The Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-Visayas Chapter (PSBMB-VC), in collaboration with the Institute of Fish Processing Technology, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS-IFPT), is conducting a hands-on training on microbiological techniques for teachers from August 2-4, 2023.
Fifteen teachers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) from different national high schools and higher educational institutions (HEIs from Regions VI, VII and VII were carefully selected out of 125 applicants to participate in the “Hands-on Training on Microbiological Techniques for STEM Teachers” at the IFPT Fisheries Microbiology Laboratory.
Due to the recent weather disturbances, shortlisted participants from the provinces of Antique (4), Aklan (3), Capiz (2), Guimaras (2), and Iloilo (4) confirmed their participation.
An opening program was held on August 2, 2023 at the Audio Visual Hall, CFOS, UPV Miagao campus.
PSBMB-VC President Dr. Vivian A. Topor, a retired chemistry professor of UPV, IFPT Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharon N. Nuñal, and PSBMB national president, Acad. Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos addressed and officially welcomed the participants and partner-agencies to the three-day activity.
Topor narrated how the PSBMB was established as well as its aspirations in promoting the advancement of knowledge in biochemistry and molecular biology and the establishment of means by which biochemical knowledge can be utilized for the improvement of the socio-economic and health conditions of the country, hence, the conduct of said training.
“The training highlights the commitment of PSBMB in upgrading knowledge in biochemistry, biotechnology research and education of teachers especially our STEM teachers whose expertise needs to be handed down to our students who will later on utilize these knowledge and skills for the improvement of the socio-economic and health conditions of the country,“ Topor said.
Meanwhile, Nuñal introduced the CFOS, the IFPT and its personnel whom the participants, who are visiting UP Visayas for the first time, will be working with throughout the training.
Partnering with PSBMB for the first time, Nuñal expressed her appreciation to the organization for this joint effort.
“We welcome and we value this kind of partnership and engagement because this enables us to carry out one of our mandates as a public service university. This is also aligned to the current vision of our chancellor for UPV to be a publicly engaged university,” Nuñal stated hoping that a similar endeavour will be conducted to cater to more STEM teachers.
Meanwhile, Santos in his video message, underscored the importance of microbiology as a necessary course and tool in nation building. He said that the PSBMB continues to find ways to better equip the STEM teachers with the necessary skills and capacities to teach their students.
They hoped that the participants will apply and share with their colleagues and students whatever learnings they will gain in the three-day training on the different microbiology techniques.
The teachers also shared their expectations from the training.
The undertaking is also sponsored by Merck, ITS Science Philippines, Inc., Belman Laboratories, Krypton International Resources and Sales Services, Inc., Prince Valiant International Corporation, Diamed, and Noveaulab.
