ISAAA Inc. Equips Senior High School Learners With Information About Biotech

ISAAA Inc. organized a two-day event titled Camp Helix: Agbiotech Boot Camp for STEM Learners and Teachers on July 30-31, 2024 at UPLB Training Center for Tropical Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability (TREES) to build knowledge and interest in agriculture and modern biotechnology among STEM learners and teachers. Thirty (30) participants from University of the Philippines Rural High School and San Pablo City Science Integrated High School attended the agri-biotech boot camp.

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.

The boot camp featured lectures from Mr. Reimond S. Corona of the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP), Dir. Fides Marciana Z. Tambalo of UPLB National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPLB Biotech), Dr. Lourdes D. Taylo of UPLB CAFS Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), Dr. Maribel M. Zaporteza of UPLB Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS), Ms. Kristine Grace N. Tome of ISAAA Inc., and Dr. Aimee Lynn B. Dupo of UPLB IBS. The participants also 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.

The boot camp, as part of the Know the Science project with the DA Biotech Program, is in partnership with UPLB Biotech, UP Genetic Researchers and Agricultural Innovators Society (UP GRAINS), and UP League of Agricultural Biotechnology Students (UP LABS). The two-day event was moderated by Janine Cyren Escasura, Project Technical Assistant at ISAAA Inc., and Clement Dionglay, Project Associate at ISAAA Inc.

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