Peer Review Process

The Davao Research Journal (DRJ) uses a double-blind peer review system to ensure fairness, objectivity, confidentiality, and academic integrity. The identities of both authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the process. After initial editorial screening, each manuscript is assigned to at least two independent expert reviewers chosen for their expertise, research background, and lack of conflicts of interest. Review typically takes one to two months, depending on reviewer availability. Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on: originality and scholarly contribution, scientific and methodological rigor, academic relevance and significance, clarity and organization of presentation, ethical compliance and research integrity. Based on their recommendations, the Editor-in-Chief may decide to: accept without revision, accept with minor revisions, require major revisions, or reject the paper. Authors asked to revise must respond to the reviewers’ comments within one month of the notice. They should submit the revised manuscript, a response table (question and answer format), and a cover letter explaining the changes. Revised manuscripts may be sent back to the reviewers for further evaluation. The Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision based on the reviewers’ recommendations, the quality of the revisions, and the journal’s editorial standards. Accepted manuscripts go through final proofing, layout, and online publication, which takes two weeks. Throughout the process, the journal upholds confidentiality, impartiality, ethical practices, and transparency, in line with international publishing standards and the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Figure 1. Peer review process of the Davao Research Journal (DRJ).