The 1HEALTH Program under the School of Environmental Science and Management  (SESAM) has taken a significant leap toward enhancing innovation and accessibility and increasing reach to areas in need of emergency response with the blessing and launching of its mobile laboratory on Aug. 29, 2023.

The 1HEALTH Mobile Laboratory was made possible through the research program “Country Research Update and Policy Support to the Philippines’ National Surveillance and Control Programs for African Swine Fever (ASF), Avian Influenza (AI), and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): A One Health Systems Approach to Food Animal Security, Public Health Resiliency, and Environment Sustainability,” funded by ACIAR-IDRC through the UPLB Foundation, Inc. (UPLBFI). 

ACIAR-IDRC is the co-investment partnership between the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and Canada’s International Development Research Centre known as AIRPOH or ACIAR/IDRC Research Program on One Health that funds interventions recognizing the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. 

1HEALTH stands for One Human-Environment-Animal Linkage for Total Health which supports ongoing control and surveillance programs for the holistic and sustainable management of ASF, AI, and AMR.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Rico C. Ancog, dean of SESAM, explained the significance of the project and the use of the mobile laboratory. He commended the 1HEALTH team for their dedication, and recognized their role in bringing the mobile laboratory vision to fruition. 

Brimming with pride and elation, Dean Ancog expressed his satisfaction with the project’s accomplishments. Notably, the 1HEALTH initiative is one of only two ACIAR-IDRC-funded projects in the Philippines. Both are based at SESAM. 

Dean Ancog underscored his unwavering belief in the team’s capabilities, expressing his hope for the sustained delivery of exceptional outcomes and the perpetuation of such a visionary endeavor.

Dr. Nathaniel Bantayan, vice chancellor for research and extension, shared his optimism in a message he delivered on behalf of Chancellor Jose V. Camacho. 

“Through rigorous research, data-driven insights, and evidence-based policy recommendations, the 1HEALTH project seeks to fortify the foundations of our national surveillance and control programs,” Dr. Bantayan said.

He enjoined everyone to align efforts across sectors to be able to “more effectively detect, prevent, and manage outbreaks, thereby safeguarding food supply, protect population’s health, and preserve the environment for future generations.”

The director of the UPLB Foundation Inc., Dr. Enrico P. Supangco, expressed gratitude for the initiative. 

He committed to help bolster financial management and streamline project procurement to allow the project to focus on research objectives. 

According to him, it is imperative for projects to proactively avoid the need for damage control by fostering robust communication with UPLBFI. 

Dr. Yusuf Sucol, 1HEALTH program leader, introduced the project leaders and team and provided a comprehensive project overview. He also extended his gratitude to the key persons who helped realize the initiative. 

The ceremonial blessing of the mobile laboratory was led by Rev. Fr. Efren P. Montoya, who emphasized the profound impact of such endeavors in nurturing community unity and compassion.

The 1HEALTH Mobile Laboratory is set to embark on its maiden journey. As the wheels of the mobile laboratory start turning, it will foster curiosity, innovation, and collaboration, and hopefully inspire generations to continue to pursue the goals of One Health. (Hannah Agatha Millares, Maria Anthea Fataldo, Paulliene Leanne  Masungsong, Christine Mae Santos, Cyrille Eliz Gregorio)