The University's Research Ethics Review Committee (RERC), has been granted provisional Level 2 accreditation by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB), effective from April 28, 2025 to April 27, 2026.
The accreditation was awarded upon the recommendation of the PHREB Committee on Standards and Accreditation (PHREB-CSA). With this distinction, USLS becomes the only academic institution in Negros Occidental with Level 2 research ethics accreditation and is among only 26 universities nationwide to receive this recognition.
The Level 2 accreditation affirms that the USLS-RERC has met PHREB’s standards in terms of committee composition, ethical policies, operational procedures, and review capacity. This marks an upgrade from its previous Level 1 status and brings several benefits to the University’s research initiatives.
As a Level 2-accredited committee, the USLS-RERC is now authorized to review more than minimal risk studies, including those involving vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
The accreditation also allows the University to support a broader range of research activities that comply with both national and international ethical standards. This reinforces USLS’s commitment to upholding responsible research practices.
In addition, the recognition strengthens the University's reputation and competitiveness among funding agencies, regulatory bodies, and academic partners both in the Philippines and abroad.
Research proposals reviewed by a Level 2-accredited committee meet the ethical requirements of key institutions such as the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), the Department of Health (DOH), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and various international grant-making organizations. This significantly enhances the University's eligibility for external funding and collaboration opportunities.
This achievement reflects the dedication and leadership of USLS-RERC Chairperson Ms. Annabelle A. Alova, along with the support of the Research Ethics Review Office (RERO), the Center for Research and Engagement (CRE), and various academic and administrative units across the University.
The University of St. La Salle remains committed to advancing ethical, responsible, and high-quality research that contributes to the public good and the broader academic community.