CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—Samar State University’s (SSU) Institutional Human Research Ethics Committee is currently staging a two-day Workshop on SOP Development for External Protocol Review, Online System Use, and GAD Mainstreaming: Enhancing IHREC’s Income-Generating and Inclusive Ethical Review Services at SSU held today, July 10, and until July 11, 2025 at the La Sierra Resort, Catbalogan, Samar.
The initiative is a bold step forward as IHREC strengthens its operational systems toward sustainability. As the two-day workshop opened, IHREC Director Dr. Rheajane A. Rosales echoed the commitment and major plans of IHREC toward sustainability and inclusivity.
“When we talk about sustainability, we’re not only referring to financial viability, but also to the strength of our systems and the commitment of the people who run them . . . After one year of being granted Level 1 accreditation by PHREB, we must now take the next step—to stand on our own,” Dr. Rosales remarked.
A key highlight of the workshop is the introduction of the newly developed IHREC Online System, designed by CAS faculty member Mr. Zaldy Jabiñar. Introduced by Mr. Jabiñar himself, the system aims streamline and improve the transparency of the ethics review process.
Moreover, the Samar State University Advocacy on Gender and Women Advancement for National Development (SAGWAN), through its faculty researcher Mr. Jasper Alegro, also took part in the session on integrating and mainstreaming of gender and development (GAD) in all aspects of the research ethics review process.
“Ethical research must also mean inclusive, respectful, and equitable. This is not just a compliance requirement, it is a reflection of our values as a university and as a committee,” Dr. Rosales supported.
Finally, the two-day workshop will further tackle IHREC’s current Income-Generating Project (IGP) plans as it seeks to contribute to the university’s financial viability and sustainability.
In the coming sessions, the attendees will be contributing to the drafting and refining the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for External Protocol Review.