Written by Krystianne Diane Labay | Photographed by Krystianne Diane Labay and Catherine Rose Bondoc, UIO Intern
BAGUIO CITY — The University of Baguio (UB), a proud member of the Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC), continues to strengthen its commitment to ethical and responsible research by sending representatives to the 2025 Basic Research Ethics Training, held from November 5 to 6, 2025, at the Audio-Visual Room of the Msgr. Charles Vath Building, Saint Louis University (SLU) Main Campus.
Representing the University of Baguio were Engr. Ray Michael Avena, faculty member from the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), and Ms. Krystianne Diane Labay, Administrative Assistant of the Research Innovation, Extension, and Community Outreach (RIECO) Office, Secretariat of the Research Ethics Committee (REC), and Dr. Jun Corpuz, faculty member of the School of Natural Sciences and Chairperson of Research Ethics Committee.
The two-day training was organized by the CRHRDC, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST–CAR) and the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB). The event gathered faculty and research professionals from various institutions namely higher education institutions the University of the Philippines–Baguio, Pines City Colleges, Ifugao State University, Easter College Inc., Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), University of the Cordilleras (UC), Saint Louis University (SLU), Abra State Institute of Science and Technology, Mountain Province State University (MPSU). Invited agencies and hospitals included the Department of Health–CHD–CAR, the Philippine Nurses Association–CAR, Benguet General Hospital, and Conner District Hospital, Apayao. A total of 45 participants attended the event.
Resource speakers Prof. Ryan Dean T. Sucgang and Prof. Ariel C. Bacani led insightful discussions on the fundamental principles of research ethics and best practices in protocol review.
The sessions featured interactive lectures and engaging group activities designed to enhance the participants’ understanding of ethical standards in research involving human participants.
The training reaffirmed the University of Baguio’s dedication to advancing ethical, responsible, and high-quality research practices that contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Such as SDG 4: Quality Education by building research capacity and promoting lifelong learning among educators and researchers, ensuring that research activities uphold integrity, transparency, and ethical standards, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — by strengthening institutional research systems and fostering innovation guided by moral responsibility and scientific rigor. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — by encouraging collaboration among universities, government agencies, and research institutions to uphold research ethics and strengthen the regional research network.
Through continued participation in ethical research initiatives, the University of Baguio reinforces its mission to contribute to a research culture that is inclusive, sustainable, and globally responsible.
