by Justin Gabriel Badlis (Crypton)
The UPLB Genetics Society conducted its first online Genetics Camp on April 10 and 11, 2021 via the online video calling platform Zoom, with the theme: BioenGENEers: Examining the Role of Recombinant DNA Technology Amidst Recent Challenges in Public Health. Despite the ongoing pandemic, the future generation continues to strive in their pursuit of knowledge, as 11 high schools from all across the Philippines came together in participation for GenCamp 2021.
Genetics Camp is an annual 2-day event hosted by the organization, aiming to promote the science of Genetics among high school students across the country. It boasts a multitude of activities, which include hands-on laboratory activities, a debate contest, and seminars by invited speakers. However, the recent imposition of an online set-up required a more flexible line-up of events. As such, the event heads have organized an addition of new activities, including its very first Research Group Proposal, usage of molecular visualization software PyMOL in lab activities, and the inclusion of both a video and poster-making contest.
GenCamp 2021 commenced as the Day 1 hosts, Dorothy Jane Manzano (Ikirara) and Justin Gabriel Badlis (Crypton), recognized the 11 participating schools: Ateneo de Manila Senior High School, Rizal National Science High School, College of St. Anthony, University of Batangas Senior High School, Philippine Science High School – Central Luzon Campus, UP Integrated School, Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Columban College Inc., Philippine Science High School MIMAROPA Region Campus, and Mapua Senior High School.
Afterwards, a word from the incumbent president of the UPLB Genetics Society, John Kenneth Tria (Allosyndesis), officially marked the opening of the event.
Succeeding the opening remarks was the first GeneTalk with the UPLB - Institute of Biological Sciences’ (IBS) very own, Mr. Emmanuel Galang. Armed with a white board and dashing looks, his discussion revolved around how the breakthrough CRISPR technology may help in the diagnosis and prevention of diseases.
Succeeding the GeneTalk and a short Q&A was the first part of the Laboratory Activities that require the involvement of all participants present. In their respective breakout rooms, proctors and other resident members supervised the respective day’s lab activity. For Day 1, an introductory activity on the Mendelian principles was done, where participants were to create a Punnett square of a monohybrid cross from their given unique corn samples.
The Research Proposal Contest was the highlight of GenCamp Day 1, presided by Alyssa Ausa (Polyplex). This portion involved the defense of research proposals done before actual implementation, wherein groups from each school were to present their novel ideas for promising research topics in the field of Genetics and its related sciences. The research proposals were scored and the best presenter was chosen by the judges: Mr. Mark Anthony Rabena, Dr. Roberta R. Garcia, and Dr. Abriel S. Bulasag; all currently professors in UPLB.
The Research Group Proposal marked the end of Day 1’s roster of activities, as a photo op sent off participants with a smile while they await for the second day of GenCamp 2021.
Day 2 of GenCamp 2021 started off with a bang as hosts Christian Natanauan (Ikirara) and Briana Seth Castro (Hachimoji) excitedly opened the day with a roll call of the participating schools. Subsequently, Professor Ivy Lambio (current junior adviser, The UPLB Genetics Society) gave a few inspiring words to start the day.
Dr. Emilio Villanueva III, a clinical associate professor at the Department of Pathology in the College of Medicine - University of the Philippines Manila, led the discussion for the second GeneTalk. Dr. Villanueva explained the application of recombinant DNA technology in laboratory diagnostics, then answered several significant questions on the nature of recombinant DNA technology in the Philippine scene.
Right after Dr. Villanueva’s GeneTalk was the laboratory activity for Day 2, which featured the study of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, an enzyme found within our very own bodies, and its interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 spike domain which allowed for its pathogenicity on human populations. This was done through the molecular visualization software named PyMOL, that allowed the participants to visualize the molecular structure, the intermolecular interactions between molecules, and the application of such principles in the research and study of diseases and vaccines. By the end of the lab activity, the participants were able to familiarize themselves with PyMOL, gaining a better understanding on how such interactions between such molecular structures allowed the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2.
Succeeding the laboratory activity was the most-awaited GeneSoc’s Search for the Young Genetics Ambassador (YGA), presided by Jonalyn Catedrilla (Polyplex). This featured the presentation of the chosen advocacy of each school’s designated ambassador, followed by a Q&A portion to further explicate their given speech. The advocacy speech had to be related to the science of genetics and its related fields, and exemplify how the youth can use their voice and abilities to exude a passion for science that directs towards national progress. Questions were provided and scores were given by the esteemed judges: Asst. Prof. April Manalang and Asst. Prof. Riaflor Alcabedos; both under the Genetics and Molecular Biology Division of IBS in UPLB.
The Awarding Ceremony took place after the awe-inspiring presentations of the young ambassadors. Linus Van O. Plata, PhD., a senior lecturer of the Department of Humanities, Prof. Rogelio P. Panuelos, a faculty member of the Department of Humanities, and Prof. Aimee Cagalawan, assistant professor of the Institute of Biological Sciences, judged the entries for the essay writing contest. Jorge Arnold Chan from Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus won the contest. Joelle Victoria Catibog from UP Integrated School and Julyan Emmanuelle Mendoza from University of Batangas followed his lead as 1st runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.
On the other hand, Prof. Frederick Precillas, a faculty member of the Department of Humanities, Jayson Gandia (Riboprobes), and Prof. Juliet Magpantay judged the entries for the digital poster making contest. Robert Patrick Talabis from the University of Batangas triumphed over the other contestants. Exequiel Cas won 1st runner-up, while Kiela Zionne Amihan won 2nd runner-up. Both students hail from Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas.
For the breakthrough video contest, Prof. Hanzel gapayao from De La Salle University (DLSU) - Manila, Prof. Jualim Vela, a visiting faculty for the Philippine High School for the Arts and a UPLB professor, and Prof. Engelbert Talunton, an artist director at the Integrated School of DLSU – Science and Technology Complex judged the entries. University of Batangas Senior High School presented the best video among the rest of the submissions. Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus and Ateneo de Manila University – Senior High School won 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively.
GenCamp 2021 also crowned its newest Young Genetics Ambassador, Erin Patricia Del Rosario from Philippine Science High School – Central Luzon Campus. The 1st and 2nd runners-up are Mineli Joyce Cinco of Rizal National Science High School and Ninna Beatrice Rivera of Ateneo de Manila University, respectively.
For the research proposal competition, Ateneo de Manila University Senior High School and their presenters, Aaron John Cacas, Nina Veronica Doctor, and Audrey Dominique Sotto, brought home the bacon with their proposal entitled “Epigenetic Analysis: Effects of Heavy Metal (Pb, Cr, Cu) Exposure on Snakehead Murrel (Channa striata) DNA Methylation Profiles and Fish Growth. Philippine Science High School – Central Luzon Campus and their presenters, Pauline There Dayo, Ianna Evelei Austria, John Denver Payongyong, who won the award for best presenter, bagged the 1st runner-up award with their proposal entitled “Analysis of Cannabidiol Precursors Concentration of K. phaffi and S. cerevisiae through Recombinant DNA Technology for Medicinal Applications.” Rizal National Science High School and their presenters Joshua Ray Magpoc, Jasmine Abby Sotto, and Marc Adrian Ignacio follow their lead as the 2nd runner-up for their proposal entitled “Development of SHERLOCK-based Testing Method for Rice Tungro Bacilliform Virus (RTBV).”
After tallying the overall scores, GenCamp 2021 hailed University of Batangas Senior High School as the overall winner, followed by Philippine Science High School – Central Luzon Campus and Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus tied for 1st runner-up.
Nikki Matta (Helraiser), the Genetics Camp Steering Committee Head, officially marked the end of the 2-day event with her closing remarks. Afterwards, a photo op was done to capture this memorable event.
Despite the encountered difficulties brought about by a fully-online set-up, every participant was still able to enjoy the myriad of activities Genetics Camp 2021 had to offer. The UPLB Genetics Society wholeheartedly extends its appreciation to the participating schools, judges, members, and sponsors for making this event possible. GeneSoc looks forward to providing more opportunities to promote the science of Genetics, especially amongst the youth, which would hopefully inspire the next generation of BioenGENEers. Be it virtual or non-virtual, the organization’s goal of spreading awareness in Genetics shall never cease and will continue to persist through generations to come through passion and excellence.
For more information on GenCamp 2021 and updates on its future reestablishments, visit https://www.facebook.com/gencamp.
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