Staying true to the goal of genetics with social relevance, GeneSoc alumnus and Asst. Prof. Jae Joseph Russell B. Rodriguez (Ribozymes) presented his paper entitled “An Integrated System for Forensic DNA Testing of Sexual Assault Cases in the Philippines,” on the virutal paper presentation of the 2022 NAST Talent Search for Young Scientist (NTSYS) last April 11, via Zoom.
Under the supervision of GeneSoc Honorary Members Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria and Dr. Rita P. Laude, Rodriguez worked on this project, which served as his thesis topic for MS Genetics.
“These [sexual assault] figures are underrepresentation of the actual number of rape that had happened in the country, due to socioeconomic factors, which would prevent the victims from seeking help, and in the small proportion of cases that actually go into trial, these are mostly litigated using subjective verbal or testimonial evidence, which would have several limitations,” Rodriguez said in his introduction.
“Forensic DNA testing technology has been in the country since the late 1990s. However, the benefits of forensic DNA testing have not been maximized in the Philippines due to the absence of a legislation which would mandate the collection, the analysis, and the interpretation of DNA evidence during investigation,” he added.
While there are high numbers of sexual abuses in the country, only three public institutions have the capacity to perform forensic DNA testing for criminal investigations. These are the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, and the DNA Analysis Laboratory of the National Science Research Institute of the University of the Philippines Diliman.
With the challenges faced by the DNA testing here in the Philippines, Rodriguez, in collaboration with the Institute of Biological Sciences of UP Los Banos and the DNA Analysis Laboratory of NSRI-UPD, came up with an integrated system of forensic DNA testing for sexual assault cases in the country.
Rodriguez explained that among a wide variety of new and sophisticated technologies for testing, he chose procedures that are applicable to diverse sample types, workflows that can be easily streamlined, methods that were highly sensitive and specific, and strategies that maximize recovery and use of information.
“This is our contribution towards the improvement of the national criminal justice system.”
Rodriguez reiterated, “In 2007, the Philippine Supreme Court promulgated the Rule on DNA Evidence which directs trial courts on the use of DNA evidence when biological specimens are available. However, benefits of forensic DNA testing are not maximized due to the absence of a DNA Law. Therefore, we are advocating for a passage of a legislation in which it mandates the routine collection of evidence during investigation, the allocation of budget which would support infrastructure and continued and sustained operations in the laboratory, and the establishment of a criminal database of profiles which would add leads to criminal investigation.”
Rodriguez ends his presentation by saying “The best scientific work is born out of a childlike curiosity and imagination to discover new things and a strong desire to impact society and to improve the human condition.”
In the question and answer portion, Acd. Villareal asked, “In a nutshell, what do you consider is the most important contribution of your [research] in science and technology, and usefulness to humanity in general?”
Rodriguez answered: “The main contribution of my work is in the capacity-building of local forensic DNA laboratories in the country, despite limitations of resources and challenges in the country. But at the broader scale, I think there is also a greater contribution towards the improvement of the national criminal justice system and the recognition of the power of DNA in order to resolve crimes. By itself, my own research would not accomplish that, but we are advocating, we are consistently contributing to discussions in order for the DNA legislation to be passed–a legislation that would ultimately mandate the incorporation of DNA evidence in investigations, and ultimately this would help bring justice to many victims of heinous crimes, as well as victims of wrongful convictions.”
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National Scientist (NS) in Social Sciences Dr. Raul V. Fabella opened the event through his welcoming remarks.
Acting as the chair, NS Fabella introduced the board of judges for this year’s NTSYS, which include Academicians (Acd.) Gisela P. Concepcion (Marine Natural Products), Acd. Jose Maria P. Balmaceda (Mathematics), Acd. William T. Torres (Communication Technology), Acd. Carmencita David-Padilla (Clinical Genetics), Former UPLB Chancellor Acd. Ruben L. Villareal (Socioeconomic development), and DOST Undersecretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum (Geology).
“Science, technology, and innovation are essential in the advancement of a country,” said Acd. Rhodora V. Azanza, President of NAST-PHL in her remarks..
The first presenter was Dr. Virgilio D. Ebajo Jr. (PhD Chemistry), from De La Salle University.
Ebajo presented his entry entitled “Regenerable Acidity of Graphene Oxide in Promoting Multicomponent Organic Synthesis,” which revolved around carbocatalyst, specifically graphene oxide.
After Rodriguez, the third presenter was Dr. Melchizedek I. Alipio (PhD EEE), an associate professor in DLSU.
Alipio’s presentation entitled “RT-CaCC: A Reliable Transport With Cache-Aware Congestion Control Protocol in Wireless Sensor Networks,” tackled topics on Internet of Things, Wireless Sensor Networks, and Smart Communities.
The fourth to present was Dr. Renann G. Baldovino (PhD ECE), also an associate professor from DLSU, with his paper entry entitled “A hybrid fuzzy logic-PLC-based controller for earthquake simulator system.”
The last presentation was from Dr. Miriam F. Bongo (PhD IE), also an associate professor from DLSU. Bongo presented her paper entitled “Effect of Fatigue in Air Traffic Controllers’ Workload, Situation Awareness, and Control Strategy.”
Usec. Solidum concluded the event, through his closing remarks, by challenging the researchers to “go further and translate promising results into transformative impacts to the people’s lives.”
The 2022 NTSYS was moderated by Dr. Chitho P. Feliciano, supervising Science Research Specialist at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute and the 1st Prize Winner of the 2018 NTSYS.
The finalists were selected among the nominees from different academic and research institutions on the following criteria: involvement in scientific undertakings (10%), other research project undertakings (10%), knowledge and skill in science application of scientific method and principles (50%), contribution towards national development or advancement of science and technology (30%), all total to 100%.
The judging of the finalists will be 50% from the interview and 50% for the quality of presentation.
The best presenters will receive plaques of recognition and a cash prize of P100,000 for the
First Prize, P50,000 for the 2nd Prize, and P30,000 for the 3rd Prize. The First Prize Winner will
also be receiving a research grant worth P500,000 from DOST for an approved proposal. The special citations will receive a plaque of recognition and a cash incentive of P10,000.
The announcement of winners will be on July 14, 2022, during the 2nd day of the NAST 44th Annual Scientific Meeting.
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