“The goals of research while important should never be permitted to override the health, well-being and care of research participants,” said Dr. Cecilia V. Tomas, Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) Subcommittee Chair on Standards and Accreditation as she explained the role of ethics committee in the conduct of research at the seminar-workshop conducted by PHREB for member-institutions of the Caraga Health Research and Development Consortium (CHRDC) last April 13-14, 2012 in Butuan City.

The seminar-workshop aimed to contribute to the development of a national and professional research ethics review system and promote the role of Ethics Review Committees (ERCs) in reviewing health research involving human participants in the Caraga region.

Dr. Cecilia V. Tomas facilitated the discussion on the functions of ERCs which include the following:  1) evaluate the conduct of research in their institutions in accordance with international and national guidelines; 2) promote research integrity by identifying and resolving conflicts of interests; 3) establish appropriate mechanisms in all stages of the research; 4) report any matter that affects the conduct and ethics of research to the institutional or national authorities; and 5) keep a systematic and organized record of all proposals reviewed, including actions taken.

In terms of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ERCs, Dr. Tomas explained, “The SOPs describe all activities and actions undertaken by the ERC to achieve uniformity of the performance of its functions. The SOPs are here to simplify the organization and documentation of operations of the ERC. This will facilitate transparency and hopefully, lessen delay in actions of ERC. ”

Dr. Tomas also emphasized the importance of PHREB’s Registration and Accreditation Program. “The registration monitors and identifies resource and training needs of ERCs in reviewing health research while accreditation guarantees that ERCs are independent, efficient and effective in performing their duties,” said Dr. Tomas.

Meanwhile, Dr. Angeles T. Alora, PHREB-Subcommittee Chair on Information, Dissemination, Training and Advocacy tackled the importance of ethics in health research. She reminded the group that an ethically sound research treats participants fairly by asking for their informed consent before they take part in any experiment.

“Research cannot be carried out under any type of conditions. Consider community and environment but focus on research subject. A person as a subject in research has an inherent dignity and should be protected against harm and should be treated with respect,” concluded Dr. Alora.