The Research and Extension Ethics Section of Mindanao State University at Naawan, under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement (OVCRIGE), successfully conducted a benchmarking visit at Caraga State University on April 29, 2026. The activity forms part of the University’s continuing efforts to strengthen its research ethics framework and align institutional practices with the standards of the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB).

The MSU at Naawan delegation was led by Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement, and included Ms. Richelle A. Niepes and Ms. Jackie Lou Z. Dacula from the College of Environment and Life Sciences (CELS), as well as Ms. Jovelyn L. Cabanatan from the College of Education and Social Sciences (CESS).

The benchmarking visit facilitated meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange between the two institutions, enabling the delegation to gain valuable insights into best practices, ethics review processes, and compliance mechanisms. These learnings are expected to further enhance the University’s ethics review system and operational standards.

The activity was further strengthened by the active participation of the Vice Chancellor, whose presence underscored the University’s strong commitment to advancing research ethics and promoting the responsible conduct of research.

Through initiatives such as this, OVCRIGE continues to reinforce its mandate of building robust research governance systems, fostering institutional collaboration, and ensuring that research practices at Mindanao State University at Naawan adhere to national and international ethical standards.