Cultivating Minds of Future Scientists: Agri-Biotech Boot Camp Enhances Knowledge of STEM Teachers and Senior High School Learners
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Building a new breed of young scientists is necessary to continue creating innovative ideas and products. Their fresh minds could possibly offer solutions to the current global challenges of climate change, food security, and increasing population.
To build knowledge and interest in agriculture and modern biotechnology among STEM teachers and senior high school learners, ISAAA Inc., in collaboration with the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program (DA Biotech), National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH-UPLB), UP Genetic Researchers and Agricultural Innovators Society (UP GRAINS), and UP League of Agricultural Biotechnology Students (UP LABS), held a two-day boot camp titled Camp Helix: Agbiotech Boot Camp for STEM Learners and Teachers. The boot camp aimed to provide an opportunity for teachers to refresh and deepen their understanding of biotechnology and teach related subjects more confidently.
Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA Inc., graced the event by delivering her opening remarks, highlighting the role of ISAAA in knowledge sharing and capacity building. "Consistent with ISAAA's mission and vision, we are confident that with the participants' exposure to actual biotech research experience, more students will pursue careers related to biotech while teachers will be more equipped to teach the subject,” Dr. Aldemita said.
Dr. Paul C. Limson, Director of the Philippines Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA Biotech Program), strongly believes that the youth have the power to influence public perception and drive societal acceptance and understanding of biotech advancements. Dr. Limson said that “the future of this field rests on the next generation, and it is crucial that we foster the minds of young researchers and scientists.”
The boot camp kicked off with a welcome message from Mr. Panfilo de Guzman, Senior Associate Scientist of ISAAA Inc. "With the increasing demand for future experts and researchers, this boot camp will provide an opportunity for our teachers to deepen their understanding of biotechnology and help students make informed decisions in pursuing careers in biotechnology and allied sciences,” Mr. de Guzman said.
Biotech for Agriculture and Food
Mr. Reimond Corona, Project Senior Technical Specialist at the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), discussed the importance of food safety and emphasized that “If it is not safe, it is not food.” He explained how biotech helps the agricultural sector and contributes to food safety. Mr. Corona also shared examples of biotech products in the Philippines that help with the detection and prevention of microbial contamination, allergen identification and modification, and fraud detection and prevention in food.
Conventional Biotechnology
Dir. Fides Marciana Z. Tambalo, Scientist 1 and Director of UPLB National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), shared examples of conventional biotechnology, such as biofertilizer production, fermentation, tissue culture, and composting.
Dir. Tambalo introduced the products of UPLB BIOTECH and gave tips on how to implement a biotech culture in schools. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration and urged the participants to get in touch with their organization.
Modern Agri-biotech Crops Developed through Genetic Engineering
Dr. Lourdes Taylo, Career Scientist 1 and Affiliate Professor at UPLB Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), explained the steps in the development of transgenic crops. Her presentation also opened the eyes of the participants about the different Pinoy biotech crops, such as biotech corn, Golden Rice, Bt eggplant, and Bt cotton.
Gene Editing 101
Dr. Maribel Zaporteza, Professor at UPLB, defined gene editing as “a technique that can cause gene insertion or disruption in a chosen genetic region using site-specific nucleases.” Dr. Zaporteza also gave a breakdown of the requirements for gene editing, which consist of available genome information, established transformation process, regeneration protocol, and assay system. Examples of gene-edited products and medical applications of the technique were also discussed.
Biotech-improved Animals
Ms. Kristine Grace Tome, Program Officer 2 at ISAAA Inc., engaged the participants about GM and GE and discussed how biotech can help improve fish and livestock. She also shared examples of GM and GE animals with approvals, such as Atlantic Salmon, Galsafe pigs, and Red Sea Bream.
Science Communication
Dr. Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo, President of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), DOST, enlightened the students and teachers on how to improve their science communication skills.
Dr. Barrion-Dupo highlighted that “science communication is a broad field focused on bridging the gap between the complex world of science and the general public.” She also discussed the requirements for science communication and gave tips on how to communicate science effectively.
Tour of Biotech Facilities
On the second day, the participants went on a tour to some of the biotech institutions in Los Baños including IRRI's International Rice Genebank, UPLB Biotech's Enzyme Laboratory and Pilot Plant, and UPLB IPB's Genetics and Biochemistry and Analytical Services Laboratories.
Dir. Fides Marciana Z. Tambalo gave her closing remarks and expressed her appreciation for the first partnership event with ISAAA. Mr. Panfilo De Guzman closed the event by thanking all the students, teachers, organizers, and partners in the boot camp. He encouraged the participants to spread the word about the event. Mr. De Guzman also mentioned that since the boot camp was a success, it will be organized every year.
The boot camp exposed students and teachers to the importance and benefits of biotech in the Philippines. According to the participants, the event ignited their interest in contributing to the field as the next generation of scientists in the country.
For similar engagements, hands-on activities may be added to help students learn skills that they can apply in the future. Career pathways may also be discussed to help learners decide on the ideal profession for them.
Camp Helix: Agbiotech Boot Camp for STEM Learners and Teachers is a part of the Know the Science project that aims to strengthen the capacities of different stakeholders about agribiotechnology. For more information about the event, email meetings@isaaa.org.
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