BRAP, in coordination with the International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA), is inviting qualified laboratory IT/OT professionals to pursue IFBA certification in Cyberbiosecurity. An in-person, paper-based exam will be held in February 2026—to register, email “LETTER OF INTENT TAKE THE EXAM” to bioriskassociationphilippines@gmail.com (those without the prerequisite Biorisk Management exam may email us directly).
The BioRisk Association of the Philippines 2015, Inc. celebrates ten years of strengthening biosafety, biosecurity, and biorisk management across the nation.
A Historic Milestone
The BioRisk Association of the Philippines 2015, Inc. (BRAP2015) marked a historic milestone on September 7, 2025, as it celebrated its 10th Founding Anniversary—a decade of unwavering commitment to advancing laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, and biorisk management across the nation.
The weeklong commemoration began with solemn thanksgiving masses at the Manila Cathedral and the Basilica Menor of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo on September 2, (actual founding anniversary date) symbolizing gratitude for ten years of service and solidarity. The celebration culminated in a grand gala at Ardenhill Suites Hotel, QuezonCity, where 47 distinguished members, partners, and collaborators gathered in unity—honoring BRAP’s achievements and charting its vision for the years ahead.
A Celebration of Legacy and Leadership
Under the radiant theme “Strength in Synergy: Advancing Biorisk Management Through Unified Action,” the event was chaired by Founding President Dr. Miguel Martin Moreno and co-celebrated by Dr. Leila Lany Florento, Mr. Ronaldo Puno, Mr. Ariel Angelo Aquino, and Dr. Socorro Lupisan—together recognized as BRAP’s Five Founding Pillars.
Guided by the 2025 BRAP Convention Organizing Committee, the evening unfolded with seamless precision—from the 4:00 p.m. ingress to the 8:30 p.m. finale—filled with reflection, gratitude, and inspiration.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Prasad Kuduvalli of Health Security Partners, Washington DC, a long-time ally of BRAP since its inception in 2015. His presence carried deep symbolic weight, having also served as keynote during BRAP’s 5th Anniversary. His message underscored the enduring partnership and shared global mission to strengthen biosafety, biosecurity, and health security worldwide.
Dr Prasad Kuduvalli of HSP
Adding to the spirit of solidarity, heartfelt greetings poured in from BRAP’s local and international members, BRAP Councils, and Component Societies, many of whom joined through live broadcast and recorded messages—reminding everyone that BRAP’s strength lies in its unity, both at home and abroad.
Honoring Excellence and Commitment
In a moving tribute to a decade of service, BRAP proudly conferred awards of recognition upon six outstanding members whose leadership and dedication have shaped the association’s growth and impact:
Dr. Jose Obedencio, Jr.
Prof. Oliver Shane Dumaoal
Mr. Ariel Angelo Aquino
Mr. Larry Jay Langaman
Mr. Ronaldo Puno
Dr. Miguel Martin Moreno II
Each award represented not only years of service but also the vision, courage, and perseverance that have elevated BRAP to national and international prominence. Their unwavering commitment has inspired a generation of biosafety advocates to continue the mission of protecting lives, laboratories, and the nation’s health security.
A Historic Launch: The Newbie’s Handbook
The evening reached another proud milestone with the official launch of BRAP’s pioneering publication, Introduction to Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity: A Handbook for the Newbie.
Authored by BRAP’s very own experts and published in partnership with C&E Publishing, Inc., this first-of-its-kind handbook serves as a practical guide for students, young professionals, and early-career scientists stepping into the field of biosafety and biosecurity.
The crowd erupted in applause as C&E Publishing announced its next visionary endeavor—the creation of the BRAP Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity Proceedings. This forthcoming publication will serve as a national platform for sharing research, case studies, and innovations in biosafety and health security. The announcement was met with thunderous enthusiasm, symbolizing a bold new chapter for BRAP in scientific communication and education.
Unity, Joy, and Gratitude
The event’s success was amplified by the support of BRAP’s partners, especially Progressive Productivity Solutions (PPS), which provided live broadcasting services through BRAP’s official Facebook page. The stream reached an astounding 12,000+ viewers worldwide, transforming the evening into a global celebration of unity and purpose.
Feedback from participants overflowed with joy and pride:
“Smooth flow of the program.”
“Very good food!”
“Everyone was happy and jubilant.”
“Congratulations BRAP, way to go!”
“Looking forward to many more years of partnership.”
The atmosphere was nothing short of electric—filled with laughter, applause, and a renewed sense of mission. It was a night that reminded every participant that BRAP is not just an organization, but a movement of people bound by science, service, and solidarity.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter Begins
As BRAP steps into its second decade, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility. The 10th Founding Anniversary was not merely a commemoration—it was a declaration of intent.
From its humble beginnings in 2015 to its present stature as a national and international leader in biosafety and biosecurity, BRAP continues to stand as a beacon of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
With its rallying call toward Synergy for Zero Incidents in 2026, BRAP remains steadfast in its mission to empower laboratories, strengthen national health security, and cultivate a new generation of biosafety champions.
The journey that began with five founding visionaries now continues through ten-thousands of professionals inspired by one unshakable belief—that safety is not just a policy, but a promise. (mmnMoreno2)
The safe, timely, and compliant transport of infectious substances is a cornerstone of an effective national laboratory network, directly influencing disease surveillance, diagnostics, and outbreak response. Any lapse in classification, labeling, or packaging not only breaches international regulations but also endangers public health, transport personnel, and the environment. To address this, the Philippine Department of Health (DOH), through the Office for Health Laboratories, has prioritized the institutionalization of regular IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Category 6 training as part of the National Laboratory Strategic Plan (NLSP) 2025–2030.
By engaging a certified IATA training provider recommended by Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM, US, i.e., the BioRisk Association of the Philippines 2015, Inc. (BRAP2015), this initiative ensures that laboratory staff, couriers, logistics personnel, and regulators gain the technical expertise and internationally recognized certification required to ship infectious substances safely. More than compliance, this effort strengthens the Philippines’ laboratory-based surveillance system, enhances diagnostic capacity, and fortifies outbreak preparedness—aligning national practice with WHO biosafety guidance and the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
Notable achievements of the training
Strengthened National Compliance: Ensured laboratory and logistics personnel received IATA Category 6 certification, aligning the Philippines with international biosafety and transport standards.
Enhanced Outbreak Preparedness: Improved the country’s capacity to safely and rapidly transport infectious substances, directly supporting disease surveillance, diagnostics, and emergency response.
Institutionalized Training for Sustainability: Laid the groundwork for regular, system-wide IATA DGR training as part of the DOH National Laboratory Strategic Plan 2025–2030, ensuring long-term impact across all health system levels.
Subject Matter Experts & BRAP Organizing team*
Mr. Ariel Angelo B. Aquino* Prof. Oliver Shane R. Dumaoal Mr. Larry Jay B. Langaman Dr. Miguel Martin N. Moreno II Mr. Ronaldo E. Puno Dr. Jose M. Obedencio, Jr.
Summary of Sessions (1)Luzon, (2) Visayas and (3) Mindanao Sessions with Participants attendance and class honor rolls.
1. Luzon session, July 22-24, 2025 @Laafayette Hotel, Baguio City
Names of Participants who COMPLETED the training and PASSED the Certified Shipper exam:
HONOR ROLL
Audrey Mae S. Cayabyab, Kyna Veronica Mago SilvanoJennica G. Ocampo, Dexter D. Sangalang, Eline C. De VeraHeidee Maniago, Angela Kaye T. Reyes, Chin-Chin C. Isla, Charmaine Dela Cruz MagnoJuvy, Jireh C. Repolidon, Madelyn D. Aliba, Gabriel Neil C. Sia, Vince Lester M. Lata, Maria Clarissa G. Dela Cruz, Anne Loraine R. Lumayag, Arianne Angel C. Castro, Hazel C. Guevarra, Jerome A. Lavadia, Divina Grace T. Guzman, Emmanuel V. Magayo, Camille Joy Culong, Leodymar Jorduela, Shenah Clarisse Cuison, Norielyn .
Valedictorian: Audrey Mae S. Cayabyab Salutatorians: Leodymar Jorduela Chin-Chin C. Isla
2. Visayas session, September 9-11, 2025 @Savor Hotel Boracay, New Coast, Boracay
Names of Participants who COMPLETED the training and PASSED the certifying exam:
HONOR ROLL:
Peter T. Hao, Jennifer Aubrey M. Luib, Chris Anne D. Macaluyos, Marivic H. Dalen, Shirlyn C. Zamoras, Pauline J. Carmona, Kim P. Araneta, Maria Cecilia G. Pan,
Melinda C. Alecha, Cliff Michael G. Gubat, Alvin Duazo, Mario Ivan G. Gonzales, Fiel Luis Dela Cruz, Trisha May Sarabia, Carmelli Valeza, and Kiara Marithe Maravilles
Valedictorian: Marivic H. Dalen Salutatorian: Chris Anne D. Macaluyos
3. Mindanao session: August 19-21, 2025 @Acacia Hotel, Lanang, Davao City
Names of Participants who COMPLETED the training and PASSED the certifying exam:
HONOR ROLL:
Ed Justine S. Sarabia, Kathleen R. Gecosala, John Enrilou L. Go, Vence Christian C. Viña, Christelle Clarisse S. Saludo, Jeldjeann B. Seno, Denver Ukay Leopardas, Honey Lee M. Delfin, Suhaya D. Mackno, Rachel Joy F. Pasion, Keena Kandise Shailini O. Dajao,
Joan Guevara, Aira Faith S. Runas, Darianne Mae B. Tubilan, Tara Katrina V. Arellano, Robert James B. Lobino, Shirley Dawn G. Pimentel, Leobel Grace T. Bueno, Marie Constance C. Laganson, Chris Andrei Cruz, Roselle Princess R. Catalua, and Mark Vincent G. Cabanlit.
Valedictorian: Vence Christian C. Viña Salutatorian: Roselle Princess Cataluña and April Queen Marie Crabajales
Consolidated Module Report
Across multiple modules, participants were equipped with the knowledge and skills required to manage every step of infectious substance transport—from hazard recognition to final shipment arrangements. Training began with risk communication and classification of specimens (Categories A, B, exempt, and non-regulated), followed by practical sessions on packaging systems, labeling, documentation, and compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Later modules expanded this foundation by introducing the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, airway bills, and carrier requirements, culminating in the critical step of making proper arrangements, including authorization processes, Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), and import/export considerations.
Together, these modules built a comprehensive competency framework that allows laboratorians, managers, and logistics personnel to ship infectious substances safely, compliantly, and efficiently, while upholding both biosafety and biosecurity standards.
Key Outcomes of all Modules
Holistic transport competence: Participants gained end-to-end skills, from classification and packaging to final shipment arrangements, ensuring regulatory compliance at every stage.
Improved documentation accuracy: Trainees learned to complete Shipper’s Declarations, airway bills, and labeling requirements correctly, reducing errors that delay or compromise shipments.
Strengthened regulatory and operational readiness: Attendees deepened their understanding of IATA, WHO, and DOH regulations, as well as MTAs and import/export permits, ensuring safe and accountable movement of high-risk specimens.
Greater accountability in laboratory logistics: By practicing with real-world scenarios and identifying common errors, participants developed a stronger sense of responsibility in safeguarding both public health and institutional credibility.
Way Forward
The recently concluded IATA DGR Category 6.2 training has laid a solid foundation for building a competent and certified workforce capable of ensuring safe and compliant transport of infectious substances in the Philippines. Its impact goes beyond compliance—it strengthens the national laboratory network, accelerates outbreak response, and safeguards public health.
To sustain this momentum, the next steps are suggested
Institutionalize Regular Training: Establish IATA DGR training as a recurring requirement for laboratory and logistics personnel, ensuring continuous compliance with evolving international standards.
Expand to Courier and Logistics Staff: Design specialized courier training programs focusing on the safe handling, storage, and delivery of infectious substances, bridging the gap between laboratory preparation and final transport.
Develop Regional Training Hubs: Conduct future sessions in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to decentralize access and equip provincial laboratorians and couriers, especially those involved in sample referral systems.
Integrate with National Preparedness Programs: Align future training with the Philippine National Laboratory Strategic Plan (NLSP) 2025–2030, ensuring that specimen transport capacity directly supports disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, and IHR 2005 obligations.
Promote Advanced Certifications: Encourage participants to pursue refresher and higher-level certifications to maintain technical excellence and prepare trainers who can cascade the training to other institutions. When funding permits, BRAP offers annually, during the BRAP annual Convention, a fully-funded Training of Trainers course, for exam passers with a score of 97-100.
Long-Term Vision
By building on this initiative, the Philippines can establish a nationally recognized, sustainable training pipeline for laboratorians, couriers, and regulators. This ensures that every link in the specimen transport chain— from packaging to final delivery—upholds the highest standards of biosafety, biosecurity, and public health protection. The BioRisk Association of the Philippines 2015, Inc. has the capacity and certification to hold these trainings as needed by our countrymen.
Prepared by: (Sgd.) Miguel Martin N. Moreno II Chair, BRAP Committee on Special Projects
Copy Edited by: (Sgd.) Ariel Angelo B. Aquino BRAP National Secretary
Noted by: (Sgd.) Ronaldo E. Puno BRAP National President
BioRisk Association of the Philippines 2015, Inc. (BRAP2015) 