Decoding A Legacy: A Recap of BIO 30 Week

 by: Ian Justin Manansala (Chromoplexy)

In the week of May 5 to 9, The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc) once again lit up the halls of Wing C at the Institute of Biological Sciences with its annual celebration of BIO 30 Week, a week-long event held every second semester of the academic year, dedicated to spreading knowledge and enhancing creative appreciation of genetics among students. True to its mission, this year’s theme, “GeneOculate: Decoding the Algorithm and Blueprint of Life Using Microorganisms,” highlighted the role of microbial genetics in understanding life at the molecular level. 

Resident members, committee heads, and advisers who made the event possible gathered to start off the celebration with an exhibit opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at Wing C. The exhibit featured a vintage Microsoft-tech-inspired user interface design, creatively aligning with the theme “Decoding the algorithm and blueprint of life.” It introduced GeneSoc’s advocacies, visions, and the people behind the initiative. The exhibit also featured five education panels showcasing recent breakthroughs in genetics, which sparked curiosity and discussion among students. 

Mid-week, the organization relaunched a workshop on DNA-based methods of identification and taxonomy on May 7 at the Biocomputing Lab (Room E-213). Assistant Professor and GeneSoc alumnus Andrew D. Montecillo delivered a lecture on 16S rRNA and ITS2 gene sequencing and demonstrated a walkthrough on utilizing softwares including UGene and MEGA XI.

The highly anticipated event, the BIO 30 Quiz Contest, was held on May 8 at the IBS Main Lecture Hall. Over 40 teams consisting of one to three members battled it out in a quiz contest about the basic concepts in genetics. Three teams took home cash prizes, books, calendars, and blue books, while all participants enjoyed incentives for their BIO 30 lecture classes. 

Aside from these academic activities, GeneSoc’s Open Tambayan also made a comeback this year, where free foods and blue books were distributed on May 6 at Wing C. 

As BIO 30 Week 2025 came to a close, it not only left behind a series of successful events, but also highlighted GeneSoc’s unwavering commitment to its goal of spreading awareness about the science of genetics in the Philippines.

This article was originally published in the GENEWS May 2025 Issue.