Despite the heavy rains, the Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium’s Research Utilization Committee, in collaboration with the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau, successfully held its Scientific Forum on August 26, 2025 via Zoom. With 69 participants in attendance, the forum shed light on the invisible yet alarming reality of microplastics in our daily lives—how they enter our bodies through the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe.
Dr. Deo Florence Onda, Associate Professor at the UP Marine Science Institute, opened the discussions by tracing the sources of microplastics and unpacking their potential health risks. He emphasized that these tiny plastic particles are now unavoidable in the environment and may have profound long-term effects on human health, urging stronger research and policy action.
Mr. Rolando Enoc, Senior Environmental Management Specialist at the Environmental Management Bureau (DENR), highlighted best practices for microplastic management in the Philippines, presenting the National Plan of Action on Marine Litter (NPOA-ML) as a roadmap for reducing pollution. He stressed that addressing the problem requires collaboration across government, private sectors, and communities.
Mr. Kenneth Jay Solis, University Research Associate at De La Salle University – Manila and instructor at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, introduced #ECOSQUADGoals, showcasing how citizen science empowers communities to contribute directly to research on plastic waste. He demonstrated how collective action and education can accelerate solutions and awareness at the grassroots level.
MMHRDC also extends its gratitude to Director Jacqueline A. Caancan (DENR-EMB), Dr. Ma. Luisa Enriquez (MMHRDC-RUC Chair), and all the organizers, technical staff, and participants whose support made this forum a resounding success.
The Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium (MMHRDC) extends its heartfelt gratitude to all our member institutions, partners, and collaborators who joined and supported the Scientific Forum: Adamson University, Arellano University, Asian Eye Institute, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Centro Escolar University – Manila, Commission on Higher Education – NCR, De La Salle University, Department of Science and Technology (NCR, FNRI, ITDI), Department of Health (Metro Manila CHD, RITM), Emilio Aguinaldo College, Environmental Management Bureau, Far Eastern University, FEU-NRMF, Makati Medical Center, Manila Central University and MCU-FDTMF, Manila Doctors Hospital, Manila Health Department, Medical Center Manila – ManilaMed, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Metropolitan Medical Center – CAST, Nutrition Center of the Philippines, Olivarez College, Our Lady of Fatima University, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – College of Medicine, Philippine Christian University, Philippine College of Radiology – NCR, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center, Philippine Women’s University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (QCESU), St. Luke’s Medical Center, St. Paul University Manila, Symmetrix Research Consultancy Co., The Medical City, The Tambalista Inc., Trinity University of Asia, University of Santo Tomas, University of the East – Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Center, University of the Philippines Manila, and the Zuellig Family Foundation.
