Budget and Management Secretary Mina Pangandaman has approved the release of additional Notices of Cash Allocation (NCAs) amounting to P175.902 million to the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) to cover the cash requirement for the implementation of the Grants-In-Aid Program of the agency.

According to Pangandaman, the requested amount will be earmarked for the implementation of GIA programs in research and development, capacity strengthening, financial support for various researchers, conduct of forum and convention, stipends for scholars, and financial assistance to State Universities and Colleges (SUCS).

"The field of research and development is very close to my heart, as it is with my mentor, the late Senate President Edgardo J. Angara. Investing in health research translates to investing in a healthier and more resilient future for our nation. With this additional fund, we help empower our scientists, scholars, and institutions to drive innovation and make a lasting impact on public health,” Pangandaman underscored.

Pangandaman approved the release of NCAs on February 13 and 27, 2024.

The amount forms part of the P678.512 million released to the DOST-PCHRD for the GIA Program, lodged under the line item, Development, Integration, Management, and Coordination of the National Health Research System for Health and Related Fields.

Additionally, the DBM has previously released a total of P25.646 million to the DOST-PCHRD for its regular operating requirements for the first quarter of the year.

Under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), DOST-PCHRD has been allocated with a total of P828.955 million (inclusive of Automatic Appropriations). Presidential News Desk