International Joint Research

Japan－Philippines “Water Security”

The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Philippines Department of Science and Technology (DOST), promote international research interaction and exchange among researchers for Japan‒the Philippines collaborative research projects in the field of “Water Security.”

Counterpart

Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Program Officer（PO）

Hiroaki Furumai (Institute Professor, Research and Development Initiative, Chuo University)

News

Projects

※The information is as of January 2025.

Project Title	Bio-based Pretreatment for Enhanced Seawater Desalination
Project Duration	January 2025-December 2027 (FY2024-2027)
Japan-side PI	OKUDA Tetsuji (Professor, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Ryukoku University)
Phillippines-side PI	Ramon Christian P. EUSEBIO (Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the Philippines Los Banos)
Abstract	New water desalination system powered by sustainable energy will be developed for seawater on the core technology of RO (reverse osmosis) membranes with pre-treatment by bio-base materials, which is sustainable and guaranteed as a water source even in islands and in times of big-disaster. Specifically, based on their respective achievements, the Japanese side will develop pre-treatment technology for membrane using the adsorbents and coagulants from a plant “Moringa” and the filtration system powered by biofuels will be developed. The Philippine side will focus on the fabrication of membranes and the utilization of agricultural by-products to produce adsorbents, which will be used in enhancing the performance of the solar-powered desalination system with an improved pretreatment process. Through this joint research by these teams composed of researchers from both countries, a compact desalination system will be fabricated for a sustainable seawater desalination system that utilizes biological materials and can be used even in places without electricity supply.

Project Title	Synergistic Strategies for Sustainable Water Resources and Dam Management under Extreme Climate Variability
Project Duration	January 2025-December 2027 (FY2024-2027)
Japan-side PI	KANTOUSH Sameh Ahmed (Professor, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University)
Phillippines-side PI	Jeoffrey Lloyd BARENG (Professor, College of Engineering, Isabela State University)
Abstract	This research integrates long-term ensemble rainfall predictions with ensemble climate prediction databases to forecast extreme floods linked to super typhoons and abnormal droughts caused by climate change. The goal is to enhance the operations of Magat dam for effective flood mitigation and create a web-based platform for the Cagayan River Basin to share research findings with the Philippine community. Specifically, the Japanese team will simulate dam operations using remote sensing data and satellite imagery while downscaling of global climate predictions to regional and basin levels. The Philippine team will then incorporate these findings into policy planning, which includes developing water security indicators and master plans for local governments in the Cagayan River Basin. Through the collaborative efforts of teams from both countries, we aim to establish new guidelines for water resource management based on hydrological predictions. Additionally, we will focus on developing human resources to implement these guidelines and strengthening adaptation measures to address the increase in extreme weather events resulting from future climate change.

Project Title	Systematic Monitoring Survey of Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) in Laguna - from Water Source to Distribution End Point, Drinking Water
Project Duration	January 2025-December 2027 (FY2024-2027)
Japan-side PI	KUNISUE Tatsuya (Professor, Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University)
Phillippines-side PI	Anna Karen Carrasco LASERNA (Academic Service Faculty, Central Instrumentation Facility, De La Salle University)
Abstract	This collaborative research aims to assess human risks for exposure of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), which attract attention worldwide, via drinking water and provide scientific data useful for formulating future regulations and guidelines for PFAS in the Philippines, by elucidating residue levels of PFAS in water sources and drinking water from Laguna. The Japanese team conducts target analysis of 36 emerging PFAS compounds in addition to 3 PFAS compounds (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS) which have been already registered in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, while the Philippine team performs sampling and pretreatment/purification of spring, ground and well water as water sources and treated-/bottled water for PFAS analysis. Additionally, both teams conduct nontarget analysis cooperatively to verify the presence and behavior of unidentified PFAS in the above water samples, leading to novel study outcomes. Eventually, this collaborative research is expected to provide fundamental data useful for reduction and treatment measures of PFAS in the Philippines.

Project Title	Strengthening Water Security and Resilience through Prioritization of Emerging Pollutants for Drinking Water and Protection of Aquatic Life in Laguna Lake, Philippines
Project Duration	January 2025-December 2027 (FY2024-2027)
Japan-side PI	KURISU Futoshi (Professor, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo)
Phillippines-side PI	Janice B. SEVILLA-NASTOR (Associate Professor, School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los Banos)
Abstract	This collaborative research aims to prioritize hazardous chemicals to be monitored in water quality management in the Philippines. Specifically, the study will focus on Laguna Lake, which is a multi-use water resource including source of domestic water supply, aquaculture, irrigation water, recreation, etc. The Philippine team will conduct a survey of chemical substances to be considered based on analysis of statistical data on chemical imports, as well as information provided by local companies. Based on the information obtained, the Japanese team will conduct a screening analysis using a high-resolution mass spectrometer and evaluate whether they are present in concentrations that threaten human health and aquatic life. Through joint research by the two research teams, the project will develop a method for prioritization of emerging pollutants for monitoring and management, and monitoring methods will be presented to administrative sections to enable safe management of water resources.

Project Title	Assessment of Emerging Microbial Contaminants in the Aquatic Environment and Water/Wastewater Treatment Systems to Enhance Water Security and Public Health in the Philippines
Project Duration	January 2025-December 2027 (FY2024-2027)
Japan-side PI	HARAMOTO Eiji (Professor, Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi)
Phillippines-side PI	Marigold UBA (Full-time Senior Lecturer, Department of Biology, De La Salle University)
Abstract	This collaborative research aims to clarify the occurrence of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance bacteria/genes in the aquatic environments in the Philippines and their reduction by water/wastewater treatment process, identifying new indicators to ensure the microbiological safety of water, and to establish a system for monitoring of the incidence of infectious diseases using wastewater-based epidemiology. Specifically, the Japan team will provide technical guidance and transfer of methods for detection of pathogens, etc., and conduct measurements using state-of-the-art technologies for gene detection, such as digital PCR, and assess the risk of waterborne diseases. The Philippine team will conduct routine water sampling and establish a system for monitoring of microbial contaminants. It is expected that this international collaborative research will lead to the establishment of an efficient monitoring system for microbiological safety of water and the proposal of countermeasures to reduce the load of microbial discharges and the risk of infectious diseases.