A comprehensive Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP) is the cornerstone of ethical and scientifically valid animal research. The Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 40 Rules and Regulations on the Conduct of Scientific Procedures Using Animals requires all animal research facilities to secure authorization to conduct scientific procedures using animals from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). One of the documents required by BAI is a description of the ACUP. Furthermore, in the Philippine setting, where laboratory animal science continues to develop across academic and research institutions, the need for structured programs that ensure the humane care and responsible use of animals in research has become increasingly urgent. Many facilities operate without clear protocols, trained personnel, or consistent oversight, risking both regulatory noncompliance and compromised research outcomes. This session highlights the importance of establishing a formal ACUP tailored to the operational, ethical, and regulatory context of the Philippines.

• Define the components and functions of a robust Animal Care and Use Program.

• Justify the institutional and scientific need for such a program within Philippine laboratory animal facilities.

• Guide participants in developing or strengthening their own ACUPs based on local and international standards.

• Promote integration of animal welfare, biosafety, and ethical review into everyday facility operations.

• Align the implementation of ACUPs with existing regulations from the Department of Agriculture (BAI) and global best practices.

This session will walk participants through the essential elements of an effective ACUP: governance structure (including Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees or IACUCs), veterinary care, training and competency programs, standard operating procedures (SOPs), facility design and management, animal health monitoring, and continuous program review. Participants will explore how these components function together to uphold the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) and enhance both animal welfare and research validity. Emphasis will be placed on risk-based planning, resource allocation, and institutional commitment. The presentation will also address common barriers to implementation in the Philippines, including funding limitations, inadequate training, and lack of awareness. Real examples from local institutions will illustrate the transition from informal practices to formalized programs.

• Recognize the critical role of an ACUP in promoting humane and ethical research practices.

• Identify and understand the core components of a functional ACUP.

• Begin planning or revising their institution’s animal care and use program.

• Ensure alignment with local regulatory frameworks and international guidelines such as the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

• Strengthen institutional readiness for research accreditation, monitoring, or audits.

The establishment of a well-structured Animal Care and Use Program is fundamental to responsible animal research. In the Philippines, where institutional capacities vary widely, a contextualized and scalable ACUP can help ensure compliance, enhance research quality, and build public trust. With institutional commitment and capacity-building, the Philippine laboratory animal science community can meet international standards while addressing local realities.