The Medical City IRB Earns National and International Recognition for Ethical Research Oversight
The Medical City Institutional Review Board has achieved top-tier national and international distinction through PHREB Level 3 Accreditation and SIDCER-FERCAP recognition.
Pasig City, Philippines — The Medical City Institutional Review Board (TMC-IRB) has earned both national and international recognition, receiving the highest Level 3 Accreditation from the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) and formal recognition from Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in Ethical Review and the Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Asia and the Western Pacific Region (SIDCER-FERCAP), affirming its commitment to protecting research participants and upholding the highest ethical standards in medical research.
The Level 3 Accreditation, effective from February 19, 2026 to February 18, 2029, signifies TMC-IRB’s full adherence to PHREB Policies and the National Ethical Guidelines for Research Involving Human Participants (NEGRIHP). It affirms the IRB’s advanced capabilities in quality management, review processes, oversight mechanisms, and research participant protection, which are key indicators of a highly competent Research Ethics Committee.
In addition, the SIDCER-FERCAP recognition was conferred on November 26, 2025, during the 25th FERCAP General Assembly in Bangkok, Thailand. It confirms the IRB’s compliance with globally accepted ethical and regulatory frameworks, including the Declaration of Helsinki, International Council for Harmonisation - Good Clinical Practice standards, Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) Guidelines, World Health Organization (WHO) operational guidance, local regulations, and institutional Standard Operating Procedures.
Both distinctions were awarded after comprehensive evaluations of TMC-IRB’s governance structure, review procedures, documentation systems, and quality assurance activities. Over the past year, the IRB strengthened its processes through Standard Operating Procedure updates, enhanced reviewer training, reinforced administrative systems, and continuous alignment with international and national requirements.
For patients and research participants, these recognitions provide strong assurance that their safety, dignity, and rights are placed at the center of every research activity conducted at The Medical City. The PHREB Level 3 Accreditation and SIDCER-FERCAP Recognition affirm that all studies undergo rigorous, independent ethical review and continuous oversight aligned with national and international standards.
These achievements reflect the leadership of Dr. Carlo Emmanuel J. Sumpaico, TMC-IRB Chair, and the collective commitment of the TMC-IRB Members and the TMC-IRB Secretariats. Their coordinated efforts uphold The Medical City’s commitment to ethical, high-quality, and patient-centered research across its network.
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