The Chemist’s Vigil: From Synthesis to the Grave

Wazzup Pilipinas?! 

In the quiet hum of a laboratory, a single molecule can represent the pinnacle of human achievement or the seed of a global catastrophe. This is the dual nature of chemistry: a science that fuels economic growth and saves lives through healthcare and agriculture, yet possesses a dark mirror capable of creating the world’s most "nefarious" weapons.

During the fifth Innovation Impact Stories webinar hosted by the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS), Dr. Emily Castriciones revealed the high-stakes reality of this discipline. As an Analytical Chemist Inspector for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Dr. Castriciones views her profession not just as a job, but as a lifelong guardianship of matter itself.

Guardians of the "Cradle to Grave"

For a chemist, the responsibility for a substance never truly ends. Dr. Castriciones describes this journey as a "cradle to grave" surveillance.

The Cradle: It begins with synthesis and testing, whether creating a life-saving drug or a raw industrial material.

The Life: It continues through manufacturing and plant management, where rigorous recordkeeping and documentation are essential.

The Grave: Even after a chemical is used, chemists monitor its presence in waste streams and the environment to ensure proper disposal.

"From the cradle to the grave of a chemical, there is always a chemist involved," Dr. Castriciones emphasizes.

A New Shield for the Philippines

While the Philippines has long ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), it lacked the "legal framework" to fully enforce its protections—until now. In a landmark move for national security, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed Republic Act 12174, also known as the Chemical Weapons Act of the Philippines, in April 2025.

Dr. Castriciones was a vital architect of this shield, serving as a technical consultant and resource person for the Senate Committee and the Anti-Terrorism Council. This law bridges the gap between international treaties, like the 1925 Geneva Protocol, and local enforcement, ensuring that dangerous chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials are regulated without stifling economic development.

An All-of-Society Defense

The battle to keep chemistry "good" requires more than just laws; it requires a massive, collaborative network. This defense includes:

Law Enforcement: Forensic labs within the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency are on the front lines.

Collaborative Projects: Innovations like the DOST-funded project involve the Bureau of Fire Protection and academic-government cooperatives.

Total Engagement: Dr. Castriciones is calling for a "truly all-of-society engagement," weaving together government, industry, academia, and private research institutions.

Bridging Theory and Application

The Innovation Impact Stories series serves as a reminder that science does not exist in a vacuum. By highlighting stories like that of Dr. Castriciones, the UPD-CS aims to inspire a culture where academic theory is purposefully bridged with practical, real-world applications that protect a nation.

In the world of chemistry, the difference between a miracle and a menace is often the watchful eye of a scientist dedicated to the journey from cradle to grave.

Public schools to receive bamboo-made desks as Angara puts 15-year old industry policy into practice

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

 

MAKATI CITY, 19 January 2026 — Under the leadership of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the Department of Education (DepEd) will begin rolling out bamboo-made school furniture to public school learners and teachers in selected schools starting February, putting into practice Executive Order (EO) No. 879, s. 2010, which mandates a 20 percent bamboo allocation for school furniture.  

From February to March 2026, DepEd will distribute 144,081 sets of learners’ tables and chairs and 3,235 sets for teachers, focusing on the replacement of worn, shared, or unusable furniture that affects daily classroom activities.

In carrying out this distribution, DepEd is also applying a long-standing government requirement that at least 20 percent of school furniture be made from bamboo, a policy issued in 2010 and now reflected in actual procurement and delivery through climate-resilient, engineered bamboo under the leadership of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda on sustainability and local industries.

 "Matagal na ang itong polisiya. Pero, ngayon ay binibigyang-buhay natin ito. For the first-time in history, maipapatupad natin itong mandatory 20% bamboo allocation sa school furniture," said Secretary Angara.  

"Sa DepEd, gusto nating ipakita na puwedeng maging matibay, sustainable, at kalidad ang school furniture para sa kapakanan ng ating mga learners at teachers. Magandang paraan din ito para ma-promote natin ang Tatak Pinoy na isinulong natin sa Senado noon para kilalanin ang creativity ng kapwa natin Pilipino,” he added.

Apart from that, the Department also noted that the construction of around 5,766 classrooms is currently underway, amounting to Php 16.19 billion, under the For Issuance of Special Allotment Release Order (FISARO) Batch 1.  

Out of the said funding, DepEd underscored that the agency targets the construction of 2,333 Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS) worth Php 3.5 billion under the new construction funding, along with another 1,333 LCS amounting to Php 2 billion under the Disaster Preparedness and Response Program (DPRP).

Secretary Angara also said that the agency is aiming to construct 800 Last Mile Schools classrooms, amounting to Php 3 billion, as well as another 1,300 classrooms with approved Program of Works amounting to Php 3 billion. Under FISARO Batch 1, the agency also allotted Php 3.69 billion for 24,424 teachers’ tables and chairs and 1,099,111 learners’ tables and chairs, ensuring better learning environments nationwide.

Meanwhile, under FISARO Batch 2, DepEd has allotted Php 11.35 billion for the completion of 2,067 classrooms, the repair of 11,886 classrooms, and the restoration of 258 Gabaldon facilities. The Department has also funded the construction and improvement of School Health Facilities, amounting to Php 500 million.

“Muli, malinaw ang ating vision ngayong taon. Patuloy nating sosolusyonan ang kakulangan sa pasilidad natin sa buong bansa. We will continue to provide efficient and faster solutions by maximizing the funding that we got this year—for the sake of our teachers and learners,” Sec. Angara said.

Agoda and WWF Extend Conservation Partnership with Fifth Edition of Eco Deals Program and New Five-Year MOU

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

2026 Eco Deals Edition Delivers Enhanced Visibility for Accommodation Partners While Advancing Wildlife Protection and Habitat Conservation Across Asia

Digital travel platform Agoda and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have unveiled the fifth edition of Eco Deals today, celebrating five years of successful partnership and significant conservation milestones throughout Asia.

The 2026 program features Agoda’s largest funding commitment yet, pledging US$1.5 million to support conservation in 10 Asian markets and marking the signing of a new five-year Memorandum of Understanding to further their joint efforts. Eco Deals offers travelers discounts of up to 20% at participating properties during a month-long anniversary campaign, followed by year-round savings of up to 15%, with Agoda donating US$1 to WWF for every completed booking.

This partnership will also benefit Agoda’s accommodation partners through marketing support across Agoda’s platforms, including targeted marketing placements and in-app discovery. Upon completion of the program, participating properties will receive a certificate recognizing their contribution to the protection of wildlife and nature across Asia.

“The signing of a new five-year MoU with WWF is a testament to our shared vision and action for long-term conservation and industry collaboration,” said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply, Agoda. "In the past year alone, the program has seen participating properties grow by more than 45%, with strong momentum in markets like Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia. But what’s most rewarding is seeing how Eco Deals has become a platform for hotels to differentiate themselves, connect with sustainability‑minded travelers and contribute to meaningful conservation work across Asia.”