TULIP News 008

The TULIP Team from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)UPLB) attended the Environmental Surveillance TULIP Workshop in San Mateo, Rizal, organized by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), for the local government units across Pangasinan Province last November 13, 2024. The workshop aimed to tackle the interconnected challenges of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), plastic pollution, and climate change.

The session opened with the introductions from the UPLB and RITM teams, setting the stage for discussions on the rising threat of AMR—often referred to as the “silent pandemic.” RITM experts presented the complex interplay between AMR, plastic pollution, and climate change, highlighting the need for integrated solutions. Building on this, Dr. Perlie P. Velasco of UPLB introduced nature-based solutions (NbS), particularly constructed wetlands, as a sustainable alternative for wastewater treatment. To support its effectiveness, Mr. Jhon Matthew Leron (UPLB) presented global research findings demonstrating how constructed wetlands successfully remove microplastics and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria/genes from wastewater.

Following the discussions, participants engaged in a hands-on workshop where they were divided into groups to conduct a Problem Space – Solution Space activity. This exercise allowed LGU representatives to analyze and visualize local environmental challenges and propose actionable solutions. Facilitators Dr. Mark Donald Reñosa (RITM) and Dr. Edgar Reyes Jr. and Ms. Mary Joy Ancheta (UPLB) synthesized these insights into a comprehensive problem-solution framework, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter waste management policies and environmental reforms at the community level.

The workshop served as a critical step in strengthening collaboration between researchers and local governments, paving the way for science-driven policies to address environmental pollution and AMR in Pangasinan.