The University of the Philippines Open University Institutional Research Ethics Committee (UPOU IREC) formally received its certificate of accreditation from the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) at the 42nd Anniversary Celebration of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) held on 25 March 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City with the theme, “Forging the Future@42: Strengthening Health Research Capacities through Dynamic Partnerships”.
The UPOU IREC has been recognized as an awardee within the Level 2 category. It is one of the accredited RECs across the country signifying its commitment to excellence in ethical research oversight. Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Primo G. Garcia, represented the committee and received the award.
UPOU IREC received its initial accreditation for the Level 1 Category from the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) early on 21 October 2020. The committee is dedicated to enhancing its operations and processes, which includes refining its Standard Operating Procedures to align with PHREB guidelines and upholding its Level 2 accreditation. Currently, the committee consists of newly appointed members from diverse disciplines, including faculty members, Research, Extension and Professional Staff (REPS) of the University, and non-affiliated members from other institutions and corporate industry. The committee is under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, headed by Vice Chancellor Dr. Primo G. Garcia with the support of the Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research, Dr. Myra D. Oruga.
Written by Marian Tatlonghari ♦ Edited by Yasele M. Yambao
