Project SHIELD PH was a 5-month research initiative held in 2023, funded by Open Philanthropy’s Biosecurity Scholarships Program. We developed a biosecurity research agenda for the Philippines, aiming to get the ball rolling in capacitating the nation to reduce risks of biological catastrophes.
Our approach involved systems mapping the Philippine biosecurity landscape, reviewing existing biosecurity frameworks in neighboring regions, and fostering important connections with stakeholders to shape the country's biosecurity research direction for the next 5-10 years.
We’re in the process of publishing our research and will share a write-up on our LinkedIn soon.
OUR MISSION
To equip the Philippines with knowledge and resources that reduce the risks of future pandemics and biological catastrophes through the development of an evidence-based, high-impact biosecurity research agenda.
OUR VISION
A safer, more resilient Philippines, capable of effectively preventing, detecting, and responding to biological threats, contributing to global efforts to mitigate the risks of biological catastrophes.
What is biosecurity?
Biosecurity is “a strategic and integrated approach that encompasses the policy and regulatory frameworks for analyzing and managing relevant risks to human, animal and plant life and health, and associated risks to the environment.” It thus involves managing biological risks associated with food, agriculture, a catastrophic ecological cascade of events, epidemics, pandemics, bioterrorism, biotechnology, etc.
This field encompasses identifying, managing, and responding to biological risks, ranging from zoonotic and infectious diseases to bioterrorism agents, biotechnology threats, and ecosystem dangers, such as invasive species or agricultural pathogens.
The effective altruism field focuses more on “scope-sensitive biosecurity.” This entails preventing global catastrophic biological risks (GCBRs) – risks that cause less likely but increasingly devastating events (i.e., civilizational catastrophes or extinction). This generally means focusing on engineered pathogens and their deliberate or accidental release because they are more likely to pose a higher GCBR risk.
Connect with us to stay updated on our research
projectshieldph2023@gmail.com
LinkedIn
Penthouse East Tower
Philippine Stock Exchange Centre
1605, Exchange Rd,
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Philippines
In collaboration with
We collaborated with EpiMetrics, Inc., a reputable health research institution, to drive meaningful change and create a significant impact.
Funding
This project was made possible through funding from US-based grant-making organization Open Philanthropy's Biosecurity Scholarships Program.
Aims of our research
Engage national biosecurity stakeholders
Learn and map the Philippine biosecurity system and its intervention points
Learn how biosecurity frameworks in neighboring countries may be applied to the Philippines
Create an evidence-based Philippine biosecurity research agenda that aligns with our system map
The Team
