The need to come up with databases and information systems that can ease access to research information, for benchmarking, research, policy, programming and related purposes, inspired the development of HERDIN NeOn. HERDIN NeOn is a specialized network of documentation and information centers which hosts electronic collection or database of bibliographic entries of published and unpublished health researches in the Philippines.

Thus, the Central Luzon Health Research and Development Consortium (CLHRDC) conducted a one-day appreciation training and seminar on the use of this important research resource last December 6, 2013 at the University of the Assumption in San Fernando, Pampanga. It was attended by librarians and I.T. personnel from the CLHRDC – member institutions.

Ms. Joana J. Angostora, Mr. Ronel D. Molina and Ms. Maylene B. Marco from the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) provided lectures regarding the establishment of HERDIN NeOn System in the country, its benefits, current status and where it’s headed to. This was followed by an actual demonstration where participants were given the chance to upload health research articles to the system.

As of December 2013, 59 institutions are linked to HERDIN nationally, 5 of which region 3, namely: Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), Bulacan State University (BulSU), Republic Central Colleges (RCC), Tarlac State University (TSU) and University of the Assumption (UA). A total of 5,295 articles have been uploaded to the database where Region 3 contributed 11 articles (10 from BPSU and 1 from TSU).

With this training, CLHRDC hopes to encourage its member institutions to organize their health research information to help institutionalize the updating of the national health research information database using the system.

The participants during their hands-on activity using the HERDIN NeOn System