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DENR leads 2011 National Biotechnology Week

Senator Edgardo J. Angara (4th from left) Chairman of the Senate Commit-tee on Science and Technology, DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje and DA Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano cut the ribbon during the opening day of the National Biotechnology Week held at the DENR on November 21, 2011. Also in photo are ERDB-DENR Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. (rightmost), Dr. Amelia P. Guevara, Executive Director of PCIERD, DOST (leftmost) and Dr. Oscar Gutierrez of the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) of the Department of Health (DOH).

T he 7th National Biotechnology Week was celebrated this year with the DENR as

Chair of the organizing committee. The DOST co-chaired this year’s event. The annual cele-bration had the theme “Bioteknolohiya para sa Kalikasan, Kalusugan Ok ang 5k sa Biotech: Suportahan at Tangkilikin Natin!” The event was held on November 21-26, 2011 at the DENR, Visayas Avenue in Quezon City.

The National Biotechnology Week (NBW) was organized by the eight departments of the government through Presidential Procla-mation 1414 Declaring every last week of No-vember of Every Year as “National Biotechnol-ogy Week” which includes the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Education (DepED), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Commission on Higher

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DENR Research Sector conducts Management Conference

T he 4th DENR Research Sector Management Con-ference was held on Dec. 13-15, 2011 at the Trad-

ers Hotel, Roxas Boulevard. Ninety (90) participants attended the conference composed of 51 representa-tives from the Regional ERDS, 30 from the ERDB EXE-COM members, Program Leaders, and PMISU and FASD staff while nine (9) representatives were from the DENR Central office.

USEC for Staff Bureaus, Manuel D. Gerochi exhorted the Research Sector to accelerate RDE pro-jects. Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. delivered the open-ing remarks. He emphasized that the management con-

ference marks an important reckoning for the special programs entrusted to the sector. He said that this activ-ity hopes to provide guidance for the implementation of RDE Programs/Projects and the NGP-PQPM for 2012.

The eight Program Leaders presented the ac-complishments for 2011 and the targets for 2012. A workshop to discuss the work and financial plan for the program and projects was held on the first day.

On the 2nd day, Dir. Marcial C. Amaro, Jr.also presented the status of NGP-PQPM including the issues

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INSIDE: 2 93rd Parade of Alumni highlights UPLB Loyalty Day 3 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Ecofriendly

Schools winners awarded 6 School-based ENR program continued 7 FORESPI leads ceremonial tree planting at Splash

Island 7 ERDB in the 26th ICC for “Trash Free Seas” 8 Year - End Employees’ Assembly

Guests and participants of the Research MANCON

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Education (CHED). The NBW annual celebration aims to promote

safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology and its products as one of the several means to achieve and sustain food security, equitable access to health ser-vices, sustainable and safe environment, and industry development.

The opening ceremony was held at the DENR Social Hall. The Entrance of Colors was conducted by the Ernesto Rondon High School, Division of Quezon City. The DepED Cantus Firmus Chorale led the Doxol-ogy and National Anthem.

In the opening message of Secretary Ramon Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Re-sources (DENR), he said, “I believe that the National Greening Program will not succeed without biotechnol-ogy”. He further said, “even if we have eight (8) million hectares of open denuded, degraded areas, if we are not planting quality trees, the value of this land will not give considerable impact”.

Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, Research and Regulation, Segfredo Serrano introduced the keynote speaker as “our prime champion for Philippine biotechnology, an innovator and champion of Philippine agriculture and development, and a public servant par excellance”.

7th National Biotechnology Week… from page 1 Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Chairman of the

Senate Committee on Science and Technology delivered the keynote address. In his speech Senator Angara stressed, “We need to improve on science and technol-ogy because it is our only hope. I am a strong believer of the power of research and development especially on agriculture because if there is no R & D, we can no longer increase our harvest.”

ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. and Chair of the 2011 NBW Program Committee presented the weeklong activities.

Ms. Jan Ferry Bartolazo, a student of the Gate-way International School of Science and Technology sang the NBW Theme Song “Yakapin ang Pagbabago”.

Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, as the NBW Chair declared the opening of the 2011 NBW Celebration. This was followed by the ribbon cutting for the opening of the NBW exhibit.

Mr. Snow Badua and Ms. Rochelle Beltran of PTV 4 emceed the Opening Ceremonies.

The Banda Kawayan of the Polytechnic Univer-sity of the Philippines (PUP) provided lively music for the opening day.

In the afternoon of Day 1, a poster presentation contest was held. It was sponsored by the Department of Agriculture. Six posters were presented as follows: Poster 1: Embryo in Vitro Production, vitrification, and

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D irector Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. and the ERDB per-sonnel joined the UPLB’s 93rd Loyalty Day Parade

and Alumni Homecoming on Oct. 10, 2011. Dressed in white ERDB shirts and khaki hats, the ERDB employees paraded from the EB Copeland Gym going to the UPLB Freedom Park. With the theme “UPLB Leads Green”, the celebration aimed to support the university’s thrust of awareness and appreciation of nature and the environ-ment.

The parade was attended by some of UPLB alumni, students, faculty, and employees from the differ-ent colleges, organizations including the employees from all offices within and outside the campus.

Other activities during the occasion include the Flower and Garden Show on Oct. 7-16 at the Seniors’ Social Garden; a fun run called “KapaligiRUN” on Oct. 8 and the Alumni Fellowship and Awards Night on Oct. 9.

93rd Parade of Alumni highlights UPLB Loyalty Day

During the Alumni Fellowship and Awards Night, three (3) members of the Society of Filipino Foresters (SFF) were awarded. They were DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, for the Outstanding UPLB Alumni Award, Atty. Roberto V. Oliva for the Nelia T. Gonzales Service Award and UPCFNR Dean and incoming UPLB Chancellor Rex Victor Cruz . Marla V. Cambay, TDD

Delegates to the Loyalty Day Parade on Oct. 10, 2011 with Director Marcial C. Amaro Jr. and Assistant Director Leuvina M. Tandug together with the ERDB employees.

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2011 National Search for Sustainable and

Ecofriendly Schools winners awarded

T o give recognition to the initiatives of schools to be ecofriendly, the 2011 National Search for Sustain-

able and Ecofriendly Schools was organized by the De-partment of Environment and Natural Resources, Depart-ment of Education, Commission on Higher Education, SMART Communications, Inc. in cooperation with SM City North EDSA. The event took place last November 16, 2011 at the 3rd Floor, City Center Event (Main Build-ing), SM City North EDSA, Quezon City.

The National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools is part of the response of the Depart-ment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), to Republic Act No. 9512 (An Act To Promote Environ-mental Awareness Through Environmental Education) which requires all public and private schools to integrate environmental education in their curricula at all levels. In the awarding ceremony, the grand winners were: Elementary School Category: (First Place) Iliranan Elementary Schools, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Region 6 – Western Visayas; (Second Place) Kibawe Central School, Kibawe, Bukidnon, Region 10 – Northern Mindanao; and (Third Place) San Mariano Elementary School, Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, Region 4B – MIMA-ROPA. High School Category: (First Place) Camarines Sur National High School, Naga City, Camarines Sur, Region 5 – Bicol Region; (Second Place) University of San Jose Recoletos-High School, Basak, Pardo, Cebu City, Region 7- Central Visayas and (Third Place) Daniel B. Aguinaldo National High School, Matina, Davao City, Region 11- Davao Region; College Category: (First Place) De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, Dasmarinas City, Cavite, Region 4A – CALABARZON; (Second Place) Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Region 4B – MIMAROPA; and (Third Place) Ateneo De Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon

City, National Capital Region. Corazon C. Davis, DENR Assistant Secretary for Administration and Finance and Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna, OIC-Director, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) led the awarding ceremony together with Dr. Merle Tan, Executive Director, National Institute for Sci-ence and Mathematics Education Development (UP-NISMED) and overall Chair of the National Board of Judges. ASEC Davis gave the keynote address and warmly congratulated the grand winners and recognized the high level of participation of the students, faculty and school administrators in initiating active responses and increasing community awareness and participation on environmental concerns. She also thanked the organiz-ers in the promotion of this program in the attainment of the goal to be ecofriendly and in celebration of the Na-tional Environmental Awareness Month. Aside from the trophies and cash prizes given to the grand prize winners, all participating schools, stu-dents, faculty and school administrators, the DENR, De-pEd, CHED, Smart Communications, Inc. SM City also received an honorary certificate of participation. To add more excitement to the ceremony, the San Francisco High School Special Program for the Arts, Quezon City rendered two musical numbers, followed by an audio-visual presentation entitled: TANIM (from SMART, EcoGov, DENR, SM Cinemas). The Philippine Youth Environment Network (PhilYEN) also contributed to the presentation showing the present condition of our environment. The next contest is scheduled in 2013. Praxedes L. Silvoza/Flora B. Palicpic, TDD

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7th National Biotechnology Week (NBW) DENR, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City

November 21-26, 2011

The NBW Exhibit

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Banda Kawayan perform during the opening day.

Ms. Jan Ferry Bartolazo singing the NBW theme song.

Dr. Evangeline T. Castillo of ERDB explains the mycorrhiza technology to Senator Angara.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano together with the poster presentors and judges of the “Promising Agricultural Biotechnologies: A Poster Presentation Contest”.

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More photos . . .

DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje in his opening message for the 7th NBW celebration at the DENR Social Hall.

DA Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano introduces the keynote speaker.

DOST Secretary Mario Montejo delivering the welcome remarks during the S & T Forum .

ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. presenting the weeklong activities of the NBW.

Representatives of the eight (8) - member agencies composed of DA, DepED, DENR, DOH, DILG, DOST, DTI and CHED in a round-table discussion on the revisions on Presidential Proclamation (PP) 1414 Declaring Every Last Week of November as “National Biotechnology Week”.

ERDB Director Amaro together with the speakers during the Scientific Forum on Environment and Natural Resources. From left: Dr. Simplicia Pasicolan, Dr. Nina Cadiz, Ms. Emelita Aguinaldo, and Dr. Carmelita Villamor.

The 2011 Jose G. Burgos Awardees for Biotech Journalism.

Sen. Edgardo J. Angara delivers the keynote address during the opening of the 7th National Biotechnology Week at DENR.

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Transfer Technology by Dr. Danilda Duran of the Philip-pine Carabao Center; Poster 2: Micropropagation of Makapuno using Plumular Tissue as Explant by Ms. Cristeta Cueto of the Philippine Coconut Authority; Poster 3 : Coconut Oil Hydrolyzate for the Reversal of Antibiotic Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and other Microbial Pathogens by Mr. Chester Deocaris, Uni-versity of the Philippines Manila.

On Day 3, the Public Forum on Healthcare Bio-technology was conducted by the Department of Health (DOH). The welcome remarks was delivered by Ma. Lourdes C. Santiago, Chief of the Laboratory Services Division of the Food and Drugs Administration of the DOH while Dr. Suzette H. Lazo, Director IV of the Food and Drug Administration of DOH gave a message. The PCR-based Detection Kits for Food Pathogens was dis-cussed by Dr. Susana M. Mercado, Professor of the Na-tional Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of UP Los Baños. Mr. Wilfredo E. Aure, OIC of the Medical Entomology Department of the Research Institute for

7th National Biotechnology Week… from page 2

T wo (2) school-based lecture series on environment and

natural resources (ENR) education and awareness were held on 14-15 November 2011 at Sta. Maria Ele-mentary School, Sta. Maria and San Juan Elementary, San Juan, Kalayaan in the province of Laguna, respectively. The lecture series aimed to: (1) enrich the knowledge of the students on environment and natural resource education; and (2) to encourage and mobilize students to take an active involvement in school-community activities geared towards environmental protection and conservation.

The topics discussed for Grade IV and V include “Environmental Health” and “Forest Ecosystem”. Video films titled “Klima at Kagubatan” and “The Ecosys-tems of the Philippines were also presented to Grades IV, V & VI to enhance students’ knowledge and learning in the protection, conserva-tion and rehabilitation of the ecosys-tems (forest, grassland and de-graded areas, coastal zone and freshwaters and upland and urban landscapes).

A total of two hundred sev-enty-five (275) students attended the said lecture series of which 148 are girls and 127 are boys. Average age ranged from 9 to 11 years. The school administrator and teachers were also provided with posters on biodiversity conservation, educa-

tional reading materials on ecological solid waste for segregation of biode-gradable and non-biodegradable and other ENR references to sup-port the school environ-mental and natural re-sources (ENR) corner at the library. This activity aims to provide educa-tional information on envi-ronment and natural re-sources for the use of students and teachers. Another youth activity facilitated and co-ordinated was the tree planting in support to school forest park in Ca-nossa School, Calamba City, Laguna. Alibang-bang seedlings, seeds of Akapulco and cuttings of Lagundi as medicinal plants and plastic bags were donated to their school for nursery estab-lishment and develop-ment in the said school. The tree planting activi-ties were conducted on December 9, 2011. Aurora S. Jose, FERD

Dr. Aurora S. Jose giving a lecture on "Ang Ating Kalikasan" to the Grades 1-3 students of Sta. Maria Elementary School, Sta. Maria Laguna.

School-based ENR program continued

Tropical Medicine of DOH gave a lecture on “Integrated Mosquito Management”. Dr. Alan E. Brandt, Founder and President and Chief Science Advisor of the Ento-Genex Biotechnology, LLC, USA discussed the topic “Biolarvicidal Product (Mousticide) Against Dengue Mos-quito” while Dr. Luke Alphey, Co-founder and Chief Sci-entist of the OXITEC Limited, UK presented the “Development of GM Mosquitoes”. Finally, Dr. Maria Rosario Zeta - Capeding, Head of the Department of Microbiology, Medical Specialist, Pediatric and Infectious Diseases Research Institute for Tropical Medicine of DOH presented the “Development of Tetravalent Den-gue Vaccine”.

Day 4 was devoted to four activities namely: Bio-tech Rice Technologies from Philrice, Film Showing on Biotechnology, Scientific Forum on Biotechnology for Communicators and Jose Burgos Awards for Journalism. In the afternoon, lectures were also delivered by Dr. Sat-urnina C. Halos, DA Biotechnology Advisory Team; Atty. Ferdinand M. Negre, Licensing Executives Society

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FORESPI leads ceremonial tree planting at Splash Island

T he Forests and Natural Resources Research Soci-ety of the Philippines, Inc. (FORESPI), held its Gen-

eral Assembly Meeting on November 25 at the Splash Island Spa and Resort in Biñan, Laguna. As a kick-off activity, a Ceremonial Tree Planting was done in support of the government’s National Greening Program. This was participated in by the members lead by FORESPI President, Dr. Lope Calanog, the DENR Region 4A headed by the Regional Executive Director, Engr. Reynulfo Juan and key officials of Splash Island and Spa Resort led by its President, Ms. Sonny Torres. The Splash Island is a seven-hectare tree- shaded tourist destination that offers and promotes na-ture-aqua-based adventures like gently-flowing “balsa” river ride, covered tunnel-twist ride, and many others. Splash Island needs to maintain its rich natural environ-ment to make its nature-based attractions and activities more attractive and pleasing to the tourists and visitors. In this light the FORESPI, Splash Island and DENR Region 4, forged partnership to ensure the con-servation, protection and management of the environ-ment and natural resources in Splash Island Spa and Resort through the conduct of reforestation, rehabilita-tion, monitoring and evaluation, scientific research stud-ies, seminar-workshops, and other ENR sustainable de-

velopment-related activities. Hence, the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Partnership in Forest and Natural Resources Conservation, including Research and Development, to Sustainably Manage the Forest and Natural Resources of Splash Island and Spa Resort including selected areas in CALABARZON Re-gion. The Annual General Assembly Meeting followed including the election of the new Board of Directors, and awarding of Outstanding Researchers/Scientists and Research Managers. This year’s lone awardee is Dr. Evangeline T. Castillo for her exemplary performance in research and development. FORESPI is a duly registered society of Filipino researchers and scientists on forestry and natural re-sources. Its main objective is to help promote the sus-tainable development, particularly the conservation and management of the country’s forests and natural re-sources through active participation in Research and Development. It has its postal address at 2nd Floor Tamesis Hall, UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Re-sources, Administration Bldg., College, Laguna with its website www.forespi.com. Sally T. Orobia, UFERD

ERDB in the 26th ICC for “Trash Free Seas”

DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje (right photo) with ERDB Asst. Director Leuvina M. Tandug (center) during the 26th International Coastal Cleanup at the Las Piñas - Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) on Sept. 17, 2011.

A sst. Director Leuvina M. Tandug led the ERDB delegation in the 2011 International Coastal

Cleanup (ICC) at the Las Piñas - Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) on Sept. 17, 2011. Together with various civic organizations, aca-deme, and private sectors, volunteers brought sacks, rakes and gloves to collect marine debris.

With the theme, “Trash Free Seas” the cele-bration highlights the pollution problem caused by ocean trash and the threat of marine debris to human health, wild-life, communities and economies worldwide.

More than 5,000 volunteers joined thousands of other volun-teers around the world the coastal cleanup. The activity is being conduc-ted on the third Saturday of September of each year when people

Asst. Director Leuvina M. Tandug together with the military and some ERDB employees with the sacks of marine debris collected from the coastal area.

around the world gather on beaches, coasts, rivers, wa-terways and underwater dive sites to remove trash and record information on the debris collected. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

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G uided by the theme: “Sama-samang Kaisipan sa Patuloy na Pagkakaisa at Pag-unlad, Year-end

Employees’ Assembly started with a thanksgiving mass in the morning. Fr. Thor Villacarlos, Parish Priest of the Saint Therese of the Child of Je-sus Parish in UP Los Baños, Col-lege, Laguna officiated the mass. Cutting of the ribbon for the opening of the Booth Contest followed at the ERDB parking area. Dir. Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. and Asst. Director Leuvina M. Tandug led the cutting of the rib-bon for the opening of the booths. There were seven groups composed of red, blue, yellow, orange, green, violet and pink teams who vied for the booth competition. The judges were RTD Egidio Costales of Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), RTD Emma Melana of Region 7 and RTD Danilo Ca-canindin of Region 10. All the Regional Technical Direc-tors from the different regions present joined the ERDB officials in the cutting of the ribbon. Parlor games were played including the mara-thon, egg catching, hitting the pot and “Pinoy Henyo”. Bingo socials followed at the ERDB Auditorium. Cash prizes were also given during the raffle games. Lunch was served for all the ERDB employees at the ERDB grounds. The Christmas Program was held in the after-noon. The seven teams tried to outdo each other in the group presentations. Awards were also given to employ-ees who have served the government for 39-40 years and above. A medal and P5,000 cash were given to the service awardees. The service awardees were Mrs. Rosenellie Capisanan, Dr. Elpidio Rimando, Mrs. An-gelita Parco, Dr. Aida Lapis and Mr. Salvador Rada.

Ms. Editha P. Eusebio of the Planning Unit an-nounced the regional office winners of early compliance

Year-End Employees’ Assembly

to submission of reports which were awarded a cash prize of P5,000 each and a plaque of appreciation to Reg. 6 and 8. For. Manolito Sy announced the awards for retired ERDB Directors and Asst. Directors. Dr. Vergel Eusebio re-ceived the award in behalf of his father the late Mario A. Eusebio. Dr. Rolando Metin was also awarded for being the Administrative Officer and USEC of

DENR. Other awardees were Dr. Carlos C. Tomboc, Dr. Felizardo D. Virtucio, Dr. Bibiano P. Ranes, For. Levi V. Florido, Dr. Emilio Rosario and For. Celso P. Diaz. Dr. Crislyn N. Piñol received the award for Dr. Agustin A. Piñol.

Two thousand eleven (2011) retirees: Mrs. Chit Dimaculangan, Mr. Jesus Posadas, Mrs. Helen Florido, the late Mr. Efren Cruz c/o Mrs. Liza Cruz, and Mr. Rogelio Angeles, served the government for 30-36 years.

The Regional ERDS offices from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao group also showed their talents with their presentations.

For the booth competition, the orange team won first prize, the pink and green teams both won 2nd prize and the blue team got the third prize.

Ms. Dianne Marie Cunanan and Dr. Honorato Palis served as emcees during the program. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

Fellowship and luncheon gathering for ERDB employees.

Ms. Dianne Cunanan and Dr. Honorato Palis as emcees.

Top photo: Dir. Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. cuts the ribbon during the opening of the Booth Con-test at the ERDB parking area. Bottom: Thanksgiving mass for the ERDB employees officiated by Rev. Father Thor Villacarlos.

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Orange team with Dir. Amaro, Jr. singing “The Christmas Song”.

Violet team

Pink team

Blue team

Green team

Red team

Yellow team Region IV-B participants, RTD William Palaypayon and Mrs. Rene Fontanilla present a song number.

The former Directors and Asst. Directors of ERDB receive their plaque of appreciation.

The ERDB employees in the oval run at the UP Col-lege of Forestry (UPCF) campus.

Hitting the pot during the morning activities.

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and concerns; plans/targets for CY 2012 for PQPM and clonal nurseries; MOA with the State Universities on clonal facilities; and revisiting and enhancing of DAO 2010-11 (Revised Regulations Governing Forest Tree Seed and Seedling Production, Collection and Disposi-tion).

Dr. Evangeline Castillo discussed mycorrhizal production in support of the NGP. Her presentation in-cluded mycorrhizal production technology; its potential contribution to seedling quality improvement for NGP; target number of seedlings to be inoculated and esti-mated volume of mycorrhiza to be produced for 2012; and foreseen constraints in the first year of mass pro-duction.

FASD Chief Belen B. Belina reported the finan-cial status of the ERDB downloaded funds to ERDS for RDEP implementation; problems encountered and ac-tions taken during download of funds; timeline in the release of funds; and other administrative and financial concerns.

Mr. Eliseo M. Baltazar, Chief of Technology Development Division (TDD) discussed the draft intel-lectual property rights policy. He highlighted the distinct roles of ERDB and ERDS per article in the IP policy.

Finally, Dr. Aida B. Lapis, Chief of the Grass-land and Degraded Areas Ecosystem Research Divi-sion presented the criteria in the selection of out-standing research studies in celebration of the Depart-ment’s 25th anniversary.

The masters of ceremonies for Day 1 were RTD Egidio B. Costales and RTD Alicia L. Lustica while for Day 2, RTD William Palaypayon and RTD Perfecta B. Hinojosa were the emcees. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

DENR Research Sector … from page 1

of the Philippines; Atty. Andre Michael S. Ong, Intellec-tual Property Office of the Philippines; Dr. Reynaldo Gar-cia of the UP National Institute of Molecular Biology and Dr. Salvador Catelo of UPLB. The closing remarks was delivered by Dr. Candida B. Adalla, Director of Biotech-nology Program Implementation Unit.

Day 5 was the 3rd National Biotechnology Edu-cation Conference for Teachers which was held at the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Convention Hall in Qu-ezon City. It was sponsored by the Department of Agri-culture in partnership with UP Diliman National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. The Depart-ment of Trade and Industry conducted a Business Fo-rum on the same day which dealt on five topics namely: 1) Use of Probiotics and Reservoir System in Shrimp Farming, 2) Culture of Giant Freshwater Prawns, 3) Cul-ture of Siganid, 4) Culture of Penaeus vannamei, and 5) Low-Glycemic, High Electrolyte Coconut Water Bever-age. In the afternoon, the DENR conducted a Scientific Forum. The opening remarks was delivered by ERDB Dir. Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. Dr. Nina M. Cadiz, Professor of Plant Biology Division of UPLB lectured on the topic “Phytoremediation: Advantages and Challenges for a Greener and Cleaner Environment”. Ms. Emelita Agui-naldo, Executive Director of the National Solid Waste Management Commission Secretariat gave the lecture on “Application of Biotechnology to Solid Waste”. Dr. Carmelita I. Villamor of ERDB presented a paper on “Application of Bioremediation on Polluted Rivers”. Dr. Simplicia Pasicolan, Senior Science Research Specialist of ERDB was the emcee and moderator during the pres-entation. The Bio innovation Outlook 2011 was also con-ducted by the Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Hybridigm Consulting, Inc.

On Day 6, a round table discussion on Procla-mation No. 1414 was conducted by the NBW Steering Committee at the Forest Management Bureau Confer-ence Hall. The closing ceremonies followed at the DENR Social Hall. The activities include the video presentation of the weeklong activities, Announcement and Awarding of Winners for: 1) Promising Agricultural Biotechnol-ogies, 2) One-Act Play Competition and Biotechnology Awareness for High School Students, 3) BiotechToons: A Contest for Cartoonists on Biotechnology, and 4) Awarding of Plaques of Appreciation to the NBW Steer-ing Committee. A cultural presentation of the PUP Banda Kawayan and PUP Chorale Group followed. The turnover of the chairmanship for the 2012 NBW Celebra-tion was undertaken by Dir. Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. as rep-resentative of DENR to Dr. Suzette Lazo as representa-tive of DOH. The closing remarks was likewise delivered by Dir. Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. Finally, the exit of colors was performed by the students of Ramon Magsaysay High School. The emcees during the closing ceremonies were Mr. Jorge Bandola and Ms. Nikka Alejar of PTV 4. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

7th National Biotechnology Week… from page 6

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Executive Advisers : Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. Leuvina M. Tandug Editorial Adviser : Eliseo M. Baltazar Managing Editor : Marla V. Cambay Assistant Editor : Carmelita G. Reyes Layout : Liberato A. Bacod Proofreading/ : Flora B. Palicpic Circulation Eduardo M. Tolentino Printing : Celso A. Luna Photographer : Gino S. Laforteza