Deb Miller, UT One Health Initiative director and professor, traveled to Isabela State University in the Philippines in August 2024 as part of her reciprocal USDA visit and observed their farming techniques, conservation efforts, and cultural traditions.
Ricmar Aquino, ISU president, met with Miller and expressed interest in collaborating with UT on research and education and developing a Memorandum of Understanding for student and faculty exchanges. Miller also gave a seminar for faculty and students on using a One Health approach to address complex issues.
“I was thoroughly impressed attendees remained alert and asked many questions,” Miller said. “I was able to interact with many of the students and was inspired by the diversity of interests especially in native species and conservation efforts.”
Miller witnessed one effort while visiting the Mabuwaya Foundation and touring the Philippine Crocodile Conservation Center. The crocodiles at the center cannot be released back into the wild, but their hatchlings are being used to restock areas where the highly endangered species has disappeared. Miller learned the center is also working to educate people and gain community support for this conservation effort.
Jessie Grace Sannadan, Kalinga Cultural Heritage and Eco-Tourism Center director, shared traditions and tribal relations of the indigenous peoples of the Philippines when Miller visited the center at Kalinga State University.
“It was evident that ‘living with the land’ is the premise of their society,” Miller said. “Animals, plants, air, water, and soil were all woven into every story as well as traditional dance, music, dress, and beliefs.”
Miller also spent time with her mentee Karina Nicolas, ISU professor, and Jennifer Bermudez, ISU School of Veterinary Medicine dean, and visited fruit farms to see their integrated farming techniques.
Before visiting the Philippines, Miller attended the World Congress on Herpetology and Global Amphibian and Reptile Disease Conference in Borneo.
