Press Release
February 2, 2007

ANGARA TO DONATE P1 MILLION FOR NUTRITION
AND COCONUT RESEARCH

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today pledged P1 million for research on nutrition as he reiterated the immediate need to solve the mounting malnutrition problem in the country.

Addressing nearly 500 cardiovascular doctors in a medical convention, Angara revealed the serious implications of malnutrition in a persons physical and mental health, and education. He noted that one of the main causes of school drop-outs among youth is malnutrition.

The implication of malnutrition is so frightening. Given the current statistics, it means that we are raising future citizens who are stunted both physically and mentally. So, what kind of generation are we raising? asked Angara, who in 2001, introduced a scientific-based school feeding program that served the poorest elementary schools in the country.

The P1-million donation was pledged to the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH) and the Philippine Lipids and Artherosclerosis Society (PLAS) during their 12th Annual Joint Convention.

With the donation, Angara tasked the doctors to conduct a research that would focus on the nutrition health connection or the health value of the coconut. He said that he is particularly interested in these subjects because of its relevance in our country.

Angara stressed the importance of research and development, not only in exploring medical and scientific breakthroughs, but also in making effective policies.

My dream is to see well-established research centers in the country. My own experience in fund-raising and research is that you have a vehicle, a well-defined vehicle with which you can do a research on relevant subjects that will benefit your country and your people, Angara said.

I think it is about time that we focus on policies that are based on research. That is a more enlightened way to solving problem, he said.

Angara also challenged the participants to work hand-in-hand with the government to help the Filipinos have easy and cheap access to medicine and health care. In particular, he called on the doctors to help bring down the cost of medicines. Angara is the author of the Generics Drug Law, a landmark law that required the use of generic name in drug prescriptions.

I think the medical profession can contribute so much to helping bring down the cost of medicines. Let us convince our pharmaceutical friends to donate into research, rather than giving sponsorships. Let us not pass it on to the consumers, he said.

The 12th Annual Joint Convention of the PSH and the PLAS convened on Wednesday some of the best cardiovascular doctors in the country.

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