By: Maria Alexandra Marmol

Dr. Gerry Bagtasa of the UP Diliman College of Science – Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (UPD – CS IESM) took flight with NASA last Sunday, February 11, 2024, as part of an air pollution measurement campaign called ASIA-AQ (Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality). 

NASA817—more specifically the NASA DC-8 plane—is an airborne science laboratory based in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Palmdale, California. It is flown to other parts of the world to gather data to support the research and experiments undertaken by the global scientific community.

The objective of this particular series of flights with the Filipino team, consisting of DENR-EMB, the Manila Observatory, and Dr. Bagtasa, was to assess the air quality of multiple Asian cities by utilizing satellite remote sensors and air quality models. With the equipment of the modified Douglas DC-8 jetliner, they were able to observe the atmosphere and detect various pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, carbon dioxide, and methane, which are not usually locally measured above the ground.

“The purpose is to improve our understanding of the dynamics of air pollution in the region,” Dr. Bagtasa said. 

With the Filipino team, they were able to help plan the flights by providing air quality and weather forecasts. They also provided insights into local weather patterns, drawing from Dr. Bagtasa and the Manila Observatory’s recent publications and expertise in contextualizing the data being collected. 

The Experience

NASA817 flew four times to the Philippines on February 6, 7, 11, and 13, and for each flight, there were a few available seats for observers. Dr. Bagtasa and scientists of the Manila Observatory and DENR joined different flights, and of the 8-hour experience, the plane would constantly change altitudes from 1000 ft to 10,000 ft, then back again, to gather more data at different levels of elevation throughout the region.

“In almost any airplane ride, we encounter some brief bumpy to very bumpy, turbulent moments, right? Imagine that happening for 8 hours—the flight was brutal. I guess mainly due to the low-altitude nature of the flight,” Dr. Bagtasa commented. “And to make it more exciting, I experienced the hardest of hard turns and rolls in an airplane during the flight.” 

With humor, he also went on to say, “Most of the researchers on the plane wear some transdermal patch behind the ear for motion sickness. I didn’t, and I was in the backmost seat. After around 5 – 6 hours into the flight, considering that I’ve been on probably >100 flights in my lifetime, it was my first time to throw up in a plane ride.”

Despite the bumpy ride, the flights are crucial to the campaign, ASIA-AQ. NASA’s project presents an avenue for international cooperation, partnering with local scientists, researchers, and experts to implement a unified strategy across various Asian nations in addressing not only regional air quality concerns but also gaining a broader understanding of the interpretation of satellite data and air quality modeling. 

Dr. Bagtasa and the Manila Observatory partnered with the DENR to join the flights to provide their local knowledge on the air pollution of the country. While the data gathered on these trips are still being processed and have yet to be published, NASA817 will now move on to South Korea, taking measurements in Taiwan on the way. After Seoul, it will then fly to Malaysia and Thailand. After the ASIA-AQ campaign, the NASA DC8 will be retired.

In an effort to promote the better care, appreciation, and utilization of dogs in local communities, this hard-working multisectoral group of volunteers is offering the public basic and advanced K9 training courses.

The UPMV K9 Corps recently graduated over two dozen happy pet owners from its two-weekend Basic Obedience Workshop held last February 3 and 10. Students and professionals from all walks of life with a common love for dogs came away amazed at how better behaved their pets could be and were also surprised at how much better they could bond with their furry companions.

“Contrary to popular belief, dog training is as much about the owner as it is about the pet,” explained UPMV K9 president Elah Tendero. “We don’t just teach dogs how to behave. We teach people how to better understand and communicate with their dogs.”

The workshop was conducted for a minimal fee to help the UPMV K9 Corps raise funds for its main goal of providing free Search and Rescue training to help civilian volunteers and their beloved pets play active roles in disaster response efforts. This free but comprehensive six-month training includes obedience as well as search-and-rescue training for the dogs, and also imparts disaster response and outdoor survival skills to the volunteer handlers.

“Sadly, more often than not, pets get neglected or forgotten in the event of a disaster. They often get left behind as communities evacuate,” Tendero laments. “But more than just being our companions, our dogs can also be of invaluable assistance in disaster response and relief efforts.”

Established in 2017, the UPMV K9 Corps is a non-profit organization established in partnership between the University of the Philippines, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and the UP Vanguard Inc. To date, there are already close to a hundred volunteers and K9s in the program, with openings for Batch 11 to be announced soon.

To learn more about how to sign up for dog training, like and follow https://fb.com/upmmdavanguardk9 or email upmmdavanguardk9@gmail.com

SM Center Pulilan yet again introduces another exciting treat for Bulakenyos as they bring the goodness of Pan de Manila and Mat’s Donut to the province.

Pan de Manila, a brand that has become a household name, is now serving baked goodness at the ground level of SM Center Pulilan. Known for their quality breads made from the highest quality ingredients, Pan de Manila is popular for their classic pandesal, which brings back a lot of memories in a bite. They are also famous for their soft-crusted sandwich breads, specialty breads, and other baked treats like muffins and ensaymadas.

Aside from baked treats, Pan de Manila also offers specialty house-brand products such as Spanish-style flavored coffee and chocolate, classic spreads, butter, and flavorful jam. Moreover, Pan de Manila takes pride in promoting a healthy and natural lifestyle, ensuring their breads are made with bromate-free flour, while all their house-brand products are crafted from natural ingredients with no preservatives or artificial flavor or color.

Mat’s Donut literally brings happiness with every bite at the ground level of SM Center Pulilan. Discover the craze as Mat’s offers large-size donuts at an affordable price. Whether you are craving some snacks, would like to bond with friends over food, or are looking for the best treats to bring home to your loved ones, Mat’s Donuts is definitely worth a try. Check out different variants to choose from, including ring, premium, and cheese donuts, which come in 25 amazing flavors. Likewise, they also offer coffee and blended drinks, perfect to pair with your chosen pastries at any time of the day.

Watch out as SM Center Pulilan goes full circle in bringing top and trending brands to Bulacan in 2024. Follow https://www.facebook.com/smcenterpulilan for updates.

LUNGSOD NG SAN JOSE DEL MONTE—Isang 80-anyos na lola ang namatay matapos atakihin sa puso dahil sa idinulot na blunt trauma at dalawa pa ang kasalukuyang ginagamot sa ospital habang mahigit 50 ang iba pang mga nagalusan nang gumuho ang balcony ng isang simbahan sa lungsod na ito habang idinadaos ang misa para sa Ash Wednesday.

Ayon kay Police Col. Edilmar Alviar, hepe ng pulisya ng siyudad, nasa kalagitnaan ng misa sa loob ng simbahan ng St. Peter The Apostle Parish sa Barangay Tungkong Mangga bandang 7:00 ng umaga ang kulang 300 deboto ng biglang gumuho ang gawa sa kahoy na balcony ng simbahan.

Isa sa nabagsakan ng kahoy si Luneta Morales, 80 anyos, mula sa Dela Costa Homes, Barangay San Manuel ng lungsod na ito. Agad siyang isinugod sa Ospital ng Lungsod ng San Jose del Monte. Ganunpaman, dahil sa blunt trauma ay inatake siya sa puso at namatay bandang 1:30 ng hapon.

Isinugod din sa iba’t-ibang mga ospital sa lungsod at maging sa Tala Hospital sa katabing Caloocan City ang iba pang nasugatan.

Sa interview kay Alviar ngayong Huwebes, sinabi nito na lahat ng 52 mga nasugatan at nagalusan ay sina Christopher Litonjua, 49, isang lay minister na nasa QualiMed Hospital at si Maurice Jade Gutierrez, 15 na nasa Brigino General Hospital na lamang na nagtamo ng fractures ang kasalukuyang ginagamot at ang lahat ay nakauwi din agad mula sa ospital dahil wala namang tinamong malubhang sugat at pawang slight bruises lamang.

Sinabi nito sa NEWS CORE na ang mga pawang nasugatan ay ang mga nasa ilalim na nabagsakan ng mga kahoy ng gumuhong balcony at halos ay mga galos at gasgas lamang ang tinamo ng mga nasa loob ng gumuhong balcony.  

Ayon kay PCpl. Nico Centeno, imbestigador mula sa pulisya ng San Jose del Monte, inanay na at nagapok ang mga kahoy ng balcony ng simbahan kung kaya’t ito ay bumigay at gumuho.

Sinabi naman ni Alviar na dahil na rin sa dami ng tao sa balcony, ang gapok na kahoy nito ay bumigay na at siyang naging dahilan kung bakit ito gumuho.

Ang balcony na gawa sa kahoy ay ginawa noong 1994 o 30 taon ng nakakalipas.

Ayon naman kay Mayor Arthur Robes, ang lokal na pamahalaan ng San Jose del Monte ang sasagot sa mga gastusin sa ospital ng mga biktima kabilang ang burial expenses para kay Morales.

Sinabi rin ng alkalde na tutulong siya at ang lokal na pamahalaan upang maipagawa at maipaayos ang gumuhong balcony ng simbahan.

Dr. Reinabelle Reyes and Dr. May Lim of the UP Diliman National Institute of Physics (UPD-CS NIP) presented their research on transport network efficiency at the recent House Committee on Visayas Development meeting on February 6, 2024.

Together with independent researcher JC Albert Peralta, Dr. Reyes and Dr. Lim used a 300-year-old math discipline called network science to model transport network systems during relief operations. They applied their model to the Visayas transport network, where they discovered that Northern Samar is the most vulnerable to relief operation delays. 

Read more about their research in the press release here: https://science.upd.edu.ph/up-physicists-improve-phls-disaster-response-with-network-science/

Their research opens novel ways for improving relief operations and aids policymakers in decision-making and strategic planning. Attendees of the meeting at the House of Representatives included committee leaders and members of the Visayas Region, including Hon. Karen Lolita Javier, Committee Chair and 2nd District of Leyte Representative; Hon. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, 3rd District of Negros Occidental Representative; Hon. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, 3rd District of Leyte Representative; Francisco “Sonny” Romuar III, Committee Secretary; and Atty. Cherry Pastor-Dalauiadao, Committee Staff.

At the meeting, they discussed the need to decentralize and distribute resources such as food and key equipment to all congressional districts to mitigate delays in relief operations. They also emphasized the necessity of building transportation infrastructure in areas with no existing road networks.

“It was our first time at the House of Representatives and, though it was a bit intimidating at first, I believe in the end, we made the most of the opportunity given to us to share our work and learn from the perspectives of the House committee members, who are representatives and influential leaders for Visayas,” Dr. Reyes said on their experience.

“Doing scientific research is a very focused activity and involves discussion mostly among our small group of collaborators (and peer reviewers),” Dr. Reyes continued. “So having this opportunity to take the fruits of this work to the highest levels of leadership in the country is quite fulfilling at a different level.”
The research team aims to continue working on their research, developing an open-source, user-friendly web app that lets the public simulate different transport network systems. Dr. Reyes and Mr. Peralta will present their work at the upcoming PyCon PH 2024 conference on February 25 and 26, 2024.

The Social Security System (SSS) today announced that its revenue for 2023 jumped to P362.20 billion, surpassing its P330.80 billion revenue target by 9.5 percent, fueled by beefed-up collection efforts and substantial income from its investments.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said the P362.20 billion revenue was the highest revenue so far attained by SSS.

“Our 2023 financial performance is indicative of the efforts of the SSS management and employees in intensifying its collection activities and the prudent management of our investments. The P309.12-billion contribution collection exceeds our 2023 target of P294.49 by P14.62 billion. It is 18.2 percent higher than the P261.44 billion collected in 2022,” Macasaet said.

In the 2023 unaudited financial statement, Macasaet noted that the contribution collection remained the primary revenue source of SSS last year, which stood at P309.12 billion.

“This is attributed to new paying members, improved collection from delinquent employers, and the 2023 contribution rate hike. Additionally, the remaining P53.08 billion came from revenue from investments,” he added.

1.4M new paying members

SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire P. Agas said a total of P10.48 billion in contributions from new paying members was collected last year.

“New initiatives were implemented to expand the SSS membership and to reach out to more workers. As a result, at least 1.4 million new members were added to SSS in 2023,” Agas said.

Improved collection from delinquent employers

Agas explained that the rise in contributions can also be attributed to the high collection of delinquencies from employers who are not remitting their employees’ contributions.

In 2023, he added SSS bolstered its efforts to pursue delinquent employers nationwide through our Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign to collect more unremitted contributions from them.

All SSS branch offices nationwide conducted RACE campaigns last year, which aim to compel delinquent employers to comply with the law by issuing them Notices of Violation and instructing them to report to SSS within 15 days or face legal consequences.

2023 contribution rate hike

Macasaet said SSS generated P27.84 billion in contributions due to the contribution rate hike.

“In January 2023, under Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, SSS implemented a 1 percent rate hike, bringing its contribution rate to 14 percent from the previous 13 percent,” he added.

Revenue from investments

Revenue from investment and other income in 2023 is at P53.08 billion, surpassing the year’s target of P36.31 billion by P16.77 billion.

“Total revenues from investment and other income last year were also higher than the P44.72 billion revenue generated in 2022, which indicates that SSS investment portfolio is being managed well and that we continue to perform well in our investment activities whatever the prevailing market conditions,” Macasaet said.

Similarly, he said, SSS’ expenditures in 2023, which included benefit payments and operating expenses, went up by P16.92 billion to P270.48 billion from P253.56 billion in 2022. The 2023 SSS operating expenses remained below the allowable limit under the SSS Charter.

“Of the total expenditures, P259.03 billion were released for benefit payments, which jumped by P16.22 billion from P242.81 billion in 2022. SSS grants benefits for maternity, sickness, disability, unemployment, retirement, funeral, and death to qualified members,” Macasaet noted.

The Power for People Coalition (P4P) lambasted Meralco’s bid to pass on to consumers additional fuel costs from procuring expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG) despite the lack of clearance as flagged by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). 
 
ERC’s confirmation comes after Meralco’s P0.5738 increase in its February billing without any validation that will justify its rate adjustment due to costly imported LNG procured from Meralco’s purchase agreement with First Gas Power Corporation (FGPC). 
 
“We are glad that the ERC is keeping tabs on reckless passing on of LNG costs. In the first place, consumers had no say over Meralco’s choice of buying expensive electricity from fossil fuels and it should be the one to bear its bad business decision,” said Gerry Arances, Convenor of Power for People Coalition. 
 
“The ERC needs to act on this matter urgently, and not just for upcoming rates from FirstGen – considering San Miguel Corporation’s South Premier Power Corporation has been using LNG since last year,” Arances added.
 
P4P also cautioned that allowing Meralco’s push to pass on LNG costs can open the floodgates for other distribution utilities to follow suit. 
 
“This is not just a problem for consumers in Meralco’s franchise areas. Meralco’s bid to pass on LNG fuel costs to consumers sets a worrying precedent that gives a go-signal for higher power rates in the country,” added Arances.
 
According to P4P, the delays in the validation of charges passed on to the consumers represent one in a myriad of problems with LNG contracts. 
 
“Meralco has a track record of piling additional costs onto consumers, who are not afforded clarity on where the numbers reflected in our electricity bills are coming from. The lack of transparency with LNG pricing – from fuel procurement contracts to actual electricity costing – has to stop. Issuing receipts is a standard business practice; neither distribution companies like Meralco nor generators like FirstGen and SMC are not exempted from this,” said Arances.

Mr. President, it was in the year 1860 when a Swiss chemist discovered  DNA. In 1986, the year I graduated from the Philippine Military Academy, DNA was  used to solve a murder case in the United States of America. Today, thirty seven  years later, I stand before this august body to sponsor Senate Bill No. 2474 under  Committee Report No. 161, entitled “An Act Establishing the Philippine National  Police Forensic DNA Database, Appropriating Funds Therefor” or the “PNP  Forensic DNA Database Act”. I believe it is not a coincidence, Mr. President. 

Deoxyribonucleic (dee-ok-see-ray-bo-nook-lee-ayk) Acid or DNA is a genetic  code that can be found anywhere in which a person has been in contact with – either a person or a thing. The DNA that is found in every nucleated cell of the  human body can be collected from people’s skin, blood, saliva and bone. 

Kung noon po ay isang foreign o alien concept ang “DNA”, sa pagdaan po ng  mga panahon, sa tulong na rin ng telebisyon at social media, unti-unti na rin po  itong nauunawaan ng ating mga kababayan. Hindi na rin po mabilang ang mga  pelikula o mga telenovela kung saan ang tema o plot ay may nagkapalit na mga  sanggol mula pagkabata at magtatagpo sa isang happy ending. 

Ngunit marahil ay pinaka naging popular po ang DNA nitong mga nakaraang  taon lamang, noong unang maipalabas sa telebisyon ng programa ng iginagalang  na broadcaster na si Ms. Jessica Soho ang kauna-unahang documented case ng  “baby-switching” sa ating bansa. Sinubaybayan po ito ng ating mga kababayan ng  higit sa isang buwan. Bagama’t pinahahalagahan ng ating kultura ang tinatawag  na “lukso ng dugo”, ang kasong nabanggit ay naresolba pa rin sa pamamagitan  ng siyensiya—ng DNA testing. 

More than being instrumental in reuniting loved ones, the DNA [Database] will  also help us in times of calamities, Mr. President. Under the proposed measure,  the DNA database system will be used to assist our government in the  identification of missing persons or unidentified human remains, such as victims of  natural disasters.  

Marahil ay kulang ang salita upang mailarawan ang sakit na nadarama ng  isang nawalan ng mahal sa buhay. Lalo’t higit kung ang pagkakasawi ay dinulot  ng isang trahedya na hindi lamang bumawi ng kanilang buhay kundi kumuha  maging ng kanilang pagkakakilanlan. Malaki po ang ginagampanan ng DNA  testing sa pagbibigay ng closure sa pamilya ng mga biktima. At minsan, sa  pambihirang pagkakataon, nakapagbibigay din ang DNA results ng pag-asa para  sa ilang umaasa na buhay pa ang kanilang mga kaanak. 

Mr. President, allow me to enumerate some accomplishments on Disaster  Victim Identification (DVI) that was made possible because of DNA testing:

● 73 out of the 74 Kente Fire incidents victims in Valenzuela City in 2015 were  successfully identified through DNA and were returned to their respective  families for proper burial. 

● In 2021, a C130 Plane crashed in Patikul, Sulu. In this crash, 51 out of 53  samples were subjected to DNA analysis for identification. 21 were positively  identified and were returned to their respective families for proper burial. 

● Recently, all 15 victims of the Tandang Sora Fire incident on August 31,  2023 were successfully identified through DNA and were returned to their  respective families. 

DNA testing cannot bring the departed back to life. But, somehow, it brings  a little semblance of peace to those who have to go through the painful process of  grieving and healing.  

Mr. President, I believe that this DNA Database will help to give a human face  to victims of disaster. Hindi dapat natin hinahayaang may mamatay nang hindi  man lang nakikilala o nakukumpirma kung sino sila. No matter how heartbreaking  their deaths may have been, it is perhaps a final act of kindness, a last grant of  dignity, for them to be identified and properly mourned for in death. 

But aside from being instrumental in reuniting families and identifying victims  of disasters, DNA, for the longest time, has been an essential part of crime-solving.  What seems to be a remarkable and technologically advanced manner of  processing material evidence seen in shows such as “CSI: Crime Scene  Investigation” is in fact not a mere fragment in the imagination of creative writers.  It is the actual standard in evidence-gathering in the United States. 

Nakatutuwa nga pong isipin, na marami sa mga episode ng true crime show  na “SOCO” ni Mr. Gus Abelgas ay nakapagpakita ng kahalagahan ng DNA testing.  Maaari po sigurong malusutan ng isang kriminal ang kaniyang kasalanan sa korte  sa pamamagitan ng false testimonies o pagsisinungaling. Pero hindi po kailanman  niya maipagkakaila ang katotohanan na [kayang isiwalat] ng isang DNA result.  

Mr. President, as I have said, DNA testing is the most powerful tool for human  identification. DNA evidence is among the most valuable pieces of evidence used  in criminal cases. Apart from identical twins, no two people have the same DNA,  meaning the use of such evidence can either prove a person’s innocence or guilt  with great accuracy. The Supreme Court has long recognized the admissibility of  DNA evidence in court and provided judicial guidelines for the collection, handling  and storage of biological samples in the Rule on DNA Evidence, which [it]  promulgated in 2007 (A.M 06-11-05-SC). As such, this goes to show that this  proposed measure complements the rule issued by the Supreme Court. 

Madalas po natin marinig ang mga paratang na hindi patas ang hustisya sa  ating bansa, na ang katarungan umano ay para lamang sa may mga salapi. Hindi  nga raw pwede sa ating bansa ang death penalty dahil sa ating umano’y “imperfect  justice system”. But I digress, Mr. President. The issue about the death penalty,  after all, is a debate for another day. 

Ang akin pong pinupunto at nais sabihin ay: maraming mga aspeto hindi  lamang ng crime solving kundi pati ng proper at swift delivery of justice ang  matutulungan ng DNA testing. Hindi lamang po ito instrumento upang  makapagpabilanggo, kundi instrumento rin ito upang makapagpalaya. 

Madalas niyo rin pong marinig mula sa akin na dapat bigyan ng katauhan at  pangalan ang mga gumagawa ng kasamaan. Hindi sila dapat hayaan na takasan  ang kanilang pananagutan sa batas. Tunay po na walang baho na hindi sisingaw.  Walang lihim na hindi nabubunyag. Naniniwala po tayo rito, pero gamitin natin ang  teknolohiya, ang DNA testing, para mapabilis ang pagkamit ng katarungan. 

Having said that Mr. President, the DNA database under the Philippine  National Police (PNP) will serve as a powerful deterrence. There will always be a  very good chance that one of the hands of the potential offender will be caught in  the cookie jar. DNA are trails that would lead to the resolution of a criminal case.  This preventive aspect adds another layer of security to the overall law  enforcement strategy. 

I began by stating that I believe it is not a coincidence for me to sponsor this  measure today. More than a hundred sixty years have passed since the discovery  of DNA. I hope that this year will be the year that this Senate, together with our  country as a whole, puts [that] discovery to its best, most humane use possible. 

With your support and the support of our colleagues, I know it can be done.  Maraming salamat po, Mr. President.

Establishing a Philippine National Police (PNP) DNA database would be a powerful deterrence against crime. 

Former PNP chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa emphasized this as he sponsored Senate Bill 2474 during the Senate plenary session on Wednesday. 

“The DNA that is found in every nucleated cell of the human body can be collected from people’s skin, blood, saliva and bone. Having said that, the DNA database under the Philippine National Police will serve as a powerful deterrence,” Dela Rosa, chairman of the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Committee, said. 

“There will always be a very good chance that one of the hands of the potential offender will be caught in the cookie jar. DNA are trails that would lead to the resolution of a criminal case. This preventive aspect adds another layer of security to the overall law enforcement strategy,” the former top cop added. 

Further, the Mindanaoan lawmaker stressed that a DNA database can be used to assist the government in identifying missing persons or unidentified human remains, such as victims of natural disasters. 

“DNA testing cannot bring the departed back to life. But, somehow, it brings a little semblance of peace to those who have to go through the painful process of grieving and healing. I believe that this DNA Database will help to give a human face to victims of disaster,” he said. 

“More than a hundred sixty years have passed since the discovery of DNA. I hope that this year will be the year that this Senate, together with our country as a whole, puts that discovery to its best, most humane use possible,” he ended. 

Under SB 2474, the following are required to provide biological samples:

– Convicted by final judgment for violation of any criminal law

– Persons who have pending criminal case before any court

– Persons legally detained under the law

– Persons ordered by a judicial or quasi-judicial order to submit their DNA sample in relation to a pending case

– Active members of law enforcement agencies

– Active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

All biological samples collected under Section 9 must be destroyed not later than six months after the DNA profile has been generated. 

The PNP Forensic Group-DNA Laboratory Division will manage the database, establish mechanisms to facilitate the connection, storage, and dissemination of data, ensure that DNA profiles are securely stored and remain confidential at all times, store and dispose samples taken for forensic DNA analysis, among others. 

The bill also penalizes any person who are found tampering DNA records, tampering, abetting, or attempting to tamper DNA samples, improper disclosure of DNA samples and records, and refuses to give sample. 

A National DNA Database Scientific Advisory will be created under the proposed legislation which will be composed of one representative each from the PNP, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Health, Data Privacy Commission, Commission on Human Rights and two representatives from other government agencies or institutions actively engaged in forensic DNA testing. 

It likewise provides for cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies in comparing DNA profiles.