Aiming to uphold the highest standards of ethical research, the Office of Research and Development Services (ORDS) of Northwest Samar State University conducted a cross-learning activity at Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and Trinity University of Asia (TUA) on April 28-29, 2025. The two-day activity facilitated fruitful discussions between the NwSSU Research team, the ADMU Research Ethics Committee, and the TUA Research Office.
The activity focused on identifying institutional policies and structures that support Research Ethics Committee (REC) operations. ADMU and TUA shared their best practices in REC operations that NwSSU may adopt in operationalizing its own REC.
The ADMU team was composed of Dr. Marc P. Gellynck, UREC Chair; Dr. Eduardo Ezekiel S. Denzon, UREC Vice-Chair; Mr. Joseph B. Johnson, UREC Secretary; Ms. Camille Z. Aspillera; and Ms. Lilia Christin P. Umali, Administrative Assistants of the University Research Integrity Office.
The TUA team included Dr. Maria Antonia C. Capili, URDC Director; Dr. Michael O. Baclig, Assistant URDC Director; Ms. Shaira Santiago, TUA-IERC Staff; and Ms. Kathriena Cabanting, URDC Administrative Staff.
During the visit, the NwSSU team also made a courtesy visit to TUA’s President, Dr. Gisela DA. Luna and they were warmly welcomed. The NwSSU team was composed of Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, ORDS Director; Mr. Jessie Sabijon; and Ms. Mary Joy Mustacisa Capito of San-Jorge Campus Research Office; Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte; and Ms. Precious Joyce Ogdoc, University Researchers; Ms. Rhea Jenny V. Ogalesco, Communication Specialist; and Research Staff Mr. Joshua A. Rosillon, Ms. Jane Cabradilla, and Ms. Renalyn Caca.
The learnings from this cross-learning activity are expected to enhance the impact and ethical standards of NwSSU’s research, as mandated by the Commission on Higher Education. This initiative demonstrates NwSSU’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of research ethics and advancing its research capabilities.