In a forum organized by the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) system, local experts promoted biotechnology as an exciting and promising career choice among students by imparting their insights on its beneficial impact on Philippine society.
Dr. Edsel Maurice T. Salvaña, Director of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, shared through his example that genuine interest can entice a young mind to embrace biotech as an auspicious trail to take. “It can be done. Doctors can be scientists as well. It is a longer path but, for me, it’s still a good path,” he said.
In his presentation, Dr. Salvaña showcased the ability of the latest medications like the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy to practically restore the lifespan of HIV patients. He deemed such development as a welcome one amid the steep rise in new HIV cases nationwide – from one every three days in 2000 to 30 per day in 2017 – caused by the spread of a novel hyper-aggressive viral strain (CRF01-AE) from Southeast Asia. He also placed particular emphasis on the critical role of media influence in spreading awareness and encouraging early-onset testing among high-risk individuals. “Immediate increase in the number of Filipinos undergoing voluntary testing clearly coincides with greater media coverage on this epidemic,” he said.
For Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria, Head of the DNA Analysis Lab at the Natural Sciences Research Institute, biotech occupies a decisive yet underrated role in aiding the Philippine justice system. She explained that the proper use of techniques like DNA testing had led to the release of wrongfully convicted individuals in actual criminal cases, as well as the precise identification of victims ravaged by calamities and fatal tragedies.
In the context of rampant cases of alleged extra-judicial killings, she asserted the need for the implementation of more reliable forensic techniques to protect the citizenry from possible abuse by the authorities. “We need powerful tools more than ever to fight back against abuses by those who enforce the law”.
The event – dubbed “Exploring Biotechnology: Forum and Career Talks for High School Students” – was held on 22 Nov 2017 at Brentwood Suites in Quezon City, in celebration of the 13th National Biotechnology Week on 20-24 Nov 2017. The theme for this year is “Bioteknolohiya para sa Kalikasan, Kalusugan, Kagandahan, Kabuhayan, at Kaunlaran: Natatanging Handog para sa Pilipino.”
Participants included high school students from Camp Emilio Aguinaldo High School (Grade 10), E. Rodriguez, Jr. High School (Grade 9-10), Manila Science High School (Grade 10), Masambong High School (Grade 9), Quezon City Science High School (Grade 12), San Bartolome High School (Grade 8), Sergio Osmeña High School (Grade 10), St. Mary’s College (Grade 10), and St. Theresa’s College (Grade 10). (Allyster A. Endozo, DOST-STII/Photos by Gerardo G. Palad, DOST-STII)
