FAQs

1. What is the UP College of Home Economics Research Ethics Committee (UPCHE REC)?

The University of the Philippines College of Home Economics Research Ethics Committee (UPCHE REC) is an independent, multidisciplinary, and multisectoral body. Our primary purpose is to ensure the ethical standards and scientific soundness of research conducted within the College of Home Economics, protecting the rights, safety, dignity, and privacy of all human participants involved.

2. What is the Committee’s current accreditation level?

UPCHE REC is a Level 2 accredited committee by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB). This status authorizes us to review and approve protocols with negligible, minimal, or moderate risks, with the sole exception of clinical/medical trials required for FDA registration of new drugs.

3. Who can submit to the UPCHE REC?

Currently the UPCHE REC only accepts protocol submissions from students, faculty, and research staff from the College of Home Economics, UP Diliman.

2.  What qualifies as a "Vulnerable Population" in research?

Under international and national ethical guidelines, vulnerable participants are those who may be relatively or absolutely incapable of protecting their own interests. If your study involves any of the following, it will undergo either an Expedited or Full Review:

• Children (under 18 years old)

• Indigenous peoples/Underdeveloped communities

• Elderly individuals or differently-abled persons

• Pregnant or lactating women

• Persons deprived of liberty

• LGTBTQIA+ individuals

• Other marginalized groups (such as the underserved, unemployed, or victims of crimes)

1. What documents do I need to submit for a new application? 

To initiate an ethics review, please email a complete soft-copy package to our office. Please go to our Requirements for Review Page for further instructions.

2. Can undergraduate students submit protocols independently?

No.  All undergraduate protocols must be endorsed by their respective Department REC. The initial review and assignment of primary reviewers for undergraduate protocols are undertaken by each Department. Undergraduate protocols are reviewed by batch,  consult your department on the schedule of submissions of your discipline.

The UPCHE REC will not accept any undergraduate protocol without endorsement from their respective Department and Department REC.

3. Can graduate students submit protocols independently?

Yes. However, this still should undergo the process set by their respective Department REC. Incomplete documents or signatures on the REC forms will not be entertained. 

1. What happens if I need to revise my study after it has been approved?

For Exempt Protocols: Any alteration or change in an exempted protocol immediately invalidates the exemption. You must submit the revised protocol to the REC to determine if it still qualifies as exempt, or if it must undergo a regular expedited or full review.

For Expedited/Full Review Protocols: Any administrative or procedural amendment must be submitted via the Study Protocol Amendment Form and approved before you can implement the changes.

2. Why is my Informed Consent Form (ICF) reviewed so meticulously?

Our non-scientist and lay committee members review the ICF to ensure that the language is completely accessible, respectful, and clear to the target community. They check for appropriate translation (English/Filipino/local dialects), clear risks/benefits disclosure, and details on data privacy compliance.

3. Do I need to submit a report once my study is done?

Yes! To formally close your project and if you're a student, to get Thesis Dissertation Distribution (TDDR) Form signed, a Final Report must be submitted. The following is submitted to the UPCHEREC for processing and approval:

• UPCHE REC Form 21 Final Report not later than eight (8) weeks after the end of the study  and;

• Completed theses signed by the Dean (submitted soft copy of the manuscript)

Once reviewed and approved by the reviewer(s), Chair, and Member Secretary, your study will be declared inactive and archived and you will  be issued a Form 33 Action Letter - Final Report Approval.

The ORP will not sign any TDDR Form if you don't have a Form 33 Action Letter- Final Report Approval