The OVCRD Report (May 2011-April 2014).2.10.14 | Page 37

The OVCRD Report

A Handbook on Biosafety Compliance
in the Philippine Context

In an era of uncertainty and change, new
infectious agents and diseases have
emerged, and it has become important for
institutions and organizations to be
committed in maintaining a safe working
environment in all research and teaching
laboratories where biological materials are
used. In UP Diliman, this is primarily the
responsibility of the Institutional Biosafety
Committee or UPD-IBC.
The committee is composed of five
members with expertise in genetic
engineering or pests, or who have the
capability to assess the safety of research.
The University-wide UPD-IBC may have
consultants on call who are knowledgeable
on the commitments and policies of the
institution, applicable laws and standards of
professional conduct and practice,
community attitudes, and the environment.
A major accomplishment of the UPD-IBC
in 2013 was the drafting of a Biosafety
Manual, the product of an exhaustive and
intensive review of relevant government
regulatory documents such as the
Philippine Biosafety Guidelines published
by the National Committee on Biosafety of
the Philippines (NCBP), and reference
guidelines from the World Health
Organization (WHO). The objectives of the
manual are two-fold: first, to provide
information about general biosafety,
recombinant DNA issues, safe work

practices, safety equipment and personal
protective equipment; and second,
to provide guidance for researchers and
investigators who need to submit an
application for review by the UPD-IBC.
Aside from a short history about the
UPD-IBC, the manual contains information
about monitoring and training in biosafety,
regulations and guidelines on recombinant
DNA and biohazardous agents, importation
and transportation of biohazardous
materials, and proper handling of waste and
decontamination.
The manual is intended as an advisory
document recommending best practices for
the safe conduct of research work in
biomedical and clinical laboratories. The
UPD-IBC hopes that it would be used by
faculty members as a teaching resource
material, and by researchers as a reference
to help them address the specific needs of
their laboratory.