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.

By Ladylove May B. Baurile

The Counseling and Testing Division (CTD) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, along with the UPLB Gabay Volunteer Corps and Kairos band organized “Off the Street, On to School” program yesterday at the Student Union Lobby for the street children and their parents in Los Baños.

Separate programs were prepared for both children and their parents. A talent-values camp highlighted the children’s program, wherein members of the UPLB Gabay Volunteer Corps helped children showcase their talents like singing, dancing, acting and drawing. The volunteers and members of the Rotary Club of Los Baños also gave testimonials and snacks afterwards.

Meanwhile, the seminar for parents was facilitated by Dr. Leticia Afuang, Office of Student Affairs (OSA) director, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Ginagawa namin ang ‘Off the street, On to School’ para ma-encourage namin ang mga bata, particularly mga street children sa Los Baños na nagbebenta ng sampaguita at mga mani, na mag-aral… kaya nagbibigay tayo ng school supplies… para makita rin nila ang importansya ng pag-aaral (We hold the ‘Off the street, On to School’ program to encourage children to study, especially those who live in the streets or those who spend time selling sampaguitas and peanuts…we give out school supplies as well for them to also see the importance of schooling),” said Gama Javier, a GABAY volunteer.

According to Dr. Erick Vernon Dy, counselor and head of UPLB Gabay Volunteer corps, the event aims at assisting parents and also to help them develop the passion of teaching education’s importance to their children.

Dance competition, training for indigent but academically excellent students, giving of books by the Kairos Band to Bernaldo Calara Elementary School and recognition for long-time supporters of the program were also done. At the end, the counselors and volunteers gave loot bags with school materials and clothing to the participating families.

“Basically gusto namin makatulong sa mga kabataan dito sa Elbi lalo na ngayong pasko kaya nga ako nagvolunteer dito kasi gusto ko yung ginagawa nila at naisip ko na isa rin iyon sa mga gusto kong gawin bilang isang kabataan (Basically, we wanted to help the children here in Los Baños especially now that it’s Christmas season… I volunteered for this event because I support what Gabay does and I also thought that this is one activity that I would want to pursue as part of the youth),” shared Cheska Bon, another volunteer.

The “Off th Street, on to School” outreach program is an annual event in UP Los Baños and is now in its 8^th year.

by Nicolle Andrea S. A. Payuyo and Gumamela Celes Bejarin

UPLB, Laguna—Some of the country’s best musicians rocked the UPLB Freedom park yesterday as a tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal’s 150^th birth anniversary.

Some of the country’s best musicians performed at the Rock Rizal concert held at UPLB Freedom Park. (Photo by Nicolle Andrea S. A. Payuyo)

The concert is a different mode of learning which aims to enhance the UPLB’s sense of service and patriotism as Filipinos. Popular local bands and artists who performed were Oktaves, Sandwich, Ebe Dancel, Gary Granada, Lolita Carbon and many more. There were also performances from UPLB students during the battle of the bands. The performing artists wrote songs based on the different facets of Dr. Jose Rizal’s life.

Rock Ed Philippines, a volunteer group working to provide venues and events for alternative education, is the sponsoring organization for Rock Rizal. Local hosts for this event are the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Office of the Dean, UPLB Department of Social Sciences (DSS) History Division, and the Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (OICA).

Student organizations who participated in organizing the event are Movement of Students for Progressive Leadership in UP (MOVE UP), Buklod-UPLB, Samahan ng Kabataan para sa Bayan (SAKBAYAN), and UPSILON SIGMA PHI (USP).

Rock Rizal is a concert organized as a tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal’s 150^th birth anniversary. It is also part of the 40^th  founding anniversary celebration of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Bringing the concert to Laguna is apt since it is the home province of our beloved national hero. Rizal, who represents the synergy of arts and science, is an epitome of the College of Arts and Sciences.

by Levi Verora

Los Baños, Laguna- The UPLB Men’s Basketball Varsity Team unleashed its full potential as it convincingly beat Team Yellow, 77-66 to capture the Chairman’s Cup title at the Copeland Gymnasium of UP Los Baños yesterday.

Team captain Gian Vergara led the balanced attack with 12 points while sophomore point guard Arvin Dela Peña added 11 in the team’s victory. The UPLB men’s squad opened the game with 9 straight points and never looked back. The varsity team sustained a double-digit lead until the 4th period and were able to fend off a comeback attempt by the Yellow Squad.

The Chairman’s Cup 2012 was organized by Mr. Vir Marilag of the Department of Human Kinetics. The participants were UPLB constituents, like faculty members, staff and community service brigade (CSB) members. Four teams participated in the competition: Team Yellow, Team Green, Team White and the UPLB Varsity Team. The UPLB Varsity Team bested the field with a perfect slate of 5 wins overall.

The Chairman’s Cup was organized to prepare the men’s squad for a tougher competition this upcoming State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) tournament slated in January 10-15, 2012 in Mindoro.

The UPLB Men’s Basketball Varsity roster for A.Y. 2012-2013 will be bound for Mindoro for SCUAA 2013.

by Kezia Grace Jungco and Nicolle Andrea Payuyo

Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) and 14K Lakas ng Kabataan held yesterday the first ever Youth’s Night at the Municipal Covered Court. It showcased the different talents of youth from the 14 barangays of Los Baños, Laguna.

According to Councilor Julius Moliñawe, president of the 14K Lakas ng Kabataan, Youth’s Night was organized for the youth to be able to have a venue for expressing themselves through their talents. Also, according to Adelbert Hornilla, Chapter Master of Brgy. Timugan, the event was an effort for the youth to avoid illegal drug use.

The event was participated by the 14K  Lakas ng Kabataan all over  Los Baños. Established in June 5, 2012, 14K has now grown to almost a thousand members. Mayor Ton Genuino, the Chairman Emeritus of the organization, made the event possible.

The event showcased different performances by the members of 14K Lakas ng Kabataan. It was then followed by parlor games, party, and awarding ceremony.

“Youth’s Night is more than talent shows and bonding, it is a celebration of the unity of the14 barangays”, said Dona Alborida, SK Chairman and coordinator of the event.

Youth’s Night is part of the Paskuhan in Los Baños, a month-long celebration which started in December 8 and will end on December 22.