UPOU IREC Receives a Full Level 2 Accreditation from the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board

The University of the Philippines Open University Institutional Research Ethics Committee (UPOU IREC) has been granted Full Level 2 Accreditation by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) on 6 November 2024, valid until 24 January 2027.

On 25 January  2024, the Committee received a Provisional Level 2 Accreditation, which is valid until 24 January 2025. After months of dedicated work and commitment to fulfilling all accreditation requirements, the Committee is pleased to have achieved this significant milestone.

As a Level 2 accredited REC, the Committee is authorized to review research protocols involving human participants. Level 2 accreditation allows the review of all types of research, except clinical trials for FDA registration of new drugs, which may involve more than minimal risk to participants. The Committee is also authorized to review post-marketing studies.

The UPOU IREC is deeply committed to upholding ethically sound research practices. The members are represented from a diverse range of disciplines, including faculty; Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS) from the University, as well as professionals from external institutions, corporate sectors, and other community stakeholders. This multidisciplinary composition ensures a broad perspective on ethical issues in research.

At present, the Committee is chaired by Asst. Prof Ria Valerie Cabanes and functions under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, with the leadership provided by Vice Chancellor Dr. Primo G. Garcia and the support of Dr. Myra D. Oruga, the Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research.

Written by Marian P. Tatlonghari  ♦ Edited by Yasele Yambao and Primo G. Garcia ♦ Contributed by UPOU OVCAA

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The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) faculty and staff presented their research at the 3rd World Immersive Learning Labs Symposium (WILLS) 2025 held at the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) from 13 to 15 April 2025 in Kyoto, Japan. This year’s conference was co-organized by the UPOU, The Future Hub’s of KUFS, and The Mixed, Augmented, and Virtual Realities (MAVR) Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Japan Association for Language Teaching.During session 3, short talks, of Day 2, eight (😎 FMDS research papers were presented.A quick tour of the Future Hub’s immersive learning lab was also conducted, led by Dr. Eric Hawkinson, organizer of the event, President and MAVR research coordinator. This laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology, providing a unique environment where students, educators, and researchers can experiment, innovate, and push the boundaries of traditional education. It includes the U Theatre that has been meticulously designed to facilitate these experiences. The open space layout allows for flexibility and adaptability, accommodating both individual exploration and group collaboration.Read more at fmds.upou.edu.ph/archives/news-and-events/8831/ ... See MoreSee Less
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