AI vs. Superbugs: UP Scientists Use Artificial Intelligence to Predict Antibiotic Resistance in E. coli

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Revolutionary research paves the way for real-time tracking of antimicrobial threats in agriculture

In a world grappling with the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a team of Filipino scientists has taken a bold leap into the future—using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict whether common bacteria like Escherichia coli will resist or succumb to antibiotics. This groundbreaking initiative, driven by researchers from the University of the Philippines Diliman, signals a major turning point in the battle against superbugs.

Led by Marco Christopher Lopez and Dr. Pierangeli Vital of the UP Diliman College of Science’s Natural Sciences Research Institute (UPD-CS NSRI), in collaboration with Dr. Joseph Ryan Lansangan of the UPD School of Statistics, the study harnessed the power of machine learning to interpret vast amounts of genetic data. Their mission: to predict how dangerous strains of E. coli—a bacteria commonly found in the intestines and a red flag for fecal contamination—react to antibiotics.

Why E. coli? As both a biological indicator and a common resident in agricultural environments, E. coli is frequently exposed to antibiotics through manure and wastewater, giving it ample opportunity to evolve resistance. This makes it the perfect test subject in the fight against antimicrobial resistance—a phenomenon that now threatens to outpace the development of new medicines.

Slow Science Meets High-Speed Data

Traditional lab methods for detecting AMR, such as culture-based assays, are notoriously slow and resource-heavy. They require days or even weeks to yield results, making them ineffective for large-scale surveillance, especially in agriculture where time-sensitive decisions can impact food safety on a national level.

But now, thanks to innovations in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and machine learning, this once-sluggish process is getting a major upgrade.

“We selected AI models based on their strengths in handling biological and imbalanced data,” explained Dr. Vital. “The models help us compare different learning strategies to determine which is best suited to predict resistance patterns.”

The team analyzed a rich dataset of genetic sequences and lab results from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. They then tested four powerful AI models:

Random Forest (RF): ideal for dealing with complex, high-dimensional biological data.

Support Vector Machine (SVM): a champion in classification tasks, especially when data patterns are hard to separate.

Adaptive Boosting (AB) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB): ensemble methods known for zeroing in on difficult-to-classify data points with precision.

The models performed best in predicting resistance to streptomycin and tetracycline, two commonly used antibiotics in agricultural settings. However, the models struggled with ciprofloxacin, due to the limited number of resistant samples in the dataset—a challenge known as class imbalance that can skew AI predictions.

Despite this, AB and XGB models stood out, consistently achieving high accuracy even under tough conditions. Their ability to navigate imbalanced datasets makes them strong candidates for real-world AMR surveillance.

A Tool for Food Security and Public Health

“We believe this strategy holds immense promise for real-time AMR monitoring, especially in agriculture,” Dr. Vital noted. “As sequencing technologies become faster and more affordable, prediction models like ours can detect resistant bacteria before they spread or cause outbreaks.”

The implications are profound. With early detection, farmers and health officials can respond faster, avoid inappropriate antibiotic use, and make more informed decisions about food safety and livestock management.

The researchers are now calling for the integration of more complex data types, including metagenomic data, which captures the genetic material of all microorganisms in a sample. This would offer an even more comprehensive view of how bacteria develop resistance—and how to stop them.

Cross-Disciplinary Power

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of the study is the collaboration between fields. A microbiologist, a statistician, and a data scientist came together to tackle a problem that affects every Filipino—from the farmer planting crops in Bulacan to the child eating vegetables in Quezon City.

“This is what happens when biology meets statistics and artificial intelligence,” said Dr. Vital. “By combining our disciplines, we can generate insights that don’t just stay in academic journals—they can directly impact communities, especially in ensuring agricultural food safety.”

The study, titled “Prediction models for antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli in an agricultural setting around Metro Manila, Philippines,” was published in the Malaysian Journal of Microbiology. It was funded by the Natural Sciences Research Institute and the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Grant to Outstanding Achievements in Science and Technology, under the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).

As antibiotic resistance continues to threaten global health, the innovative work of these Filipino researchers serves as both a warning and a beacon. With AI as an ally, the fight against antimicrobial resistance is not just reactive—it can be predictive, preemptive, and profoundly effective.

Sidebar: Why It Matters

700,000 people die annually from drug-resistant infections worldwide.

By 2050, this number could rise to 10 million without urgent action.

Philippine agriculture is a key area of concern, where unchecked antibiotic use can accelerate resistance.

AI-powered tools offer a scalable and rapid solution for monitoring threats and informing policy.

EcoWaste Coalition Calls on the 20th Congress to Act vs. Toxic Chemicals in School Supplies and Other Children’s Products

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Group finds some back-to-school goods bad for children's health

As the 19th Congress drew to a close last Wednesday, the toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition urged members of the next congress to prioritize the passage of a framework legislation that will hopefully set the stage for the promulgation of regulatory standards and measures banning hazardous chemicals in school supplies and other products marketed for children’s use. 

“We appeal to our new batch of lawmakers at both houses of the 20th Congress to list the enactment of a safe and non-toxic children’s product law among their top priorities,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.  “For our children’s health and future, we need a comprehensive ban on dangerous chemicals used in the production of children’s products, and we need to make chemicals in products labeling mandatory to guide consumers in making informed choices.”

“We seek legislative champions from all parties who will see the process through the end and get a strong law passed for the health and well-being of every Filipino child,” she emphasized.

“The sale of children’s products with hidden hazardous chemicals is deeply concerning.  We need to enact laws and regulations that will protect them from being exposed to such chemicals, which can put their health and development at risk,” said Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol, environmental health specialist, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health – Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI).  "Children are more vulnerable to toxic exposures because of their higher intake of air, water and food relative to their body weight, their usual hand-mouth and hand-object behaviors, and because their bodily systems and defenses are still developing.”

The EcoWaste Coalition proposed the adoption of a framework law to affirm the state’s policy and commitment to uphold children’s right to be adequately protected against hazardous chemicals lurking in products created for their use and enjoyment, and to set the objectives, targets and mechanisms for achieving them.

The results of its latest test buys targeting an assortment of back-to-school essentials from backpacks to raincoats prompted the EcoWaste Coalition to call for a legislative response to address the threats posed by hazardous chemicals in school supplies and other children’s products, as well as to ensure that products are properly tested and labeled before being peddled in the marketplace. 

From May 31 to June 5, the group bought assorted school supplies from general merchandise stores located in Caloocan, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon and Taguig Cities.  It then subjected the purchased items to X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) screening, which can identify and measure elements without destroying the sample.

Of the 95 items bought and analyzed, 34 were found to contain certain chemicals of concern, including lead (a potent neurotoxin) and cadmium (a cancer-causing substance).  The non-detection of hazardous chemicals in many of the items is proof that safer children’s products posing no chemical risks can be produced.

--- Seven of the 10 stainless steel tumblers were found coated with leaded paints with levels ranging from 1,807 parts per million (ppm) to 61,850 ppm, way above the 90 ppm legal limit. Five of these highly-leaded tumblers were obtained from sidewalk vendors. None of the tumblers provided complete labeling information and there was no precautionary warning about lead paint.

---Seven of the 14 backpacks screened positive for cadmium and/or lead. An unbranded kiddie backpack with a Princess cartoon character has 1,113 ppm lead, while an unbranded module bag has 238 ppm cadmium and 599 ppm lead.

---Six of the eight raincoats made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic contained cadmium up to 531 ppm.  A yellow raincoat was found to contain 439 ppm cadmium and 1,316 ppm lead. 

Additionally, 10 other products were made of PVC plastic (or a total of 18). PVC plastic contains numerous chemical additives, including plasticizers called phthalates that are used to soften PVC plastic (costly laboratory tests are required for phthalate analysis).

Also, the black plastic palette of 13 out of 20 water colors were found laden with up to 8,480 ppm bromine indicating the probable use of recycled plastic from electronic waste with brominated flame retardant chemicals (the plastic casings of TVs and other e-waste are usually black, yielding black plastic when recycled).

Also, 10 crayon products sampled were not labeled as “non-toxic." Crayons, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) must have this marking aside from the other required labeling information.

For children’s health and safety, the EcoWaste Coalition urged consumers to consider these buying tips:

1.  Read the product label carefully. Avoid poorly labelled products. 

2.  Avoid PVC plastic school supplies as much as possible.

3.  If you have already bought products with strong chemical odor such as those made of PVC plastic, place them outside for a while until the smell is lessened. 

4.  Pick “phthalate free” or “PVC-free” erasers. Avoid scented and food-shaped erasers.

5.  Choose crayons and other art materials with a “non-toxic” mark.

6.  Opt for plain stainless steel water bottles, and avoid painted ones unless certified “lead safe."

"No child should be exposed to harmful chemicals and products that can put their health and development at risk," the EcoWaste Coalition concluded.

 

ChatGPT said:

EcoWaste Coalition Urges 20th Congress to Enact Law Banning Toxic Chemicals in School Supplies and Children’s Products

Alarm Raised Over Hazardous Substances in  — As Filipino families brace for another academic year, a dark shadow looms over the excitement of new backpacks, crayons, and water bottles. What should be a season of learning and growth has been tainted by an alarming truth: some school supplies marketed to children are loaded with hazardous chemicals.

In a bold and impassioned appeal, the EcoWaste Coalition, a staunch advocate for environmental and public health, is calling on the 20th Congress of the Philippines to prioritize the passage of a groundbreaking law that will finally rid children’s products of dangerous substances like lead, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants—chemicals that have no place in the hands of our youth.

“We appeal to our new batch of lawmakers at both houses of Congress to list the enactment of a safe and non-toxic children’s product law among their top priorities,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition. “For our children’s health and future, we need a comprehensive ban on dangerous chemicals used in the production of children’s products, and we need mandatory labeling to guide consumers in making informed choices.”

Toys or Toxins? The Shocking Results of Chemical Testing

From May 31 to June 5, EcoWaste conducted a sweeping toxic audit of 95 school items from stores across Metro Manila—spanning Caloocan to Taguig. The findings were chilling:

34 out of 95 items were found to contain chemicals of grave concern, including lead, a known neurotoxin, and cadmium, a carcinogen.

7 out of 10 stainless steel tumblers were coated in leaded paint, with concentrations reaching up to 61,850 ppm, exceeding the legal limit of 90 ppm by more than 687 times. These were being sold by sidewalk vendors—without proper labels or warnings.

7 out of 14 backpacks tested positive for lead or cadmium. A kiddie bag with a cartoon princess had 1,113 ppm lead.

6 out of 8 PVC raincoats contained cadmium levels up to 531 ppm, with one yellow raincoat showing 1,316 ppm lead.

And it doesn’t end there.

EcoWaste also found:

13 out of 20 watercolor sets had black plastic palettes with up to 8,480 ppm bromine, pointing to the use of recycled e-waste materials laden with toxic flame retardants.

10 crayon brands failed to carry the mandatory “non-toxic” label—an oversight that could cost lives if left unaddressed.

Children: The Most Vulnerable

Environmental health specialist Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health – Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI) warns that children’s biological makeup makes them particularly susceptible.

“Children are more vulnerable to toxic exposures because of their higher intake of air, water, and food relative to body weight, their hand-to-mouth behavior, and because their systems are still developing,” said Dr. Apostol. “We are duty-bound to ensure that their school environments are safe, not silent battlegrounds for chemical exposure.”

A Call for Legislative Action

The EcoWaste Coalition is not merely issuing a warning—it is demanding action. The group proposes a comprehensive framework law that will:

Affirm the state’s duty to safeguard children from toxic exposures;

Ban hazardous substances in children’s products outright;

Require full labeling and disclosure of chemical ingredients;

Create stringent standards and testing protocols for school and toy products;

Hold violators accountable, including retailers and manufacturers who peddle poison under the guise of education.

“We seek legislative champions from all political stripes who will not abandon this cause until a strong, enforceable law is enacted,” Lucero stressed.

Safer Alternatives Are Possible

The silver lining is that not all products tested positive for harmful chemicals, proving that safer alternatives already exist and are viable for mass production.

To help consumers make safer choices while awaiting legislative reform, EcoWaste Coalition issued these practical tips:

Read product labels—avoid items lacking proper information.

Say no to PVC plastic, especially those with strong chemical odors.

Air out items with chemical smells before use.

Pick erasers marked “phthalate-free” or “PVC-free” and avoid food-shaped or scented ones.

Buy crayons and art materials with the “non-toxic” mark.

Use plain stainless-steel bottles, avoiding painted ones unless certified “lead-safe”.

A Nation’s Responsibility

This is not merely a consumer issue. This is a matter of national integrity and responsibility. In a society that champions education as a great equalizer, we must not allow our youngest citizens to suffer silently from toxic products masked as tools of learning.

“No child should be exposed to harmful chemicals and products that can put their health and development at risk,” the EcoWaste Coalition concluded.

Final Words: A Plea to the 20th Congress

The moment is ripe for decisive action. The children of this nation—the very future of the Philippines—deserve nothing less than an unwavering commitment to their safety.

As we turn the page to a new chapter in legislative governance, will the 20th Congress rise to the challenge?

The eyes of millions of Filipino children and their families are watching.

Ross Flores Del Rosario is the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, a multi-awarded Filipino online media platform advocating for culture, sustainability, and national empowerment through informed public discourse.

KWAKtutubo: Symbol of Hope

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When Age Becomes Wisdom and Passion Ignites Purpose

"Kung hindi ngayon, hindi na pwede bukas." — If not now, never again.

These words, spoken in the melodic cadence of Filipino wisdom, carry the weight of urgency and the fire of determination. They belong to John Arex M. Ocampo, a man who at 30 years old proved that transformation knows no timeline, and that the heart's calling can reshape an entire community's destiny.

The Unlikely Champion

In the rolling hills of Region III, where the earth holds stories of struggle and dreams of abundance, an extraordinary tale unfolded. John Arex Ocampo stood at a crossroads that would define not just his future, but the futures of countless Indigenous Peoples in Iba, Zambales. Despite being the eldest participant in the Youth for Change (YFC) program, Ocampo didn't see his age as a limitation—he saw it as preparation.

The transition from public school teacher to agricultural advocate wasn't just a career change; it was a calling answered. Where others might have seen insurmountable challenges, Ocampo saw opportunity. Where others might have retreated to comfort, he stepped boldly into uncertainty.

Roots Run Deep

The seeds of Ocampo's agricultural passion were planted long before he ever imagined becoming a champion for change. Those childhood summers spent alongside his farmer grandfather weren't merely family visits—they were masterclasses in resilience, stewardship, and the profound connection between human hands and fertile soil.

"His passion for farming was ignited when he spent his childhood summers with his farmer grandfather," the story reveals, painting a picture of a young boy whose destiny was being quietly shaped by calloused hands teaching him to read the language of the land.

This early foundation would prove invaluable when Ocampo later integrated his agricultural knowledge into his teaching profession, creating a unique educational approach that bridged classroom theory with real-world application.

The Rise of a Leader

Ocampo's journey through leadership was marked by remarkable achievements that seemed to build momentum with each success. His role as Gulayan sa Paaralan Focal Person at Doña Luisa Obieta Integrated School became the launching pad for something much larger than anyone could have anticipated.

The establishment's achievement of second place at the national level in the 2020 Search for Best Gulayan sa Paaralan Implementer wasn't just a victory—it was validation. It proved that Ocampo's vision of integrating Indigenous Peoples Education with practical agricultural skills could succeed on the grandest stage.

But this was only the beginning. The creation of KWAKtutubo would become his masterpiece, a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose and vision becomes reality.

Birth of a Symbol

KWAKtutubo—the name itself carries the rhythm of hope and the promise of transformation. Rooted in Ocampo's deep love for agriculture and his meaningful interactions with the Aetas of Sitio Opoy, Amungan, Iba, Zambales, this enterprise represents far more than economic opportunity.

It stands as a bridge between worlds—connecting traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern sustainable practices, linking rural communities with broader markets, and transforming individual struggles into collective strength.

The enterprise's approach is refreshingly holistic. Rather than simply extracting resources or imposing external solutions, KWAKtutubo demonstrates a profound respect for community wisdom while providing platforms for growth and development. This isn't charity—it's partnership in its truest form.

The Philosophy of Fire

"In my quest to serve and help the most vulnerable members of our community, I see KWAKtutubo as a light in the dark. And I will not let the fire that I ignited be put to waste. I will keep the fire burning, letting the other people feel the warmth," Ocampo declared with the conviction of someone who has found their life's work.

This metaphor of fire—light in darkness, warmth for those who need it most—captures the essence of what makes KWAKtutubo more than just another agricultural initiative. It's a beacon of possibility, proof that one person's commitment can illuminate pathways for entire communities.

The fire he speaks of isn't just about maintaining programs or meeting objectives. It's about sustaining hope, nurturing dreams, and ensuring that the spark of possibility never dims in communities that have known too much darkness.

Beyond Personal Gain

What sets Ocampo's approach apart is his explicit rejection of purely self-serving motives. His dedication extends far beyond personal achievement, encompassing a vision that uplifts entire communities through feeding programs and comprehensive initiatives aimed at supporting marginalized individuals within his community.

This philosophy challenges the conventional narrative of entrepreneurship focused solely on profit maximization. Instead, KWAKtutubo represents a model where business success is measured not just in financial returns, but in community transformation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.

A Platform for Empowerment

The enterprise's commitment to providing Indigenous communities with platforms to participate in agriculture represents a fundamental shift in how development work is approached. Rather than creating dependency, KWAKtutubo offers opportunities for self-determination and economic sovereignty.

By offering marketable products from local communities and supporting skilled development through accredited farm schools, the initiative creates multiple pathways for community members to build sustainable livelihoods while maintaining their cultural identity and connection to the land.

The Restaurant Vision

Ocampo's vision extends beyond traditional agricultural boundaries. His plan to establish a restaurant staffed by Indigenous Peoples (IPs) to showcase their culture and talents represents an innovative approach to cultural preservation and economic development simultaneously.

This restaurant concept isn't just about serving food—it's about serving dignity, pride, and opportunity. It's about creating spaces where Indigenous cultures are celebrated rather than marginalized, where traditional knowledge is valued rather than dismissed, and where community members become ambassadors of their own heritage.

Legacy in the Making

As KWAKtutubo continues to grow and evolve, it stands as proof that transformative change doesn't always come from massive institutions or unlimited resources. Sometimes it comes from a former teacher who spent summers with his grandfather, learned to see possibility where others saw problems, and refused to let age or convention limit his vision for what could be achieved.

John Arex M. Ocampo's story reminds us that symbols of hope aren't born—they're built, day by day, decision by decision, through the accumulated weight of small acts of courage and unwavering commitment to something larger than ourselves.

In a world that often feels fragmented and divided, KWAKtutubo offers a different model: one where partnership replaces exploitation, where community strength emerges from individual commitment, and where the fire of one person's passion can indeed light the way for countless others.

The legacy continues to unfold, one harvest, one partnership, one transformed life at a time. And in the hills of Zambales, where the earth remembers every seed planted with hope, John Arex Ocampo's vision grows stronger with each passing season.

Kung hindi ngayon, hindi na pwede bukas. If not now, never again.

The time was now. The fire is burning. And the symbol of hope continues to shine.