Jobus Dye Study Bagged Best Poster in 2018 UPREPS Conference

The poster paper entitled “The fish that we eat and the jobus dye: what we don’t know and what can be done” by Dr. Yusof A. Sucol, University Researcher II of the School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM), won the Best Poster Award for the Social Science Category on the recent UP Society of Research, Extension and Professional Staff, Inc. (UPREPS) 5th Annual Scientific Conference and 9th General Assembly at Shercon Resort and Ecology Park, San Sebastian, Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas last March 21-23, 2018.

With the theme “The Role of REPS in Transforming UP into a World-Class Research Through Science and Innovation”, this year’s conference netted more than 100 REPS from the different colleges and units of UPLB. UPREPS is a SEC-registered organization established in 1986.

The study of Dr. Sucol was based on his dissertation funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) under his PhD in Environmental Science. His poster presented the evidences of deceptive fish vending and provided an insightful discussion on the potential toxicology of jobus to public health and the environment.

Dr. Sucol said fishes commonly treated with jobus are the ones we usually buy, cook and serve on our meals. These includebangus, galunggong, matang-baka, tulingan, tamban, alumahan and dalagang bukid. He added that jobus contains 95% coal tar and 2% sulfanilic acid, and his study suggests that coal tar-derived dye most likely contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). “PAHs may cause mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and behaviorial abnobalities to humans”, said Dr. Sucol. In the environment, PAHs can accumulate in soils, plants, fishes and aquatic sediments, which may cause pollution in rivers and contaminate sources of water, he added.

Other SESAM REPS who presented their papers and posters during the conference were Dr. Loucel E. Cui, University Researcher II, who presented her study entitled “Training Needs Assessment of Farmers in the Philippines”; Cherry S. Padilla, University Research Associate II, presented a paper on “Harmonizing National Environment Laws and Policies with Local Ordinances: the Environment Code”; and Mr. Thaddeus P. Lawas, University Extension Specialist II, who presented a poster paper by entitled “Governance of a Municipality During Disasters: the Case of Sta. Teresita, Cagayan Province”.

In the closing ceremonies, UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. stressed the importance of the role of REPS in transforming UP into a world-class research university and he encouraged everyone to cultivate linkages with fellow REPS to foster interdisciplinary research. This year’s conference was in collaboration with the UPLB Office of the Chancellor and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension.

UPLB, ICHARM and Tohoku University Field Visit to Candaba, Pampanga

International Center for Water Hazard (ICHARM), Tohoku University, Kyoto University and University of the Philippines Los Baños conducted a field visit in Candaba, Pampanga last March 11, 2018 Pampanga to gather initial data on the extent of water-related disasters and community disaster risk-reduction plan. ICHARM Director Toshio Koike, Tohoku University Agriculture Crop Modeling Professor Koki Honma and UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Water Chair Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez met with barangay officials and several farmers of Brgy. San Agustin and Pangclara to discuss farming practices and disaster occurrence in their locality.

During the months of August to December, flooding occurs in Brgy. San Agustin, according to Brgy. councilor Cristopher Culala. Most of the flood volume came from Nueva Ecija and Aurora and drains to Candaba. On the other hand, during strong typhoons, water overflow from Pampanga River causing head-deep flooding in the area. During threats of flood occurrence, the barangay DRRM plans to deploy mobile patrols to warn residents. Each house also has a small fishing boat which serves as their transportation during flood events in their barangay.  

A similar situation is experienced in Brgy. Pangclara wherein water in Candaba swamp reaches 6 feet and knee-deep in the surrounding rice field during rainy season which lasts for the whole duration of the season according to Brgy. Captain Enrique Calma.

Prof. Honma profiled farming practices of the two barangays. Both barangays relies on two livelihoods, which are season dependent. San Agustin cultivates rice during dry season (November to June) and shifts to aquaculture during wet season (July to October). Brgy. Pangclara encounters a similar situation wherein farm lands cultivated for rice and watermelon production are utilized as duck breeding grounds during rainy season as an alternative livelihood. Sabog tuyo, a farming technique wherein seed broadcasting is done during the onset of rainy season succeeded by fallowing, is an emerging adaptation mechanism from intensified dry season practiced by the farmers.

ICHARM

Researchers from ICHARM, Tohoku University and UPLB with Pangclara Brgy. Capt. Enrique Calma.

The field visit served as a jump-off point for the possible collaborative research on development of a hybrid water-related disaster risk assessment technology that will support policy makers in promoting sustainable local economic development amidst the threats and impacts of climate change in the country. (Catherine B. Gigantone)

Cold Storage Facility and Biodigesters Launched in La Trinidad, Benguet

The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), in collaboration with CleverHeat Clean Technology Solutions, Inc. and Benguet State University, conducted the “Project launching of cost-effective cold storage facility and capacity building of farmers and stakeholders” last 27 February 2018 at the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC), La Trinidad, Benguet. Eighty-three (83) vegetable farmers and guests attended the launching.

BAPTC Managing Director Juancho Cruz, Sr. led the opening prayer and Dr. Silvestre Aben, BSU Vice President for Business Affairs, represented President Dr. Feliciano G. Calora, Jr., in welcoming the farmers, guests and stakeholders.

Dr. Lawrence L. Ilag, Deputy Chief of Party of USAID-STRIDE delivered a keynote address and emphasized that the USAID-STRIDE program stimulates inclusive economic growth by boosting science and technology research.

Mr. King Karl Seroje from Cleverheat Clean Technology Solutions, Inc., Engr. Joseph A. Veloria of Dacworks United Inc., and Mr. Jose Lagdameo of GlobalPower Corporation conducted seminar on the design, operations and benefits of cold storage facility. It was emphasized that the facility can be utilized to store high value crops and agricultural produce to decrease their post-harvest losses and increase productivity of farmers.

Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez, Associate Professor and Project leader from School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM)-UPLB, told the farmers and stakeholders that the study aimed to develop a cost-effective cold storage facility by deploying a refrigeration system that uses heat to directly operate the system, where it will be powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) with low electricity consumption.

Dr. Ilag and Ms. Jeanira G. Okubo led the ribbon cutting and opening of cold storage facility. Dr. Sanchez gladly announced that the facility is free to use until March 31, 2018.

The farmers in Benguet as well as the municipality have increasing problems on crop waste disposal. To address the problem, the fabricated biodigesters will be used for better waste management of agricultural wastes and the methane gas produced from biodigesters will be used as an alternative source of fuel at the small farm or household level.

Cold storage lettuce

 Lettuce stored in the USAID-STRIDE RTI cold storage facility.

Mr. Celso F. Espaldon of the USAID-STRIDE project of SESAM-UPLB conducted seminar on the usage, operations and benefits of biodigesters. Consequently, biodigesters were distributed to selected farmer group organizations for their usage.

Dr. Maria Victoria Espladon, Professor, SESAM-UPLB discussed the results of the survey conducted by the team with reference to farmers’ requirements for their vegetable produce. Mr. Frederick Edeco, BAPTC Contract Trading Department Managing Director and representative of BAPTC COO Dr. Violeta B. Salda, emphasized the importance of cold storage facility for the farmers and encourage them to use the facility since they are the ones who will benefit from using it. Engr. Leonard Dumalhin of BSU, representative of Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy, mentioned stories of the farmers relevant to the usage of new technologies.

Open forum was conducted relevant to the usage and operations of cold storage facility and biodigesters. Dr. Sanchez thanked everyone especially the farmers who attended the launching. She hoped that the farmers will use the cold storage facility and biodigesters efficiently.

With funding support from USAID-STRIDE and RTI International, the launching and capacity building were productive means in improving the farm-to-market linkages in Benguet that could lead to better product quality, higher market price, and reduction in wastage due to product spoilage. (Maria Lorena R. Cruz)

UPLB, ICHARM, Tohoku and Kyoto Universities Meet for Possible Collaboration

In response to the agriculture and flood-related issues in the country, researchers from Tohoku and Kyoto Universities, Japan, hosted a meeting at Luxent Hotel, Quezon City on March 12, 2018 to benchmark the past and current researches of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM), Tohoku and Kyoto Universities in the fields of agriculture, economics and flood risk assessment.

During the meeting, Director Toshio Koike of ICHARM discussed the previous initiatives of their organization in collaborating with the Philippine national government agencies on hydro-agricultural model for evaluating flood impact. This conceren was further elaborated by Prof. Honma of Tohoku University. The presentation of current researches from UPLB was spearheaded by Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez, Professor, School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM), who is the chair of the newly formed UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Water. She discussed the profile of the center and its future endeavor in attaining water security.

This was followed by the presentation of Dr. Felino P. Lansigan, chair of the UPLB Climate Risk Studies Center where he presented the current studies on flood risk assessment and management in selected locations in the Philippines. Furthermore, Ms. Heidi D. Mendoza, a University Researcher at SESAM, discussed the current initiatives of the program “Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines” (SARAI). Accordingly, Dr. Virgilio T. Villancio of the College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS), presented the flood impacts in agriculture particularly on his past involvement the rehabilitation of disaster affected agricultural communities in Barangay Boboin, Infanta, Quezon.

For his part, Dr. Yokomatsu of Kyoto University, discussed his several experiences in transdisciplinary collaborative works and presented his research interest which is the hydro-agricultural-economic model for evaluating flood impacts in the Philippines. Lastly, Director Koike commended the UPLB on having interdisciplinary researches and he also looks forward on having a possible collaboration with UPLB, National Government Agencies and Local Government Units in the field of agriculture, hydrology and economics in evaluating flood impacts. (Jessa O. Aquino)

Japanese Professor at SESAM to Talk About Geohazards

A geologist from Japan said that the geohazards they experienced in their country is not different the Philippines. Dr. Kohki Yoshida, Professor at the Department of Geology, Shishu University, Matsumoto, Japan visited the School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) to talk about the Geology and Geohazards in the Japanese Islands on March 15, 2018.

Dr. Yoshida, a geologist, with expertise in sedimentary geology, sedimentology, geochemistry and paleopedology, has research interests in the Himalayas and Oman mountains, including its weathering and monsoon history; chemical weathering and landslides; and its Triassic mega-monsoon climate records.

Shinshu University, according to Dr. Yoshida, is located at Nagano Prefecture in Honshu Island, near the Japanese Alps, where he studied quaternary rocks. He said Japan has a complex geological history and suggest that the islands were formed in an arc setting in the marginal part of the continent from the Paleozoic period. The island arc setting, which is produced by subduction of oceanic plate and collision of two island arcs, bring active volcanism and big earthquakes to inland and offshore fault activities. He said that the sudden eruption of Mt. Ontake in 2014, and just recently, eruptions of Mt. Kusatsu-Shinare and Mt. Shinmoedake, shows that Japan has an active geology.

Based on his study, the Japanese Islands is a volcanic arc from the Mesozoic to the present. Towards Japan, the Philippine Plate moves 2.5 cm per year, while the Pacific Plate move 8.5 cm per year. “The probability of being hit by a big earthquake is high in the Pacific side of the Japanese Islands due to the movements… Tokyo, Nagoya and Matsumoto show 26 to 38% probability in the next 50 years”, Dr. Yoshida said.

“It is important to discuss with citizens across academic boundaries, we have carried out many activities to consider disaster prevention so far with various generations”, Dr. Yoshida stressed.

Dr. Yoshida pointed out that in terms of preparedness, Japanese people are very familiar with disasters that happens year-in and year-out. “Similar to the Philippines, we also have typhoons, heavy rains, frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and our people knows the history of natural disasters that happens in their respective vicinities”, he added.

He also took the opportunity to invite SESAM faculty, staff and students to attend the symposium “How to live with nature” in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan on March 2020. He said Shinshu University started a project for the improvement communication skills in science and technology.  It aims to create communities in which people from different cultural backgrounds and generations to discuss the way we should live with nature. Dr. Yoshida encouraged students to present researches in natural hazards on the upcoming symposium.

“We can’t talk about the environment without economics” – Northeastern University Professor

An economics professor from the USA said that scientists and all stakeholders must not take economics for granted when it comes to environmental science and management. Dr. Madhavi Ventakesan, Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Economics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts highlighted this during her lecture entitled “A Lifecycle Evaluation of Conscious Consumption: Promoting Conscious Consumption” last March 09, 2018 at the School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) Lecture Hall.

Dr. Ventakesan, who is concurrently the Associate Director of the Center for Economics Education, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, with post-graduate degrees from Harvard University, Vermont Law School and a post-doctoral degree from Washington University.

The purpose of her lecture is to analyze the individual consumption behaviors and to increase the understanding of the divergence between present consumption patterns.

Dr. Ventakesan emphasized that we live in a supply driven market and in a manufacture-demand economy. She said for example, there are so many gadgets in the market and due to the marketing strategies, we give in and the next day, we will buy one. But she reiterated that consumers must be aware of the adverse effects of what they buy and urged them to research first the things that they would like to purchase and should also look into the environmental footprint in relation to the production of these gadgets. “Values drive behavior, our consumption behavior is tied to our usage of resources”, she added.

“We cannot talk about environment without economics”, Dr. Ventakesan stressed. She said in every stages of the lifecycle process map– from production, to use and disposal, we use energy and it generate wastes as well. “And of course during the production stage, we need raw materials”, she added. She mentioned that the process map must always be re-evaluated and updated.

The presentation was a Fullbright Sycip Distinguished Lecture organized by the SESAM and the UPLB Environmental Science Society (Envisoc). More than 100 students, faculty and staff attended the lecture.

Marine Conservation Discussed in “Talakayan”

The UPLB Environmental Science Society, in cooperation with the School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) held the 41st Talakayan Series on Environment and Development (TSED) last March 7, 2018 at SESAM Grounds. With the theme “Philippine Progress on Marine Conservation: Where are we now?” the UPLB Environmental Science Society invited three resource speakers from different sectors to discuss the pressing issues hounding our seas.

The first speaker, Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos, Scientist II at the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (NFRDI-BFAR) spoke about the current state of Philippine fisheries. “Philippine Fisheries is one of the largest in the world, in terms of fish production” Dr. Santos said. He said that if the industry collapse, the world will also suffer because other countries depend also in our exports. Further, despite having the large commercial fishing vessels capable of fishing anywhere in the world, our ordinary fishermen are still considered as the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable sector due to climate change. He added “The catch is getting lower and small fishermen must go further to the sea in order to catch more”. Dr. Santos, a Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardee and Editor of the Philippine Journal of Fisheries said that based on studies, the country is considered the center of marine biodiversity in the world. “There are many publications that can prove that” according to Dr. Santos.

The second resource speaker is Ms. Marianne P. Saniano, a marine scientist of Oceana Philippines. Ms. Saniano, a graduate of UPLB, stressed that bodies of water in the Philippines is severely affected by climate change. “Everything we do affects our seas since we are an archipelagic nation”. She also mentioned that Oceana continues to work with government agencies and the academe help the fishing industry. “We also advocate the protection of our waters, especially right now with the Philippine Rise issue and we will continue to monitor the congress and senate for the legislation on this matter”, she added.

The third speaker, Dr. Victor S. Ticzon, Associate Professor, Institute of Biological Science-College of Arts and Sciences, UPLB, discussed his projects related to coral reef sensing, monitoring of changes in the coral reefs and the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) sites. “Coral reefs are good indicators of the changes in our environment” said Dr. Ticzon. He stressed that coral bleaching, acidification and sea level rise as well threatens our reefs. “If sea level rise continues, coral reefs will drown because they need sunlight to live” he added.  He also pointed out the garbage, mostly plastics and diapers in our seas are also destroying the ecosystem in the coral reefs.

Dr. Decibel F. Eslava, Dean of SESAM thanked the speakers for spending time to educate students, faculty and staff of SESAM about marine conservation.  The “Talakayan” is a regular activity of the UPLB Environmental Science Society, which aims to inform about the latest trends in environmental science and to enhance a greater appreciation of the discipline.

SESAM Supports Industry-Academe Linkage Through Water Footprint Accounting

A pioneering work that aims to account the water footprint of major land property developments in the country is currently being spearheaded and implemented by the School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) and Manila Water Philippine Ventures. As one of the largest companies that provides freshwater to various development property all over the Philippines, Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWC) has seen the need to quantify and value both water consumed and polluted resulting from their business’ daily operations, both from residential and commercial properties. The project was aimed at providing solutions to the increasing issues of water scarcity, risks, and sustainability particularly at the corporate and industry levels. 

The research team, with Dr. Rico C. Ancog and Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez as the project lead, presented the project’s results to the President of Laguna Water Company, Mr. Virgilio “Perry” C. Rivera, Jr., together with his team, last February 28, 2018 held at Laguna Water office in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Benchmarks for blue and grey water footprint of a business firm were computed covering both construction and operational phase. This would then provide definitive information on the impacts of water demand on the available water supply in the area. Correspondingly, responses to sustain freshwater supply across businesses establishments over time were formulated for inclusion in their strategic planning and management.

Through this project, SESAM further targets its aims of contributing to strengthening industry-academe linkage in the context of sustainable water management in the Philippines. (Christina Corales, Glenn Oca, and Alvin Dolores).

SESAM Professors Publish Research Findings

Drs. Hildie Marie E. Nacorda and Mark Dondi M. Arboleda, Assistant Professors, School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Laguna, Philippines recently published their research findings at the Journal of Environmental Science and Management (JESAM).

Dr. Nacorda’s article, “Beneath 50 m of NW Pacific Water: Coral Reefs on the Benham Bank Seamount off the Philippine Sea”, revealed the richness of the pristine reefscape of the seamount documented thru oceanographic sampling, voucher specimens collection, and opportunistic fishing. The article is co-authored with Romeo M. Dizon, of the Department of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Baguio; Cleto L. Nañola, Jr., of the Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao; Patrice Bianca L. Roa-Chio and Fra-and Timothy R. Quimpo, of the McKeough Marine Center, Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan; Wilfredo Roehl Y. Licuanan, of the Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University; Diovanie O. De Jesus, Porfirio M. Aliño, and Cesar L. Villanoy, from The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman; and, Homer B. Hernandez and Lambert Anthony B. Meñez, also part of the Benham Rise exploration team.

Proudly the first Philippine research conducted in the site, the paper accounts for the “first records of mesophotic coral reef biodiversity” found on the Benham Bank- a seamount on the then Benham Rise, now the Philippine Rise by virtue of Executive Order No. 25 series of 2017.  It is, in fact, a hot issue nowadays as discussions arise as to the sovereign rights of the Philippines over this undersea region. The project was a Joint Cruise by the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute (UPMSI), UP Los Baños thru SESAM, and the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR). It was funded by the Department of Science and Technology.  Nacorda is a Study Leader of the project.

On the other hand, Arboleda’s paper titled, “Utilization of Putative Enterobacter Isolate and Substrates for Microbial Fuel Cells”, is based from an experiment that explored the potential of wastes as substrate for microbial fuel cells (MFC) to generate alternative energy. Over corn stover and domestic sewage, Dr.Arboleda discovered that fish farm sediments are the most practical substrates as they produced the highest voltage. He used an improvised MFC made of PVC pipes and food jars for this set-up.

These two papers were published in the Volume 20 No. 2 December 2017 issue of JESAM- an online and in-print semi-annual publication of SESAM-UPLB. It is an international peer-reviewed scientific journal indexed by the Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), Elsevier BV Sciverse Scopus, Asean Citation Index, and is supported by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education.

These publications are available at the JESAM website (http://jesam-uplb.org) and at the UPLB Journals Online (https://journals.uplb.edu.ph/index.php/JESAM) (Cherry S. Padilla).

Project SARAI TechDep Seminar Conducted in Isabela

The Deployment and Validation of SARAI Technologies (Project SARAI TechDep) conducted a training entitled “Bringing Smarter Technologies Closer to the Community” last February 5, 2018 at Department of Agriculture (DA)-Cagayan Valley Research Center, Ilagan, Isabela. Thirty-five municipal agriculture officers and agricultural technicians from the province of Isabela attended the training.

Dr. Loucel E. Cui, University Researcher II of the School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM), presented the project and the different technologies and systems it developed for the past three years. The SARAI Knowledge Portal, which serves as the central hub of SARAI was also introduced to the participants. While the Maize Nutrient Expert, a software developed by International Plant Nutrition Institute was discussed through a hands-on training using their mobiles phones/tablets and laptops.

Experts from the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology-Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CEAT-IAE) namely, Prof. Keynty Boy V. Magtoto, Engr. Yaminah Mochica M. Pinca, and Dr. Ronaldo B. Saludes, discussed the SARAI Soil Moisture Monitoring System. Included in their discussion were the soil moisture basic concepts, types of soil moisture meter, and the SARAI Soil Moisture Meter and Sensor. The team also presented the SARAI Soil Moisture Sensor-Based Irrigation Scheduler (SMSIS), a spreadsheet where the users of the SARAI Soil Moisture Meter and Sensor will input their data to know if their crop needs irrigation.

The last part of the training was the installation of the SARAI Soil Moisture Sensors in a corn field provided by DA-CVRC. The participants were shown the actual installation and reading of data from SARAI Soil Moisture Meter and Sensor. The said training was conducted in partnership with Cagayan Valley Agricultural and Aquatic Resources Research and Development (CVAARRD) and DA-CVRC.

Following its initial endeavors, SARAI is primed to proceed to its second phase and continue to develop and implement science-based crops, technologies, protocols and long term strategies geared towards maximizing crop yield and minimizing adverse environmental and climate impacts on selected crops. The Phase 2 of SARAI will start this year and will end on the year 2021. The project will focus on rice, corn, banana, coconut, coffee, cacao, sugarcane, and soybean. (RM Areglado)