TULIP NEWS 006

In September 2024, the TULIP Consortium carried out a series of scoping visits in Pangasinan, Philippines, as part of the project’s efforts to identify potential study sites and engage with local stakeholders. These visits were crucial for understanding the local context and preparing for the implementation of community-based interventions to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquatic environments influenced by climate change and plastic pollution.

Objectives of the Scoping Visits

The primary goals of these visits were to:

• Identify and inspect potential study sites in various municipalities of Pangasinan.
• Engage with local government officials, regional offices, and community leaders to introduce the TULIP Project.
• Seek support and collaboration from local authorities for the project’s activities.
• Conduct ocular inspections to determine the feasibility of including specific sites in the study.

Key Activities and Locations

The scoping visits took place from September 2 to 6, 2024, and included meetings and site visits in several municipalities and regional offices.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the activities:

September 2-6, 2024

1. Meetings with Regional Offices
   • DENR Regional Director: Discussed environmental aspects and potential collaboration.
   • DOH Regional Director: Focused on health-related aspects and support for the project.

1. Provincial Office Meetings
   • Pangasinan Provincial Health Office: Engaged with provincial health authorities to align project goals with local health initiatives.
     

Municipalities Visited

1. Lingayen
   • Site visits to potential study sites: River in San Jose Bridge, River in Dumalandan Bridge.
   • Courtesy call to the Vice Mayor of Lingayen to introduce the study and seek support.
2. Binmaley
   • Site visits: Gumapos River in Poblacion, River in Manat Bridge, River in Baloctot Bridge, River in Gayaman Bridge.
3. Dagupan
   • Site visits: Poblacion Oeste, Pantal River, Bacayao Norte.
4. Calasiao
   • Site visits: Libaliw Creek (Brgy. Bued), Tolong River (Brgy. San Vicente), Malabago River (Malued Road, Brgy. Dinaluan).
5. San Carlos City
   • Site visits: San Juan River, River in M. Soriano St., River in San Pedro Street, Brgy. Calombayab River.
6. Santa Barbara
   • Site visits: Sinocalan River (Maramba Bridge, Primicias), Sinocalan River (Banaong Bridge, Brgy. Banaong), Balingueo Creek (Balingueo Bridge, Brgy. Balingueo), Sapang Creek (Brgy. Sapang).
7. Binalonan
   • Site visits: Mangcasuy Road (Santa Maria Norte), Cili River (near Cili Bridge, Brgy. Cili), Cili Little Dam (Brgy. Cili), Sinocalan River (McKinley Poblacion), Pasileng Sur, Irrigation River (Brgy. Balangobong).
8. Urdaneta
   • Site visits: Macalong River (MacArthur Hi-way Poblacion), Creek (MacArthur Hi-way, Nancayasan Poblacion), Macalong River (Palatos Road, Zone 5, Bayaoas), Estacada River (Purok 2, Nancayasan).
9. Villasis
   • Site visits: Agno River (Agno Viaduct, Brgy. Lipay), Pangat Road (Zone 7, Brgy. Caramutan), Brgy. Barraca.

Outcomes and Next Steps

The scoping visits provided valuable insights into the local environmental and health conditions in Pangasinan. The consortium successfully engaged with local government officials and community leaders, laying the groundwork for collaborative efforts in the upcoming phases of the TULIP Project. The identified study sites will be further evaluated for their suitability in addressing the project’s research questions related to AMR, plastic pollution, and climate change impacts.

The consortium plans to continue building on these initial engagements, developing detailed study protocols, and working closely with local stakeholders to implement community-based interventions. The scoping visits marked an important step in the TULIP Project’s journey towards driving positive change in aquatic environments and public health.