UP Los Baños for the reac-tivation of its chapter.

RUNNERS-UP

DILIMAN

President:

Dr. Rosanelia T. Yangco

WESTERN MINDANAO

President

Dr. Milagros C. Tan

WESTERN VISAYAS

President

Prof. Edgar M. Hortillosa

Caves in Quirino, Magat hydroelec-tric power plant, and Bahay Isa-bela that chronicles Isabela’s his-tory and culture.

43rd Annual National Convention and Scientific Sessions at the University of La Salette, Santiago City 10-12 April 2008

BIOTA NEWSLETTER

The convention was attended by 185 participants from all over the country. There were 35 posters, 15 lectures and 20 workshops. Fr. Romeo B. Gon-zales, MS, PhD, president of ULS welcomed participants and guests. Keynote address was delivered by Dr. Virginia P. Resurreccion, Director IV, CHED Region 2. The first ple-nary speaker, Dr. Evelyn Mae T. Mendoza, a NAST academi-c ian delivered a talk , “Understanding Modern Bio-technology” that translated biotechnology into layman’s language. In her lecture, “Biology Educators’ Challenge: Promoting S and T Literacy for All for National Development”, Prof. Lucille Gregorio, execu-tive director of the Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Mathematics Education and Research, and current The Phil-ippine BIOTA journal editor encouraged active involvement of biologists to attain this na-tional goal. Dr. Rita P. Laude, Vice Chancellor for Instruction in UP-Los Baños enlightened biologists on “Trends in Genet-

ics Education in the Philip-pines”. Dr. Alyssa Peleo-Alampay, a UP-Diliman geologist professor and a 2007 Ten Outstanding Women in the Nations Ser-vice (TOWNS) awardee for Science spoke on the burn-ing issue of “Global Cli-mate Changes: What it Means to Us.” Dr. Eva Marie Cutiongco-de la Paz, 2007 TOWNS awardee in Genetic Medicine, stressed the role of genes in health and disease management in “Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacogenetics: Do genes determine the drugs I take and the food I eat?”

AWARDS

The best poster paper was awarded to Dr. Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro and his research team from the University of Sto. Tomas for their pioneering work on the molecular phylogeny of selected genera of Philippine plants.

Niño A. Espinas, Maria Elena K. Dacanay, Frederick T. Talaue, and Melanie Anne B. Cheng of Phil. Science High Sch00l (PSHS)-Main Campus garnered the best lecture award for their pres-entation, “Creating a Field Biology Program for Your School: Lessons from the PSHS-Main Campus Experi-ence”. The best workshop paper was won by Justin Guce and Dawn Crisologo of PSHS-Main Campus for their demonstration on “DNA De-tectives: Solving mysteries using DNA Technology”.

Angelica Ruiz Bautista of Far Eastern University-Manila won the Young Biologists Forum award for her re-search, “Biodiesel Produc-tion from Noctilucta scintil-lani (Red-tide Forming Flag-ellate) Using Homogeniza-tion Solvent Extraction as Oil Extraction Method”. Her adviser is Ms. Irene Donnes.

FIELD TRIP

Participants visited Aglipay

Volume X No.2

November 2008

iInside this issue:

43rd Annual National Convention

1

National Governing Board Conducts 2-day Lecture Series

2

Caraga Chapter Holds Regional Convention

2

BIOTAns Attend Asia-Pacific Conference

2

Adopt-a-School Pro-ject

4

Criteria for 2009 Con-vention Awards

4

Continuing Call for Manuscript Submis-sion: The Philippine BIOTA

4

Announcements: Conventions and Conferences

3

O f f i c ia l Pub l i ca t ion o f B IOTA Ph i l ipp ines , Inc .

In this Issue

2008 MOST PRODUCTIVE BIOTA CHAPTER

UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS President:

Dr. Grecebio J. D. Alejandro

National Governing Board Conducts 2National Governing Board Conducts 2National Governing Board Conducts 2National Governing Board Conducts 2----day Lecture Seriesday Lecture Seriesday Lecture Seriesday Lecture Series Thirty teachers attended the 2-day lecture series “Concepts and Updates in Biology: Core Areas” conducted by the national governing board in coop-eration with the Institute of Biology, U.P. Diliman on July 25-26, 2008. On the first day Dr. Sonia D. Jacinto lectured on cell biology; Dr. Jonas P. Qui-lang on genetics; Dr. Windell L. Rivera on microbiology. On the second day Dr. Lilian B. Ungson and Dr. Edna A. Amparado gave lectures on plant and animal development, respectively. Prof. Rosie S. Madulid talked on plant physiology and Dr. John A. Ramos on immunobiology. Dr. Dan Lagunzad talked on ecological concepts and introduced teaching strategies on e-learning.

CARAGA CHAPTER HOLDS REGIONAL CONVENTION

President: Ana Marie T. Acevedo

Chaired by Emmylou Borja, the first Caraga regional convention (Surigao Education Center, Aug. 20-22, 2008, Theme: Biotechniques and Bioresearch) was attended by 47 teachers and 44 students. Surigao City Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra welcomed participants and guests, and presented the environmental projects of his administration. Dr. Jesusita L. Arteche of CHED delivered the keynote address.

On Day 1, Dr. Sonia D. Jacinto (UP Diliman) spoke on the molecules involved in the cell cycle in “Focus on the Wheel of Life: The Cell Cycle”. Dr. Teresita R. Perez (Ateneo De Manila University) enlightened the audience on the necessity of monitoring water quality in “Water, The Vital Resource”. Dr. Windell L. Rivera (UP Diliman) discussed “Protozoa as Causal agents of Waterborne Zoonotic Diseases”. At the fellowship night, the audience was entertained with Surigao native dances and songs by students of the region. Typical of Surigaonon hospitality, a sumptuous dinner was served complete with lechon.

Aiming to enhance participants’ research capability, Dr. Jessamyn Marie O. Yazon (PSHS-Main Campus) lectured on Day 2 on the stepwise process of con-ducting science research in “Updates on Bioresearch: Concepts and Skills”. Dr. Edna A. Amparado (UP Diliman) spoke on the role of internal & external agents in human fetal development in “The Environment in Development.”

Dr. Carlos Donoso (Surigao Polytechnic University) and Dr. Lilia Z. Boyles (Northern Mindanao Science & Technology) presented the research works they conducted in the region.

On Day 3, Dr. John Donnie A. Ramos (University of Santo Tomas) spoke on uses of online tools on DNA, RNA and amino acid sequence, and basic applica-tions of these tools in “Bioinformatics: Analysis of Biological Information in the 21st Century”. Edward A. Quinto (UST) presented his award-winning technique in the talk “Bioluminiscence: The Good Blue Living Light for a Greener World”, wherein marine luminous bacteria are used in monitoring environmental and food quality.

Prof. Genersol G. Monton (Fort Bonifacio High School) and Eugene P. Qui-jano, Jr. (Xavier School) demonstrated innovative, creative teaching techniques through their workshop on “Active Learning Strategies in Teaching Biology”.

Participants highly evaluated the 1st Caraga regional convention. Equipped with basic and advanced knowledge and skills learned from the convention, teacher-participants look forward to new ways to enhance instruction and re-search in their classrooms.

Page 2

43rd National Convention

BIOTAns Attend Asia-Pacific Conference

Dr. Jessamyn O. Yazon (BIOTA national secretary) and Ms. Corazon Monica B. Sabio (former BIOTA board member) from the Philippine Science High School-Main Campus, and the PSHS System, respectively, attended the 10th Asia-Pacific

Conference on Gift-edness with the theme “Nurturing Talents for the Global Community” on July 14-18, 2008 in Nanyang Techno-logical University, Singapore. They pre-sented their paper on “Nurturing Gifted-ness in Science and Mathematics among Filipino Students” wherein they shared the PSHS’ program and best practices in the selection & devel-opment of the coun-try’s future scientists and engineers.

Volume X No.2 November 2008

CONVENTIONS and CONFERENCES

BE AN ACTIVE BE AN ACTIVE BE AN ACTIVE BE AN ACTIVE

BIOTA MEMBERBIOTA MEMBERBIOTA MEMBERBIOTA MEMBER

Accomplishments and projects of BIOTA

Chapters and individual Biotans, as well as

requests for assistance to organize a local

chapter, may be submitted to:

Jessamyn O. Yazon

BIOTA Secretary Telefax (02) 924-0639; 926-3137 Email joyazon.pshs@gmail.com

*****************

To receive announcements on BIOTA na-

tional or chapter activities, and on other

organizational conferences or seminar-

workshops join the BIOTA e-group by

sending an email message to:

BIOTA_Philippines-

subscribe@yahoogroups.com

DILIMAN CHAPTER

The Diliman BIOTA Chapter will hold its an-

nual meeting on March 7, 2009 at the Col-

lege of Education, University of the Philip-

pines-Diliman, Quezon City. The theme of

this annual meeting is on “Global Warming

and the Ecosystem”. Guest speaker is Dr.

Alyssa Peleo-Alampay. For details, contact

Dr. Rosanelia T. Yangco, Diliman Chapter

president (rtyangco@yahoo.com; Cell: 0921-

5006389).

CARAGA CONVENTION

The Caraga BIOTA Chapter will hold its 2nd

Regional Convention on August 2009 at the

Fr. Urios University, Butuan City, Agusan del

Norte. Interested participants may contact

Ms. Ana Marie T. Acevedo, Caraga Chap-

ter president (anacevedo03@yahoo.com, Cell:

0921-8132960) for details.

Prof. Glorina P. Orozco, current member of the national governing board and fac-ulty member of Far Eastern University-Manila, is a new Ph.D. Environmental Science graduate from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños. She success-fully defended her dissertation entitled “Biophysicochemical and Socioeconomic Study of Two Major Manila Esteros”. Her adviser is Dr. Macrina Zafaralla.

Dr. Annabelle A. Herrera, professor of Biology, University of the Philippines in Diliman is a recipient of the prestigious UP Scientist Award for her numerous international and local publications in the biological sciences. She is also a UP Cen-tennial Professorial chair awardee.

Dr. Minda H. Formacion, former president of Western Visayas chapter is appointed as new Chancellor of the Uni-versity of the Philippines in the Visayas.

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF

ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE

EDUCATION (ICASE) SYMPOSIUM

Theme: Bridging the Gap between For-

mal and Informal Science Education

1-3 November 2009

Guangxi Normal University

Guilin, P.R. China

http://www. risechina.org

PHIL SOCIETY FOR MICROBIOL-OGY, Inc (PSM) Annual Convention

and 38th Scientific Meeting

“Incredible Microbes”

14-15 May 2009

Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila

Pedro Gil corner M.H. del Pilar Sts., Malate, Manila

http://www.philsocmicro.com

PHILIPPINE SOCIETY IN DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY

FIRST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

26 September 2009

Institute of Biology University of the Philippines

Diliman, Quezon City

Contact:

aaherera@gmail.com edna_amparado@yahoo.com

Page 3 Volume X No.2 November 2008

The University of Makati located at J.P. Rizal St., West Rembo, Makati City will

host the 44th Annual BIOTA National Convention on April 2-4, 2009

Dr. Glorina N. Pocsidio, professor of Biology, University of the Philippines in Diliman is a UP Centennial Professorial Chair awardee 2008.

Dr. Filipinas F. Natividad, former vice president of BIOTA national governing board, is awarded by the Department of Science and Technology-National Academy of Science and Technology as one of the 50 Outstanding Scientists of the Philippines.

The NATIONAL GOVERNING

BOARD in cooperation with the Insti-

tute of Biology, University of the Philip-

pines-Diliman will conduct a 2-day

seminar-workshop on “Conducting Sci-

ence Investigatory Projects” in May 14-

15, 2009 at the Institute of Biology, Dili-

man, Quezon City. Topics include:

• Introduction to Scientific Research

• Bioassays

• Use of Animal Models: In vivo and in vitro techniques

• Plant Culture

• Microbial Techniques

• Biostatistics

Fee: Php 3000.00

For pre-registration and other work-

shop details, contact: Dr. Edna A. Am-

parado (edna_amparado@yahoo.com)

or Dr. Jessamyn Marie O. Yazon

(joyazon.pshs@gmail.com; CP: 0927-

8084353).

Adopt-a-School Project

The national governing board donated 2 new micro-scopes to the San Rafael National High School, Ta-gaon, Camarines Sur on October 19, 2008 through Mr. Heriberto Bacud, SRNHS science coordinator. As initially envisioned by the late Doc Eduardo P. de Leon, former BIOTA presi-dent, the “Adopt-a-School” project, aims to provide much-needed assistance to schools, in line with BIOTA’s commitment to promote better learning in Biology.

CRITERIA FOR 2009 CONVENTION AWARDS

In recognition of the exemplary efforts of BIOTA members who actively participate as presenters at the national convention, the Best Poster, Seminar, and Workshop will be awarded. The evaluation criteria for the Best Seminar and the Best Work-shop awards are as follows:

♦ ABSTRACTS for oral or poster presentations should be submitted by Feb. 16, 2009.

♦ The Screening Committee evaluates all abstracts and emails presenters if paper has been accepted for presentation, and under what category (e.g. competing or non-competing).

♦ All notified presenters should submit a full-length seminar paper or workshop handout (for oral presentations only), and a one-page CV highlights on or before March 9, 2009.

♦ Deadline for paper submissions will be strictly followed. Non-submission of full papers by competing presenters disqualifies them from the Awards competition.

♦ All competing presenters will be clustered in one venue during the convention for evaluation by the board of judges.

Dept. of Biological Sciences University of Sto. Tomas España, Manila

BIOTA Ph i l ipp ines , Inc .BIOTA Ph i l ipp ines , Inc .BIOTA Ph i l ipp ines , Inc .BIOTA Ph i l ipp ines , Inc . (SEC Reg. No. CN200900931)

NATIONAL GOVERNING BOARDNATIONAL GOVERNING BOARDNATIONAL GOVERNING BOARDNATIONAL GOVERNING BOARD

2007200720072007----2009200920092009

President: Rosie S. Madulid University of Santo Tomas

Vice President: Alfonso G. Pagulayan, Jr. Far Eastern University

Secretary: Jessamyn Marie O. Yazon Phil Science High School-Main

Treasurer: Dolores A. Mateo La Salle Green Hills

Auditor: Rosalinda M. E. Castillo La Consolacion College-Manila

Press Relations Officer: Edna A. Amparado Univ. of the Philippines-Diliman Board of Directors

Glorita Gay P. Fan (Marist School)

Sonia D. Jacinto (Univ. of the Philippines-Diliman)

Genersol G. Monton (Fort Bonifacio High School)

Glorina P. Orozco (Far Eastern University- Manila)

John Donnie A. Ramos (Univ. of Santo Tomas)

Eugene P. Quijano, Jr. (Xavier School)

Cirilo E. Vista, Jr. (Adamson University)

BIOTA �EWSLETTER

Official Publication of theOfficial Publication of theOfficial Publication of theOfficial Publication of the BIOLOGY TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC.

Volume X No. 2 November 2008

EDITORIAL BOARD

Edna A. Amparado

Contributors

Sonia D. Jacinto ◊ Jessamyn Marie O. Yazon

CONTINUING CALL FOR

MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION:

The Philippine BIOTA The editorial staff of The Philippine BIOTA invites

the submission of electronic copies of articles.

Articles submitted for consideration are PRIMARY

and ORIGINAL papers. Review articles may occa-

sionally be accepted. In all cases, papers should

present NEW and previously UNPUBLISHED ma-

terials on any topic relevant to Biology or Science

Education, or to Biology Research. Manuscripts are

selected for publication according to the editorial

assessment of their relevance, and the reviews of

two or three independent referees who are chosen

for their expertise. Contributors may suggest re-

viewers. After a peer review process, the editorial

board will decide whether an article is accepted for

publication. Manuscripts cannot be submitted for

publication elsewhere, unless they were not ac-

cepted by The Philippine BIOTA. For details on

preparation of manuscripts and submission guide-

lines contact the Editorial Board:

Lucille C. Gregorio, Editor (lucillegregorio2002@yahoo.com)

Sonia D. Jacinto (soniajac2002@yahoo.com)

Jessamyn O. Yazon (joyazon.pshs@gmail.com)

Volume X No.2 November 2008 Page 4

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING SEMINAR WORKSHOP

Full-length paper/ manuscript

♦ Relevance to theme ♦ Content/ technical validity

♦ Organization and clarity ♦ Innovativeness ♦ Style in writing

♦ Accuracy of paper ♦ Presentation and readability

50%

40%

Oral presentation (on-site evaluation)

♦ Relevance to theme ♦ Content/ technical validity

♦ Organization and clarity ♦ Mastery of subject matter/ Ability to answer questions ♦ Delivery and preparedness

♦ Presentation, Visual aids or Workshop specimens ♦ Time management

♦ Audience impact

50%

60%