Representatives from the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), under the Research and Extension Ethics Section, conducted a benchmarking activity at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Laguna, on March 12, 2026. The activity aimed to strengthen MSUN’s institutional framework for animal research ethics by learning from the established systems and best practices implemented by UPLB.

Participating in the benchmarking activity were Assoc. Prof. Richelle A. Niepes, IACUC Co-Chair; Assist. Prof. Mark Anthony T. Maña, Ms. Sherley Ann T. Inocente, and Dr. Jerico M. Consolacion, who serve as IACUC panel members; and Assist. Prof. Gleven Jay V. Laraño, faculty representative.

An orientation and technical discussion were facilitated by Dr. Ma. Amelita C. Estacio of the UPLB IACUC. During the session, Dr. Estacio presented the committee’s operational procedures, regulatory requirements, protocol review processes, and best practices in ensuring the ethical and humane use of animals in research and instruction.

Insights gained from the benchmarking activity highlighted strategies for strengthening institutional compliance with animal welfare standards, improving protocol evaluation processes, and enhancing the implementation of IACUC policies at MSUN.

Through this initiative, MSUN continues to strengthen its research governance mechanisms and uphold responsible and ethical research practices in accordance with national and institutional standards.