The “Coconut” Group: Workshop participants creatively present what they have learned from the NAST workshop.

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BIOLOGY TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC.

Volume IX No. 2 November 2007

BIOTA and NAST

Hold Modern Biotechnology Workshop

The Biology Teachers Association (BIOTA) of the Philippines and the Department of Science and Technology’s National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST) co-sponsored a seminar-workshop on “Understanding Modern Biotechnology” last September 29, 2007 at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex Auditorium, University of Santo Tomas, Manila. The free seminar-workshop, intended to update high school biology teachers on basic concepts and applications of modern biotechnology. Two resource speakers from the Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines-Los Baños; Academician Evelyn Mae Tecson-Mendoza, and Dr. Roberto N. Garcia, shared

their expertise in different as-pects of modern biotechnology. Topics discussed included gene cloning and manipulation, history of Biotechnology, genetically-modified organisms, ethical issues in genetic engineering, and its applications. With the active participation of 108 biology teachers, representing 71 schools from all over the country, the workshop was a great success. Teachers attest to the usefulness of the workshop topics and materials to their classroom work, particularly the free biotechnology CD and Understanding Biotechnology book authored by Academician Mendoza, which were distributed to the participants. – by J. Ramos [BIOTA-Philippines gratefully acknowledges the invaluable work of the BIOTA UST Chapter, which was ably organized by Dr. J.D. Ramos and Prof. R.S. Madulid, for the workshop preparations.]

BIOTA Governing Board with NAST Exec. Dir. Luningning Samarita, Dr. Garcia, Dr. Mendoza and other NAST staff.

BIOTA National Governing Board 2007-2009

Officers: President: ROSIE S. MADULID University of Santo Tomas Vice-Pres: ALFONSO G. PAGULAYAN, JR. Far Eastern University Secretary: JESSAMYN MARIE O. YAZON PSHS-Main Campus Treasurer: DOLORES A. MATEO La Salle Green Hills Auditor: ROSALINDA M. E. CASTILLO La Consolacion PRO: EDNA A. AMPARADO UP Diliman Board of Directors: GLORITA GAY P. FAN (Marist School) SONIA D. JACINTO (UP Diliman) GENERSOL G. MONTON (Fort Bonifacio HS)

GLORINA DIVINA P. OROZCO (FEU) EUGENE P. QUIJANO, JR. (Xavier School) JOHN DONNIE A. RAMOS (UST) CIRILO E. VISTA, JR. (Adamson University)

Know more about the new set of BIOTA officers

and board members on page 6.

BIOTABIOTABIOTABIOTA Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter

In this Issue:In this Issue:In this Issue:In this Issue:

BIOTA Reaches Cantilan, Surigao del Sur……….. 2

Announcements …………………………..………. 3

(Re)launching of BIOTA Project …………………. 4

In Memoriam: Dr. Eduardo P. de Leon …………… 4

BIOTAns Elect Officers & Board of Directors……. 6

November 2007 BIOTA Newsletter 2

Top: Teacher-participants discuss topics for Investigatory Projects with Dr. Edna Amparado. Bottom: Newly-elected Caraga Chapter Officers with members of the National BIOTA Governing Board.

President : ANA MARIE T. ACEVEDO Vice President : EMMYLOU A. BORJA Secretary : CHAILE M. SALINAS Treasurer : GEMMA A. GRUYAL Auditor : MAURICE A. TAJONERA PRO : Dr. TITO G. RAFIL

Board of Directors: MA. THERESA Q. YUSICO MAURICIO S. ADLAON JOCELYN ALIPAO ZALDY D. ALIMA CARLENIE ARANAS

JOYSIE P. SABEJON SEPTERIANO B. SENOC, JR.

A region-wide seminar-workshop on Enhancing Teaching Competencies of the Biology Teachers for Quality Education was held at Surigao del Sur Polytechnic State College-SSIT Campus, Surigao del Sur on September 19-21, 2007 in cooperation with the national BIOTA governing board, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Department of Education. This was participated in by over 55 teachers from the elementary, secondary and tertiary levels both in public and private schools in the CARAGA Region.

Plenary speakers were from the national BIOTA officers and board headed by the president, Prof. Rosie S. Madulid, who gave an inspirational message. Prof. Alfonso Pagulayan, Jr. (who was the resource speaker on the topic The Curriculum and You), Dr. Jessamyn O. Yazon (for Science Investigatory Project Making), Ms. Dolores Mateo (on Computer-Aided Instruction and Construction of Instructional Materials), Ms. Genersol Monton (on Construction of Instructional Materials) and Dr. Edna Amparado (on Science Investigatory Project Making) shared their expertise with the teacher-participants.

With the 3-day program covering lectures and practicum, learning was gained and the great experience added to teachers’ confidence, knowledge, and skills, which are deemed to be the key for their students’ maximum learning.

The seminar-workshop also provided an opportunity for biology educators from 27 different schools to organize the BIOTA Caraga Chapter and elect their officers. With true BIOTAn spirit of commitment to service, the officers had their first organizational meeting right after the closing ceremony. Kudos to the national BIOTA officers and board members, for the precious time, effort, and expertise they shared with the participants, and for giving them the privilege of becoming BIOTA members. Congratulations to the BIOTA Caraga Chapter! -by Ana Marie T. Acevedo

BIOTA Reaches Cantilan, Surigao del Sur: The Installation of BIOTA Caraga Chapter

Pioneering members of the newly-installed BIOTA Caraga Chapter pose for posterity.

Ms. Dolly Mateo provided hands-on activities on computer-aided instruction

November 2007 BIOTA Newsletter 3

The 4th Symposium on Asian Pteridology (Nov. 12 – 18, 2007) Farmers Training Center, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon

The symposium is organized and hosted by CMU in coordination with Philippine Horticultural Society, Japan Pteridological Society, and Los Angeles International Fern Society, and in cooperation with the National Committee for DIVERSITAS. The theme is “The Richness of Asian Ferns: Their Uses and Study”. It will be enriched by poster presentations and by showcasing the diversity and economic species of Philippine/Asian ferns through a Garden Show. For fees and other details contact Dr. Victor B. Amoroso, CMU, Musuan, Bukidnon 8710 at TeleFax: (088)-356-1850; (088) 356-1872/ 1873/ 1878; amorosovic@yahoo.com. [Text taken from http://asianpteridology.cmu.edu.ph].

The PSM Cluster I Symposium: Microbes Unlimited

PSM… for Health and Wellness (Nov. 24, 2007)

5th Floor Yuchengco Seminar Room, De La Salle University, Taft Ave., Manila

Health is wealth! Placing premium on health ushered in new discoveries and products to achieve such goal. Most of these products are derived either from microbial cells or microbial processes. Indeed, microbes have emerged as our new partners in attaining human health and wellness. This symposium is a showcase of representative microorganisms currently used for achieving our goal of good health. It will provide an array of information to help us appreciate and understand theoretical and technical aspects behind use of these microbes. Pre-registration fee (on or before Oct. 30): PSM member – Php 600; Incoming members – Php700; Nonmembers – Php800; Undergraduate students – Php500. On-site registration fee: Php 800, 900, 1000, and 600, respectively. For more details and to pre-register, contact Prof. Anthony Lee (DLSU), Telefax (02) 536-0228, or Pierangeli Vital (UPIB) at (02) 920-5471. [Text taken from symposium flyer.]

The 6

th Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress (Nov. 25-29, 2007)

Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

The Sixth Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress - The Interface of Chemistry and Biology in the ‘Omics’ Era is organized as a forum that will highlight how linkages between these areas of research contribute to the treatment and prevention of diseases in the global population. The significance of fast-growing interdisciplinary research, spanning work from the level of the molecule to the whole body system will be brought into focus on 2 main themes: ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH, and DRUG DISCOVERY. Registration fee (in US$): Participant – $500 (after October 15, 2007 or On-site); Accompanying person -$100; Student - $250. Visit the website for details. [Text taken from congress website: http://www.cri.or.th/pc6/registration.php]

34

th PSBMB Annual Convention and Ecotour (Nov. 29- Dec. 1, 2007)

Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Muñoz, Nueva Ecija This year's theme focuses on agricultural biotechnology: highlighting how modern tools in biochemistry and molecular biology are now being harnessed to better understand and improve the performance of agricultural crops and livestock. It will also feature the emerging agribiotech industry as well as its horizons. Current research in the health, marine, aquatic, and environmental sciences, and natural products will complete the picture of the exciting developments in biochemistry and molecular biology. Convention Fees: Members PhP2,700; Non-members P3,000; Undergraduate students with valid ID or other proof of school registration P1,800. To register or for details go to www.psbmb.org or contact maramarababb@yahoo.com. [Text taken from website.]

12th

Annual Convention of the Natural Products Society of the Philippines (Dec. 6-7, 2007) Local Government Academy Training Center, UP Los Baños Campus

This year’s convention theme is “Regulatory Regime for Herbal Products”. Visit the website for convention details: www.geocities.com/natprodphils/ or www.natprod.org. For abstract submission contact Dr. Delia Ontengco dcontengco07@yahoo.com.ph. 7

th Human Genome Organization (HUGO)-Pacific Meeting and

8th

Asia-Pacific Conference on Human Genetics (April 2-6, 2008) Shangrila’s Resort and Hotel, Mactan Island, Cebu

This international conference will be held for the first time in the Philippines with the theme “Genomics for Better Health in the Asia Pacific.” It is expected to bring together an outstanding collection of speakers (including a Nobel laureate), scientists, clinicians, researchers and students from all over the country and the world to share their expertise in their respective fields. Plenary sessions include topics on: Genetic Diversity in Asia, Ethical Issues in Genetics, Genomic Medicine, Cancer Genomics, Systems Biology in the Practice of Medicine, Bioinformatics, Regulatory RNA. Conference Fees (exclusive of accommodations) before Dec. 31/Feb. 15: Members US$ 275/$350, Nonmembers $325/$400, Students with valid ID $150/$150. For conference details and registration, visit http://www.hugo-ap2008.ph/. [Text taken from website.] CALL FOR PAPERS: National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Scientific Poster Session 30

th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), July 9-10, 2008, Manila Philippines

Papers for the Scientific Poster Session on Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemical, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Engineering Sciences and Technology, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences are invited. Theme of the 30th ASM is “Energy Security and Sustainability: Assessing the Present and Foreseeing the Future”. A special prize will be given to an outstanding poster paper whose topic is related to the theme. Check www.nast.dost.gov.ph for submission guidelines and other details. Submission deadline: Jan. 15, 2008; Telefax: (02) 8373170; Email: 30thasm_poster@nast.ph. [Text from the ASM flyer.]

BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

"He who dares to teach must never cease to learn." - Richard Henry Dann

November 2007 BIOTA Newsletter 4

BIOTA Seminar-Workshop Series: Concepts and Updates in Biology

Institute of Biology, UP Diliman, Quezon City, December 7-9, 2007

In cooperation with UP Diliman Institute of Biology, BIOTA-Philippines invites current and prospective members to this seminar-workshop that aims to re-tool teachers with basic concepts and skills in biology. The 3-day seminar-workshop also seeks to keep participants abreast with new trends and issues in different fields of biology particularly in the following: Cell Biology, Genetics, Plant Development, Animal Development, Plant Physiology, Animal Physiology, Ecology, Biostatistics. Registration fee: Php 2,500. Fees inclusive of snacks, and lunch on Sunday. For registration and accommodation inquiries, contact Edna Amparado (UP-IB) at Telefax (02) 9205471 or edna_amparado@yahoo.com; or Jessamyn Yazon (PSHS) at joyazon.pshs@gmail.com or Telefax (02) 929-1606.

BIOTA Seminar-Workshop Series: Investigatory Projects in the High School Curriculum

Xavier School, Green Hills, Mandaluyong City, January 11-12, 2008

BIOTA-Philippines invites members and non-members who are currently or prospectively teaching science research/ investigatory projects. The seminar-workshop aims to equip secondary teacher-participants with basic concepts and skills needed to mentor their students in the conduct of science research/ investigatory projects. Topics include basic principles in planning and conducting scientific research, and tips in poster and oral presentations. Workshop activities will include a “research clinic” on choosing and refining a research topic. Registration fee: Php 2,000 (with kit, 4 snacks, 2 lunches). To be assured of a slot, pre-register through Edna Amparado (UP IB) at Telefax (02) 9205471 or edna_amparado@yahoo.com; or Jessamyn Yazon (PSHS) at Telefax (02) 929-1606 or joyazon.pshs@gmail.com.

CALL FOR MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION: The Philippine BIOTA Journal The editorial staff of The Philippine BIOTA invites submission of articles for publication. Articles submitted for consideration are primary and original papers. Review articles may occasionally be accepted. In all other cases, papers should present new and previously unpublished materials. Manuscripts are selected for publication according to editorial assessement of their suitability, and the reviews of independent referees. Manuscripts will be sent to two or three reviewers, chosen for their expertise. Contributors may suggest reviewers. For details on preparation of manuscripts and submission guidelines, contact Lucille C. Gregorio (Editor): lucillegregorio2002@yahoo.com; or Jessamyn O. Yazon (Associate Editor): Telefax: (02) 929-1606; Email: joyazon.pshs@gmail.com.

BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

BIOTA IS NOW ONLINE: http://www.biotaphilippines.bravehost.com

To receive announcements on BIOTA national or chapter activities, and on other organizational conferences or seminar-workshops join the BIOTA egroup: BIOTA_Philippines-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Accomplishments and projects of BIOTA chapters, as well as individual BIOTAns can be submitted to Jessamyn O. Yazon: Telefax: (02) 9291606; Email: joyazon.pshs@gmail.com.

(Re)launching of BIOTA Project: Teacher Training Program

The BIOTA national governing board (re)launched its successful Teacher Training Program with the workshop entitled “Exploring the MicroWorld: Techniques and Discoveries” held October 18-19, 2007 in UST. This first seminar-workshop in the SY 2007-08 series was co-sponsored by BIOTA-UST Chapter and Department of Biological Sciences, UST. Nineteen biology teachers from all over the country attended the hands-on workshop aimed to update and strengthen biology teachers’ knowledge and skills in microbiology. Highlights of the workshop were activities on microbial bioluminescence for pollution monitoring, media preparation using locally available materials, probiotic bacteria for health and fitness, and diversity of microalgae.

See announcements above for details on forthcoming seminar-workshops within the BIOTA teacher training program. We hope to see you there!

In Memoriam: In Memoriam: In Memoriam: In Memoriam: DR. EDUARDO P. DE LEDR. EDUARDO P. DE LEDR. EDUARDO P. DE LEDR. EDUARDO P. DE LEONONONON

BIOTA-Philippines extends its deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and friends of Dr. Eduardo P. de Leon, BIOTA President 2003-2007, who passed away on October 22, 2007 at the age of 53.

Doc Ed founded the “Adopt-a-School” prog-ram of BIOTA wherein microscopes and other educational materials are donated to schools with limited resources. To a great friend and mentor: Doc Ed – thank you for your legacy of leadership and service!

Thank you for posting this sheet

on your school bulletin board for teachers’ future

reference.

November 2007 BIOTA Newsletter 5

BIOTAns Elect Officers… (cont’d from p.6) ROSALINDA MERCEDES E. CASTILLO (Auditor) La Consolacion College, Manila, lyndy_312@yahoo.com Ms. Lyndy Castillo finished BS and MS Biology degrees from the Centro Escolar University, and is currently completing her PhD in Biology at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. EDNA A. AMPARADO, PhD (Public Relations Officer)

Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Telefax: (02) 920-5471, edna_amparado@yahoo.com

Dr. Edna Amparado earned a BS Pre-med (Univ. of San Agustin), an MAT Biology (UP College Iloilo), and a PhD Zoology (UP Diliman) degree. When she is not busy

with her research work or teaching job, Edna spends time collecting mayanas and taking care of her dog, Poochie.

GLORITA GAY P. FAN (Board of Director) Science Dept. Head, Marist School, Marikina City; Tel. (02) 9420526 Loc. 228; Gpfan1@yahoo.com.ph

Ms. Gay Fan is biology teacher and Earth Saver's Club moderator in Marist School. Gay’s interests include: playing volleyball, making flower arrangements, nature tripping, and strolling in different malls. SONIA DONALDO-JACINTO, PhD (Board of Director)

Assoc. Professor, Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City; Telefax: (02) 920-5471, soniajac2002@yahoo.com

Dr. Sonia Jacinto’s educational credentials include: BS Biology (Univ. of San Carlos), MS and PhD Biology (UP Diliman). Sonia was researcher in UP- NSRC, and instructor

in UPLB before joining UP Diliman-Institute of Biology. Her current work is on the conduct of cell and enzyme based assays to establish cancer chemotherapeutic and/or chemopreventive properties of plant and animal extracts. She has a patent for “Synergistic combination of marine compounds and use thereof in the treatment of cancer”. Her other interests are cooking, baking, gardening, and swimming.

GENERSOL GUARDAYA-MONTON (Board of Director) Biology Teacher, Fort Bonifacio High School, Makati; Tel. (02) 750-1258; Telefax (02) 882-3945, gem_f5@yahoo.com

Ms. Gene G. Monton is recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the prestigious Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Award for 2004. Gene earned B.S. Fisheries (MSU), BEEd (Bukidnon State College), and M.S. Biology (ADMU) degrees. She taught in Mindanao State University-NFHS, Misamis Oriental, and currently teaches at Fort Bonifacio High School and University of Makati. Gene has initiated an annual gift-giving project to Makati City

residents in depressed areas as a token of appreciation and gratitude, and as her expression of social responsibility. GLORINA PEREZ-OROZCO (Board of Director) Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Mathematics & Natural Sciences, Far Eastern University, Morayta, Manila, Tel: (02) 735-5621 L227, orozcogp@yahoo.com Prof. Bebot Orozco holds degrees in BS Biology (UPLB) and MS Microbiology (UP Diliman), and is currently working on her dissertation for a PhD in Environ- mental Science (UPLB). Bebot taught at the College of St. Benilde, St. Scholastica’s College, College of the Holy Spirit, and Perpetual Help College of Rizal. She worked as researcher at UP Natural Science Research Institute. Bebot is recipient of various outstanding teacher awards from universities where she has taught.

EUGENE P. QUIJANO, JR. (Board of Director) Biology and General Science Teacher, Xavier School, Mandaluyong City, Tel:(02) 723-0481 L264, euge@xs.edu.ph Mr. Euge Quijano earned a BS Biology degree (UST), and a Certification Program in Education (UP). He is currently on his MA Education (PNU). Euge has taught at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Marist School, and St. Joseph’s College, and has conducted research work with DOST-PCHRD, and DepEd-NETRC. His special interests include environmental education. Euge also loves to spend time watching movies, reading books, listening to music, nature tripping, swimming, and collecting stamps, local coins, and Mcdonald’s dog toys (!). JOHN DONNIE A. RAMOS, PhD (Board of Director)

Assoc. Professor & Researcher, Dept. of Biological Sciences, UST, España, Manila; Tel: (02) 406-1611 Loc 8297 or 4056, ramosjda@yahoo.com Dr. John Ramos has a PhD in Molecular Biology/ Immunology (National University of Singapore). He is recipient of numerous awards, including the 2005 National Academy of Science & Technology

(NAST) Outstanding Young Scien-tist award in Molecular Biology/ Immunology, and 2004 NAST-DuPont Far East Talent Search for Young Scientists. John’s work on house dust mite allergy has been published in several peer-reviewed international journals. He has presented his research work in various conferences and training programs here and abroad.

CIRILO E. VISTA, JR. (Board of Dir.)

Natural Science Dept., Adamson University, Ermita, Manila; Tel: 524-2011 L210; jun_vista@yahoo.com Mr. Jun Vista has a BS Biology degree, and is a candidate for an MA in Educational Supervision and Administration, Adamson University.

November 2007 BIOTA Newsletter 6

BIOTAns Elect Officers and Board of Directors for 2007-2009

At the 42nd Annual BIOTA Convention held in UST, Manila, BIOTAns elected a new set of officers and board of directors for SYs 2007-2009. Know more about the officers and members of the current governing board as you read about their accomplishments, advocacies, and interests. Establish linkages to let them know how they can better serve you as they partner with you in the different BIOTA projects. ROSIE S. MADULID (President) Asst. Prof. College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila, Tel. (02) 406-1611 L8297; redrose2846@yahoo.co.uk

Prof. Rose Madulid is Chair of the UST Dept. of Biological Sciences; Curator of the UST Herbarium; and Researcher at the Research Center for Natural Sciences. She is a B.S. Botany (UP Diliman) and an MS Biological Sciences (UST) graduate, and is a PhD candidate in Biological Sciences (UST). Rose has authored various publications including the Compendium of

Trees and Shrubs of the UST Campus and A Guidebook to Phytochemical Studies: Botany Section, the latter winning DOST Best Book Award in 2006. Rose’s fields of interest include Plant Systematics, Conservation Biology, Herbarium Curation, Ethnobotany, and Genetics.

ALFONSO G. PAGULAYAN, JR. (Vice President) Biology Dept., Far Eastern University, Nicanor Reyes St., Manila; Tel. (02) 735-5621 Loc. 227, apagjr@yahoo.com Prof. Jun Pagulayan has BS Zoology and MAT Biology degrees, and is a doctoral candidate in Zoology (FEU). He teaches in FEU’s Department of Biological Sciences and Institute of Nursing. Sir Jun has taught for the past 38 years and is the first elected auditor of the BIOTA Philippines.

JESSAMYN MARIE O. YAZON, Ph.D. (Secretary) Officer-in-Charge, Philippine Science High School, Agham Road, Q.C.; Telefax: (02) 929-1606; joyazon.pshs@gmail.com

Dr. Jess Yazon has B.S. and M.S. Biology degrees (UP Diliman), and a Ph.D. Curriculum Studies in Science Education (University of British Columbia, Canada). Jess has taught Integrated Science, Biology, Science Research; and served as Biology-Research Unit Coordina-tor at the PSHS-Main Campus. In Canada, she conducted re- search studies on the uses of ICT in education, and on inquiry- and design-based pedagogy. Through active involvement in teacher training programs of BIOTA and other educational institutions, Jess hopes to contribute to the improvement of science teaching and learning in the country.

DOLORES A. MATEO (Treasurer) Biology teacher & Registrar, La Salle Green Hills, Ortigas Ave., Mandaluyong City , Tel. No. 727 2660; Fax # 726 0865, dollyamateo@yahoo.com

Ms. Dolly Mateo is a BSE in Biology & General Science (UST), and MAEd in Science Education (PNU) graduate. She has taught in various institutions including: Bataan Natio-nal School of Arts & Trades, Eulogio Rodriguez Institute of Science Tech-nology (where she received a Best Teacher Award), and Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Having handled English, Biology, and even Citizens’ Army Training classes in the past, Dolly is dedicated in making a difference in the lives of her students. (con’t. p. 5)

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BIOTA NewsletterBIOTA NewsletterBIOTA NewsletterBIOTA Newsletter

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BIOLOGY TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF

THE PHILIPPINES, INC. Vol. IX, No. 2, November 2007

EDITORIAL BOARD

Jessamyn Marie O. Yazon John Donnie A. Ramos

Rosie S. Madulid Ana Marie T. Acevedo (Contributor)

BIOTA-Philippines, Inc. Dept. of Biological Sciences University of Santo Tomas España, Manila