctors College 33. Marilou Grace B Perez C& E Publishing New 34. Jayson R Provido Our Lady of Fatima University New 35. Arlyn T Quidato San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation, Inc 36. Ma. Lulu L. Salvador Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila New 37. Raquel P Samar DLSU-Health Sciences Institute New 38. Robert O Saw UNILAB 39. Elmer L Tapaya Adventist University of the Philippines New 40. Efren Jr. M Torres DLSU-Health Sciences Institute 41. Cymbeline R Villamin STII-DOST 42. Jocelyn O Villanueva DLSU-Health Sciences Institute New 43. Joseph M Yap ACTMalaria

17. Emerlona Delgado UP Manila Medical Library New

Whats New? The new MAHLAP website can now be accessed via http://www.mahlap.org. It was designed and developed by Mr. Wilfred B. Villaruz, an ICT Consultant from PCHRD and IOM.

P A G E 7 M A H L A P N E W S L E T T E R V O L U M E 2 1 I S S U E 1 — 2

MAHLAP Annual Planning Workshop and Teambuilding 2008  

Joseph  M. Yap 

The Officers of the Medical and Health Librarians Association of the Philippines (MAHLAP) had their planning workshop and teambuilding activity at Seafront Beach Resort, Iba, Zambales, the province renowned for its Mango Festival last 19 to 20 April 2008. The planning workshop was attended by eight out of its ten officers: Gilbert Santos, Alma Prosperoso, Jennifer Landicho, Lot Dorado, Mark Bendo, Joseph Yap, Nimfa Castro and Gina Canceran who tediously and patiently planned for the roadwork of the association’s projects and activities for 2008. Gina Canceran, 2007 MAHLAP President started the planning workshop with an opening prayer. Alma Prosperoso presented a brief overview of the workshop and shared a summary of the “Seven Habits for Highly Effective People”, a book authored by Steven Covey. She mentioned that in order to remember the seven habits, each officer must bear in mind the following: (1) Be proactive, (2) Begin with the end in mind, (3) Put first things first, (4) Think win-win, (5) Seek first to understand and then to be understood, (6) Synergize, and (7) Sharpen the saw. The introduction of the eight habit which is “Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs” was also shared. Mr. Gilbert Santos prepared activities to strengthen the bonding and commitment of the group and stressed the value of teamwork. He emphasized the relevance of teamwork. Teamwork is achieved when trust is built among its players. True success happens when the team surpasses challenging trials yet accomplishes every deed victoriously. A self-assessment was conducted on how each officer could contribute to the goals of MAHLAP’s. They expressly shared each other's strengths and weaknesses. A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis was completed to identify the doable programs' and projects that could be implemented by MAHLAP based on existing competencies of the officers and board of directors. All of these are also subjected to the present conditions of the organization. The aim of the group assessment is to evaluate the past mistakes and to evaluate the lessons learn including the achievements made by the organization. The group also discussed the schedule of monthly meetings, proposed resolutions and amendments, formation of committees and appointments of members and proposed projects and activities for 2008 The group visited Potipot Island the following day. The island is five minutes away by Banca from Uacon, a town of Candelaria, which is one hour from Iba. The beauty of the island with its fine white sand, calm clear waters and lush green trees were breathtaking. After a sumptuous meal, the group prepared for travel to Manila. It was indeed, a fruitful and memorable teambuilding and planning workshop. ±

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P A G E 8 M A H L A P N E W S L E T T E R

“Research Translation-Platforms for making Health Research Work for Filipinos”

Summary Report

Gilbert D. Santos 

The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) celebrated its 26th Anniversary with the theme “Research Translation-Platforms for making Health Research Work for Filipinos” on March 17, 2008 at the Grand Ballroom of Pan Pacific Hotel, Manila. The program was attended by more than 100 delegates. Dr. Jaime Montoya, Executive Director of PCHRD, delivered the welcome remarks. The anniversary message was given by Prof. Fortunato T. de la Peña, Undersecretary of the DOST. He highlighted the following key points on his speech such as: the wonderful masterpiece of the PCHRD; inventions of all Filipino people; DOST partnership to the DOH; projects and partnership for better health delivery; health sciences and technology utilization; and better translation of research into action.

There was a ceremonial signing of the following agreements:

Commercialization of health technology with New Market Link and Pharmacare of the Philippines Memorandum of Understanding with the Newcastle University Institute of Translational Research of the United

Kingdom License and Manufacturing Agreements on Technologies Commercialized (Qx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,

Pharmacare) Telehealth program between the University of the Philippines and PCHRD, on behalf of the Department of

Science and Technology (University of the Philippines System Blood Technology and ECCs Project)

Congressman Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya of Cavite, Chairman of Science and Technology Committee of the House of Representatives delivered the keynote address wherein he highlighted the following key points: vital role of research to people, vital role of institutions and agency to facilitate all the researches such as DOST- PCHRD, DOH, CHED etc., the knowledge and technology must excel in doing research, more innovations and progress, bridging the gap the research and knowledge to the less fortunate people, bridging the gap between all the research and projects done by the government agency and institutions to utilization and practice, access the right skills and knowledge in using the right language for professionals to translate research into practice and action, bridging the “know do gap", adapting the strategies accordingly for further development and current progress, and the continued initiatives of PCHRD and the Philippine National Health Research Forum.

A panel discussion on “Stories and Best Practices on Health Research Translation” was moderated by Dr. Joselito Acuin, Chair of the Research Utilization Committee of the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS). The panel is composed of the following: Dr. Dina Nadera (Chair, Technical Panel on Health Journal Publishing) representing researchers and professionals; Congressman Joseph Emilio Abaya (Chair, House Committee on Science and Technology) representing the national legislation); Mayor Maria Lourdes C. Fernando, Marikina City representing local governance and legislation; Ms. Lilibeth Mercado (Asian NGO Coalition for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development) representing rural communities; Michael Devlin (Council on Health Research for Development) representing the international community; and Ms Monica Feria (Philippine Daily Inquirer) representing the general public.

The stories presented based on their specialization and expertise. Facilitation to all the comments and questions from the participants was executed. The panel discussion ended with the summary and overall assessment given by the Moderator.

Celebrating World Book and Copyright Day at the Filipinas Heritage Library

Joseph M. Yap

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M A H L A P N E W S L E T T E R P A G E 9

From page 8 “Research Translation…” Dr. Mario C. Villaverde, Undersecretary of the Department of Health delivered the closing remarks and

congratulated the DOST-PCHRD staff and organizers. He acknowledged the partnership of DOST with other

government agencies such as the DOH in making research a milestone to all Filipino people. The advocacy

of a strong health research culture and mobilization of resources to generate knowledge, technologies and

innovations and their use in Philippine health care is an important result. ±

(All presentations and other documents related to the seminar are available on the DOST-PCHRD website at

http://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/; http://www.healthresearch.ph )

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) celebrated the World Book and Copyright Day last April 23, 2008 at the Filipinas Heritage Library, Makati City. This is an international day to commemorate the worldwide book publishing industry, honoring local and foreign authors and value the importance of copyright. UNESCO declared April 23 as the annual celebration of the World Book and Copyright Day because it is a symbolic date for world literature where it commemorates 1616 as the year that Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all passed away. The celebration is divided into two sessions: A morning session with conversations from the Philippine authors and an afternoon session with the copyright specialists. Dr. Dennis T. Gonzalez, NBDB Chairman stressed and urged interested authors to join the Filipinas Copyright Licensing Society or FILCOLS. FILCOLS will be the nation’s node in registering intellectual works into one clearinghouse. NBDB is also pursuing the creation of IPR Teacher’s Guide and Student Manual to mainstream IPR education in public schools. They shall issue Fair Use Guidelines on Classroom Copying for colleges and universities. We Filipinos, call this celebration as “Pandaigdigang Araw ng Libro at Karapatang-Ari.” Numerous publishers, authors, librarians and information professionals gather to observe this whole day celebration with notable authors like our National Artist for Literature, Hon. Virgilio S. Almario (aka Rio Alma), and fictionists Dr. Jose Y. Dalisay, Jr. and Ms. Susan S. Lara.

Photo Courtesy by NBDB

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P A G E 1 0 M A H L A P N E W S L E T T E R

From page 9 “World Book…” Director General Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr. delivered his speech on “The Importance of Innovativeness and Creativity in Nation Building.” He emphasized that when people learn to respect the creative works of creators, we cultivate the creative minds of the people, thus, having an IP conscious culture. Among the speakers/panelist for copyright were Atty. Susan D. Villanueva, Atty. Louie Andrew C. Calvario and Mr. Roland R. de Vera. Instituto Cervantes, Manila also celebrated the International Book Day “Día Internacional del Libro" last April 19, 2008. Books and roses were served during the occasion. Visit http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/book for more information on World Book and Copy right Day. ±

Visit to Knowledge Resource Centers in Tacloban

City, Palo and Maasin City, Leyte from 27 to 30 January 2008

Julio Dizon, Jr.

Orientation on the Global Health Library (GHL)

held in WPRO

Julio Dizon, Jr.

Upon the invitation of the Department of Health (DOH), Philippines, the Head, Translation, Publications and Library Services and Knowledge Management coordinator, the Administrative Officer (Library) and the Knowledge Management focal person in the WHO Representative Office in the Philippines, together with staff from the DOH and GTZ, visited several Knowledge Resource Centers in Tacloban City, Palo and Maasin City, Leyte to assess their potential as knowledge hubs and make recommendations for their improvement. Among the findings were: the health information materials in the Centers were inadequate and obsolete, reading tables and seats were lacking, no computer/s with Internet connection in the Centers, most of the staff designated to manage the operation of the Centers were not professionally trained librarians or information officers. Recommendations included the inclusion of the Centers in the WPRO distribution list of free publications, relevant web links, including full-text online resources on disaster and emergencies, should be posted on the web site of REACH-EV and its content should be developed with support from WPRO`s Emergency and Humanitarian (EHA) focus, obsolete and non-medical publications should be discarded, training of the staff on basic library management, acquisition of computers with Internet connection, installation of a library management software, acquisition of new furniture, among others. ±

The orientation was held from 3 to 7 March 2008 in WPRO. Mr Ernesto Spinak from BIREME conducted the orientation on the different modules of the GHL system. Library and IT staff attended the orientation, including two staff from the Department of Health, Philippines and three staff from the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). One staff from the Korea Centers for Disease Control (KCDC) also attended the course. ±

Association of Medical Journal Editors Meeting:

Seoul, 4–5 May 2008

Julio Dizon, Jr.

Final preparations for the first meeting of the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Journal Editors (APAME) have been made. Twelve temporary advisers and 22 observers from Australia, China, Fiji, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Viet Nam would participate, including three WHO secretariat and five Korean local secretariat. The meeting will review and finalize the terms of reference of APAME, discuss the role of editors and peer review in improving the quality and visibility of journals in the Region, and conduct an informal consultation on the Western Pacific Region Index Medicus (WPRIM). ±

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P A G E 1 1 M A H L A P N E W S L E T T E R

Philippines Celebrate First World Malaria Day

The First World Malaria Day was celebrated last April 25, 2008. This year’s theme is “Malaria – a disease without borders”. With the approval of WHA 60.18, World Malaria Day shall be commemorated annually to provide "education and understanding of malaria" and spread information on "year-long intensified implementation of national malaria-control strategies, including community-based activities for malaria prevention and treatment in endemic areas."

In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) supports this awareness to eliminate the disease by celebrating the Malaria Awareness Month every November (PP 1168). It also joins the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in observing this special day. On this occasion, DOH awarded six provinces for being malaria-free making 22 provinces malaria-free in the country. These provinces are Samar, Albay, Marinduque, Eastern Samar, Sorsogon and Surigao del Norte. Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said “…we will not fail” if everybody will partake to end this scourge of malaria disease. Dr. John Patrick Ehrenberg, Regional Adviser on Malaria, Vector-Borne and other Parasitic Diseases WHO-WPRO; Dr. Soe Nyunt-U, WHO Country Representative and Mr. Edgar R. Veron Cruz delivered inspirational messages. The Philippine Movement Against Malaria (PhilMAM) convened by Shell companies in the Philippines, Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc., Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., Philippine Medical Association, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, Syngenta Foundation, National Federation of Indigenous Peoples Organizations in the Philippines and New Tribes Mission was also launched during this event. The awarding ceremonies took place at Century Park Hotel, Manila.

Visit http://www.rollbackmalaria.org/worldmalariaday for more information on the World Malaria Day. For the list of other malaria-free provinces, visit http://www2.doh.gov.ph/newsclip/search.htm and use malaria as keyword. ±

WHO Celebrates 60 Years of Existence

Joseph M. Yap

The World Health Organization (WHO) celebrated World Health Day last April 8, 2008 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Pasay City. It also marks the 60th year of WHO service around the world. The celebration focused on the global challenge of climate change and its impact on health. Regional Director Dr. Shigeru Omi delivered the welcome address. Health Secretary Dr. Francisco T. Duque III gave a keynote speech on “Bringing Health in the Forefront of the Development Agenda.” WHO identified five major health consequences of climate change. First, the agricultural sector is extremely sensitive to climate variability. Second, more frequent extreme weather events mean more potential deaths and injuries caused by storm and floods. The third is water scarcity. Fourth, heat waves and lastly, changing temperatures will cause geographical distribution of insect vectors that spread infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue. Dr. Soe Nyunt-U of WR Philippines gave the closing remarks. ±

Photo courtesy by WR

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P A G E 1 2 M A H L A P N E W S L E T T E R

KM Launching @ Hyatt Alma Mila D. Prosperoso

The Department of Health (DOH) hosted a KM Launching last April 11, 2008 at Hyatt Hotel, Manila. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) defines KM or Knowledge Management as managing the process by which knowledge is created, acquired and stored. KM@DOH is a strategic, knowledge-centric initiative to substantially exceed health reform objectives. It fosters health stakeholders' connection and focuses on processes, technology, people's potential to acquire, create and share valuable knowledge for the rapid attainment of the health related Millennium Development goals. KM4health is a strategic framework that was crafted with the assistance of the World Health Organization to provide the overall blueprint for the development of DOH's KM programs towards realizing the vision of making knowledge work for a healthy nation. The launching was well attended by the DOH KM supporters. Dr. Robert Enriquez, National Children's Hospital Administrator gave the welcome address. Dr. Mario C. Villaverde, Undersecretary for Health delivered the keynote speech followed by a presentation of the KM framework by Director Crispinita A. Valdez of the DOH Information Management Service. Dr Serafin Talisayon, Chair, Knowledge Management Association of the Philippines and the first consultant of the DOH-KM initiative gave a presentation on "Lessons on KM@DOH". Ms Charity Tan, Division Chief, Information Management Service told the story of how KM was established in DOH, where are they now and what do they want to achieve in the future. Dr Soe Nyunt U, WHO Philippines Country Representative and Ms Carmina Sarmiento of GTZ were also present. The successful launching ended with a closing remark from Director Maylene M. Beltran of the DOH-Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau. ±

To know more about DOH-KM, please visit this site: http://www.doh.gov.ph/wiki/index.php/Knowledge_Management_Journey_of_theDepartment_of_Health_Philippines

Interested to Contribute?

If you participated in any local or international conference, congress or seminar, received a scholarship or study grant, promoted or

received an award, please send your articles to us and we will publish them for you. Articles could also be reviews of software packages,

journal publications or commentary regarding the state of health practices in general. We are also calling all medical and health libraries

to feature the four corners of their institution. We are also seeking focal persons in all provinces.

This is open to all medical and health librarians in the Philippines. For more inquiries email us at info@mahlap.org

Want to become a MAHLAP member? Just contact any of our officers nearest you. Membership forms are also available online

www.mahlap.org

V O L U M E 1 9 I S S U E 3 - 4

P A G E 1 3 M A H L A P N E W S L E T T E R

MAHLAP Newsletter is a quarterly publication of the Medical and Health Librarians Association of the Philippines With official address at Room. 301 at the National Library, T.M. Kalaw St., Manila, Philippines. Website: http://www.mahlap.org E-mail Address: mahlap_1988@yahoo.com; and info@mahlap.org

ISSN 0116-737

Editor-in-Chief

Gilbert D. Santos

Managing Editor

Alma Mila D. Prosperoso

External Contributor

Julio Dizon, Jr.

Circulation Manager

Joseph M. Yap

Gilbert D. Santos President, DOH-NEC 743-1937 741-7048 nec_lib@doh.gov.ph neclibrary@yahoo.com Alma Mila D. Prosperoso Vice-President, WHO 528-9038 prosperosoa@wpro.who.int almapros@yahoo.com Maria Lutgarda M. Dorado Treasurer, JRRMMC 711-9491 loc. 296 lotdorado@yahoo.com

2 0 0 8 O f f i c e r s BOARD MEMBERS

Evangeline Q. Estrada Lung Center of the Philippines 924-6101 loc. 249 929-0939 lcplibrary1982@gmail.com Maria Nimfa V. Castro University Library, UP Manila 526-5851 mnvcastro2003@yahoo.com Rosario F. Lopez STII-DOST, Bicutan, Taguig 837-7521 chatolopez@yahoo.com

Jeniffer M. Landicho Secretary, RITM 807-2628 to 32 loc. 418 842-2245 jenski_08@yahoo.com Mark Gil A. Bendo Auditor, WHO 528-9834 bendom@wpro.who.int Joseph M. Yap P.R.O., ACTMalaria 536-0971 joseph.yap@actmalaria.net jmmyap2002@yahoo.com

EX-OFFICIO Gina G. Canceran Medical Library, UP Manila 526-5851 gina@post.upm.edu.ph ginacanceran@yahoo.com