Partnership is a tool for development and innovation. The PRI welcomes international and local public-private partnerships, as well as collaboration with fellow government agencies and academic institutions for the further development of human resources in the railway sector.

Interested to partner with us? Shoot as an email at rdd.pri@dotr.gov.ph with your letter of intent addressed to the following, together with the list of areas of collaboration that you have in mind:

USEC. ANNELI R. LONTOC, CESO I
Officer-in-Charge
Philippine Railways Institute
The Columbia Tower, Ortigas Ave.,
Brgy. Wackwack, Mandaluyong City

The Philippine Railways Institute (PRI) engages in the field of research through the following:

1. In-House: A study initiated and conducted by the Research and Development Division
2. Fully Outsourced: A study initiated by the PRI that is outsourced to a third-party and impartial service provider (e.g. individual consultants or research institutions)
3. Joint: A study that may be initiated by either the PRI or stakeholders transfer of technology and conducted in close partnership

The following are the events facilitated by the Research and Development Division for the national rail sector:

1. Expert Panel Meeting;
2. General Conference;
3. International Convention;
4. Joint Panel Meeting;
5. Major Stakeholder Meeting;
6. Research Forum; and
7. Symposium.

1. Rights of data subjects, confidentiality, and respect. Researchers and evaluators are expected to respect the diversity of individuals involved and to adhere to the set standards in gathering and handling personal information in accordance with the provisions of the Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 to ensure that rights of data subjects are safeguarded. Specifically, implementers must uphold the following:
   • Value and safeguard the rights, interests, and dignity of all involved.
   • Researchers and evaluators shall be guided by the principle of beneficence when involving human subjects in a study.
   • Be sensitive to the cultural, gender, social, and economic environment of all stakeholders, particularly those covered by studies and conduct themselves in a manner that is fair and appropriate to the environment
   • Differences in gender, culture, sector, ethnicity, and religion must be taken into account in designing studies, analysis of data, and reporting.
   • Lawful collection of data shall be ensured through obtaining as appropriate, a written informed consent (or in the case of minor respondents, informed assent).
   • Researchers must ensure that prospective respondents fully understand the purpose, procedures, and risks involved with their participation in the study.
   • Respect the confidentiality of information provided by the participants, especially any agreement to grant anonymity.
   • Sensitive information shall remain confidential to protect study participants from potential harm and reprisals.
   • Give respondents freedom to decline participation or withdraw from the study at any time.
   • As stipulated in Chapter IV of the Data Privacy Act of 2012, the data subjects are  entitled to the following rights with regard to the processing of their personal information:
     
     • Right to be notified when his/her personal information will be, are being, or have been processed;
     • Right to be informed on the purpose, methods, and other details prior to entry of his/her personal information into the processing system;
     • Right to access his/her personal information;
     • Right to correct data errors or inaccuracy;
     • Right to suspend, withdraw, or order the blocking, removal, destruction of
       his/her personal information from the data handlers; and
     • Right to be indemnified for any damages for inaccurate, unlawful, or unauthorized use of personal data.
2.  Transparency. Key stages of the implementation, participation of relevant stakeholders shall be ensured, and the purpose of the study must be clearly communicated. Study questions, methodology, and processes shall be shared and consulted with them to improve ownership and quality of study implementation.
3. Independence and Impartiality. Potential conflicts of interest must be prevented or reduced to maintain independence of study findings. Studies shall be carried out without undue influence from any party. This may involve contracting the service of an independent review panel who reviews research proposals by making sure it is ethically designed and free of bias.
4. Credibility and Reliability. It is crucial to ensure credibility and reliability of the results to influence persons of authority and translate these results into legislative agenda. Researchers shall maintain the integrity and quality of study design, framework, and methodology, employ appropriate study techniques and carry out accurate analysis, and ensure that the findings and recommendations are supported by strong evidence. Compliance of parties with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, particularly Sections 185 (Fair Use of Copyrighted Work), 187 (Reproduction of Published Work); and 188 (Reprographic Reproduction by Libraries) shall be observed.

PRl-funded studies, whether conducted in house, or through outsourcing, shall be fully owned by the PRI.

However, for those fully outsourced and joint studies funded by external entities, ownership can be shared by the PRI and its partner research institution. Relevant protocols shall be stipulated in a contract for the conduct of the study.

The PRI shall maintain a database of its research and evaluation studies as well as the resulting data and findings.

Any interested individual or group shall be required to seek permission from the PRI if they intend to utilize the data or use for personal and/or academic purposes.

The PRI shall have proprietary rights to the relevant research data, information and actual findings which shall adhere to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and the Freedom of Information (FOI) Manual existing at the time of request.

The entire corpus of research shall be physically and digitally available to all stakeholders. As soon as the seven-story building of the PRI is built, there will be a library that will be open for all. 

Nonetheless, if you have materials to share that you think will be beneficial to the railway sector or if you are a student with a thesis regarding railway development, then shoot us an email at rdd.pri@dotr.gov.ph for more details!