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03. Science and Technology (Natural Sciences) Committee

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://repository.unesco.gov.ph/handle/123456789/3

In creating a culture of peace and addressing sustainable development challenges, UNESCO aims to cultivate the generation and application of scientific knowledge among its Member States. At UNACOM, we facilitate access to UNESCO’s international programmes in the sciences, such as the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, and International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), among others.

Through this sector, the Commission aims to contribute to the following SDGs: 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, 13 - Climate Action, 14 - Life Below Water, and 15 - Life On Land. With the overarching vision of the 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan (PDP), UNACOM targets grassroots-inspired cultural heritage and biodiversity protection and conservation, as well as multi-stakeholder partnerships for SDGs promotion.

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    Multifaceted assessment of wastewater-based epidemiology for SARS-CoV-2 in selected urban communities in Davao City, Philippines: A pilot study
    Otero, Maria Catherine B.; Murao, Lyre Anni E.; Limen, Mary Antoinette G.; Caalim, Daniel Rev A.; Gaite, Paul Lorenzo A.; Bacus, Michael G.; Acaso, Joan T.; Miguel, Refeim M.; Corazo, Kahlil; Knot, Ineke E.; Sajonia, Homer; de los Reyes, Francis L.; Jaraula, Caroline Marie B.; Baja, Emmanuel S.; Del Mundo, Dann Marie N. (MDPI, 2022-07-19)
    Over 60 countries have integrated wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) in their COVID-19 surveillance programs, focusing on wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). In this paper, we piloted the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 WBE as a complementary public health surveillance method in susceptible communities in a highly urbanized city without WWTP in the Philippines by exploring the extraction and detection methods, evaluating the contribution of physico-chemical–anthropogenic factors, and attempting whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Weekly wastewater samples were collected from sewer pipes or creeks in six communities with moderate-to-high risk of COVID-19 transmission, as categorized by the City Government of Davao from November to December 2020. Physico-chemical properties of the wastewater and anthropogenic conditions of the sites were noted. Samples were concentrated using a PEG-NaCl precipitation method and analyzed by RT-PCR to detect the SARS-CoV-2 N, RdRP, and E genes. A subset of nine samples were subjected to WGS using the Minion sequencing platform. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in twenty-two samples (91.7%) regardless of the presence of new cases. Cycle threshold values correlated with RNA concentration and attack rate. The lack of a sewershed map in the sampled areas highlights the need to integrate this in the WBE planning. A combined analysis of wastewater physico-chemical parameters such as flow rate, surface water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids provided insights on the ideal sampling location, time, and method for WBE, and their impact on RNA recovery. The contribution of fecal matter in the wastewater may also be assessed through the coliform count and in the context of anthropogenic conditions in the area. Finally, our attempt on WGS detected single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in wastewater which included clinically reported and newly identified mutations in the Philippines. This exploratory report provides a contextualized framework for applying WBE surveillance in low-sanitation areas.
    The authors thank the Davao City Health Office, the local government units under the City Government of Davao, the partner hospitals for their support and assistance, and Diana Aga for discussions on sample collection and analyses. The authors would also like to thank the members of the Bortz Virology Laboratory at the University of Alaska Anchorage- Ralf Dagdag and Matthew Redlinger, Amanda Warr from the Roslin Institute, Nicole Wheeler from the University of Birmingham, Lara Urban, co-founder of PuntSeq, and Joe Russell from MRI Global for their expert advice in nanopore and wastewater sequencing.
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    Fish supply in Davao stable despite yearly fishing ban in Davao Gulf
    Espinosa, Ian Carl (Sun • Star Publishing, 2023-05-22)
    The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Davao Region (Bfar-Davao) said there should still be enough fish production despite the yearly ban on fishing small pelagic fishes in Davao Gulf from June to August. “Most probably sa isda sa dagat maapektohan ta but it should be absorbed sa aquaculture nato (We might be affected regarding the number of fishes sourced from the sea by that ban, but the fish production will be backed by our aquaculture),” Raul Millena, Bfar-Davao regional director said in an interview.
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    Sufficient fish supply assured amid COVID-19
    Miraflor, Madelaine B. (Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, 2020-05-03)
    Despite the COVID-19 triggered disruptions in the country’s food supply chain, Filipinos will have an adequate supply of fish, a staple food for majority of the population, throughout the entire year, an official data showed. Based on Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) forecast, the country’s total fish supply would end at 3.35 million metric tons (MT), which would slightly exceed demand seen at 3.33 million MT. For the end of second quarter alone, the country will also enjoy an 11-day surplus equivalent to 101,792 MT of fish, with 934,920 MT supply exceeding the 833,128 MT demand.
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    The Philippines – truly a diver’s paradise
    (The Manila Times Publishing Corporation, 2019-05-03)
    A tropical archipelago comprising 7,641 islands, the Philippines offers bodies of water, with highly diverse marine wildlife and seascape — perfect for all kinds of divers and deep diving enthusiasts to explore. This makes the country a popular major diving hub in Asia. With countless spots for divers of different skills, Philippine waters are suitable for beginners who are simply looking for fun recreational activities and most ideal for intermediate divers seeking underwater challenges to hone their skills and experts in search of new adventures.
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    RP aquaculture sector benefits from BFAR-SEAFDEC program
    Fernandez, Rudy A. (Philippine Star Printing Co., Inc., 2002-06-02)
    The country's aquaculture sector continues to benefit considerably from a program jointly being implemented by a government agency and a Southeast Asian center. Called Joint Mission for Accelerated Nationwide Technology Transfer Program (JMANTTP), the undertaking was launched in January 1999 by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and the government-hosted Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC AQD) based in Tigbauan, Iloilo. The program was convinced to make available technologies developed at SEAFDEC AQD to its host country, the Philippines.