by: Kimberly B. Salamatin, with reports from Louise A. Barcial
The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc) conducted the 10th Genetics Camp (GeneCamp) at the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS), UPLB last April 18-19.
Participants consisting of 50 high school students and 13 teachers from different parts of the country attended the two-day event. This year’s camp revolved around the theme “OriGene: Reconstructing the Past and Interpreting Present Human Variations through Anthropological Genetics”.
Students were engaged in genetics-related activities composed of a symposium, tour, seminar, and several contests. The main speaker of the seminar, Mr. Jae Joseph Russell B. Rodriguez of the Genetics and Molecular Division, gave the participants an introduction to anthropological genetics.
Participants listening to the seminar during the 10th Genetics Camp last April 18-19 at UPLB.
Teachers, on the other hand, attended a special workshop entitled “Genetics: DNA Extraction”. They also went to the molecular biology and biotechnology laboratory to observe different apparatuses and equipments as well as some of the process carried out in the laboratory.
Since 2006, GeneSoc promotes and creates awareness of genetics through GeneCamp activities.
Gian Lorenz S. Vergara, head of Genetics Camp 2015 said that GeneCamp was made especially for high school students and teachers to raise awareness among younger generations. It helps them understand what genetics is and how it affects individuals. Vergara also added that the camp also aids in the dissemination of recent discoveries and trends on genetics to the participants.
In celebration for the 10th year of GeneCamp, GeneSoc included a socials night wherein all participants performed together with other schools as a form of “stress relief” in the midst of two arduous days of competitions.
After the contests, seminars, and symposiums, GeneCamp concluded with Philippine Science High School Western Visayaz Campus declared as the overall champion for the second straight year.
A participant competing for poster making contest.
The other camp participants were the Philippine Science High School Main, Tabaco National High School, Brent International High School Subic, Ramon Magsaysay High School Main, Laguna College, and Regional Science High School for Region I.
“It was fun. Overall maganda siya kasi (it was nice because) we learned a lot from it” Philippe Jesse C. Prieto, a participant from Ramon Magsaysay High School Manila, said.
GeneCamp was held in partnership with Choral Ensemble, The Parliament: UPLB Debate Society, Red Cross Youth UPLB, and UPLB Painter’s Club.