Session Abstract
Chemistry has always been integral to nation-building through its fundamental role in various sectors, from agriculture and healthcare to energy and infrastructure. By driving innovation, providing essential materials, and addressing critical environmental challenges, chemistry supports economic growth, improves quality of life, and enables a nation to meet the basic needs of its population. The dual nature of chemistry means that its processes can be used for both good and nefarious purposes and many of the products produced can be beneficial and/or harmful. These are evident against the backdrop of world wars, territorial invasions, political assassinations, as well as the proliferation of environmental pollutants and worsening climate change. International agreements, starting with the 1925 Geneva Protocol, have been developed to properly regulate (or totally ban) chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials to prevent harm caused by CBRN materials of concern, while allowing for economic development.
In April 2025, RA 12174 was signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. This is known as “The Chemical Weapons Act of the Philippines”. In this talk, we will present another aspect of chemistry: its role in the implementation of international agreements specifically the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the Philippines signed and ratified, but could not fully implement due to the lack of a legal instrument. We will share aspects of our work as Analytical Chemist Inspector for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to implement the provisions of the CWC, mainly Articles IV and VI. As Key Expert for Project 62 “On-Site Technical Assistance Expert for the European Union Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Centres of Excellence (EU-CBRN COE) for Risk Mitigation, Regional Secretariat for South East Asia”, engagements in capacity-building in the ASEAN member states were focused on the development of the CBRN National Action Plan a strategic document that outlines a country’s plan to mitigate chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) risks, whether natural, accidental, or intentional, and tailoring CBRN project proposals to address the identified priority areas. The risk assessment and gap analysis driven project development is an EU requirement for funding. The 2019 Cebu conference of biosecurity experts in the SEA region was conducted to identify priority risks in the region, leading to the development of an EU-CBRN COE project to address the gaps in biosecurity. Over 20 years of cumulative training and experience in CBRN led to the technical expertise we provided during the drafting and review of Senate Bill 2871, later enacted as RA 12174 — one example of how science influences national policy/legislation, including international agreements.
