MarSU Research Ethics Committee
Promoting ethical research and safeguarding the dignity, rights, safety, and well-being of research participants and communities.
About the MarSU Research Ethics Committee
The Marinduque State University Research Ethics Committee (MarSU REC) is an independent decision-making body responsible for promoting and safeguarding ethical standards in research involving human participants and identifiable or sensitive data.
The Committee is committed to protecting the dignity, rights, safety, welfare, privacy, and confidentiality of research participants while ensuring that research conducted within the University adheres to established ethical standards.
The MarSU REC conducts ethical review of research proposals and supports the responsible conduct of research through ethical guidance, capacity building, training, and adherence to recognized national and international standards.
While the Committee maintains independence in its ethical decision-making, it receives administrative support from the University to facilitate its operations, training, and capacity-building activities.
History and Institutional Development
The foundation of the MarSU Research Ethics Committee was laid through Office of the President Memorandum No. 393, Series of 2012, dated October 23, 2012, which designated Dr. Romulo H. Malvar as head of the Institutional Ethics Review Committee.
The University’s first Ethics Review Committee Standard Operating Procedures were approved in 2016 through MSC Joint ADCO-ACO-RECO Resolution No. 21, Series of 2016.
The Committee was further institutionalized in 2020 through the appointment of Ms. Ma. Rowela L. Lamac as Chairperson under Office of the President Memorandum No. 185, Series of 2020, followed by the formal appointment of institutional and non-institutional members through Office of the President Memorandum No. 261, Series of 2020.
As part of its continuing commitment to strengthening ethical research practice, the REC has supported the training and development of its members and potential members in research ethics and good research practice.
Mandate
By virtue of Office of the President Memorandum No. 393, Series of 2012, the MarSU REC operates as an independent decision-making body with the mandate to promote high ethical standards in research and protect research participants and communities.
Promote High Ethical Standards in Research
- Ensure that all research involving human participants or respondents follows applicable international and national ethical guidelines.
- Conduct rigorous ethical review of proposed studies to safeguard human dignity, privacy, and data confidentiality.
- Encourage responsible research conduct through regular training, workshops, and adherence to good research practices.
Protect Research Participants and Communities
- Safeguard the rights, safety, and welfare of potential research participants.
- Assess potential risks and benefits of research proposals, particularly those involving vulnerable populations.
- Evaluate the impact of research on local communities and ensure that studies align with ethical and social responsibility principles.
Ethical Review
The MarSU REC reviews research proposals involving human participants, sensitive data, and other ethical considerations. Research protocols are evaluated in accordance with applicable ethical standards and institutional requirements.
Applicable Standards and Guidelines
- National Ethical Guidelines for Health and Health-Related Research (NEGHHR) 2022
- Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) Accreditation Requirements
- Commission on Higher Education (CHED) guidelines on ethics review
Research Requiring Ethics Review
All research protocols involving human participants and/or identifiable data must undergo ethics review by the MarSU Research Ethics Committee, regardless of whether vulnerable groups are involved.
Research protocols that pose minimal risk and do not involve vulnerable populations may qualify for Expedited Review, subject to REC evaluation. Certain low-risk studies may be declared Exempt from Review, but only upon formal assessment and determination by the REC Chair.
Review Timelines
Expedited Review
Minimal-risk research with no vulnerable groups.
Up to 27 working days
Full Review
Research involving more than minimal risk or vulnerable groups.
Up to 47 working days
Important: No research activity involving data collection from human participants shall commence without the issuance of an Ethical Clearance Certificate or a formal Notice of Exemption from the MarSU REC.
Research Ethics Committee
The current composition of the MarSU Research Ethics Committee is established under Office Memorandum No. 85, Series of 2026, dated April 15, 2026.
Chairperson
Ms. Desiree Anne M. Sto. Domingo
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Ms. Sheryl M. Podra
Vice Chairperson
Member Secretary
Ms. Ella Joy S. Marbello
Member Secretary
Regular Members
Dr. Menandro M. Merlin
Engr. Valerie N. Linga-Maraon
Ms. Bernadette N. Del Prado
Dr. Nikka Mae J. Adling
Ms. Jenyza D. Rojo
Mr. Kierven A. Villaruel
Mr. Gilbert P. Privado
Ms. Cristina C. Sereño-Atienza
Dr. Keam Eric L. Malabayabas
Ms. Willa Mae M. Paredes
Dr. Vergel L. Mayo
Engr. Robert N. Lamonte
Alternate Members
Ms. Kristine Joy R. Fidelino
Mr. Junn Quirk I. Espiritu
Ms. Mae Kristine C. Ogayre
Independent Committees
Biomedical and Health Sciences Committee
- Mr. Herbert Felix A. Semilla
- Ms. Marie Grace Anne M. Reynoso
Natural and Applied Sciences Committee
- Ms. Juliepearl P. Brion
- Mr. Neil Cezar L. Sapungan
Animal Ethics and Welfare Committee
- Ms. Giselle M. Perlas
- Ms. Orlen M. Mallen
Submission Requirements
Researchers submitting protocols for ethical review are required to provide the following documents:
-
Letter of Request for Review
addressed to:
Ms. Desiree Anne M. Sto. Domingo
Chair, MarSU Research Ethics Committee - Completed Application Form (Form GF1)
- Full Research Proposal/Protocol including the title page, abstract, rationale, objectives, methodology, ethical considerations, and references.
- Data Collection Instruments such as questionnaires, interview guides, and focus group prompts.
- Informed Consent Form/s written in English and Filipino/local language as applicable.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) of all student researchers and faculty adviser/s.
- Endorsement Letter from the Program Chair or College Dean.
Formatting and File Requirements
- File format: Word (.doc or .docx)
-
File name format:
COLLEGE_PROGRAM_StudentLastName_RECSubmission_DATE - Proposal format: Arial or Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced.
- Informed consent forms shall use REC-approved guidelines.
Submission Process
Hard Copy
Submit to the REC Secretariat, OVPRET, 2nd Floor, Canopy Building.
Receiving Hours:
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Weekdays only
Submissions lacking any of the required documents will be considered incomplete and will not be scheduled for review. Researchers and faculty advisers are advised to ensure that all required documents are complete before submission.
Forms and Guidelines
Important Reminder
All research protocols involving human participants and/or identifiable data must undergo ethics review by the MarSU Research Ethics Committee. No research activity involving data collection from human participants shall commence without the issuance of an Ethical Clearance Certificate or a formal Notice of Exemption from the REC.
Contact the Research Ethics Committee
Official Reference
- Issuance
- Office Memorandum No. 85, Series of 2026
- Date Issued
- April 15, 2026
- Subject
- New Composition of the MarSU Research Ethics Committee
- Issuing Office
- Office of the University President
The current REC designation takes effect upon issuance and remains in force until revoked by a subsequent issuance from the Office of the University President.
