UPOU-IREC receives its Level 1 Accreditation to PHREB during the 39th Anniversary of DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD)

The Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB), a national policy making body in health research ethics in the country, created under DOST Special Order No. 091 s. 2006, which ensures adherence to the universal ethical principles for the protection and promotion of the dignity of health research participants hosted an online awarding of Accreditation Certificate during the 39th Anniversary of DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) on 17 March 2021 via Zoom Webinar and Facebook Live, with the theme, “Strategic R&D Partnership for Global Health”. The celebration aims to highlight the significance and relevance especially nowadays of promulgating strategic partnerships in addressing global health concerns.

As part of the anniversary program, the UPOU IREC receives its award as a newly accredited Research Ethics Committee for Level 1 category. The Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB), upon the recommendation of the Committee on Standards and Accreditation, granted the University of the Philippines Open University – Institutional Research Ethics Committee (UPOU-IREC) a one (1) year Level 1 Accreditation effective October 21, 2020 to October 20, 2021.

The UP Open University Institutional Research Ethics Committee (UPOU IREC) is the body that will implement the university policy of overseeing the ethical soundness of the institutional research produced, including any research conducted by faculty members, students, REPS, and staff. All institutional research proposals must undergo ethics review and shall gain certification clearance from the UPOU IREC.

The UP College of Medicine Choir opened the PCHRD 39th anniversary program with the Doxology and National Anthem followed by the welcome remarks of Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, CESO II, Executive Director III, PCHRD.  The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. De La Pena and the Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco T. Duque III gave congratulatory messages to PCHRD. Dr. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-Dela Paz, Vice Chancellor for Research of UP Manila  and Executive Director of the National Institutes of Health introduced the Keynote Speaker, Atty. Geraldine Acuña- Sunshine, JD,MPP, Board of Overseer of Harvard University.  She talked on Strategic R&D Partnerships for Global Health: Solving the Problem of X-Linked Dystonia Parkinsonism (XDP). She concluded her talk on sharing her lessons learned which include solving complex problems with the right partners matters, expanding scientific knowledge and community resilience is important, and building talent and infrastructure is critical for a strong national future.

The program was followed by announcement of the winners for the Gelia Castillo Award for Research on Social Innovations in Health (GCARSIH) which was participated by 67 entries from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Kalinga Health: A Hub-and-Spoke Social Enterprise Model initiated by Innovations for Community Health, Inc. and ACCESS Health International bagged the 3rd place while UP Diliman Psychosocial Services (PsycServ) placed second. Last, but definitely not the least, Holistic Water System for Pumping Water Uphill initiated by the Alternative Indigenous  Development Foundation, Inc was awarded as first place. 

One of the highlights of the program was the awarding of certificates for the Newly Accredited Research Ethics Committee for levels 1, 2 and 3 accreditation effective from July 24, 2020 to February 28, 2021 where the UP Open University Institutional Research Ethics Committee (UPOU IREC) chaired by Dr. Ricardo T. Bagarinao, is one of the awardees for Level 1 accreditation.

Another interesting part of the program was the panel discussion and open forum which participated by distinguished experts consisting of Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, Undersecretary for Research and Development, DOST; Dr. Claudio Tiribelli, Scientific Director of the  Italian Liver Foundation, and Dr. Vicente Y. Elizario, Jr.,  Dean of the College of Public Health, UP-Manila. The topic of the discussion is on the role of the global health partnerships in addressing public health concerns and strengthening health systems not only during certain times like the pandemic but, also times when people are confronted with health concerns that afflict everyone’s lives. It was moderated by Dr. Doralyn S. Dalisay, Director of the Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology and Academic Supervisor of the Department of Biology at University of San Agustin, Iloilo. 

The program concluded with closing remarks of Dr. Leah J. Buendia, Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation, DOST.  The anniversary program was hosted by Dr. Fresthel Monica M. Climacosa and Dr. Sheriah Laine M. De Paz-Silava.

Sustainable Development Goals

Written by Marian P. Tatlonghari

Edited by Dr. Myra D. Oruga

Photos screen shot by Dr. Myra Oruga from https://web.facebook.com/486703571410415/videos/447781583223432