Implementation of Open Call for

Submissions, Selection and Awarding for

the Gelia Castillo Award for Research on
Social Innovations in Health (GCARSIH)

In partnership with
Purpose of GCARSIH
The purpose of GCARSIH is twofold:
1. Recognize social innovations that address persistent, societal and
systemic health challenges in the Philippines
2. Acknowledging the initial outcomes and impact in the
communities, support these promising innovations for further
research and development in order to amplify results, and
jumpstart sustainability and scale up
Social Innovation in Health (SIH)
For the purposes of this Award, SIH is defined as:
a novel solution (process, product, practice, market
mechanism) created and implemented by a range of
stakeholders, in response to a priority health need within a
geographical context.
It has enabled health care that is more inclusive, affordable
and effective.
Who can submit an entry?
The Award is open to all individuals, groups and institutions that
have successfully developed and implemented social innovations in
health in the Philippines.
❖Participating institutions may be:
• Public or private
• Members of the consortium
• Scientific, technological and professional societies or associations
• Research institutes
• Universities and colleges
Criteria
A. Eligibility. The submitted social innovations in health will be
considered for shortlisting based on the following eligibility criteria:
◦ Developed by Filipino/s.
◦ Implemented in the Philippines for at least one (1) year except for COVID-
related submissions.
◦ Based on an identified priority health need of a community or geographical
context.
◦ Complete application form (that has sufficient information for a fair review)
submitted within the set deadline.
 Criteria
B. Selection. The shortlisted, eligible entries will be reviewed by an
external selection panel based on the following selection criteria
Selection Criteria Description Weight
The innovation provides a novel approach to address a systemic 25%
Degree of innovativeness
health challenge within the context. It provides an alternative to
the status quo
The innovation addresses a health priority of the Philippines (as 15%
Significance - Based on
defined by the National and/or Regional Unified Health Research
Priority Health Need Agenda), or a priority in a more localized level such as prevalent yet
neglected health problem in a town or a marginalized group/ethnic
group.
Participatory approach is evident in the development, 15%
Participatory & Co-owned
implementation, and evaluation of the innovation (i.e. contributions
from various stakeholders: the patients/families, local health
personnel, local leaders, other sectors).
 Criteria
Selection Criteria Description Weight
There are clear plans for further research and development of the 15%
Potential for Further
innovation. The innovation shows feasibility to be applied, replicated
Research/Integration/Scale and scaled-up to other communities with similar problems, or
integrated into the broader health system.
The innovation has the potential to be used by a large number of 10%
Inclusiveness
people, enhancing equity and access.

The innovation has a demonstrated positive outcome on the health 10%

Effectiveness
challenge it is addressing.

The innovation is affordable to the poor who are otherwise 10%

Affordability
excluded in the local context or the solution is more cost-effective
than the status quo.
Submission Procedures
A. How to submit an entry
1. Applications should be made using the prescribed submission entry form. Each
entry should include ALL of the following documentation:
a) A comprehensive write-up describing the health innovation based on the prescribed
submission entry form. The entry should substantially provide descriptions of the health
problem, the health innovation, impact the solution has achieved in improving health
outcomes or the health system, as well as affordability and sustainability considerations.
b) Copies of relevant documentary proofs such as publications, technical reports,
certifications, photographs.
c) Statement/description of future research plans or next steps for scale-up, sustainability,
and/or replication.
OPTIONAL additional documentation: Evidence of impact from a range of beneficiaries describing the contribution of the solution in
improving health systems. Examples of evidence may include documented feedback or testimonial from users and partners among others.
Submission Procedures
A. How to submit an entry
2. All interested parties may submit in person, through a courier or through an
electronic mail.

a. Email: Sent in PDF format to gcarsih@gmail.com with the subject: GCARSIH

SUBMISSION / <Name of the Solution> / <Region>

b. Courier / In-person: Complete application forms and other supporting documents

should be sent to:
<Address of the RHRDC>
Procedure for Selection
There will be two (2) levels of selection:

1. The Preliminary Screening or Shortlisting

2. Final Selection
Procedure for Selection: Preliminary
A. Preliminary screening/Shortlisting
1. The RHRDC will form a special committee to conduct initial review and
shortlisting of all applications based on the eligibility criteria.
2.The RHRDC will endorse the shortlisted entries to the National GCARSIH
Secretariat.

NOTE: Applicants whose solutions failed to meet the eligibility criteria will be notified
accordingly.
 Procedure for Selection: Final Selection
B. Final Selection
1. An independent panel of experts will be convened by the National GCARSIH
Secretariat.
2. The panel of experts shall rate the shortlisted applications based on the
selection criteria
Procedure for Selection: Final Selection
3. The panel may conduct an on-site or online validation calls (e.g. telephone
or video conference) to ascertain the claims articulated in the application.
4. The panel has the prerogative not to give the award if the solutions fail to
reach the threshold score.
5. The decision of the panel is final.
 Email Secretariat
Innovator

Shortlist

Approved submissions
Panel of judges

RHRDC 1 Winner

RHRDC 2

RHRDC 3 Research Proposal

RHRDCs to update GCARSIH secretariat weekly on submissions

Incentives
The winning three (3) socially innovative projects will receive the
following:
• Plaque or trophy acknowledging the project
• Cash prize
• Eligibility for a research and development grant which will serve as
an innovation acceleration fund for the project (Up to Php
2,000,000) upon submission of a refined and approved proposal
•Training package on writing research proposals
Role of RHRDCs in GCARSIH
• Receive, verify, and shortlist submissions from the regions
• Disseminate information on GCARSIH
• Search and identify for social innovations in health
• Assist innovators who are not familiar in research
Timetable
 Timetable
Activity Target Date
Orientation and introduction to SIH June 22-24, 2020
Formal announcement of the call June 22, 2020
Submission of complete documents June 22 – August 31, 2020
Preliminary screening/shortlisting June 22 – September 7, 2020
Final selection September 2020
Public announcement of winners September 2020
Research bootcamp October 2020
Submission of research proposal December 2020
Awarding of winners TBD
Thank you!

“Science must serve a human purpose”

~ Dr. Gelia T. Castillo