BU ACUC Orientation and Training on Laboratory Animal Handling

The Bicol University Animal Care and Use Committee (BU ACUC) successfully conducted the first batch of its workshop for 2025, titled “BU ACUC Orientation and Training on Laboratory Animal Handling”. Held on August 7 at Lecture Room 3106 and Laboratory Room 3107 of the College of Science, Building 3, the event aimed to provide hands-on training to a new group of participants, primarily students, to enhance the quality and ethical standards in laboratory animal handling.

The main goal is to improve the quality of research involving animals and to disseminate information about the roles and functions of the committee. Just like previous workshops, the day was divided into two parts: an orientation in the morning and hands-on training in the afternoon.

Dr. Czerny Gwynne S. Paliza, Chairperson of the BU ACUC, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of the activity, particularly for student participants who would apply the hands-on training in their research. She then discussed the Protocol Review Process and the Animal Care and Use Requirements. Dr. Paliza explained the structure, composition, and functions of the BU ACUC, and outlined the step-by-step procedure for completing the Protocol Review Form (PRF). She also detailed the categories and types of review processes based on the classification of the proposed protocol.

Next, on the topic Animal Handling and Restraint, Prof. Jeffrey D. Peregrino, secretary of BU ACUC, discussed the basic concepts of handling and restraining laboratory animals to reduce their distress and discomfort, while also preventing human injury during scientific procedures.

Dr. Dennis B. Gogola then took the floor to talk about the different Routes of Drug Administration in animals—like oral, intravenous, and intramuscular—and the factors that determine which method to use. He also introduced the rest of the BU ACUC members and staff.

Prof. Jazzlyn T. Imperial followed with a session on Methods of Blood Collection, giving participants a clearer understanding of the various techniques used in lab research. Rounding out the morning lectures, Prof. Phil V. Morano discussed Euthanasia and Organ Collection, covering humane methods of euthanasia and how to properly collect organs like the liver and kidneys for scientific study.

In the afternoon, the participants rolled up their sleeves for the hands-on portion of the workshop. Under the supervision of Dr. Paliza, Prof. Peregrino, Prof. Janice Garcia (a new committee member), and later assisted by Prof. Imperial, participants practiced what they learned, getting firsthand experience with the procedures discussed earlier in the day.

To wrap up the event, certificates were awarded to the participants, speakers, and coordinators in recognition of their active involvement. Attendees came from various Bicol University campuses, making the workshop a truly collaborative and enriching experience for all.

Through workshops like this, BU ACUC continues to strengthen its commitment to ethical and high-quality research involving animals—fostering a research environment that values both scientific integrity and animal welfare.