Managing Our Urban Ecosystems for Survival
An urban ecosystem is man-made. It is not natural in the way that mountains, forests and oceans are. Nonetheless, its four elements --land, air, waters and peoplemaintain a dynamic balance the poor management of which results in pollution, environmental deterioration and social problems.
Metro Manila is confronted with the environmental and social problems that accompany rapid industrialization and increase in population density. A 1990 study commissioned by the Asian Development Bank identified eight leading environmental problems. These are:
1. solid waste
2. slum areas
3. flooding
4. water pollution
5. air pollution
6. hazardous/toxic waste
7. destruction of naturBI resources
8. noise pollution.
These environmental problems occur for a variety of reasons; but oftentimes, these reasons include underlying social problems that extend beyond the city. For example, the increase in the number of squatters and slum areas is not only associated with inadequate housing facilities or the high cost of urban real estate but it is also a consequence of rural poverty, rural unemployment and the migration of the rural poor into fhe cities to seek their livelihood. Once established, slum areas in turn spin an ever-evolving web of social consequences.
Transactions of the National Academy of Science and Technology To solve the environmental problems of Metro Manila, we must address both the physical and social determinants which give rise to these problems. Resources need to be found to finance the infrastructure improvements for solid waste disposal, sewage, transport, social services and many others. Without doubt, long- term solutions must take into account the larger issues of poverty, social equity and good government.
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ACRI and ICARS Lead Expert Meeting to Tackle Climate and AMR Challenges in LMICs
The Ateneo Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI) and the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) recently hosted a three-day expert meeting to define research priorities on climate change and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low- and middle-income countries. With insights from Philippine agencies and international researchers in One Health, agriculture, and aquaculture, the event laid the groundwork for new research and funding that bridges climate resilience and AMR mitigation.
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ACRI, RTI looks into the Health Security Policy Landscape in the Philippines
The Philippines faces significant health security challenges due to its vulnerability to natural disasters, frequent disease outbreaks, and the unique demands of its devolved health system. To address these pressing issues, the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Center for Research and Innovation teamed up with RTI International to assess the country’s health security policies. The project set out to map existing policies, identify overlaps and gaps, and propose practical recommendations to strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to health threats. It also sought to align national policies with global standards such as the International Health Regulations (IHR).