Deonne Thaddeus V. Gauiran MD, Chair of the PCHTM Committee on Research

On July 12, 2025, the Philippine College of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine (PCHTM), in partnership with 101 Health Research, convened a landmark Research Agenda SettingWorkshop at the B Hotel, Quezon City. As part of the Committee on Research, I am proud to share that this workshop marks a significant milestone in our society’s ongoing mission to advance hematology research in the Philippines.

We, as a collective of clinicians, researchers, and fellows-in-training, have come together tochart a clear research direction for the years ahead. Our goal: to define key national research priorities that are relevant, feasible, and responsive to the unique challenges and needs of hematology practice in our setting.

The energy in the room was both inspiring and purposeful. We were fortunate to be guided by the expert facilitation of Dr. Venus Cloma-Rosales, Dr. Teddy Dizon, and the 101 HealthResearch team, whose structured approach helped us focus on critical gaps in evidence, systems, and policy. The active participation of institutional representatives, fellows-in-training,PCTHM members and the board made the workshop a vibrant exchange of ideas and aspirations.

This forward-looking agenda identifies five major focus areas that reflect the pressing gaps andstrategic priorities in our field.

1. Health Systems & Access to Care

        Bridging gaps in diagnosis and treatment across socioeconomic levels

        – Investigating delays in diagnosis and barriers to accessing lifesaving hematologic therapies in low-income populations.

2. Clinical Effectiveness & Real-World Evidence

        Turning data into better care through local research

        – Investigating delays in diagnosis and barriers to accessing lifesaving hematologic therapies in low-income populations.

3. Transfusion Medicine & Blood Product Utilization

        Innovating transfusion practices for safety and sustainability

        – Evaluating transfusion thresholds, restrictive policies, irradiated blood use, and improving donor recruitment.

4. Practice Patterns & Clinical Variation

        Understanding our practice to improve care

        – Mapping variations in diagnosis and management of priority hematologic conditions.

5. Strategic Program Development

        Building platforms that support research, care, and coverage

        – Developing registries and proposing PhilHealth benefit packages for both malignant and non-malignant diseases.

These priority areas and corresponding research questions provide clear, actionable directions for our members, training institutions, and partners. We invite everyone to take part in this collective effort:

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/aUMXy2XjWTdYCoxbA

Let’s build the future of hematology research together.

Lead a study. Be part of the research revolution!