Blog Posts - Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

RevUp 2018 a Success

10/8/2018

Once again, the Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PSBMB) , in collaboration with the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) together with the University of the Philippines - Visayas, Iloilo campus , organized the 18th REView and UPdate workshop (RevUP) for Molecular Biology held last September 27-28, 2018. High school and college teachers from all over Visayas flocked to Iloilo in order to take part in the activity filled with workshops and lectures.

The workshops and lectures focused on molecular biology, with emphasis on subtopics such as Central Dogma of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Forensics, Bioinformatics, and Food Biotechnology. Distinguished and decorated speakers were invited to give the informative lectures. Moreover, the 18 participants had a hands-on experience with fun and interactive workshops prepared by the NIMBB “movers”.

A highlight of the activity was the DNA extraction from household materials where everyone got to extract DNA on their own. The workshops perfectly complemented the lecture, making them understand the mechanisms as scientists do in the lab. The lectures, interactive activities, and pen and paper activities were capped by a very fun yet informative quiz bee which fostered a competitive but fun atmosphere in the venue.

The RevUP has now returned to Visayas after a long time, the gospel of biochemistry and molecular biology continues to spread through the annual REView and UPdate sessions. The transfer of knowledge from the specialized institutions to the teachers will be beneficial to the country, as these teachers will surely impart their newfound knowledge to the students, we’ll never know, one of these students might hold the key to curing cancer, solving food security, or discover the next great drug of the century.

Click here to view photos: www.psbmb.org/18th-review-and-updates

PSBMB Chapter President: Awarded with the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award

10/5/2018

Congratulations to Dr. Norvie L. Manigbas, the PSBMB Central Luzon Chapter President, for receiving the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award. Dr. Manigbas was recognized for his diligence and tenacity in developing the country’s first series of heat-tolerant rice varieties. His pioneering work alleviated the economic condition of farmers with high quality rice varieties. His collaboration with international agriculture organizations resulted to the acquisition of new instruments, equipment, and machines donated to PhilRice and to farmers’ associations in Nueva Ecija, Bohol, and Iloilo.

The award was personally given by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on September 27, 2018 in celebration with the 118th anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service.

PSBMB BOD Elected as NAST Academician

7/12/2018

Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos Elected as NAST Academician

Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos, a Member of the PSBMB Board of Directors, was recently elected as an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). Dr. Santos has been a member of the Society since 2009 and has actively contributed to its objectives and mission.

He is known for his outstanding work in marine biosciences, specifically in utilizing molecular biology and biotechnology for food security and conservation in fisheries to increase aquaculture productivity and for proper management of capture fisheries for its sustainable use to enhance the opportunities for fisher folk livelihood.

Dr. Santos is affiliated with the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute and actively spearheads the Young Scientists' Forum, an annual competition for undergraduate research, of the Society.

He joins the like of PSBMB Members who are Academicians:
Evelyn Mae T. Mendoza, Ph.D. - 1992 (Member since: 1975)
Fabian M. Dayrit, Ph.D. - 2009 (Member since: 2005)
Marco Nemesio E. Montaño, Ph.D. - 2010 (Member since: 1993)
Ernesto J. Del Rosario, Ph.D. - 2011 (Member since: 1973)

TOR Signing between UPV and PSBMB

4/30/2018

UP Visayas and PSBMB make Contract Signing Official:
45th PSBMB Annual Convention and 18th RevUp Plans in Iloilo now in Motion

On April 30, 2018, the PSBMB Board of Directors and Officials of UP Visayas Chemistry Department conducted a meeting discussing the Terms of Reference in hosting the 45th PSBMB Annual Convention and the 18th RevUp in Iloilo City.

The 18th RevUp TOR was presented by Dr. Gracia Fe Yu, Past President of PSBMB and RevUp Chair. UP Visayas, represented by Dr. Rolly G. Fuentes, agreed with the terms and will be hosting the 18th Reviews and Updates in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology late September. This seminar workshop will be available to teachers in Iloilo, Visayas and nearby regions. Speakers will be from the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) in UP Diliman and PSBMB BOD to discuss updates in BMB subjects and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) on Biotechnology. This will be a great opportunity for teachers to improve their understanding and update their information in the said field. RevUp is one of the advocacies of PSBMB in coordination with NIMBB to upgrade knowledge in biochemistry by encouraging research and education and by establishing communication and exchange of professional knowledge.

The upcoming 45th Annual Convention TOR between PSBMB and UP Visayas as the Local Organizing Committee was presented by Dr. Leslie Dalmacio, PSBMB Vice President and National Organizing Chair. It was agreed upon that the convention will be held in Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City late November 2018.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Francisco Heralde III, PSBMB President, Dr. Leslie Michelle Dalmacio, PSBMB Vice President, Mrs. Gladys Bathan, PSBMB Secretary, Dr. Marcos Valdez, Jr., PSBMB PRO, Dr. Ian Fontanilla, PSBMB BOD Member, Dr. Gracia Fe Yu and Dr. Apolinario Yambot, PSBMB Past Presidents, and Christiane Helene Comique, PSBMB Secretariat Assistant. The UP Visayas Team was attended by Dr. Rolly Fuentes, Steve Janagap, Mary Jane Aman, Pip Padilla, Sharon Nunal, Danillo Ortillo, and Dr. Vivian Topor.

Both TORs are agreed upon by both parties. The preparations for the 18th RevUp in September and 45th Annual Convention in November are now in motion.

17th RevUp in General Santos

10/11/2017

After more than three years, the Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PSBMB) has again spearheaded the RevUp (REView and UPdates) seminar-workshop at the Regional Science Research Center, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of the Mindanao State University - General Santos City Campus last September 28 and 29, 2017. This year’s RevUp was entitled “Continuing Education Workshop Series in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology and Ethics” where lecturers from different universities nationwide shared their knowledge and expertise to secondary and tertiary level teachers from South Cotabato and nearby provinces.

The seminar-workshop focused on the principles and applications of biochemistry and molecular biology in different fields like agriculture, forensics, health and medicine. Activities prepared by facilitators or “Movers” from the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines - Diliman gave the 39 participants a hands-on experience of the different concepts of fundamental molecular biology topics. This RevUp featured a “wet lab” activity wherein the teacher-participants extracted DNA from banana using common household materials such as dishwashing liquid and salt. Several pen-and-paper activities were also done to further enhance the knowledge imparted by the speakers.

Since its conceptualization in 2004, this RevUP is the 17th installment and only the second time it was held in Mindanao. Hundreds of educators from all over the country have participated and brought their renewed knowledge in their respective institutions. The PSBMB Mindanao Chapter took pride as this was the first RevUP that they organized after their establishment a few years ago.

Abstract Submission: Extension

10/2/2017

Call for Papers

SCIENTIFIC PAPERS FOR ORAL AND POSTER PRESENTATION

PSBMB members and interested participants are invited to send their papers for presentation. Submitted papers must contain new data that has not yet been presented in any other scientific conference. Please email your abstracts to: psbmb2017.papers@gmail.com. The deadline for submission of entries is EXTENDED to October 15, 2017.

YOUNG SCIENTISTS' FORUM

The Young Scientists' Forum (YSF) was established in 1995 as a competition for the undergraduate research projects. This is to encourage undergraduate students to actively pursue their research interests in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology. Interested participants are requested to submit their extended abstracts not later than EXTENSION: October 15, 2017. Email to psbmb2017.ysf@gmail.com.

GUIDELINES FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

For oral and poster presentation, abstract must have a maximum of 300 words, including keywords.
For YSF, an extended abstract must have a maximum of 1000 words, maximum of 3 figures and/or tables, and maximum of 5 references.
It must be written in MS Word (.doc) or Rich Text Format (.rtf) in English on an A4 size template with 1" margins on all sides.
The text should be in 11 point Arial font, single-spaced, and justified paragraphs; double spaced between paragraphs.
The title of the paper must be in bold capital letters centered.
Name(s) of the author(s) must be centered with one-line space from the title. Presenter's name must be underlined.
Author(s)' affiliation is centered and one-line space from the names of the author(s); if more than one authors, use superscript to indicate affiliation.
The abstract should contain an introduction, objectives, major findings and conclusion/implication.
Please indicate if your abstract is for oral, poster, or YSF presentation.

Late Breaking Abstracts for ConBio 2017

9/5/2017

The organizers for the upcoming ConBio 2017 (Consortium of Biological Sciences 2017) in Kobe, Japan this coming December 6-9, 2017 announced the opening of the submission of late abstracts.

Application Period: September 1-21, 2017

Abstract submission has been closed on July 24, however, the organizers assume there are some more researchers with latest accomplishments. To make the meeting more meaningful, they would like to call for papers as “Late-breaking Abstracts” from those who could not make it in time for the former deadline.

Please note that abstract submission may be closed before the application deadline if the number of submission exceeds the space limitations. (up to approximately 700 abstracts)

*An announcement will be posted on this page if abstract submission is closed before the deadline.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Late-Breaking Abstracts will not be printed in the program booklet. They will be published only online and on the app.
Presentation style of Late-breaking Abstracts is ONLY Poster presentation.

www.aeplan.co.jp/conbio2017/english/latebreaking/index.html
Visit their website for further information on the submission.

1st PSBMB Central Luzon Chapter Symposium

8/15/2017

The PSBMB Central Luzon Chapter will hold its 1st Symposium in the Social Hall, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija on 24-25 August 2017. The Symposium's theme is "Agri-Innovate & Changing Lives through Biotechnology."

Conference Fee

The conference fee shall be Php 2,500, covering meals during the scientific sessions and conference materials. Accommodations and travel costs are excluded from the fee.

Call for Papers

Everyone is encouraged to submit abstract for poster presentation. Cash prize will be given to each winner of the Best Poster Competition. Submission of abstracts is now closed.

For More Information

Contact the Secretariat: psbmbcentralluzon2017@gmail.com or Mr. Jonathan S. Concepcion js.conception@philrice.gov.ph

Visit www.facebook.com/PSBMBCentralLuzonChapter for more details

44th PSBMB 2017 Annual Convention in Tagaytay, Philippines

8/15/2017

The 44th PSBMB Annual Convention will be held at the historic and majestic Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City with the theme – “Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: From Niche to the Nation” on November 27-30, 2017. Biochemistry and molecular biology is exposited as a scientific thread of knowledge core to the mechanism of change in the local setting of the niche, spanning across the nation, the mastery of which drives advances in the frontiers of agro-fisheries, biotechnology, health and wellness, biodiversity and environment. The convention aims to showcase the current advances in biochemistry and molecular biology in the country and beyond, and bring together the PSBMB members and participants to share their knowledge and experiences in a spirit of camaraderie and bliss.

In this convention, topics related to advances in biochemistry and molecular biology in health and wellness, agro-fisheries, environment and biodiversity, microbes and biotechnology and biochemical education will be highlighted. Interested participants are invited to send their papers for oral and poster presentations.

Among the highlights of the annual convention are the Clara Lim-Sylianco (CLS) Lecture and the Young Scientist’s Forum (YSF). The CLS lecture is a tribute to National Scientist Clara Y. Lim-Sylianco, a foremost Filipino biochemist and eminent expert on organic chemistry. The YSF is a competition for the undergraduate research projects. This is to encourage undergraduate students to actively pursue their research interests in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology.

This convention is an excellent venue for commercial organizations to exhibit their products and services. The PSBMB invites the country’s leading laboratory suppliers and distributors to exhibit their laboratory instruments, books, and chemicals and give exhibitor's lecture.

The PSBMB is an affiliate of the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB) and represents the Philippines in the International Union of Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (IUBMB). The society has active members from universities, colleges, research and industrial institutions in the country and abroad. Membership to the PSBMB is open to professionals and students in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology and related areas.

The Southern Luzon Chapter with members from Regions IV and V will be the host of this year’s convention. This chapter was launched in 2014 to promote biochemistry and molecular biology research and education in the region.

The organizers look forward to seeing and welcoming you to this stellar meeting in Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City, Philippines.

Dr. Grace Yu as FAOBMB Education Symposium Chair

8/15/2017

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA Professor IV Dr. Gracia Fe B. Yu acted as overall organizing chair of the PSBMB International Conference 2016 last 5-7 December 2017. The event, which she labored for over a year, was a big success bringing about the society in the international picture. Dr. Yu is an active member of the society and have initiated many projects for the improvement of PSBMB including the international conference.

4 August 2017, Dr. Philip Nagley, the Secretary General of the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB) announced that Dr. Gracia Fe B. Yu of the Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is the new Chair of the FAOBMB Education Committee. She has been actively involved in the Executive council and hosted the last conference.

Nominations were called for the position whose service will commence 1 January 2018 and were closed on 24 July 2017.