RevUp!

Kick starts the 36th PSBMB Annual Convention

Last Dec. 3-5, 2009, the Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology held its annual Convention
with the theme: Biodiversity and Biotechnology for Food Sustainability at Central Mindanao University, Musuan,
Bukidnon. This was attended by our very own, Ms. Melodina Valde, who shared to us her experiences during the said
event.

The convention started with “RevUp”, a review and update workshop series in continuing education in
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The topics included were biomolecules, biotechnology, genome projects and agri-
biotech opportunities. There were the usual pen and paper activities but an added attraction was the exciting virtual lab.
The main convention tackled on the applications of biochemistry and biotechnology to food systems like updates on rice
biotechnology, animal breeding and plant biodiversity. An agri-eco tour of the beautiful Bukidnon capped the
convention.

2nd Round for Chemical Safety and Security

On it’s second year, the US Department of State Program on Chemical Security Engagement gathered chemical
safety and security officers around Asia to update and inform chemistry professionals of the latest news and
improvements for chemical safety and security. This time, our very own Ms. Ailene A. Apuya was sent to represent the
XU Chemistry Department. The training was held last May 31 - June 4, 2010 at Hotel Equatorial Bangi-Putrajaya, Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia.

The training involved many hands-on activities. For day 1, they had the introduction and organization of a
chemical safety & security program. This was followed by lectures on Lab design, Ventilation & Hoods, and Chemical
management on the 2nd day. A lab visit at the Universiti Kebangsaan, Malaysia, with lectures on fire prevention and
GHS/REACH, composed the 3rd day. While on the 4th day, they tackled Chemical Toxicology & Exposures plus
Emergency Planning & Response. The training ended with a Mock Lab Inspection and case studies. The resource persons
for the said training was Ms. Pauline Ho of Sandia National Laboratories and Mr. Douglas Walters of the Environmental
& Chemical Safety Educational Institute.