Tagaytay City, Cavite — Following its achievement of Full Level 2 Accreditation from the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB), the UP Open University Institutional Research Ethics Committee (UPOU IREC), along with representatives from its Faculties of Study Research Ethics Subcommittees, conducted a two-day training on revising its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Held on November 28-29, 2024 in Tagaytay City , the workshop focused on refining the Committee’s SOPs in alignment with national and international research ethics guidelines.
The workshop aimed to review the existing SOPs, identify necessary revisions, and draft updates to enhance consistency, transparency, and quality in the ethical review process.
Dr. Myra D. Oruga, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research and a former UPOU IREC Secretary, delivered the opening remarks. Reflecting on UPOU IREC’s beginnings, she shared memories of earlier training sessions, which were similarly held in Tagaytay. Her nostalgic remarks set a collegial tone for the event.
The training program included an overview of the UPOU IREC’s structure and its new SOP team members, discussions on existing SOPs, and a collaborative drafting session for proposed revisions. Feedback from participants was incorporated into the finalized SOP draft, ensuring broad consensus and alignment with best practices.
Assistant Professor Ria Valerie Cabanes, UPOU IREC Chair and one of the resource speakers, facilitated the SOP revisions. The agenda also included a presentation on proposed Ethics Review Fees to encourage more institutions to avail themselves of UPOU IREC’s services, aiming to extend support to external institutions and other UP constituents.
Committee members and subcommittee representatives also tackled challenges encountered during the ethical review process, brainstorming solutions to further optimize operations. Discussions emphasized the potential for digitization and process improvements to enhance efficiency and accessibility.
The training culminated in the collective endorsement of revisions and reaffirmed the UPOU IREC’s commitment to fostering ethical excellence in research. As Dr. Oruga noted, “Revisiting and refining our SOPs is not just about updating procedures; it’s about ensuring our research reflects the highest ethical standards, promoting trust and accountability.”
The event was attended by representatives from the different Faculties of Study namely Dr. Dennis Lee Jarvis B. Ybañez from the Faculty of Education; Asst. Prof. Al Francis Librero, Asst. Prof. Roda Tajon, and Dr. Shari Eunice San Pablo from the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies; and Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean D. Saludadez, Dr. Maria Lourdes T. Jarabe , Dr. Oscar Cristito L. Rosete, Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie D. Cabanes, and Dr. Myra D. Oruga from the Faculty of Management and Development Studies. The event was supported by committee staff Ms. Ma. Sarah Cabungcal and Ms. Marian Tatlonghari from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
This initiative underscores UPOU’s dedication to upholding research ethics and supporting a robust research culture, ensuring that all activities are conducted with integrity, respect, and responsibility.
This workshop is supported under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, with the leadership provided by Vice Chancellor Dr. Primo G. Garcia and the assistance of Dr. Myra D. Oruga.
Written by Marian P. Tatlonghari ♦ Edited by Dr. Primo Garcia, Dr. Myra Oruga, and Ms. Yasele Yambao ♦ Contributed by UPOU OVCAA
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