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Ang Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) ay binago ang forensic DNA analysis sa pamamagitan ng kakayahang suriin ng mga siyentipiko ang maraming DNA markers nang sabay-sabay at sa mas detalyadong paraan kumpara sa tradisyunal na pamamaraan. Gayunpaman, hindi pa rin malawak ang paggamit ng MPS sa mga bansa sa Timog-Silangang Asya.

Kamakailan, sinuri ng mga mananaliksik mula sa University of the Philippines Diliman – College of Science Natural Sciences Research Institute (UPD-CS NSRI) ang paggamit ng MPS sa mga forensic DNA laboratory sa rehiyon upang matukoy ang mga pangunahing hamon sa pagpapatupad nito.

Sa forensic DNA analysis, ang matagal nang ginagamit na standard ay ang Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling gamit ang capillary electrophoresis, na nakikilala ang bawat indibidwal sa pamamagitan ng pagsukat ng haba ng partikular na DNA markers. Kaya nga, puwedeng suriin ng MPS ang parehong markers, ngunit binabasa rin nito ang aktwal na DNA sequence sa loob ng mga ito, na nagbibigay ng mas detalyadong impormasyong genetiko.

Mga Hamon sa Paggamit ng MPS

Sinuri nina Christian Estrella, Maylowen Lumayna, Minerva Sagum, Maeviviene Sosing, Gayvelline Calacal, Dr. Maria Corazon De Ungria, at Jazelyn Salvador mula sa University of the Philippines Diliman – College of Science Natural Sciences Research Institute (UPD-CS NSRI) DNA Analysis Laboratory ang mga forensic DNA laboratory sa Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, at Vietnam sa pamamagitan ng isang online survey.

Ayon kay Estrella, ang pinakamalaking hadlang para sa mga laboratoryong wala pang MPS ay kakulangan sa pondo at pasilidad. “Mahirap magsimula ng ganitong teknolohiya kung walang sapat na suportang pinansyal. Hindi ito nakakagulat para sa mga bansang may mababa o katamtamang kita sa Timog-Silangang Asya,” paliwanag niya.

Para naman sa mga laboratoryong mayroon nang MPS equipment, mas marami ang kanilang kinahaharap na operational challenges, tulad ng kakulangan ng datos tungkol sa populasyon, hindi pare-parehong paraan ng pag-uulat ng resulta, at hirap sa pagsasama ng bagong teknolohiya sa umiiral na DNA databases.

Dagdag pa niya, isa pang mahalagang hamon ay kakulangan ng batas at pagtanggap sa korte. Bagama’t kinikilala na ang tradisyunal na DNA methods sa korte, may pag-aalinlangan pa rin sa MPS, lalo na dahil mahirap ipaliwanag ang ilang laboratory processes sa mga taong walang sapat na kaalaman sa agham.

Hinaharap ng MPS sa Timog-Silangang Asya

Ayon sa mga mananaliksik, may malaking potensyal ang MPS sa Timog-Silangang Asya sa kabila ng mga kasalukuyang hamon sa pagpapatupad nito. Mataas ang interes ng rehiyon sa paggamit ng teknolohiyang ito, at kung gagamitin nang stratehiko, maaari nitong pabilisin ang pagpapalawak ng DNA databases gamit ang mga markers na mas angkop sa rehiyon.

Maaaring simulan ang paggamit ng MPS sa piling forensic casework. Bagama’t epektibo ang tradisyunal na pamamaraan para sa pangkaraniwang kaso, mahalaga ang MPS sa mas komplikadong sitwasyon, tulad ng mga sample ng DNA na nasira dahil sa sunog o sakuna, o sa mga kasong may kinalaman sa malalayong ugnayang pampamilya. Kayang suriin ng MPS ang mas maliliit na DNA markers, kaya maaari pa rin itong magbigay ng kapaki-pakinabang na resulta kahit hindi na sapat ang tradisyunal na pamamaraan.

“Inirerekomenda naming magkaroon ang bawat bansa ng hindi bababa sa isang ganap na MPS laboratory bilang pambansang hub, kung saan maaaring sentralisahin ang forensic services upang mabawasan ang gastos at demand sa resources,” pagtatapos ni Estrella. “Ngunit magtatagumpay lamang ito kung may tuloy-tuloy na suporta sa pondo mula sa gobyerno at matibay na political commitment. Mahalaga ring mahikayat ang pamahalaan na ituring ang MPS bilang pangmatagalang pamumuhunan na nagpapalakas sa pambansang kapasidad sa forensics—hindi lamang para sa mga kriminal na kaso, kundi pati na rin sa disaster response, pagkilala sa tao, at proteksyon ng karapatang pantao.”

Sanggunian:

Estrella, C. S., Lumayna, M. P., Sagum, M. D., Sosing, M. V., Calacal, G. C., De Ungria, M. C., & Salvador, J. M. (2025). Challenges in using massively parallel sequencing technology for forensic DNA analysis in Southeast Asia. Forensic Science International: Synergy, 11, 100638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100638

Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) has transformed forensic DNA analysis by allowing scientists to examine multiple DNA markers at the same time and in much greater detail than older methods. Even so, MPS is still not widely used in Southeast Asian countries. Researchers from the University of the Philippines Diliman – College of Science’s Natural Sciences Research Institute (UPD-CS NSRI) reviewed the use of MPS in forensic DNA laboratories across the region to identify the key challenges to its adoption.

In forensic DNA analysis, the long-standing standard is short tandem repeat (STR) profiling using capillary electrophoresis, which identifies individuals by measuring length variations in specific DNA markers. MPS can analyze these same markers, but it also reads the actual DNA sequence within them, providing far more detailed genetic information.

Obstacles facing MPS adoption 

Christian Estrella, Maylowen Lumayna, Minerva Sagum, Maeviviene Sosing, Gayvelline Calacal, Dr. Maria Corazon De Ungria, and Jazelyn Salvador from the UPD-CS NSRI’s DNA Analysis Laboratory conducted an online survey of forensic DNA laboratories in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

“For laboratories that do not yet use MPS, the biggest obstacle is funding and infrastructure—it’s difficult even to get started without financial support. This is not surprising for low- and middle-income countries in Southeast Asia,” Estrella explained. “Meanwhile, laboratories that already have MPS equipment face more operational challenges, such as limited population data, inconsistent reporting standards, and incompatibility with existing DNA databases.”

He added that another major challenge is the lack of legislation and court acceptance. Traditional DNA methods are already recognized in court, but for MPS, there is still uncertainty about whether courts will accept the results, especially given laboratory processes that can be difficult to explain to non-technical audiences.

Future directions for MPS in Southeast Asia

According to the researchers, the future of MPS in Southeast Asia holds significant promise despite challenges currently facing its implementation. There is strong regional interest in adopting the technology, which—if used strategically—can significantly accelerate the expansion of DNA databases using markers that are more relevant to the region.

Southeast Asia can start by selectively introducing MPS into forensic casework. While conventional methods work well for routine cases, MPS is valuable for challenging samples, such as degraded DNA from fires or disasters, or cases involving distant family relationships. MPS can analyze smaller DNA markers, so it can still produce usable results when traditional methods fall short.

“We recommend that each country establish at least one fully capable MPS laboratory as a national hub, where forensic services can be centralized to reduce costs and resource demands,” Estrella concluded. “However, this will only succeed with sustained government funding and strong political commitment. Convincing the government that MPS is a long-term investment that strengthens national forensic capacity—not only for criminal cases, but also for disaster response, human identification, and human rights protection—is key to securing that support.”

References:

Estrella, C. S., Lumayna, M. P., Sagum, M. D., Sosing, M. V., Calacal, G. C., De Ungria, M. C., & Salvador, J. M. (2025). Challenges in using massively parallel sequencing technology for forensic DNA analysis in Southeast Asia. Forensic Science International: Synergy, 11, 100638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100638

Sa halip na gumamit ng matatapang na kemikal, gumamit ang mga mananaliksik na sina Mon Bryan Gili, Wendell Manuel, at Dr. Marienette Vega ng UPD-CS Materials Science and Engineering Program (MSEP); Dr. Marlon Conato ng UPD-CS Institute of Chemistry (IC); at Rakshith Gowda Shankaregowda at Dr. Manh-Huong Phan ng University of South Florida ng gamma radiation at isang natural na seaweed-derived substance na tinatawag na carrageenan upang makalikha ng mga nanoparticle.

“Sa madaling salita, hinahayaan namin ang radiation na gawin ang ‘trabaho’ ng pagbuo ng mga particle, habang pinapanatili ng seaweed extract ang mga ito na matatag at ligtas. Pagkatapos ay sinubukan namin kung gaano kabisa ang mga particle na ito laban sa mga pangkaraniwang bacteria,” paliwanag ni Gili. Kung ikukumpara sa mga tradisyonal na chemical methods, ang pamamaraan ng mga mananaliksik ay maituturing na mas ‘green’.

Madalas na nangangailangan ang chemical synthesis ng mga malakas na reducing agent at stabilizer, na maaaring nakakalason at mahirap itapon nang hindi nakapipinsala sa kalikasan. Sa kanilang pamamaraan, ganap na pinapalitan ng gamma radiation ang mga kemikal na ito. Nagiging sterilized din ang mga nanoparticle habang sila’y nabubuo, na isang malaking pakinabang para sa mga medical application. “Sa pangkalahatan, nangangahulugan ito ng mas maikling proseso, mas kaunting chemical waste, at mas ligtas na produkto para sa tao at sa kapaligiran,” dagdag ni Gili.

Bilang isang researcher sa nuclear science, nasasabik si Gili na ilapat ang teknolohiya ng radiation sa paraang direktang nakikinabang sa kalusugan at sustainability. Ang pag-aalala para sa kaligtasan sa kapaligiran at ang lumalaking isyu ng antibiotic resistance ay nag-udyok sa kanya at sa kanyang pangkat na maghanap ng mga alternatibong paraan para sa paggawa ng mga silver nanoparticle. Maraming mga nakasanayang proseso ang gumagamit ng mga nakalalasong kemikal na maaaring makapinsala sa mga tao at sa kapaligiran.

“Kabilang sa mga susunod na hakbang ang pagpapabuti ng kanilang long-term stability, pagsubok sa mga ito sa mga real-world products, at pagsusuri kung ligtas silang gamitin ng tao,” sabi ni Gili. “Sa huli, inaasahan namin na ang teknolohiyang ito ay hahantong sa mura at lokal na gawang mga antibacterial material gamit ang likas na yaman ng Pilipinas at kadalubhasaan sa nuclear science.”

Ang kanilang papel, “Antibacterial evaluation of radiolytically synthesized silver nanoparticles with ι-carrageenan stabilizers,” ay nailathala sa Radiation Physics and Chemistry, isang journal na nagtatampok ng mga pag-aaral na nakatuon sa pananaliksik at mga pagpapaunlad gamit ang ionizing radiation sa radiation physics, radiation chemistry, at radiation processing.

References:

Gili, M. B., Manuel, W. A., Guillermo, N. R., Shankaregowda, R. G., Phan, M., Conato, M. T., & Vega, M. M. (2025). Antibacterial evaluation of radiolytically synthesized silver nanoparticles with ι-carrageenan stabilizers. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 236, 112941. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.112941

Nakita mo na ba ang mga malalaking tipak ng bato, ang ilan ay kasinglaki ng malaking trak, na nakakalat sa mabatong baybayin ng Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte? Ang mga dambuhalang bato ay makikitang nakapatong sa taas ng nakaangat na reef platform na malayo sa dagat. Pinapaniwalaan na ang mga ito ay bahagi or piraso ng isang sinaunang bahurang koral (ancient coral reef) na napunit at naihagis papaloob ng lupa, dala ng matitinding alon.

Ang kakaibang tanawing ito ang umantig sa kuryosidad ng mga geologist mula sa National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS), College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD-CS). Sina Edrian Tubalado, Dr. Noelynna Ramos, Lyndon Nawanao Jr., Ace Matthew Cantillep, Alec Benjamin Ramirez, at Jelian Reyes ng Geomorphology and Active Tectonics Research (GEAR) Laboratory ng NIGS, kasama sina Dr. Kathrine Maxwell ng Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research sa Germany, Dr. Shou-Yeh Gong ng National Museum of Natural Science sa Taiwan, Dr. Tsai-Luen Yu ng National Academy of Marine Research sa Taiwan, at Dr. Chuan-Chou Shen ng National Taiwan University, ay nagsuri ng 198 na malalaking carbonate boulders sa Barangay Davila at Dilavo sa Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.

“Ang mga bato ay pangunahing binubuo ng mga fossil corals at maaaring tawaging mga coastal carbonate boulders,” paliwanag ni Tubalado. “Sinukat namin ang laki, bigat, at lokasyon ng mga ito, at gumamit ng mga specialized dating techniques upang matukoy ang edad ng mga coral components. Ipinapakita ng edad ng mga ito kung kailan naiangat at nailipat ang mga batong koral mula sa tubig-dagat patungo sa baybayin.”

These enormous boulders, which sit on an uplifted reef platform far from the sea, are not random. They are fragments of an ancient coral reef that were torn from the reef and hurled inland by extreme waves. This unusual sight piqued the curiosity of geologists from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS).

Edrian Tubalado, Dr. Noelynna Ramos, Lyndon Nawanao Jr., Ace Matthew Cantillep, Alec Benjamin Ramirez, and Jelian Reyes of the Geomorphology and Active Tectonics Research (GEAR) Laboratory, UPD-CS NIGS, together with Dr. Kathrine Maxwell of the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Germany, Dr. Shou-Yeh Gong of the National Museum of Natural Science in Taiwan, Dr. Tsai-Luen Yu of the National Academy of Marine Research in Taiwan, and Dr. Chuan-Chou Shen of National Taiwan University, investigated 198 large, carbonate boulders in Barangays Davila and Dilavo in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.

“The boulders were primarily composed of fossil corals and can be called coastal carbonate boulders,” Tubalado said. “We measured its size, weight, and location, and used specialized dating techniques to determine the ages of the coral components. These ages tell us when the coral boulders were transported out from the seawater onto the coast.”

Instead of using harsh chemicals, researchers Mon Bryan Gili, Wendell Manuel, and Dr. Marienette Vega of the UPD-CS Materials Science and Engineering Program (MSEP); Dr. Marlon Conato of the UPD-CS Institute of Chemistry (IC); and Rakshith Gowda Shankaregowda and Dr. Manh-Huong Phan of the University of South Florida used gamma radiation and a natural seaweed-derived substance called carrageenan to create the nanoparticles.

“In simple terms, we let radiation do the “work” of forming the particles, while the seaweed extract keeps them stable and safe. We then tested how effective these particles are against common bacteria,” Gili explained. Compared to traditional chemical methods, the researchers’ approach is much greener. 

Chemical synthesis often requires strong reducing agents and stabilizers, which can be toxic and difficult to dispose of safely. In their method, gamma radiation completely replaces these chemicals. It also sterilizes the nanoparticles as they form, which is a major advantage for medical applications. “Overall, this means fewer processing steps, less chemical waste, and a safer product for both people and the environment,” Gili added.

As a researcher in nuclear science, Gili was excited to apply radiation technology in a way that directly benefits health and sustainability. Concern for environmental safety and the growing issue of antibiotic resistance motivated him and his team to explore alternative methods for producing silver nanoparticles. Many conventional approaches use toxic chemicals that can harm people and the environment.

“The next steps include improving their long-term stability, testing them in real-world products, and evaluating their safety for human use.” Gili said. “Ultimately, we hope this technology can lead to affordable, locally produced antibacterial materials using Philippine natural resources and nuclear science expertise.”

Their paper, “Antibacterial evaluation of radiolytically synthesized silver nanoparticles with ι-carrageenan stabilizers,” was published in Radiation Physics and Chemistry, a journal featuring studies which focus on research and developments involving ionizing radiation in radiation physics, radiation chemistry, and radiation processing.

References:

Gili, M. B., Manuel, W. A., Guillermo, N. R., Shankaregowda, R. G., Phan, M., Conato, M. T., & Vega, M. M. (2025). Antibacterial evaluation of radiolytically synthesized silver nanoparticles with ι-carrageenan stabilizers. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 236, 112941. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.112941

Sa ikalimang Innovation Impact Stories webinar ng UP Diliman College of Science Innovation Program, ipinaliwanag ni Dr. Emily Castriciones ng UPD-CS Institute of Chemistry ang papel ng kimika sa pagpapatupad ng Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Siya ay nagsisilbi ring Analytical Chemist Inspector ng Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Bagama’t matagal nang pinagtibay ng Pilipinas ang CWC, hindi ito ganap na naipatupad noon dahil sa kakulangan ng legal na balangkas.

“Bilang mga chemist, kasama natin ang isang kemikal mula simula hanggang wakas. Ikaw ang nagsasagawa ng synthesis at pagsusuri, mula sa hilaw na materyal hanggang sa tapos na produkto gaya ng gamot,, pati na ang wastong pagtatapon nito bilang basurang kemikal. Patuloy mo ring minamanmanan ang pag-iral nito sa mga daluyan ng basura at sa kapaligiran,” ani ni Dr. Castriciones. “Mula sa simula hanggang sa katapusan ng buhay ng isang kemikal, laging may chemist na kasangkot.”

“Iba’t iba rin ang gawain namin sa loob ng mga planta. Sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, kadalasan ay pagmamanman at regulasyon ang tungkulin. Ngunit huwag nating kaligtaan ang ating mga tagapagpatupad ng batas: ang Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency at ang PNP. Mayroon silang mga forensic laboratory, at sa pamamagitan ng aming proyekto kasama ang DOST, nakikipagtulungan kami sa PNP forensic lab at sa Bureau of Fire Protection,” paliwanag niya. “At siyempre, mahalaga rin ang dokumentasyon at iba pang gawaing kaakibat nito.”

Mas naging pamilyar si Dr. Castriciones sa kasunduan sa pamamagitan ng kanyang paglilingkod bilang teknikal na konsultant para sa CWC sa panahon ng pagbabalangkas ng RA 12174. Nagsilbi rin siya bilang tagapagsalita (resource person) sa mga pagpupulong ng technical working group at sa mga konsultasyon sa mga stakeholder na inorganisa ng Senate Committee at ng Anti-Terrorism Council. Ang mga ito ay nagsilbing Interim Philippine National Authority para sa CWC.

“Para sa matagumpay na pagpapatupad ng anumang pambansang batas, napakahalaga na kasangkot ang mga stakeholder, lalo na sa pagsusuri at pagbabalangkas ng implementing rules and regulations,” dagdagniya. “Itinataguyod ko ang tunay na pakikilahok ng buong lipunan—mula sa pamahalaan, industriya, akademya, at mga pribadong testing laboratory at mga institusyong pananaliksik.”

Ayon pa kay Dr. Castriciones, makatutulong ang mga siyentipiko sa pagpapalakas ng kaalaman at teknikal na kakayahan ng mga sangay ng pamahalaan. Sa pamamagitan ng mga proyektong pinagsama ng akademya at pamahalaan, maaari rin silang magsagawa ng pananaliksik na may agarang pakinabang para sa pambansang seguridad.

Ang Innovation Impact Stories ay isang serye ng webinar na nagpapakita kung paano nagdudulot ang agham, teknolohiya, at inobasyon ng tunay na pakinabang sa lipunan. Itinatampok ng programang ito ang mga kuwento, hamon, at tagumpay sa likod ng mga inobasyong nakabatay sa pananaliksik na may makabuluhang ambag sa iba’t ibang larangan. Layunin nitong magbigay-kaalaman at magbigay-inspirasyon sa mga mag-aaral, mananaliksik, at guro. Panghuli, layon nitong isulong ang kolaboratibong inobasyon na nag-uugnay sa teorya at praktika.

Para sa mga katanungan ukol sa Innovation Impact Stories, mangyaring magpadala ng mensahe sa cs.innovation_committee@science.upd.edu.ph

During the fifth Innovation Impact Stories webinar of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) Innovation Program, Dr. Emily Castriciones from the UPD-CS Institute of Chemistry—also an Analytical Chemist Inspector for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)—discussed chemistry’s role in implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which the Philippines had long ratified but could not fully enforce without a legal framework.

“As chemists, what we really do—if we think about it—is to be with a chemical from cradle to grave. You do the synthesis, you do the testing, whether it’s a raw material or a finished product like a drug, even up to its proper disposal as chemical waste, you are still monitoring its presence in the waste streams and in the environment ” Dr. Castriciones said during her talk. “From the cradle to the grave of a chemical, there is always a chemist involved.”

“Within the plant, there is a lot of work that we do as well. In government agencies, it’s mostly monitoring and regulatory, but let’s not forget our law enforcement—the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and PNP. They have forensic labs, and through our project with DOST, we are collaborating with the PNP forensic lab and the Bureau of Fire Protection,” she explained. “And of course, we can’t forget recordkeeping, documentation, and all the other essential work involved.”

Dr. Castriciones became more closely acquainted with the convention through serving as the technical consultant for the CWC during the drafting of the RA 12174 and by acting as a resource person in the technical working group meetings and stakeholder consultations organized by the Senate Committee and the Anti-Terrorism Council, which functioned as Interim Philippine National Authority for the CWC.

“For the successful implementation of any national law, I think it is very important that stakeholders are involved, especially in the review and drafting of the implementing rules and regulations,” she added. “I’m pushing for a truly all-of-society engagement—from the government, the industry, the academe, and private testing laboratories and research institutions.”

She also shared that scientists can help strengthen the knowledge and technical capabilities of government agencies and conduct meaningful research on areas with immediate applications for national security through academic-government cooperative projects.

Innovation Impact Stories is a webinar series that explores how science, technology, and innovation drive real-world impact. This initiative highlights the journeys, challenges, and successes behind research-driven innovations that have made meaningful contributions across various fields. It aims to inform and inspire students, researchers, and faculty to foster a culture of purposeful and collaborative innovation that bridges academic theory with practical application.

For inquiries about Innovation Impact Stories, please message cs.innovation_committee@science.upd.edu.ph