Dr. Pierangeli Vital, Donnabel Sena, Czarina Jay Catapat, and Ma. Christine Jasmine Sabio from the UPD-CS Natural Sciences Research Institute (UPD-CS NSRI), along with Dr. Windell Rivera of the UPD-CS Institute of Biology (UPD-CS IB) gathered 419 vegetable samples from three urban farms and four major wet markets in Metro Manila. The group detected E. coli in 13.60% of all the samples. The presence of E.coli in the samples from urban farms was also higher than in the samples obtained from wet markets.

According to Dr. Vital, high levels of E. coli in the samples from urban farms could be linked to various factors, such as lack of thorough post-harvest processing, unlike the samples from wet markets. “As observed in the urban farm sampling sites, they frequently use rainwater, pond water, and well water for irrigation, mainly for economic reasons, but this increases the risk of bacterial contamination,” she said.

Animals such as dogs, cats, and chickens often roam around urban farms, which raises the risk of microbial contamination in the irrigation water and soil where the vegetables grow. The researchers considered these as areas for improvement in developing urban farming practices.

“This research, together with our past research on agricultural food safety, is and was used in creating and adopting Philippine National Standards (PNS) on pre- and post-harvest microbial food safety in agriculture, with initiatives spearheaded by the DA – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS),” shared Dr. Vital.

The researchers stated in their paper that the results could provide a factual basis for regulating, controlling, and eliminating food pathogen contamination in fresh produce, thereby helping policymakers implement regulations that ensure food safety. Even so, Dr. Vital mentioned that preventing foodborne illnesses such as E. coli can also be done by Filipinos in their own homes.

“Proper handling and cooking must be practiced at home, which involves simple steps such as thoroughly washing hands and kitchenware as well as disinfecting table surfaces when preparing food, using clean water when washing vegetables, effectively separating cooked and raw foods, and storing food the right way,” Dr. Vital added. “Following these simple steps can significantly help reduce the risks of foodborne illness at home and in the community.”

They plan to include more surveillance of relevant foodborne pathogens and conduct the study on a national level, in addition to investigating the antimicrobial resistance of the bacteria. These endeavors will provide significant data for analyzing trends in microbial food safety in the Philippines.

The paper, titled “Thermotolerant Escherichia coli contamination in vegetables from selected urban farms and wet markets in metro Manila, Philippines at the height of COVID-19 pandemic,” was published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, a peer-reviewed journal covering research fields such as engineering, agricultural sciences, technology, and health sciences.

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact media@science.upd.edu.ph.

References:

Vital, P., Rivera, W., Sena, D., Catapat, C. J., & Sabio, M. C. J. (2024). Thermotolerant Escherichia coli contamination in vegetables from selected urban farms and wet markets in Metro Manila, Philippines at the height of COVID-19 pandemic. Asia-Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 29(03), APST–29. https://doi.org/10.14456/apst.2024.44

To our guest speaker, National Artist Kidlat Tahimik, to our Chancellor, Chancellor Vistan, to our dean, Dr. Giovanni Tapang, academicians, university officials, institute directors, faculty, parents, guests and of course graduates, magandang gabi po sa ating lahat.

The theme for today’s commencement is “Science in the Service of Society.” Since I’m not particularly experienced in writing speeches, I’ll approach this topic the way we tackle complex scientific journals—by defining and discussing each term.

Let’s start with the word “science.” After spending at least four years immersed in this field, I believe its meaning is already familiar to us. However, I’d like to share a glimpse of the state of science in our country based on my experiences.

My adviser, Dr. Nathaniel Hermosa came back to the Philippines from his postdoctoral position as a Balik-Scientist fellow to establish his own laboratory in 2015. I was fortunate to be one of his first advisees. I witnessed firsthand the process of building a laboratory from the ground up, including the relatively tedious process of procuring equipment. I have seen how researchers, including my mentors, often have to justify their work as addressing pressing issues like poverty just to secure financial support in their projects. I, myself have experienced being disheartened with these circumstances. Last 2023, our work was selected as a finalist for the Best Student Research Award in Spain. Despite the university’s generous support, I was unable to attend the conference in person due to inadequate funding.

Let me be clear: our university is incredibly supportive and generous with research funding, but these challenges are part of the reality we face. Minsan nakaka-frustrate, madalas nakaka-lungkot. Yet, despite these obstacles, we continue to excel, producing great research papers and nurturing world-class scientists.

During one research meeting, I asked my adviser, “Why did you choose to return and conduct experiments here in the Philippines when it might be easier to do so abroad?” His response, in essence, was that while we might lack in resources and funding, we make up with ingenuity and resourcefulness. This may be an adaptive skill, but our lack forces us to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems.

Next word is service. For this part, let me tell you a story.

Tungkol ito sa isang mag-asawang magsasaka na nagngangalang Ceasar at Aurora. Sila ay may tatlong anak: isang panganay na babae at dalawang lalaki. Upang mapagtapos ang kanilang mga anak, kinailangan nilang maghanap ng iba pang trabaho bukod sa pagsasaka. Nagsimulang mag-buy and sell si Ceasar ng mga baboy, at naging manininda naman sa palengke si Aurora. Ang kanilang panganay na anak na si Mona ang katulong ng kanyang ina sa pagtitinda sa palengke.

Sa murang edad, namulat si Mona sa hirap ng buhay at sa sakripisyo ng kanyang mga magulang upang mapag-aral silang magkakapatid. Sa buong apat na taon ng high school, mayroon lamang siyang isang pares ng uniporme at isang pares ng sapatos na pinilit niyang pinagkakasya sa kanyang lumalaking paa. Nakapagtapos ng high school si Mona, ngunit dahil sa hirap ng buhay, sinabihan siya ng kanyang ina na baka hindi na nya ito kayang suportahan sa pag-aaral nito sa kolehiyo. Pursigidong makatapos ng pag-aaral si Mona, kaya naghanap siya ng paraan upang tulungan ang kanyang sariling makapag tapos. Nag-simula syang magbenta sa kanyang mga classmates ng kanyang mga paninda. Nag tiis syang mag-meryenda sa isang pirasong muncher o tattoos habang pinapanood ang kanyang mga kaklaseng kumain ng softdrinks at piattos. Sa awa ng Diyos, nakakuha sya ng scholarship at tuluyang nakapagtapos ng kolehiyo.

This story is not mine but that of my mother’s and grandparents’. My mother was the first in her clan to earn a college degree. I am the first in our immediate family to graduate in UP.

We should remember that these diplomas and degrees are not solely the result of our individual efforts. We are here because of the collective support and sacrifices of those who stood by us throughout this journey. We are reaping the fruits of their labor and dedication.

Where does service fit into all this? Service and sacrifice go hand-in-hand. True service is never comfortable; it involves sacrificing something of our own and going out of our way to help others.

My grandfather Ceasar, who passed away during the 2020 pandemic, is not here to witness this moment. While we may never fully repay the debt we owe to those who came before us, we can certainly pay it forward. We can become mentors to the next generation of scientists. We can serve our community with our knowledge and skills. We can conduct research that advances science for the betterment of society.

Finally, let’s reflect on the word “society.”

I had a hard time concentrating on writing this speech due to the recent flood that has affected so many this week. In the middle of the typhoon last Wednesday, my husband had to rescue our pamangkins in Cainta because the flood is already approaching their second floor. It is really challenging to celebrate today however, I believe this is precisely the moment to reflect on the true meaning of this ceremony.

I took some time to research the meaning behind our UP Sablay. According to OUR’s website, the word “Sablay” refers to an indigenous loose garment that, though simple, is traditionally worn for formal occasions. As a verb (isablay), it means to drape a precious object, such as this garment, over one’s shoulder, symbolizing value and respect for that object.

Today, we are giving value and honoring not only our efforts but also the people who have paved the way for us—our seniors, mentors, and the entire community who helped us wear this Sablay with pride. We are showing respect for the dedication and service of everyone who made our journey possible.

Our UP Sablay represents more than personal achievement; it symbolizes our responsibility to contribute to society. As we wear our Sablays today, let us remember that our journey is a testament to the collective effort and dedication of our community. It’s a call to use our knowledge, skills, and achievements to serve others, to uplift those around us, and to address the pressing needs of our society.

As my call to action, I want to repeat what I said in our institute’s recognition this morning.

Pagsilbihan ang kapwa, pagsilbihan ang sambayanan. Gamitin natin ang pananaliksik bilang instrumento ng pagbabago.

Let’s use our education in paying it forward and may our legacy be one of bettering the next generation.

Thank you, and congratulations to the College of Science Class of 2024. Mabuhay ang mga siyentista ng bayan.

Maganda’t mabuting araw sa inyong lahat! Ako si Sean Brendan, mula sa Pambansang Linangan ng Pisika.

Tuwing iniisip ko kung bakit ba ‘ko nandito sa pisika’t agham, palagi akong walang depinitibong sagot. No’ng bata ako pinangarap ko maging astronot. ‘Di ko alam. Baka dahil ang astig ng kanilang damit, tapos sasakay sa ispeyship. Ang lupit din tingnan ng mga kemistri-kemistri. Pati ‘yang mga daynosor na ‘yan. Palaging paiba-iba ang gusto ko.

Bilang mga siyentista ng hinaharap, na minsa’y sinilaw rin ng mga bitwin, numero, palaka, o kung anumang dahilan kung bakit tinahak ang daang siyensya, kahit sa’n pa man tayo dalhin ng ating pagtuklas, alam nating madaling malunod sa angking ganda nito—sa sarap ng pakiramdam tuwing nakaka-solb tayo ng ekweysyon, sa pagpaypet ng kemikal, sa pagdila ng bato, o maging sa pakiramdam na, …, basta, “ang kul pakinggan”. Pero minsan, malungkot. Totoo ang mga nararamdaman nating kalungkutan sa “‘di tayo napili”, “‘di tayo nanalo”, “‘di tayo nakapasa kasi mababa ang gan’to”. “Kapag ba nagpatuloy ako sa
siyensya, magiging matagumpay pa ba ‘ko kung ngayon palang, ‘di na ‘ko magaling?”

Kadalasang ikinakabit ng mga pamantayang internasyual ang tagumpay sa agham sa ating h-index, o kung anumang iskolarling batayan sa bilang ng ating mga nailathala, kung ilang beses ito isinipi, at iba pa. Ang iba nama’y ikinakabit ang tagumpay sa kung ga’no kataas ang ating makakamit, sa rekognisyon at kasikatan na makukuha natin sa akademikong komunidad mula sa pagtuklas ng mga bagong resulta o pagbuo ng mga abstraktong teorya. Ang iba pa’y ikinakabit ang tagumpay sa kung ga’no kalayo ang ating mararating, kung ga’no kalaki’t maimpluwensiya ang mga prestihiyosong institusyong akademiko o industriyal ang ating mapupuntahan. Maraming pagsasalarawan sa iba’t ibang puntong pibotal na sumusukat sa kung ga’no tayo katagumpay sa ating mga larangan. Kung ngayon sa mga linangan, mga grado, sa akademya’t industriya, marami pang metrikong ginagamit para sukatin tayo. Bagamat nagagamit ito sa pagsukat ng kasanayan, pananagutan, pagpuna, pagdedesisyon, at pagpapabuti, ang mga ito rin ay nagiging kawnterproduktib.

Sa ganitong kapaligiran, ang presyur na umayon ay maaaring nakapaghihina sa pagkamalikhain. Ang mismong diwa ng siyentipikong pagdiskubre—ang pagsasaliksik at paghahamon sa istatus kwo—ay napahihina ng walang tigil na paghahabol sa mga paborableng sukatan. Gayunpaman, maging sa harap nitong mga mahihirap at ‘di magagandang realidad sa mundo ng agham na nagdudulot ng malawakang kumpetisyon sa trabaho at paghina ng produktibong gawa—sa mukha ng krisis sa edukasyon, limitadong akses sa impormasyon, kakulangan sa pondo, at sa kadiliman ng klimang pulitikal—hindi pa rin dapat na kalimutan ang mga mamamayan.

Habang nauunawaan natin na ang mga pananaliksik ay may kanya-kanyang kalakasan, sakop, at limitasyon—may direktang impak man sa mga komunidad at napapanahong isyu, o wala dahil ito’y abstrak at wala pa masyadong nakaiintindi—nais kong ipaalala sa lahat na ang ating pananaliksik, ang kabuuan ng ating trabaho, ay hindi umiiral isang bakyum. Ito’y isang intigral na bahagi ng mas malawak pang ekosistemang kinabibilangan din ng mga taong sumusuporta sa ating pananaliksik at ng publiko na ang buhay ay nais nating pagbutihin no’ng una pa lamang. Kaya kahit ano pa man ang sabihin ng mga
sukatan tungkol sa kakayahan at tagumpay natin, h’wag nating hayaan na magtabon ito sa tunay na pagkamalikhain, sa tunay na paghahangad ng kaalaman, at syempre sa integridad ng agham, dahil ang bayan ay nakasandal sa atin.

At habang naiintindihan din naman natin na ‘di makapagbubuhos ang walang laman na bukal—na tayo ri’y napapagod, nauubos, nalulubog sa kahirapa’t, nawawala ang pangarap para sa mamamayan dahil sa minsang pangangailangang unahin ang sarili—nais ko ring ipaalala na ang ating pagpupunyagi ay magkakaroon pa rin ng mas malalim na kahulugan. Kapag sumikat na muli sa wakas ang araw sa napakatagal at napakadilim nating gabi, makababalik din tayo sa pagpapanday ng landas para sa mga susunod na henerasyon.
At ‘di rin dapat natatapos ang siyensya sa papel at pagsasaayos ng mga metriko. ‘Di rin sa pagbuo ng mga aplikasyon nito.

H’wag tayong magtapos sa pagtutok lamang sa ating mga pag-uusap sa isa’t isa rito, sa pagbabahagi sa mga kapwa lamang na siyentista sa mga kumperensya’t kumbensyon, kundi iparating din natin ang ating mga natutuklasan sa mga lente ng mga nararanasang realidad na nakaaantig sa mga tao. Hindi sapat na alam lamang natin na ang ating ginagawa ay para sa tao, para sa bayan, naiuugnay din dapat natin ito sa adbokasiya’t aktibismo. Dapat naisasalin din natin ang mga kumpleksiting ito sa mga malilinaw at makabuluhang naratibong akesibol para sa mga bata, sa mga matatanda, sa mga taong nasa ibang larangan, sa mga taong may limitadong kakayahan, maging sa mga taong kinaaayawan—para sa lahat—dahil ang ating agham ay ang ating pagmamahal, at ang ating pagmamahal ay mapagbuklod at mapagpalaya.

Iparinig at iparamdam natin ang ating agham.

In their recent study, Jenny Lou Sagisi and Dr. Lean Dasallas of the UPD-CS Materials Science and Engineering Program (UPD-CS MSEP), along with Dr. Wilson Garcia of the UPD-CS National Institute of Physics (UPD-CS NIP), investigated the effects of different temporal laser source terms (TLSTs), or shapes of the laser pulses, on simulating heat diffusion in metals.

Validating Gaussian Assumptions in Studies

Dr. Dasallas explained that scientists often assume laser pulses to light up in a bell-shaped curve (known as Gaussian): “Dim at first, but slowly brightening until it becomes super bright in a very short time, before dimming again,” he further expounded. This assumption is common and accepted in laser research due to the laser pulse’s duration, which is one quadrillionth (10-15) of a second.

Simulations conducted by the scientists to compare the differences between Gaussian-shaped and non-Gaussian-shaped laser pulses showed that the rough edges on a non-Gaussian laser pulse make it difficult for the laser to vaporize the metal. They also noted that consecutively using laser pulses shows effects on metals that are not as distinct as those seen with Gaussian-shaped laser pulses.

According to the World Health Organization, prostate cancer is the third most common type of cancer among Filipino men. In 2022, almost 10,000 Filipino men were diagnosed with the disease. In serious cases, the disease can develop into an aggressive type called castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Some further progress into the most aggressive form, neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), where standard treatments no longer work and it becomes the most fatal of all prostate cancers.

In a pioneering study, Romie Angelo Azur, Kevin Christian Olarte, Weand Ybañez, Alessandria Maeve Ocampo, and Dr. Pia Bagamasbad of the UP Diliman College of Science National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPD-CS NIMBB) identified and described a key protein that contributes to the progression of prostate cancer into NEPC, elucidating the molecular basis of the disease and paving the way for identifying novel treatments.

Prostate cancer depends on male sex hormones, or androgens, to grow. When the prostate cancer cells don’t have access to androgens, their development is stunted. This is why androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard treatment for the disease.

Over time, however, the cancer cells can mutate in ways that enable them to develop without the need for androgens. This advanced type is resistant to ADT and may develop into the most aggressive form, the NEPC. Dr. Bagamasbad and her team discovered that a protein called CYB561 is pivotal for the progression, growth, and survival of aggressive, treatment-resistant prostate cancer cells.

“CYB561 has a dual role in driving cancer,” said Dr. Bagamasbad. “It activates specific growth factors and manages iron levels, both of which appear to help the cancer thrive and grow even when deprived of the male hormones it usually depends on.”

Using publicly available data from prostate tumors and experimental findings from human cell culture lines, they discovered that CYB561 is more prevalent in CRPC and NEPC cells than in normal prostate cancer cells. When they depleted CYB561, the prostate cancer cells became more sensitive to enzalutamide, a common ADT drug, suggesting that the protein provides some resistance to the drug.

Furthermore, they found that CYB561 converts iron into a more active form essential for various cell processes, including supporting the growth of aggressive forms of cancer. As such, the cancer cells require higher iron levels, and CYB561 seems to help maintain the needed active iron concentration. Knocking down the protein lowered active iron levels in NEPC cells, delayed the progression of CRPC to NEPC,  and dampened the highly aggressive behavior of NEPC cells.

The findings of their study, now published in PLOS One, can help develop new therapies for CRPC and NEPC. “By understanding the role of CYB561 in prostate cancer,” said Dr. Bagamasbad, “we have not only gained a deeper understanding of how prostate cancer develops drug resistance but we have also potentially identified a new target for future treatments, paving the way for novel therapies that could specifically inhibit CYB561’s activity to slow down or stop cancer progression.”

In the future, Dr. Bagamasbad and her team hope to experiment on animal models and primary tumor samples. They also plan to examine whether Filipinos have higher risks of developing CRPC and NEPC, and if CYB561 contributes to the aggressiveness of the disease. “More importantly, we need to identify other key players involved and establish a drug screening platform that can mechanistically target CYB561 activity,” Dr. Bagamasbad concluded.

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact media@science.upd.edu.ph.

References:

Azur RAG, Olarte KCV, Ybañez WS, Ocampo AMM, Bagamasbad PD (2024) CYB561 supports the neuroendocrine phenotype in castration-resistant prostate cancer. PLOS ONE 19(5): e0300413. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300413

Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today, accessed 15 July 2024.

Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, Alessandra Nicole Morado, and Honey Leen Laggui of the Institute of Environmental Science & Meteorology (IESM), along with Dr. Marie Christine Obusan of the Institute of Biology (IB), Dr. Jonah Bondoc of the Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI), and Dr. Leo Suarez of Ocean Adventure and Ewen Lawler of University of Canberra, assessed the changes in marine mammal strandings in the Philippines over space and time, as well as the types of species that got stranded in Philippine territory from 2005 to 2022.

Marine mammal strandings and the role of LGUs

A marine mammal stranding occurs when a marine mammal is found on seashores or in shallow waters and cannot return to deeper waters on its own. The researchers mapped the stranding hotspots in the Philippines, representing areas where standing frequencies are relatively high, and designed the hotspots to identify designated LGUs to inform them about the implications of the strandings for marine mammal conservation and management. With the help of the hotspots, concerned LGUs can also be proactive in addressing marine mammal strandings. A total of 35 LGU hotspots for strandings were identified in this study. The majority of these stranding hotspots were located in Luzon (with 24 hotspots), particularly in Regions 1 and 2.

“Strandings can be of natural causes, but when marine mammals with good body condition strand, we have to worry because it could imply that they are in trouble. It is possible that their habitat is compromised in various ways – most likely from human activities such as pollution and overexploitation of our key marine resources,” explained Dr. Aragones, who also serves as the president of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN).

While natural causes such as tropical monsoons and oceanographic factors can affect marine mammal strandings, the study emphasized that fisheries production and fisheries interaction are major contributors to the stranding frequencies of these mammals. This can occur through fishing equipment that increases the chances of entanglement or various illegal fishing activities, such as dynamite fishing.

“We recommend that LGUs and concerned regional offices establish their own stranding response team and rehabilitation tank and eradicate illegal fishing activities in their area by providing appropriate crew and patrol boats,” the researchers stated in their study. They also emphasized the importance of information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns regarding marine mammals and regulating fishers and their fishing gear. By institutionalizing these programs, LGUs and concerned regional offices will help sustain their implementation.