The UPLB Program for Zoonotic Diseases (UPLB PZD) held its 2024 Strategic Planning Workshop at the Gregorio Agustin Hall, University of the Philippines Los Baños on 22-23 January 2024. This two-day workshop was an initiative to support the Program’s mandate to initiate zoonoses research and development, as well as public service activities. The program members were given the opportunity to define the direction of the Program, identify thematic areas, and create an action plan or road map. 

Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Dr. Nathaniel C. Bantayan warmly welcomed the PZD members and guests to kick off the two-day workshop. During his message, he shared the initiatives of the university and the steps taken in pursuit of the Program’s elevation to the UPLB Zoonoses Center. This would give opportunities to act on the mandate of the program. Additionally, he highlighted UPLB’s research and extension agenda ‘Accelerating Growth through One Research and Extension in Action’ or UPLB AGORA, and its focus areas. 

The Program also invited esteemed resource speakers to talk about their organization and potential areas of collaboration. These organizations included Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International represented by Dr. Vergil De Claro, and ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity represented by Ms. Joy Eugenio.

Dr. Gladys Cherisse Completo, Project Leader of the Zoonoses Prevention and Control Division and President of the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE), introduced PAASE and its 2024 initiatives and activities.

Lastly, Mr. Lorenzo Miguel Marasigan, Philippine One Health University Network (PhilOHUN) Program Manager, gave a background of the network and its initiatives in line with the One Health Workforce-Next Generation. 

Workshop participants also conducted an internal audit and review of the Program for the period of 2021–2023. The participants provided inputs on the PZD’s strengths and its areas for improvement. This is to raise awareness of the PZD’s current state, address other areas that need attention, and provide additional insights into the program’s advancement. The participants raised the multidisciplinary composition of the program as one of the few strengths. 

On the second day, the attendees participated in a World Cafe activity to gain inputs for the thematic areas, stakeholders, and external perception of the program. This activity was a great avenue to gather insights and perspectives from the program members. The collected response will be used to create an action plan, framework, and roadmap for the Program. 

To officially close the workshop, PZD Director Remil Galay extended his gratitude to the program members who attended the said activity, as this is imperative for the future development of the program as well as preparation towards its establishment as a Center. Aside from these, he also shared some key points, including the revision of the key research and public service agenda, and the reiteration of the proposal submission, the promotion of the official social media accounts, and plans for the program. 

Communication and Knowledge Management Project Leader Dr. Elaine Llarena and Ms. Christine Grace Mapacpac co-facilitated the conduct of the workshop.