The Research Ethics Committee (REC) of DMMMSU has been granted accreditation by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB). This accreditation is a testament to the committee’s commitment to upholding high ethical standards in research.
The accreditation process involved a rigorous evaluation of the Committee’s policies, procedures, and practices related to research ethics. The committee had to demonstrate that it adheres to the highest ethical standards and that its members are trained to handle ethical issues that may arise during research.
“We are very proud to have received this accreditation,” said the Chair of REC, Dr. Joel Estacio. “It is a recognition of the hard work and dedication of our committee members to ensure that all research studies conducted at our university are ethical and responsible.”
REC plays a vital role in ensuring that research conducted at the university is implemented in accordance with ethical principles and guidelines. It reviews research proposals to ensure that they are ethical and that participants’ rights are protected. The committee also monitors ongoing research to ensure that ethical standards are maintained throughout the study.
The accreditation of REC is an important milestone for the University, as it demonstrates its commitment to ethical research practices. It also gives researchers and participants confidence that the research conducted at the university is held to the highest ethical standards.
“We hope that this accreditation will encourage more researchers to choose our University for their research projects, knowing that they can rely on our REC to provide them with ethical guidance and support,” said Dr. Estacio.
with Dr. Keneth G. Bayani, Director for Research
How DMMMSU REC started
Prof. Estacio shared that DMMMSU REC was approved by the Board of Regents through Board Resolution No. 2019-521 on October 10, 2019. After the approval by the Board, President Jaime I. Manuel, Jr. issued Special Orders on February 11, 2020 for Prof. Estacio as the REC Chair, and on Februay 20, 2020 for the first set of members who also worked on the formulation of the first set of Standard Operating Procedures which started on March4, 2020 to June 8, 2020. Other SOPs were written through October 26, 2020. On March 16, 2021, the SOPs were approved by the University Administrative Council. The following are the first set of members:
- Prof. Janna M. Boado/Prof. Joel C. Estacio (Health Education;
- Atty. Rozzanne Victoria Buccat-Villamin (Governance and Management);
- Dr. Nora A. Oredina (Teacher Education);
- Dr. Amy P. Balcita (ICT Education);
- Prof. Alex Sarmiento (Criminal Education);
- Dr. Maricon C. Viduya (Arts and Humanities);
- Prof. CF Omar D. Domingo (Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine);
- Dr. Tjaart Jan B. Estrada (Math and Science);
- Prof. Claudia Denise P. Barbadillo (Social and Behavioral Sciences);
- Dr. Genaro D. Omo (Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Natural Resources); and
- Engr. Luis A. Tattao (Engineering and Technology).
Some of these members had to leave the Committee as they are part of middle management and PHREB’s implementing rules and regulations reprimands members who hold middle management positions from being part of the committee to protect conflict of interest. Hence, Dr. Jomar L. Aban is now assigned for Teacher Education, Atty. Leenard S. Dulay (external member) for Governance and Management, Ptr. Epifanio D. Aduan (external member) for Humanities and Spiruality) and Mr. Enrico S. Del Rosario (external member) for Health.
The following are other members of the committee: Dr. Arvella M. Albay (Psychology), Dr. Jovencio M. Milan, Jr. (Health), Prof. Led Karen R. Zamudio (Health), and Prof. Sherille A. Orejudos for Health.
DMMMSU REC is under the Office of the University President. Since its inception, Dr. Keneth G. Bayani has been providing help in the form of guidance and coordination, and Engr. Rhodora S. Mortela as Staff Secretary. Ms. Jersey Nicole P. Peyes has also been welcomed as Office Assistant.
Laws governing the creation of RECS
The creation of RECs is based on RA No. 10532; Joint Memorandum Order No. 001 s 2012 of the four agencies of the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) namely DOH, DOST, CHED, and UP Manila; CMO dated March 30, 2015; and CHED Regional Memorandum No. 61 s. 2019.
DMMMSU REC is one of the eight research ethics committees in Region 1. The seven others are 1) University of Northern Philippines – REC, 2) Northern University – REC, 3) Lorma Colleges- REC, 4) DOH Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center Dagupan – REC, 5) Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium – ERC, 6) Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center – RERC.
The University plans to continue to work closely with its REC to ensure that it continues to uphold high ethical standards in all research conducted at the University.
DMMMSU is now accepting reviews from other researchers outside DMMMSU. For those in need of the services of DMMMSU REC, they may contact DMMMSU REC via rec@dmmmsu.edu.ph . (By Ayu)