ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY (PIO) — In line with its commitment to advancing ethical, responsible, and high-quality research, the university, through its Research Ethics Committee (REC), successfully conducted a 3-Day Basic Research Ethics Training Workshop, held at Seafoods Restaurant, in this city from July 21 to 23, this year.
The training was organized in partnership with the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office IX, and the Zamboanga Consortium for Health Research and Development (ZCHRD).
The activity aimed to equip faculty researchers with the fundamental principles of research ethics, strengthen ethical review competencies, and promote a culture of integrity and accountability in the conduct of research.
Serving as resource speakers were ZCHRD Chair Mr. Gerald James Y. Ebal and ZCHRD Member Ms. Maisie Faith J. Dagapioso-Yumol, as they shared their expertise on the ethical principles governing research involving human participants, the responsible conduct of research, the role of Research Ethics Committees, informed consent, risk-benefit assessment, privacy and confidentiality, and national ethical guidelines for health and non-health research.
The said workshop gathered faculty members from the various colleges of the university, providing them with practical knowledge and essential competencies to ensure that research initiatives uphold the highest ethical standards while protecting the rights, dignity, safety, and welfare of research participants.
Through initiatives, ZPPSU reaffirms its commitment to fostering a vibrant research culture anchored on integrity, social responsibility, and academic excellence. By strengthening the ethical competencies of its researchers, the University continues to contribute to the advancement of knowledge that is scientifically rigorous, socially responsive, and ethically sound.
The initiative was spearheaded by ZPPSU Research Ethics Committee Chair, Atty. Marti W. Gregorio, LLM with the full support of Vice President for Research, Extension and Development, Dr. Rolando Malalay, and the leadership of University President Dr. Nelson P. Cabral, whose vision continues to promote excellence in research, innovation, and institutional development.
This was anchored with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to include SDG 4 โ Quality Education: Enhancing the ethical competencies and research capabilities of faculty members through continuing professional development, SDG 9 โ Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Promoting responsible research and innovation through adherence to ethical standards, and SDG 16 โ Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Strengthening institutional governance, transparency, accountability, and research integrity through ethical research practices. (Written and Photos by the ZPPSU- Research Ethics Committee)