Ethics approval

Research involving human participants requires approval from a research ethics committee before data collection. In the Philippines, the journal expects review by a committee accredited by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) or an institutional ethics committee. Studies follow the PHREB National Ethical Guidelines for Research Involving Human Participants and the Declaration of Helsinki. The Methods section names the committee, the approval number, and the approval date.

Exemption

Authors of studies exempted from formal review state the basis of the exemption, the body granting the exemption, and the safeguards used to protect participants.

Informed consent

Participation is voluntary and based on written or documented consent. Participants receive clear information on the purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, confidentiality, and the right to withdraw without penalty.

Minors and school-based research

Research involving learners below 18 years of age requires written consent from parents or guardians and assent from the learners. Research in public schools follows the Department of Education research management guidelines (DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017) and requires permission from the schools division or school head.

Indigenous communities

Research involving Indigenous Cultural Communities or Indigenous Peoples requires Free and Prior Informed Consent through the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, under the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8371), and respect for community protocols.

Vulnerable groups

Research with vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities, displaced persons, and persons in conflict-affected areas, includes added safeguards approved by the ethics committee.

Privacy of participants

Authors remove names, photographs, and details able to identify participants. Identifiable information appears only with written consent for publication. All research follows the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173).

Online and social media data

Studies using online or social media data justify the approach in the Methods section and protect the identities of users.

Verification

Editors reserve the right to request copies of ethics approval letters and consent forms and to reject manuscripts lacking adequate ethical safeguards.