A Trip to The Philippines April 20-25, 2025

Professor Kozo Watanabe and Dr. Kohei Hamamoto attended the Kick-off Meeting held on April 21, 2025, at De La Salle University (DLSU), Laguna Campus. 
​The event, titled “Ensuring Safe Water for Laguna Through Advanced Analytical Technologies,” marked the official launch of the project “Systematic Monitoring Survey of Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) in Laguna – from Water Source to Distribution End Point, Drinking Water.”
This project is funded under the NEXUS Program, jointly supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines.

At the event, esteemed panellists from major institutions and companies—De La Salle University (DLSU), Laguna Water Corporation, and Ehime University (EU)—including Professor Kozo Watanabe, delivered forward-looking and insightful presentations. The meeting was attended by over 40 participants and concluded successfully, setting a strong foundation for the collaborative project ahead.

​Following the symposium, a signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was held, further solidifying the partnership between Ehime University (EU) and De La Salle University (DLSU). This agreement promises to strengthen collaboration in student exchange and future joint research initiatives. In addition, the EU team visited various research facilities at DLSU, including the International Collaborative Research Laboratory (ICRL). Productive discussions were made regarding the expansion of research capacity and the development of future collaborative projects.

Later that evening, a dinner gathering was held, providing a warm and relaxed atmosphere for all participants. It was a wonderful opportunity for researchers, faculty, and collaborators to deepen ​their friendships, exchange ideas informally, and celebrate the successful start of the project. The evening was filled with engaging conversations, laughter, and a shared sense of excitement for the collaborative journey ahead.

​In the days following the event, Dr. Kohei Hamamoto traveled across central and southern Luzon to conduct field observations and water sampling. These on-site activities laid the groundwork for future research.

Inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm of local researchers, Dr. Hamamoto expressed his hope to return in the near future and continue building strong collaborative ties through joint scientific endeavours.