Hosted by the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Health Research and Development, the 13th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week celebration was successfully held on August 13-16, 2019 at Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental with the theme “Achieving Health – Related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) through Research and Innovation”. Different stakeholders in the field of health research were enjoined by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) to share their best practices and contributions in achieving sustainable health related SDGs in the said event.
Ethics advocates gathered in a session on Ethics in Research during the first day wherein lectures were given on the topics: Gender Competence in Ethics Review in the Philippines; The Need for Ethics Review in the Health and Social Sciences; Ethical Considerations in the Conduct of Festivals Showcasing Dances, Songs, Attires and IP Products; Ethical Challenges in Research Involving Human Artifacts; Training Needs in Research Ethics; Patients as Partners in Ethical Research; and Challenges Encountered in the Accreditation Process. Participants had the chance to raise their concerns during the open forum which were duly answered by the speakers.
On August 14, 2019, a Practical Training for Research Ethics Committee (REC) Staff was conducted to standardize practices across RECs in the country. Dr. Leonardo de Castro, Chair of the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) said in his welcome remarks that “Ang maliliit na detalye kung hindi papansinin ay maaaring makasira sa review process” – that the review process might be compromised if the small details are neglected. Dr Marita Reyes and Dr. Sonia Bongala refreshed the minds of the participants by presenting again the ideal processes and procedures in accrediting RECs, as well as common mistakes encountered and how to rectify them. The speakers discussed thoroughly the responsibilities of a REC staff, and emphasized their crucial role on the success and functionality of the committee. Exercises conducted were: determination of completeness of submission for initial review; assigning and the characteristics of a protocol code; designing and maintaining logbooks and database; organizing a protocol folder; organizing a meeting; preparing agenda; preparing minutes of the meeting; archiving, among others.
The participation of REMB-1 members in this event gave them better understanding of the challenges faced by RECs and how they can strengthen RECs in carrying out their role of promoting high ethical standards in research for health. The board is again looking forward to the next PNHRS week celebration.
