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

Sustainable Development Goals

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The IFSS 2025 formally concluded with a meaningful closing ceremony.UPOU Assoc. Prof. Finaflor F. Taylan, DProfSt, Chair of the IFSS 2025 Program Committee, delivered a synthesis of the forum, emphasizing the values aligned with the discussion areas of the IFSS2025. She ended with a call to continually act together for justice, for regeneration, for a future where everyone has just not food, but dignity, health, and the opportunity thrive.An exchange of institutional gifts was held among the representatives from UPOU, DOST, TUPV, STI West Negros University, and Negros Power.Certificates of participation were awarded to all participants of IFSS 2025.The Best Paper Award was conferred by Dr. Gerome Salas, member of the IFSS 2025 Paper Committee to the following winners:- Arwen Jover, Joval Martinez, Aran Jay Nonato, Raezel Harvey Pitong, and Angel Hope Robles with their paper entitled “Functional Characterization of Potassium Solubilization Potential of Hot Spring-Derived Thermophilic Bacteria for Sustainable Agricultural Biofertilizer Development." (Best Paper Award)- Thushari Senavirathna and Brian Dunsford with their paper entitled "Bamboo Pots (Bambusa vulgaris) as a Circular and Regenerative Alternative in Tea (Camellia sinensis) Nurseries." (2nd Best Paper Award)- Gregorio Crisostomo, Crizel Ann Biton, Henmark De la Cruz, Ma. Korina Claudia Hinayan, Ronald Ray Labayen, Charisse Pesquera, Jayboy Santillan, and Joel Manuel Villaluz with their paper entitled "Multi-Crop Powder Processing Machine for Enhancing the Value of Root Crops in Negros." (3rd Best Paper Award)The Best Poster Award was presented by Dr. Gerald Salas, Member of the IFSS 2025 Awards Committee, to Gregorio Crisostomo with his paper entitled “Development of a Portable Solar-Powered Mechanized Silk Reeling Device for Sustainable Silk Production of Rural Negros Island Farmers."The Best Sustainable Showcase Award of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fair was presented by Engr. Glady T. Reyes, Co-Chair of the IFSS 2025 SDG Fair Committee, to Subay Marketing.Engr. Allan Francis Dara-ug, Provincial Director of the DOST Negros Island Region, delivered his closing remarks with a hope that the seeds planted in IFSS 2025 continue to grow, flourish and bear fruit for generations to come.#IFSS2025 #Sustainability ... See MoreSee Less
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