by Dianne Carmie Basilio and Jean Andrea Galang

The University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) bested 13 universities and colleges during the 5^th National Intercollegiate Genetics Quiz Contest (NIGQC) of the UPLB Genetics Society held on November 8 at the Umali Auditorium of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) in Los Baños, Laguna.

The UPD team took home PhP 15,000 cash prize, a plaque, certificates of participation, and medals. Runners up DLSU and ADMU received certificates of participation, medals, and cash prizes worth PhP 7,500 and PhP 5,000 respectively. (Photo courtesy of the UPLB Genetics Society)

The UPD team was composed of Ardea Licuanan, Clinton Tang, and Tiffany Cheng Uy; all fourth year BS Biology students. Dr. Ian Kendrich Fontanilla, an assistant professor and UP scientist at UPD’s Institute of Biology was the winning team’s coach. Uy of the UPD team said that the time the team spent studying together helped the members bond and prepare for the competition.

Securing the second place (1^st runner up) was the De La Salle University Manila (DLSU) and in third place was Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), last year’s champion.

Patricia Albert, committee head of NIGQC 2014, said that the UPLB Genetics Society is planning to hold the national genetics quiz contest yearly with the increasing number of participating schools and universities.

By Ma. Khrisma Soliven with reports from Kezia Grace Jungco

Over 114 high school students and teachers from different parts of Luzon gathered for the 8^th Genetics Camp held at the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS) , University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) last January 19-20.

For this year, the annual event is themed “GENEStability: Sustainable Agricultural Productivity through Genetics and Biotechnology.” It aims to introduce and promote the science of Genetics through its applications. Participating schools include: Recto Memorial National High School (RMNHS), Quezon National High School, St. Anne College, Laguna College, and Don Bosco.

Prof. Mia Desiree Azañes-Verdeprado and Prof. Cheryl Agdaca delivered lectures on the “Introduction of Genetics” and on the “Central Dogma of Molecular Biology”during the first day of the event. The participants were also given activities so they can further appreciate the event. They saw the human DNA structure through a 3D-origami model. They also had a hands-on experience on the extraction and isolation of DNA through their own cheek cells. An educational tour at BIOTECH-UPLB was also conducted for the participants.

Symposia on “Biotechnology” and “Newborn Screening” was also conducted by Dr. Rhodora Aldemita and by Dr. Merlyn Mendioro. Gene Camp’s first day ended with a Socials Night wherein the participants from different schools got to interact with their co-participants.

On the second day, Dr. Gabriel Romero of Monsanto Philippines talked on the importance of biotechnology in sustaining agricultural productivity. The students were given a tour to the facilities of the UPLB campus. Teachers were also trained with the effective teaching of Genetics, which was facilitated by Mr. Jickerson Lado, an instructor at the IBS and junior adviser of the UPLB Genetics Society.

Jenny Guevarra of RMHS said, “We teachers attended this for us to learn new things for our students.” She said that the camp had done well in introducing Genetics to students while letting them enjoy it.

Several contests were also held during the second day of the Gene Camp. The said activities include: Genetics Inter-High School Quiz, Essay Writing Contest, Poster and Slogan Making Contest and Debate. Over-all champion school for the camp was Laguna College (LC).

Isabel Louise Reyes of LC, one of the participants and chosen as the Best Performing Student in the camp said, “Talaga pong hindi maikakaila na nakakaenjoy po tong camp.”

UPLB Genetics Society Head Rufus Thomas Adducul also stressed the importance of Genetics. “Through Genetics, we bring about sustainable development, food sustainability, and many more.”

by Levi Joshua Verora

Los Banos, Laguna- A total of 230 athletes, coaches and officials from the University of the Philippines-Los Banos (UPLB) departed this morning for the annual State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association-Calabarzon (SCUAA) to be held in Calapan City, Mindoro Oriental.

Included in the UPLB delegation are the respective varsity teams of basketball, volleyball, swimming, football, badminton, chess, table tennis, athletics, taekwondo, dance sport, karate-do, cheerdance, and sepak takraw. A muse and escort will also represent the school in the annual sports spectacle.

Professor Noemi Enriquez, the UPLB Sports and Recreation Committee Vice Chairman, wants people to expect the best from the student-athletes of UPLB. “We are stronger now,” she said. She also relayed UPLB Chancellor Dr. Rex Victor Cruz’s message which encouraged the participants to compete not only for their own glory but also for the university’s pride and honor.

This year’s SCUAA-Calabarzon is hosted by the Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology (MinSCAT). It formally opens today and will last until the 15^th of January. Competing teams include Cavite State University, Palawan State University, University of Rizal System,  Southern Luzon State University and Western Philippines University, among others.