EVHRDC Ethics Review Committee Holds Seminar-Workshop on Developing Technically- and Ethically-Sound Research Proposals
December 10, 2025 | Hotel de Fides, Tacloban City

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The Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC), through its Ethics Review Committee (ERC), conducted the Seminar-Workshop on Developing a Technically- and Ethically-Sound Research Proposal on December 10, 2025 at Hotel de Fides, Tacloban City. The activity aimed to enhance the capacity of researchers from EVHRDC member institutions by deepening their understanding of ethical principles, ERC review procedures, and best practices in preparing research protocols.

Strengthening Ethical and Technical Research Capacities

EVHRDC Director Dr. Lucia P. Dauz delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of ethics and methodological rigor in generating quality health research that supports evidence-based decision-making in the region.

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The lecture sessions began with Mr. Jeremy V. Jusay, EVHRDC Secretary, who provided an overview of the EVHRDC ERC processes, timelines, and documentary requirements for applying for ethics clearance. He also introduced the ERC forms used in evaluation.

This was followed by a series of presentations from distinguished EVHRDC ERC members:

  • Atty. Alma Sonia Q. Sanchez-Danday (Leyte Normal University), EVHRDC ERC Chair, discussed Ethical Principles in the Conduct of Health Research.

  • Dr. Sarah B. Delorino (University of Eastern Philippines), EVHRDC-ERC Vice Chair, presented the ERC Protocol Evaluation Process and related review forms.

  • Ms. Noreen S. Buhat (St. Joseph College), EVHRDC- ERC Member, delivered a comprehensive discussion on the ICF Evaluation Process and the required ICF evaluation templates.

The lecture proper concluded with Mr. Jusay presenting common issues frequently encountered during ERC reviews, including recurring gaps in research documentation, protocol clarity, and informed consent completeness.

Workshop Proper and Group Outputs

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Participants were grouped according to their institutions and given sample research protocols to evaluate. Assuming the role of ERC reviewers, each group assessed the assigned protocol using the a standard protocol and ICF evaluation forms.

Each group was later given the opportunity to present their outputs, fostering peer learning and strengthening participants’ understanding of how ERC members critically review research submissions.

Participants and Rationale for Selection

The first batch of participants came from institutions with the highest number of ERC-reviewed protocols in the past 2 years, including:

  • UPM-SHS

  • St. Scholastica’s College of Tacloban, Inc.

  • Leyte Normal University

  • Eastern Visayas State University

  • Mother of Mercy Hospital

  • UP Tacloban

  • Visayas State University

  • St. Joseph College

  • Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Educational Foundation, Inc.

  • Divine Word Hospital

Their participation aimed to help improve the quality and compliance of future submissions coming from these institutions.

Closing the Session and Next Steps

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The activity was synthesized by EVHRDC ERC Member Mr. Emmanuel Antonio Lim of Commision on Higher Education-Region VIII, who provided a recap of key learning points and highlighted the role of institutions in strengthening ethical research culture. The workshop formally concluded with the closing message delivered by ERC Chair Atty. Alma Sonia Q. Sanchez-Danday.

A second batch of this seminar-workshop is scheduled for 2025, continuing EVHRDC’s commitment to raising the standards of health research in Eastern Visayas.