UPD Study Investigates Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Mega Manila Rivers

By: Maria Alexandra Marmol



Under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) project, “Post-Wastewater Treatment Determination of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds for Interventions,” researchers of the UP Diliman College of Science Institute of Chemistry (UPD-CS IC) studied the rivers of Mega Manila and demonstrated the presence of EDCs, or endocrine-disrupting compounds.

EDCs are mixes of chemicals that can mimic hormones and thus adversely affect hormone regulation in the human body. Long-term exposure to these compounds can lead to a number of endocrine-related health issues, such as respiratory and neurodevelopmental problems, infertility, diabetes, obesity, and even prostate or breast cancer. Because of this, EDCs are considered water contaminants of emerging concern (CEC).

The study of Dr. Maria Pythias Espino and research assistants Kate Galera, and Katrina Sta. Ana is the first to report on the occurrence and concentrations of EDCs in the Marikina, Pasig, Angat, and Pampanga rivers. This provided useful baseline data for DOST’s ongoing research program on “Removal of Excess Nitrogen and Endocrine Disruptors from Wastewater” (RENEW).

“In the Philippines, it is important to know the presence and concentrations of EDCs in aquatic systems because many Filipinos depend on aquaculture and fishing for livelihood and subsistence,” said the researchers in their paper.

E1, or estrone, is a hormone that can induce endocrine-disrupting effects even at low concentrations of long-term exposure, such as fertility issues in aquatic organisms. It had been the only hormone detected to date in this study of the rivers, and its presence was attributed to municipal wastewater since this type of hormone can come from human and animal waste.

Industrial chemicals bisphenol A, nonylphenol, and octylphenol were also detected in the rivers. The researchers surmised that this was due to their extensive use in manufacturing various products such as detergents, textiles, plastics, and many more, but clarified that the concentrations are still below international guideline values.

The US, Canada, and the EU have guidelines for some EDCs in their environmental waters. The Philippines, however, does not have guideline values yet for the regulation of these compounds, nor the wastewater treatment facilities that would ensure the mitigation of CECs. The research team hopes these findings will hasten the formulation of national guidelines for the monitoring and control of these contaminants.

“Even in nanogram per liter to microgram per liter concentrations, these contaminants of emerging concern may have harmful effects on aquatic organisms and humans. The findings are critical evidence of contamination because there are no regulatory guidelines yet on these contaminants in the waterways and water systems,” the researchers explained, pointing out how the risks of EDCs lie particularly in their bioaccumulation and persistence.

“More cleanup efforts, effective regulations in wastewater treatment, and sustainable water resource management policies are needed to improve the water quality of the rivers in Mega Manila,” they advised. The Marikina and Pasig rivers, along with the Angat and Pampanga rivers, all drain into Manila Bay, affecting one of the country’s major socioeconomically important bodies of water.

Water samples from the four rivers were processed by solid-phase extraction and analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, a method of separating and identifying compounds in ultra-trace concentrations.

References:
Endocrine disruptors. (n.d.). National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine

Sta. Ana, K. M., Galera, K. C., & Espino, M. P. (2023) Contamination of bisphenol A, nonylphenol, octylphenol, and estrone in major rivers of Mega Manila, Philippines. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5778

UP Mindanao launches first Feb Fair Night







ICYMI | The University of the Philippines Mindanao launches the first ever Feb Fair Night on February 29, 2024, at the UPMin Kalimudan covered court. This is in celebration of the university’s 29th founding anniversary.

Students, faculty, and staff joined the celebration and were entertained by the booths and performances of the various organizations.

This event is spearheaded by the UPLBAA-Davao Chapter in partnership with the UP Mindanao administration and the University Student Council.

Source: University of the Philippines Mindanao Facebook

UP Mindanao Office of Student Affairs launches the Bahay Kubo Project





ICYMI | The University of the Philippines Mindanao Office of Student Affairs, launches the Bahay Kubo Project beside EBL Dormitory on February 29, 2024.

The Bahay Kubo project aims to help the UPMin student dormers as a sustainable food source for students on campus where dormers can propagate vegetables, store food, and cook meals.

The Bahay Kubo Project is in partnership with Department of Agriculture, UPMin Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, Office of Extension and Community Service and the ever supportive alumni–UP Alumni Association-New York.

UP Ugnayan ng Pahinungod – Cebu team attended the launching as guests and express their support for the initiative.

Source: University of the Philippines Mindanao Facebook

UP Baguio Alumni Relations Office conducts lecture-discussion to celebrate International Women’s Day





More pictures on UP Baguio Facebook

To celebrate International Women’s Day, the University of the Philippines Baguio through its Alumni Relations Office (ARO)- UP Baguio, KASARIAN Gender Studies Program and Sigma Delta Pi Sorority Alumnae Association-UP Baguio Chapter conducted a lecture-discussion entitled “Women and Climate Change: Vulnerability, Impact and Action” at the Sarmiento Hall, Alumni Center – UP Baguio, March 8, 3:00 PM.

The speaker for the event is Magnolia Rosimo, an alumna of UP Baguio and the Operations Director of the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR).

The lecture discussion tackled talks on women’s place, space and location on climate change.

Source: University of the Philippines Baguio Facebook

UP Manila CPH signs MOA with BSH ‘68 Alumni



MOA Signing with BSH ‘68 Alumni

A follow-up meeting and holiday fellowship celebration between the UP College of Public Health (UP CPH) officials and members of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America (UPAAA) was held on 20 December 2023 in Taguig City. In the meeting, the current CPH Officials were able to meet with the members of the BS Hygiene Class of 1968 and the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America (UPAAA).

The gathering kicked off with lively introductions from both the CPH officials and the alumni. On the meeting agenda were updates on alumni matters, including discussions on the proposed alumni forum series featuring CPH alumni, and potential collaborations between the Alumni Association and the College of Public Health. Dr. Luceli Cuasay then surprised the party by announcing her sponsorship of an additional scholarship, complementing the existing scholarships offered by UPAAA. The occasion also witnessed the continuation of these scholarships through a Memorandum of Agreement signing.

UP CPH Dean and Centre Director Dr. Fernando B. Garcia, Jr., Former Dean and Centre Director, Dr. Vicente Y. Belizario; Assistant to the Dean for Planning and Development, Dr. TJ Robinson Moncatar; Associate Dean for Research, Dr. Sharon Yvette Angelina Villanueva; College Secretary, Dr. Evalyn Roxas; Student Relations Officer, Dr. Maria Margarita Lota; and Alumni Relations Officer, Prof. Rose Abigail Duarte met with Ms. Niña Lojo and Ms. Rosalita Tan of the UPAAA, and Mr. John Paul delos Trinos during the get-together. Mr. Adriel Andonaque provided support to the event as the AR technical assistant.

Moving forward, the UP College of Public Health hopes to involve its alumni in more meaningful endeavors and initiatives, fostering strong relations between the institution and its graduates.

Source: UP Manila College of Public Health Facebook

UP alumni launches UPAA Western Australia



On November 11, 2023, we successfully launched UP Alumni Association – Western Australia with the aim of introducing the association to the broader community of UP alumni and Filipinos in WA. We presented our association’s objectives and proposed short-term and long-term activities. It was a memorable afternoon filled with good fun, reminiscing about our days in UP.

A total of 97 membership applications were received, coming from alumni of all UP campuses and graduates from Batch 1957 to 2018.
To those who missed the launch, we hope to see you on our next event. We can’t wait to share with you our plans for 2024.

Here are some photos from the launch.

Credits go to all members who shared their photos. Feel free to tag yourself and your friends.

Source: UP Alumni Association – Western Australia Facebook

UP Diliman Professors Share Scientists’ Procurement Struggles at Senate Hearing

By Harvey Sapigao

Senate hearing of the revised procurement law (Photo credit: Senate of the Philippines)

College of Science (CS) Dean Giovanni Tapang held up a little white device as he finished his presentation. “This is a ₱150,000 component,” he described. “Isa lang gumagawa nito sa buong mundo, pero ang hirap pilitin sila na magregister sa PhilGEPS,” he continued, referring to the requirement that foreign companies must first register to the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) before they can sell products to local scientists.

Marine Science Institute (MSI) Deputy Director Dr. Irene Rodriguez explained that the small device is a resin that filters metals in water. “May budget tayo,” she said, “pero ang problema ko ay ‘yung resin na ito.”

This and other bottlenecks brought about by the procurement law, or the Government Procurement Reform Act (RA 9184), slow down research and development in the country. UPD leaders were invited to the Senate hearing to discuss the proposed revision of the procurement law at the House of Representatives on February 21, 2024.

Aside from Dean Tapang and Dr. Rodriguez, among those present were CS Associate Dean Dr. Eizadora Yu, CS Associate Dean Dr. Deo Florence Onda, National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) Dean Dr. Kristoffer Berse, NCPAG Assistant Professor Herisadel Flores, and NCPAG Atty. Lawrence Villanueva.

The procurement law, enacted in 2003, is a set of rules and regulations for using government funds to acquire goods and services. Although meant to deter corruption and promote transparency, the law introduces numerous problems for researchers and scientists.

Among the problems is that products become exorbitantly priced which hinders research progress. Dean Berse said that when a product cannot be locally produced, foreign-sourced products can be bought through local suppliers. But this method increases and even doubles the products’ prices. “In the event that no local suppliers are interested,” he added, “this will result in the loss of access to the target equipment.”

When researchers fail to procure the necessary equipment, they cannot meet project objectives and need to realign budgets. This will “ultimately delay the dissemination of knowledge and information and in providing solutions to our country’s pressing problems,” Dean Berse said.

Moreover, the procurement law impacts the retention of local scientists. “Once frustrated, they leave [the country] for greener pastures,” Dean Tapang said.

The amended procurement law aims to solve these problems. The revised law, for example, would allow for direct sales and direct acquisition of products in certain circumstances, bypassing the slow bidding process. Under the new law, the sole supplier of resin needed for Dr. Rodriguez’s research would not need to undergo bidding.

UPD professors fully support the amendments to the procurement law. They also proposed further improvements and recommendations, such as on how to counteract “abnormally low bids” or bids that offer equipment and services at suspiciously low prices.

One of the authors of the revised law, Senator Sonny Angara, stated that the law is already in its finalization stage and is expected to be finalized in the next two weeks.

For interview requests and other media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

UPV alumni donate steel shelves to the University Library

M.N. Taganap



Mr. and Mrs. Zyrel and Jhoanna Rojo, in collaboration with other generous co-donors, made a significant contribution to the University of the Philippines Visayas University Library by donating steel shelves worth Php 204,750.00.

The UPV University Library, through Ms. Analiza Galang-Linaugo, UPV University Librarian, received the seven steel shelves from various donors: 1.) Mr. Ramon O. Vista Jr. in memoriam Ramon A. Vista Sr.; 2.) Bertiz & De Asis families, UPHSI Class of 1987 & UPCN Class of 1994; 3.) Ms. Evelyn Patiño & family from Roxas City; 4.) Sis Helen Chiongson-Flowers & the UP SILAB Sisterhood; 5.) Mr. Noel Pablo Gallego, UPHSI Class of 1974 & UP SILAK Class of 1975-B; 6.) Ms. Cosette Vargas-Canilao; and 7.) Mr. and Mrs. Jhoanna and Zyrel Rojo and family, with the Rojo couple facilitating the purchase and delivery of the steel shelves.

As the University Library will transition to the new library building, the high-quality steel shelves will be very helpful in organizing the library collections. Its design will contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the library. These will provide a conducive environment for students, faculty members, and other clients who utilize the facility for academic and research purposes.

Linaugo, the library staff, and several students expressed their gratitude to the donors through a short “thank you” video. It is a significant milestone for the University Library as it will improve its services and support the University’s goal of achieving world-class competitiveness.

The Rojo couple, regular donors of the University Library, are both Library and Information Science graduates of UP. Mr. Zyrel was an alumnus of the University of the Philippines High School in Iloilo (UPHSI) Class of 1987. They have been donating books to the University Library since 2018. Linaugo’s resourcefulness made the steel shelves initiative possible. Linaugo approached them and they did not hesitate to extend help.

Source: https://www.upv.edu.ph/index.php/news/upv-alumni-donate-steel-shelves-to-the-university-library

UP Baguio alumna presents her Balik Scientist Program report

See more photos on UP Baguio Facebook

Dr. Ailyn F. Fadriquela, an alumna of the University of the Philippines Baguio Biology Department, presented her Balik Scientist Program report entitled “My (Scientific) Way Back Home Setting a Niche of Biomedical Research in the North” at the UPB Chancellor’s Boardroom, February 29, 9:00 AM – 12:00 NN.

The Balik Scientist Program is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The goal of the program is to encourage Filipino scientists, technologists and experts “to return to the country and share their expertise in order to promote scientific, agro-industrial and economic development, including the development of human capital in science, technology and innovation.”

A live stream of the event can be accessed here: https://fb.watch/qvJyEomwyk/?mibextid=JRoKGi

Source: University of the Philippines Baguio Facebook