Unwavering in its support to research and innovation, Saint Louis University (SLU) hosted the Basic Research Ethics Training (BRET) on 5-6 November 2025, at the Audio-Visual Room, Msgr. Charles Vath Building, SLU Main Campus.
The Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB), gathered institutions and agencies from various provinces in CAR.
Along with the SLU faculty participants and SLU-Research Ethics Committee (REC), among the participating institutions and agencies were: University of the Philippines-Baguio, Philippine Nurses Association-CAR, Pines City Colleges, Ifugao State University, Department of Health-Center for Health Development-CAR, Easter College, Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), Benguet General Hospital, University of the Cordilleras (UC), University of Baguio (UB), Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology, Mountain Province State University (MPSU), and Conner District Hospital, Apayao.
Prof. Marina I. Sagandoy, PhD, Chair of Research Ethics at the CRHRDC, and Prof. Rainier Moreno-Lacalle, PhD, Chair of the SLU REC, welcomed the participants, highlighting the central core of the workshop which is to apply research ethics and guidelines in the development of research.
Prof. Ryan Dean T. Sucgang and Mr. Ariel C. Bacani,
Trained lecturers and members of the Regional Ethics Monitoring Board 1 – Committee on Information Dissemination Training and Advocacy (REMB1-CIDTA) served as speakers.
Prof. Ryan Dean T. Sucgang discussed the historical ethical breaches in medical research, leading to the development of ethical guidelines and regulations, focusing on standardizing clinical trials and the evolving nature of research ethics. He highlighted the ultimate goal of research and its various motivations, “The ultimate goal of research is for the betterment of the human condition,” he said.
Following Mr. Sucgang’s talk, Mr. Ariel C. Bacani discussed health research, ethics, and the roles of various personnel involved in the process. He emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable participants and ensuring proper data collection procedures. Additionally, he stressed the need to respect individuals by acknowledging their unique nature, rationality, and stewardship.
Small group tasks and group sharing sessions were conducted after each plenary session, where participants were given opportunities to apply the knowledge gained in research ethics in the given situations or scenarios.
Day 2 of the training and workshop continued on 6 November 2025. The sessions covered key topics on implementing research ethics in governance, regulations, responsibilities, processes, and problems, including an overview of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
SLU’s support for this program aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8). (Article by John Erick Cortez, UIO Intern | Photos by Catherine Rose Bondoc, UIO Intern)
