Congratulations to Meryl Williams Fellowship alumni, Dr Ma. Cynthia Rundina-Dela Cruz for being accepted as part of the Australian Centre of International Agricultural Research’s (ACIAR) ARSF3-ECR program. With the support, resources and funding provided by ACIAR through this program Cynthia will continue her project on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small swine producers in the province of Cavite, Philippines. Cynthia is specifically researching if pandemic-related challenges have contributed to the presence of antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli.  

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock animals in the Philippines is unknown. It is important to establish evidence-based and science-based standards for policy recommendations and management strategy.”  

Cynthia is the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Cavite State University (CvSU), a licensed veterinarian and microbiologist who specialises in bacterial foodborne pathogens, particularly on Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovars.  

“The only way we can succeed with this research is to have a multisectoral and multidisciplinary approach. Being a part of ARSF3 is a dream come true for me and the program will open doors for collaboration not only in my field of veterinary microbiology but also in social sciences. Particularly on policy analysis, recommendation and implementation.”  

Based on the results of the study,  policy recommendations will be made to ensure the judicious use of antibiotics in backyard swine farms in the province.