Students, faculty, and alumni under the Department of Biotechnology (DBt) including former Visayas State University (VSU) President Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin showcased the discipline and advances of biotechnology during Biotech 101 for Educators and Students, last November 22, at the Sky Hall, SM Seaside City, Cebu.
Biotech 101 for Educators and Students is one of the activities for the celebration of 19th National Biotechnology Week– a partnership between VSU, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP).
With the theme “Empowering Innovation for a Sustainable Future with Biotechnology,” the VSU Biotechnological Society (VBS) alongside the DBt, hosted and spearheaded the event which included lectures from various educators within the discipline. Poster studies as well as hands-on exercises on molecular biology were also presented to the attendees.
Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin stressed in his welcome address the essence of promoting the emerging field of biotechnology to the attendees from across the Philippines whom are aiming to learn topics on agricultural biotechnology, plant genetic transformation, bacteriocin production, natural product discovery, and exploration of intricacies of the gut microbiome.
Aside from Dr. Tulin, 4th-year students under DBt also highlighted various agricultural biotechnology products in the Philippines such as the Malusog Rice, BT Talong, and Roundup Ready Canola.
VBS President Emmanuel John Bolaño alongside VBS Secretary Aldren Macion Jr., co-hosted the event. Bolaño discussed the importance of delving into this discipline for improvement and innovation in agriculture, health, food industry, and medicine.
“Biotechnology is the answer to current global challenges such as the spread of infectious diseases, hunger, and environmental degradation. Students are often intimidated by the difficulty of the courses in the degree program's curriculum. However, if you have a passion for science and a desire for global change and a sustainable future, biotechnology could be a fulfilling career choice”, Bolaño asserted.
The said program concluded last Friday, November 24.