Dr. Reginor Lyzza A. Roque, MS Fisheries Program Chair and Faculty Member of the College of Fisheries, attended a two-week training on Plastics Research Intensive Methods Program (Prime-TP)–Luzon at Batangas State University, Batangas City, Batangas on September 16-27, 2024. Out of the numerous applicants from the various Regions in Luzon, Dr. Roque was among the only 20 who qualified for the training.

Dedicated to Luzon participants, the all-expense program aims to build and enhance capacity for macro- and microplastics research through an intensive training program on the use of traditional and advanced methods.

During the training, PRIMeRs conducted field sampling activities such as microplastic surveys and sediment and water sample collection. Laboratory activities for the biota, sediment, and water sample processing for microplastic identification through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) spectroscopy.

Also, PRIMe-TP Luzon held a science roadshow at the Julian A. Pastor Memorial Elementary School to spark the student’s interest in science, marine conservation, and proper waste management. In addition, the team prepared engaging activities for the kids, including storytelling and informative lectures, as well as interactive booths like Make-gyroscope, where students can view various slides, and the AI sandbox, where they can see the AI model detect plastic in real time. They also conducted a community outreach and coastal clean-up in Mabini, Batangas.

The training culminated with a consultation and pitching of research proposals for possible funding.

PRIMe-TP Luzon is under the Microbial Oceanography Laboratory of the UP Marine Science Institute, the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc., Holcim, One Earth – One Ocean, and the Circular Explorer, in cooperation with Batangas State University and the VIP Center for Oceanographic Research and Aquatic Life Sciences. (by Ayu)