Urdaneta City University strengthens its research ethics capability through a seminar entitled “Upholding Integrity in Research: A Gender-Responsive Information and Orientation Program on UCU Research Ethics,” held on September 30, 2026, at the University Amphitheatre. 

Led by the UCU Research Ethics Committee (UCUREC), the program aims to strengthen awareness of research ethics among students from the College of Teacher Education, College of Business Management and Accountancy, College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, College of Information and Technology Education and College of Health Sciences, emphasizing research integrity, ethical review, informed consent, data privacy, risk management, and gender-responsive research practices.

The morning session focused on the “Overview of Research Ethics Principles and Standards,” facilitated by Dr. Cherry E. Carlos, Non-Affiliated Member of UCUREC, which provided participants with an understanding of fundamental research ethics principles. This was followed by a discussion on the “Roles and Functions of the UCU Research Ethics Committee,” facilitated by Dr. Ficer M. Dofredo, UCUREC Director. 

 In the afternoon, Dr. Dofredo discussed the “Ethical Review Process, Requirements, and Common Issues,” helping participants understand the committee’s role in reviewing research proposals and promoting ethical compliance. Dr. Easter A. Belandres, Member of UCUREC, led the workshop on “Identifying Ethical Issues in Research Proposals,” while Prof. Rhea M. Agibuay facilitated the discussion on “Informed Consent, Data Privacy, And Risk Management”.

The seminar was conducted under the leadership of UCU’s Chairman of the Board of Regents and Urdaneta City Mayor Julio “Rammy” F. Parayno III, with the support of the university’s top officials led by Acting University President Dr. Amihan April C. Mella-Alcazar, Chief Operating Officer Atty. Dar A. Diga, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Josephine S. Lambinicio, and Vice President for Administrative Affairs Atty. Michael Henry C. Sevilleja.

Through the program, UCU further strengthens its commitment to producing research that is credible, responsible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of society. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).#