News & Updates
FEATURED | 17 June 2025
Systematic Review Highlights Interconnected Risks of Environmental Shifts and Zoonotic Diseases
A newly published article by a student and faculty members from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) – School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) warns that climate change may be a critical, hidden factor increasing the risk of future pandemics. The research, published in the Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development, systematically reviewed existing evidence linking climate change to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases.
The study, entitled “Is climate change the hidden catalyst behind the next pandemic? A systematic literature review on the relationship between pandemics and climate change“, synthesizes findings from numerous global investigations. It concludes that while direct evidence linking climate change to the specific spread of COVID-19 remains elusive, the broader mechanisms connecting environmental shifts to pandemic risk are increasingly clear and concerning.
A key finding, as stated in the paper, is that “As global temperatures rise, ecosystems are undergoing profound shifts, resulting in altered habitats and migration patterns that facilitate the transmission of pathogens from animals to humans, thereby heightening the risk of zoonotic diseases.” The research explains that species migrating towards cooler habitats (like the poles) bring previously isolated animal populations into contact, increasing competition and the likelihood of pathogen spillover events where diseases can jump to new hosts, including humans.
The study identifies deforestation and industrial agriculture as major root causes of both climate change and increased pandemic risk. It strongly advocates for a fundamental shift in policy-making, arguing that “the separation of health and environmental policy is a dangerous delusion.” The researchers emphasize the need for a “holistic policy-making approach that recognizes the interdependence of human health, environmental health, and biodiversity.”
The co-authors include John Nicolas B. Mejia, a SESAM student under the PhD in Environmental Diplomacy and Negotiations program. He co-authored the study alongside SESAM faculty members Dr. Antonio P. Contreras, Asst. Prof. Eduardo F. Roquiño, Dr. Maria Victoria O. Espaldon, Dr. Decibel V. Faustino-Eslava, and Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez.
The study aims to “conduct a systematic literature review to synthesize existing research on this intricate relationship, identifying key knowledge gaps and providing insights essential for developing effective public health strategies and environmental policies.” In addition, this study highlights the pressing need for comprehensive approaches to address the interlinked challenges of climate change and global health security. (RDAreglado-Dimasuay)
SESAM Dean Nominees Outline Plans for School’s Future
Los Baños, Laguna – 10 June 2025. Nominees vying for the Deanship of the School of Environmental Science and Management-University of the Philippines Los Baños (SESAM-UPLB) presented their General Plan of Action (GPOA), outlining strategies to tackle enrollment challenges, boost research, and guide the school through a significant period of growth, including the construction of a new building.
Members of the External Search Committee, SESAM faculty members, REPS, administrative staff, and project-based researchers attended the presentations of the nominees. Dr. Rosana Marie C. Amongo, Chair of the External Search Committee, emphasized the committee’s critical task in selecting the candidate best equipped to lead SESAM and support its development. UP Vice President for Planning and Finance, Ms. Iryn Y. Balmores, representing the University President, Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez graced the event. Vice President Balmores expressed support for the search process and encouraged active participation from the SESAM community in selecting their next leader.
The two nominees for the next SESAM Dean are Dr. Mark Dondi M. Arboleda and Dr. Decibel V. Faustino-Eslava, both faculty members with administrative experience. Both highlighted key priorities, including providing strong administrative guidance, overseeing crucial infrastructure development, and enhancing research opportunities for faculty members, REPS, and students.
Dr. Arboleda focused his plans on infrastructure development, particularly the new SESAM building project, citing his experience handling similar projects as the former UPLB Graduate School College Secretary and securing Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) University Network (AUN) accreditation for the School’s MS Environmental Science program. He emphasized the need for more space given SESAM’s current population and research projects.
Dr. Eslava, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of sustainability, innovation, and resilience. Her plan calls for modernizing academic programs, introducing more experiential learning opportunities, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. She stressed equipping students for real-world problems and green jobs through strengthened partnerships with industry, government, and communities, while maintaining academic integrity. Her plan also includes advancing strategic research, improving scientific productivity, and positioning SESAM as a global solutions hub.
An open forum followed the presentations, touching on administrative challenges, financial planning, mental health concerns, and the importance of stakeholder engagement in implementing the nominees’ strategic visions.
The Search Committee will proceed to deliberate on the nominees’ presentations and qualifications, as well as interviewing the nominees and stakeholders of the school, as the process moves forward towards appointing the new dean (RDAreglado-Dimasuay).
Former Dean Ancog presents accomplishments; begins search for successor
Los Baños, Laguna – June 2, 2025 – The search committee for the next SESAM dean, in coordination with the University of the Philippines Los Baños – School of Environmental Science and Management (UPLB-SESAM) organized the presentation of the accomplishments of its former Dean, Dr. Rico C. Ancog.
The presentation is part of the activities for the search for the new SESAM dean. Last April 29, 2025, Dr. Ancog relinquished his post as the dean of SESAM and currently he is on secondment at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) as a Special Assistant to the Director.
Dr. Rosanna Marie C. Amongo, Chair of the External Search Committee, outlined the search process, which includes nominations, interviews, and a final report. Dr. Amongo introduced the committee members as per OC Administrative Order No. 106, Series of 2025. The search process aims to identify a candidate with outstanding academic credentials, commitment to the university, and leadership qualities, with the goal of selecting a new dean of the School.
The event highlighted SESAM’s progress in environmental education, research, and internationalization under the leadership of Dr. Ancog. He has served as the Dean for almost four years, cutting short his second term which started last year.
In his leadership as the Dean of SESAM, Dr. Ancog’s pushed for future proofing the School through his mantra, “SESAM SAILS: Sustainability and Accelerated Innovations in Learning and Solutions,” a plan of action that focuses on “3 Is”: instruction, impact, and infrastructure. In his presentation, Dr. Ancog highlighted SESAM’s achievements in these “3 Is”, including the expansion of academic programs, faculty development, infrastructure improvements, and impactful community engagement initiatives. The presentation also emphasized its research contributions and efforts to strengthen its global presence.
Key milestones included the introduction of a new graduate degree and pioneering the PhD in Environmental Diplomacy and Negotiations, which has attracted students from across Southeast Asia and beyond. The school has also successfully conducted numerous training activities, benefiting thousands of participants who are now thought leaders in their respective fields.
Moving forward, Dr. Ancog mentioned that the continuation of the school’s efforts in constructing the new SESAM building and recruiting more students are key priorities. In the open forum, the discussion touched on the potential for establishing a BS in Environmental Science program, with Dr. Ancog suggesting that SESAM should focus on strengthening its graduate programs and interdisciplinary offerings rather than pursuing an undergraduate degree.
Dr. Amongo invited all SESAM stakeholders for an active participation in the search for the next SESAM Dean to ensure a smooth transition. The search committee seeks a candidate with strong academic credentials, leadership qualities, and a commitment to upholding SESAM’s legacy of excellence. The presentation of the nominees’ plan of action is scheduled for 10 June 2025. (RLDAreglado-Dimasuay)
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