PHREB grants Level I Accreditation to BukSU’s Research Ethics Committee

MALAYBALAY CITY – The Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) granted Level 1 Accreditation for the period of June 5-December 4, 2023 to the Bukidnon State University Research Ethics Committee (REC) on August 11, 2023. The university REC becomes the first in Northern Mindanao to have earned accreditation.

PHREB is a national policy-making body in health research ethics in the country. It was created through the DOST Special order no. 091 s. 2006. It ensures that all researches adhere to the universal ethical principles for the protection, promotion, and dignity of health research participants.

“Research’s primary purpose is to improve the quality of human life. In the university it is through research that our instruction will improve, teachers’ competence and the students’ achievements,” Ms. Brenda G. Caballero, Chair of the Research Ethics Committee, said in BukSU Updates interview aired on DXBU 104.5 FM on August 16, 2023.

She added that the purpose of ethics in research is to provide framework for researchers on how they will conduct their research in order to not violate the rights of the participants.

Ms. Caballero mentioned that the REC was constituted in 2017 and their accreditation to PHREB started through the support of the then Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovations now University President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol and former University President Dr. Oscar B. Cabañelez.

She said this feat was made possible through the support of the university administration, REC members and staff. She added that one of their goals this year is to achieve the Level II accreditation and they are already preparing all the documents required. Other members of REC include: Ms. Jovelyn M. Lapates (Technology and Innovative specialist) Dr. Xyle Fe A. Verbal (Psychology expert) Dr. Marichu B. Montecillo (Gender and Development advocate) Dr. Ma. Teresa G. Salumintao (Business and Management expert) Ms. Loreta Sol L. Dinlayan (IP expert) and Pastor Daniel C. Asuncion (Community Affiliated member). (Informaton Unit)