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ZCHRD holds training on advanced research ethics

In line with the national policy requiring all researches involving human subjects to undergo ethical review and clearance before implementation to ensure safety, dignity, and well-being of research participants, the Zamboanga Consortium for Health Research and Development (ZCHRD) conducted an “Advanced Training-Workshop on Research Ethics” last January 7-8 at LM Hotel, Tetuan, Zamboanga City.

The training was in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) and Western Mindanao State University (WMSU).

Around 50 participants composed of local researchers, medical specialists, nurses and professors from WMSU, Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), Brent Hospital and Colleges Incorporated have actively participated in the two-day training.

The participants were taught on how to develop the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to attain quality assurance and enable the participating institutions to register and accredit with PHREB, as required by DOST AO No. 001 s. 2008 and CHED Memorandum Order 34 s. 2007, respectively.

For an Ethics Review Committee (ERC) to pass the accreditation, it has to meet the following criteria: functionality of the structure and membership; adequacy of the SOP and consistency in its implementation; adherence to international, national and institutional guidelines and policies; completeness of the review process; adequacy of the after-review procedures; adequacy of administrative support for ERC activities; and efficient and systematic recording and archiving. Deadline of application for accreditation to PHREB is on March 15, 2015.

The resource persons were Dr. Marita Reyes, Chair of National Ethics Committee (NEC) and former UPM Chancellor and Dr. Ricardo M. Manalastas, Jr., NEC member. NEC is an independent body whose main function is to review health research in the Philippines. PHREB serves as the main policy making body on health research ethics.

ZCHRD was organized to optimize the use of research in alleviating health and nutrition problems of the people in Region IX. The consortium receives financial and technical support from the DOST-PCHRD. DOST-IX serves as the consortium secretariat. (DOST IX PRESS RELEASE)

ZCHRD Joins the 14th FERCAP International Conference and 1st PHREB National Conference

With over 800 delagates from all over Asia and the Western Pacific, the Joint 14th FERCAP International Conference and the 1st PHREB National Conference was indeed a success.

The joint 14th FERCAP International Conference and the 1st PHREB National Conference, which was held last 24-25 November 2014 aims to present the characteristics of the current research environments related to research ethics and adopt the theme of Embedding Ethics in National HEalth Research Systems. The objective is to provide a forum for various research sectors to discuss leading concepts, current initiatives, and successful models of ethical infrastructures embedded in the national health research systems through the use of multi/interdisciplinary approaches and paradigms.

DOST-FNRI to hold NUTRICOMNET IX media forum on “Living a Healthy Lifestyle” on Nov 5

Local media practitioners and information officers of national government agencies and academic institutions will attend the “2014 NUTRICOMNET-IX Media Forum,” scheduled on November 5, 2014 at the Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City. The event is organized by the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. IX and the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

According to DOST IX Regional Director Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano, the forum will highlight the 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) data on hypercholesterolemia. Hypercholesterolemia is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood. The event will also discuss the importance of dietary fiber, calcium and its health benefits and tips on “Living a Healthy Lifestyle”.

For this year, FNRI is partnering with Del Monte Philippines Inc. to tackle the benefits and importance of dietary fiber in one’s diet. Dietary fiber plays an important factor in preventing certain diseases and likewise promotes over-all health and nutrition.

FNRI is an attached agency of the DOST, mandated to undertake research that defines the citizenry's nutritional status, with reference particularly to the malnutrition problem, its causes and effects and identify alternative solutions for them.

NUTRICOMNET is a network of provincial and regional media men as well as information officers of various agencies and institutions involved in food, nutrition and health promotion. It is established to create an interactive promotion program between the DOST-FNRI and the local media in the region. It also aims to provide and update the public about the latest news on nutrition in the country.

Participation to the event is free. For reservation, interested participants may call telephone number (062) 991-1024, look for Thelma or Grace. (DOST IX PRESS RELEASE: Thelma E. Diego, DOST-IX Website)