1. business and industrial
2. business operations
3. management
4. project management

1
 Executive Summary 
The U.P. Natural Sciences Research Institute continued to fulfill its mandate to support
research in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Meteorology and Environmental Sciences. FY 2007
also marked the transformation of the Department of Mathematics into the Institute of
Mathematics. Thus, the UP-NSRI had supported the researches of 4 Institutes, namely, the Institute
of Biology (IB), Institute of Chemistry (IC), Institute of Environmental Sciences and Meteorology
(IESM) and the Institute of Mathematics (IM). It funded one (1) dissertation and 30 researches of
faculty members in the said disciplines of the College of Science as well as its Research, Extension
and Professional Staff (REPS). It also supported researches through MOOE, use of facilities and
utilities of the In-house laboratories, namely, the Biological Research and Services Laboratory
(BRSL), the DNA Analysis Laboratory (DAL), the Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory
(MRSL) and the Research and Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL). It also housed 5 externallyfunded projects of the faculty and the in-house REPS. The faculty members serve as adjunct
researchers of the Institute. Recognizing the need to source out external funds for its various
research activities, the Institute supported externally-funded projects by providing infrastructure
and administrative support. Six researches of the National Institute of Physics (NIP) and 1 research
of the Institute of Biology were also assisted through the use of laboratory rooms at the Institute
and the provision of electrical and water facilities.
In 2007, one research fellowship was implemented through the “DA-BAR/UP-NSRI PostDoctoral and Senior Scientist Research Fellowship in Basic Research for Agriculture and Fisheries.”
The DA-BAR continues to be a strong partner of the NSRI in the conduct of basic research with
agricultural and/or fisheries applications.
The Institute has been recognized for its excellence in conducting research and extension
services. Students from UP and other colleges and universities, other faculty researchers from the
College and the University, as well as from other institutions, and researchers from other
government agencies and private companies availed of various forms of technical services, not
commonly available elsewhere, through the in-house laboratories. Its researchers have been
honored by different institutions in recognition of their valuable contributions to research in the
country. Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria was one of the 2007 TOWNS Foundation awardees, while
Ms. Gayvelline C. Calacal was given the 2007 Gawad Chanselor Para sa Natatanging REPS (Research
Category). Institutionally, the Research and Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL) has continued to
implement its quality procedures and maintain its accreditation to ISO 17025 and its designation as
DENR-EMB Regional Analysis Center for PCBs.
The Institute conducted 15 short-term training courses in 2007 through the in-house REPS.
These non-degree courses ranged from those catering to the needs of high school students in the
sciences to the updating/upgrading of teachers handling science courses as well as research needs
of chemists/analysts from other government institutions and private industries. The NSRI also
hosted laboratory tours for students and professionals, holding its regular visitors’ day every second
Friday of February, July, September and November as well as other days due to special requests.
The biological and chemical safety program continued to be in place. The program is
overseen by the Institute’s Biological and Chemical Safety Officers, who ensure that proper
handling and disposal procedures are observed. Seminars on biological and chemical safety
procedures were conducted in January and July for new researchers and thesis students. The
chemical exchange program continued to be managed by the Chemical Safety Officer. A pest
control program was also implemented by the Building Administrator.
The physical improvement of the building and premises remained a priority. Re-roofing of
the main building and the adjacent laboratories and storerooms were completed in 2007. The major
renovation of the MRSL was also finished from funds donated by the U. P. Diliman Science Research
Foundation and the Office of the Chancellor.
ERNELEA P. CAO, Ph.D.
Director
2
BRIEF HISTORY AND PROGRAM GOALS
June 19, 1964
:
Republic Act 3887, signed by President Diosdado Macapagal for the
establishment of the Natural Sciences Research Center (NSRC) as
amended by Republic Act 6069 (1969).
February 1965
:
U.P. President Carlos P. Romulo organized the Executive Advisory
Council with the task of getting funds for the Center.
July 1971
:
NSRC was first opened to researchers.
November 13, 1972 :
Formal inauguration and dedication ceremonies of the UP-NSRC by U.P.
President Salvador P. Lopez.
March 23, 1983
:
Executive Order No. 889, issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos,
organized the Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) from the
Natural Science Research Center.
May 26,1983
:
Approval of the Implementing Guidelines for the creation of the NSRI
out of NSRC by the UP Board of Regents.
July 2, 1985
:
Executive Order No. 7, signed by UP President Edgardo J. Angara
provided for the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the
NSRI.
December 18,1986
:
Executive Order No. 6 signed by UP President Edgardo J. Angara
amended EO No. 7 to include interdisciplinary programs.
February 28, 2000
:
The NSRI building was named Miranda Hall in honor of the late Prof.
Bienvenido T. Miranda, the Institute's first Director.
The NSRI serves as the national center of excellence for the advancement, dissemination,
and application of knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, and
Meteorology/ Oceanography. It is mandated to:
a.
undertake research in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, and
Meteorology/Oceanography and organize interdisciplinary research programs.
b.
support the graduate programs of the College of Science in these fields of study.
c.
provide extension and other services on request and when feasible do research needs
such as consultancies, research, training, technical support, analytical support, printing
services to researchers, other units of the University, and other institutions and
agencies, both government and private.
d.
disseminate research findings through scientific publications, workshops, conferences
and seminars.
3
1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS AND PUBLICATIONS
1.1 LIST OF NSRI-FUNDED RESEARCHES
RESEARCH SUPPORT: MOOE, FACILITIES, HONORARIA AND SALARIES OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
PROJECTS TERMINATED IN 2007
BIOLOGY
1)
Project Title
:
Determination of Growth Rates of Milkfish (Chanos
chanos Forskal) Using Scale Microstructure.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
BIO-06-1-02
NSRI
2007 – P 296,651
2006 – P 384,402
January 1, 2006 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Zubaida U. Basiao
1 University Research Associate I
Abstract:
Little or no information is available on the scale formation and scale characteristics
of the milkfish (Chanos chanos Forsskal). Scales from young milkfish grown in small netcages and in a nursery pond were examined to determine whether location within two areas
above the lateral line would affect the characteristics of the scales, including scale radius,
number of circuli and circulus spacing near the anterior margin of the scale. The anterior
part of the scale, which is the buried portion, is characterized by an entire margin that is
bicuspid with two distinct anterior-lateral lobes. The milkfish cycloid scale is somewhat
greater in length than width with a nearly central focus. The number of circuli was
significantly higher (p = 0.000) in scales collected from the peduncle area of the body than
in scales collected in the anterior area of the body. Scale radius was likewise significantly
longer (p = 0.001) in scales collected in the peduncle area of those milkfish fry reared in a
nursery pond compared to those fry reared in small net-cages. The circulus spacing near the
anterior margin of the scale did not show any variation in scales taken from the two areas
of the body and for those grown in the two environments. We suggest that it is important to
specify the location of the scales collected from the body of the young milkfish fry because
of the variation that exists between sampling areas. The potential for using scale
characteristics in discriminating between milkfish populations and estimating growth rate
of milkfish is discussed.
2)
Project Title
:
Development of Shrimp Primary Cell Culture Systems
and their Susceptibility to Some Viruses of Penaeus
monodon Cultured in the Philippines.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
BIO-06-2-01
NSRI
2007 – P 406,651
2006 – P 409,402
January 1, 2006 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Elena S. Catap
1 University Research Associate I
4
Abstract:
Primary cell culture system, susceptible to MBV, WSSV and HPV infection, was
established from the lymphoid organ of Penaeus monodon. Experimental shrimps (15-20 g)
were disinfected in 5.25% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite for 10-15 mm prior to dissection of the
lymphoid organs; these were placed in double strength Leibovitz’s L-1 5 medium (L-1 5)
with antibiotics (antibiotic incubation medium or AIM) for one hr, and subsequently minced.
Four fragments of the lymphoid organs were inoculated in each well of a Primaria 24-well
culture plate and incubated in double-strength L-1 5 supplemented with 20% fetal bovine
serum, 100 µg/ml streptomycin and 100 lU /ml penicillin, 8% shrimp meat/head extract,
and 6% Chen’s salt solution (102.4 g/L NaCl, 1.8 g/l KCl, 5.1 g/L CaCl2, 10.8 g/L MgSO4 and
11.8 g/L MgCl2. All the cultures were incubated in 28°C. Confluency of cells was 80-90%
after 4 days of culture. Initially, fibroblasts type of cells proliferated and these were then
overgrown with epitheliod type of cells at day 7 post inoculation. The cell monolayers
lasted 30 to 45 days with regular replacement of culture medium. Subsequent experiments
showed that these primary cultured cells from the lymphoid organ were susceptible to MBV,
WSSV and HPV, three shrimp viruses which infect farmed P. monodon in the Philippines.
Cell monolayers (6 day old) inoculated with the viral suspensions exhibited localized
cytopathic effects (CPE) after 1-2 days of incubation of cell cultures. Early CPE showed the
presence of highly refractile bodies; advanced cellular degeneration was observed after 3-4
days incubation. Confirmation of viral infection of the cells was undertaken by PCR
analyses.
3)
Project Title
:
Development of Immunoassay for Detection of AntiBlastocystis hominis-specific lgG in Serum Sample.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
Personnel
:
BIO-05-1-02
NSRI
2007 – P 439,051
2006 – P 409,402
January 1, 2006 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Windell L. Rivera
Dr. John Anthony D.L. Yason
1 University Research Associate I
Abstract:
The anaerobic enteric protozoan Blastocystis hominis is frequently reported in
many clinical laboratories as a common parasitologic finding. Numerous clinical reports list
Blastocystis as a cause of intestinal disease, including diarrhea, inflammatory bowel
disease, and ulcerative colitis, but to date, the pathogenicity of the organism has not been
unequivocally proven. In this study, B. hominis was found to infect 28.37% of asymptomatic
individuals from a slum area in Manila. However, the pathogenic potential is still
controversial. To resolve this issue, the serologic response to B. hominis was examined by
indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Low titers of 1/9 to 1/81 were detected in sera
from both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. The immunodominant 30-kDa
antigen of B. hominis was also identified by Western immunoblot. These observations are
implications of an antibody response to B. hominis.
4)
Project Title
:
Cadmium Localization and Characterization of
Cadmium-binding Biomolecules in Eichhorni crassipes
(Mart.) Solm: A Potential Phytoremediation.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Collaborator
Personnel
:
:
:
:
BIO-06-2-01
NSRI
2007 – P 171,325
2006 – P 409,402
January 1, 2007– June 30, 2007
Dr. Gilda C. Rivero
Dr. Marco Nemesio E. Montaño
1 University Research Associate I
5
Abstract:
The Cd contents in the subcellular fractions of the leaves were determined by
inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) in Eichhornia crassipes
(Mart.) Solms. plants grown in nutrient solutions amended with 5.0 ppm CdCl2. The
cadmium-binding GSH-like peptide involved in the uptake, accumulation, and translocation
of Cd were characterized using reversed phase – high performance chromatography (RPHPLC), circular dichroism (CD) spectrophotometry, and Fourier transformed–infrared (FT-IR)
spectrometry.
The results of ICP-AES analysis of Cd content, together with S content generally
demonstrated the localization of Cd in all subcellular components of the cells from young
and mature laminae of Cd-exposed E. crassipes plants, and the ultimate sequestration of Cd
ions in the vacuoles. The presence of S in the vacuoles indicated its role, as well as those of
other S-containing compounds in the chelation and sequestration of Cd into the vacuoles.
The sulfhydryl-containing peptides detected through DTNB assay exhibited peaks in the RPHPLC chromatographs with their retention time falling within the range of the GSH
standard. The levels of GSH-like peptide and the concentrations of Cd+2 showed a direct
relationship and were highest in Cd-treated mature laminae. Further characterization
through CD spectrophotometry and FT-IR spectrometry showed the GSH nature of the SHcontaining Cd-binding peptide.
These observations revealed that the GSH-like peptide is the major chelating
biomolecule for cadmium in E. crassipes laminae. The enhanced synthesis of this peptide,
possibly another form of GSH, as well as the ultimate retention of cadmium in the vacuoles
of the laminae, constitute the cellular mechanisms for cadmium tolerance and homeostasis
in E. crassipes leaves.
5)
Project Title
:
Use of Elicitors in the Production of Corosolic Acid in
Callus Cultures of Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
BIO-06-1-04
NSRI
2007 – P 188,325
2006 – P 270,328
January 1, 2007– June 30, 2007
Dr. Lilian B. Ungson
1 University Research Associate I
Abstract:
Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. (Family Lythraceae) is known to have
hypoglycemic effects attributed to its production of corosolic acid. This study is aimed to
induce callus development in leaf explants in vitro and to increase the concentration of this
active compound using different elicitors. Leaf explants were grown in Murashige and Skoog
(MS) medium supplemented with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and kinetin (KIN) at 20:5
uM respectively. This modified MS media was supplemented with the different elicitors;
pectin, B- glucan, cork and methyl jasmonate at different concentrations. The effect of
increased phosphate and nitrate concentration of the MS base media to secondary
metabolite production was also studied. Ten explants were used per treatment. HPLC
analyses of the methanol extracts of the dried calli showed that the percent yield of
corosolic acid in all the treatments ranged from 0.20 to 1.23%, higher than those obtained
in media without elicitors, which is 0.15%. A negative response on increasing pectin
concentration was observed while the cork extract treatments, had the highest corosolic
acid concentration compared to treatments using cork pieces and powder. Corosolic acid
concentration increased with increased cork extract concentration. This trend was also
seen in methyl jasmonate and B-glucan treatments. For all the elicitors used, those with
modified phosphate concentration in the base MS media produced the highest secondary
metabolite concentration. The modified MS media with two-folds phosphate concentration
and 20% pectin (v/v) produced the highest corosolic acid concentration at 1.23% per 50 mg
dried calli.
6
CHEMISTRY
6)
Project Title
:
Isolation and Structure Elucidation of the Analgesic
Constituent(s) of Kylinga monocepala.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
CHE-06-2-05
NSRI
2007 – P 251,651
2006 – P 349,079
January 1, 2006 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Evangeline C. Amor
1 University Research Associate I
Abstract:
A pure compound was successfully isolated from one of the active fractions of
Kyllinga monocephala. The isolate exhibited significant analgesic effect as evidenced by its
decreasing effect on the number of writhes in mice induced by acetic-acid. Spectral
analyses on the compound have been done and structure elucidation is on-going.
7)
Project Title
:
Development of a Fiber Optic Dissolved Gas/Heavy
Metal Sensor Based on Immobilized Ligand/s.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
CHE-06-2-04
NSRI
2007 – P 399,651
2006 – P 344,245
January 1, 2006 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Lilibeth DLC. Coo
1 University Research Associate I
Abstract:
Metals are a global threat because they are everywhere. They are both naturally
occurring and have been used by humans for hundreds of years. Today they abound in our
waste dumps. And worse, these metals persist in the environment and once in the body,
they do not break down. They concentrate in the liver, kidneys, brain, skeleton, and
keratinized tissue such as hair and nails causing every disorder known to man.
EPA ranks toxins in waste dumps according to prevalence and toxicity. Metal toxins
are included in the top list. Studies showed they are easily incorporated into biological
molecules and exert their toxic effects by displacing essential metals of a lower binding
power in biologically active molecules or by acting as noncompetitive inhibitors of enzymes.
Another parameter to monitor which is of great concern to water quality specialists
and biologists is the dissolved gases. Bodies of water in a state of supersaturation by
dissolved gases are detrimental to aquatic organisms. Fish suffering from high levels of
dissolved gases in their blood stream can cause injury and death by restricting blood flow.
Industrial development not only spells good life but also disaster if not
complemented with proper treatment of pollutants/products derived/emanating from this
so called industrialization. Therefore, the need to search for a quick and yet efficient
analytical tool in the effective monitoring of these pollutants will always be a necessity to
assist works on the proper treatment.
This project aims to develop fiber-optic sensors based on amberlite resins wherein
an organic ligand, sensitive to heavy metals/dissolved gases is immobilized. With the use of
optical fibers, remote sensing is made possible. As a consequence, analysis can be
performed practically anywhere. Futhermore, analyses can be performed in real time.
Fiber optic sensors also offer significant cost advantages due to availability of visible-region
LED and sufficiently sensitive photodetectors at low cost.
7
8)
Project Title
:
Toxic Metabolites from Beauveria bassiena.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Co-Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
CHE-05-2-05
NSRI
2007 – P 352,055
2006 – P 379,245
2005 – P 389,151
January 1, 2005 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Florecita S. de Guzman
Ms. Larisa May M. Quijano
1 University Research Associate I
Abstract:
Bioassay-guided fractionation of the EtOAc extract of the spent medium of 4-day
old liquid cultures of Beauveria bassiana isolated from a sweet potato weevil yielded
oosporein as the metabolite responsible for the brine shrimp toxicity. Oosporein gave a
LC50 of 42 mg mL-1 and LC90 of 77 mg mL-1 against brine shrimp nauplii. Oosporein also
exhibited slight antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with an activity index
of 0.43 at 50 mg/disc and 0.79 at 100 mg/disc. The structure of oosporein was determined
using IR, MS and 1- and 2-dimensional NMR.
9)
Project Title
:
The Development and Testing of PVC Matrix
Membrane Ion-Selective Electrode Based on
Macrocyclic Diamides for Heavy Metal Detection.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Collaborator
Personnel
:
:
:
:
CHE-06-2-02
NSRI
2007 – P 334,900
2006 – P 347,353
January 1, 2006 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Florian R. Del Mundo
Dr. Susan D.R. Arco
1 University Research Associate I
Abstract:
Two macrocyclic diamides were synthesized and used as the ionophores in
contructing PVC membrane electrodes. The fabricated electrodes were evaluated as to
their selectivity towards heavy metal detection. The performance of the ion-selective
electrodes was characterized as to linear concentration range, sensitivity, limit of
detection and response time.
10)
Project Title
:
Synthesis and Characterization of Ruthenium
Polypyridyl Complexes Incorporated into a
Polyaniline Matrix.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Collaborator
Personnel
:
:
:
:
CHE-06-2-03
NSRI
2007 – P 383,651
2006 – P 359,245
January 1, 2006 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Girlie Naomi N. Sison
Dr. Florentino c. Sumera
1 University Research Associate I
Abstract:
Chemically modified electrodes (CME’s) can be made by coating an electrode with a
material that will alter its electrochemical properties. In this particular study, polymeric
ruthenium polyazine complexes of the form [Ru(bpySO3H)2(BL)]Cl2 (where BL is 2,3-bis(28
pyridyl)pyrazine
(dpp),
or
2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline
(dpq),
or
2,3-bis(2pyridyl)benzoquinoxaline (dpb) and bpySO3H is 2,2 ‘-bipyridyl-5-sulfonic acid) were utilized
to modify an electrode surface. Electrochemical polymerization was done using polyaniline
as the anchoring polymer. The novel complexes and the metallopolymer system were
characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Infrared spectra were
also taken for the novel complexes only. Results show that polyaniline was able to bind
with the electrode due to the presence of the green film.
UV-Vis spectra and
voltammograms of the complexes showed signs of binding between the polymer and the
ruthenium polypyridyl complexes.
MATHEMATICS
(No projects terminating in 2007)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND METEOROLOGY
11)
Project Title
:
Rainfall Maxima Associated with Tropical Cyclones in
the Philippines.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
ESM-06-2-03
NSRI
2007 – P 267,651
2006 – P 302,377
January 1, 2006 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Josefina C. Argete
1 University Research Associate I
Abstract:
The first year of the project is an observational study of the spatial distribution of
rainfall maxima in tropical cyclones. The location of maximum rainfall relative to the
center of tropical cyclones is obtained from 6-hr rainfall images of TRMM satellite data
while the location of the eye is read from best track data of JTWC. The analysis is done for
tropical cyclones of 1998 to 2001. Based on our results, rainfall maxima are located in the
front quadrant of storms. Developing storms (weak intensity) have rainfall dominantly in
the left front while intensifying storms have rainfall maxima in the right front quadrant.
The vertical wind shear is found to influence the location of the maximum rainfall. Vertical
wind shear was extracted from the global reanalysis dataset (ERA-40) calculated for each 6hourly position of the tropical cyclones. The direction of the shear is plotted with respect
to storm motion (storm motion always pointing northwards). It is found that when the shear
is easterly (westerly), maximum rainfall is located to the right (left) of shear. Also, the
magnitude of the shear is found to be inversely related to intensity of the storm. Small
vertical shear is required for organized convection during intense storms. Large shears lead
to strong anticyclonic flow at the top of the storms that may lead to dissipation or to storm
recurving to the east.
For the second year of the project, a series of numerical experiments was
performed with the objective of simulating the effects of vertical wind shear on (a) storm
track and intensity and (b) rainfall amount and its radial distribution. The model used is the
High-resolution Regional Model (HRM), a numerical weather prediction tool used for shortterm forecasts developed at the Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD), the meteorological office of
Germany. The two typhoons studied are Cimaron or locally Paeng (2006Oct26-29) and
Xangsane or Milenyo (2006Sep25-30). For both cases, the experiments consisted of varying
the vertical wind profiles at the boundaries of the domain. It is found that the location of
the rainfall maxima in tropical cyclones is influenced by the relative influence of two
vectors: the vertical wind shear and translation speed or storm motion. Comparison of the
model and observed tracks and location of rainfall maxima are presented and analyzed in
the final report.
9
12)
Project Title
:
Assessment of Biotransformation Enzymes from Clam
(Katelysia sp.) and Goby Fish (Oxyurichthys
microlepsis) as Biomakers of Polyaromatic
Hydrocarbon Contamination in Coastal Areas.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
ESM-05-2-02
NSRI
2007 – P 303,649
2006 - P 395,545
2005 – P 389,151
January 1, 2005 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Flerida A. Cariño
1 University Research Associate I
Abstract:
Biomarkers are “changes induced by contaminants in the biochemical or cellular
components of a process, structure of function, that can be measured in biological system.”
As such, biomarkers provide qualitative and semiquantitative information on the nature of
the chemical insult, and information on the relation between biological effects and levels
of environmental contamination. Toxicological effects of contaminants are intercorrelated
at different levels of structural organization, the primary toxicity being generally felt
initially at the biochemical and molecular levels before being manifested at higher level
such as organelle, cell, tissue, organism, and eventually population. The metabolic
responses to chemical insult, like those elicited by polyaromatic hydrocarbons, are thus
potential biomarkers for ecotoxicological research.
One of the main problems of ecotoxicological research is the evaluation of exposure
of natural communities to contaminants and the effect of these compounds on their health
and viability. Monitoring the presence of contaminants in the environment can yield how
much of the contaminant is present, but cannot categorically indicate the availability and
effect of the contaminant to components of the natural population. By combining estimates
of residue levels in the environment and indicator organisms, and data on possible
metabolic responses, integrated signals of the level of contamination in a given area may
be obtained. Such signal indicates the level of ecotoxicological risk to which a given natural
population is exposed
NSRI
(No projects terminating in 2007)
10
PROJECTS RENEWED IN 2007
NSRI (Commitment Projects)
1)
Project Title
:
Validation of DNA Typing Procedures and Assessment
of Genetic Relationships Among Filipino
Ethnic/Language Groups
(Services of URA is needed for the smooth operations
of DNA Analysis Laboratory)
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
NSR-97-2-04
NSRI/Office of the Chancellor, UPD
2007 – P 905,919 (personnel salary and NSRI facilities only)
2006 – P 754,604 (personnel salary and NSRI facilities only)
2005 – P 754,604 (personnel salary and NSRI facilities only)
2004 – P 754,604 (personnel salary and NSRI facilities only)
2003 - P 751,244 (personnel salary and NSRI facilities only)
2002 – P 536,004 (personnel salary and NSRI facilities only)
2001 – P 586,272 (personnel salary and NSRI facilities only)
2000 - P 815,676 (personnel salary and NSRI facilities only)
1999 - P 512,628 (NSRI)
75,000 (Office of Chancellor, UPD)
1998 – P 912,128
1997 - P1,020,078
January 1, 1997 – continuing project
Dr. Ma. Corazon A. de Ungria (1999 – present)
4 University Research Associate I
Expected Output:
The major thrust in 2007 was a continued effort towards validation of procedures
for environmentally challenged samples, with emphasis on initiatives for forensic DNA
analysis of exhumed bones and teeth, and possibilities for innovative sample collection in
cases of mass disaster. Specimen included biopsies and post-mortem human remains. DNA
profiles from the bone and tooth samples were verified by comparing it with the genotype
obtained from the individual’s reference samples, or from the individual’s closest relative
when the former was not available.
Various sample preparation, extraction and purification methods were investigated.
The presence of residual nucleases and chemicals that may degrade DNA during laboratory
handling and storage was also considered in evaluating the effectiveness of DNA extraction
procedures.
Focus was also placed on investigating the presence of DNase-producing bacteria
and DNase activity inside exhumed human bone samples as human remains that have been
exposed to soil is ideal for microbial growth.
The utility of nuclear STR markers for DNA profiling of highly challenged samples is
limited. DNA typing of human remains in some forensic cases handled by the laboratory
using nuclear STR markers yielded only partial DNA profiles. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing
yielded more information that facilitated the identification of some biological samples in
these cases. The use of mitochondrial DNA sequencing for analysis of forensic cases in the
Philippines necessitates the generation of a Filipino population database of mitochondrial
sequences.
Analysis of the DNA Analysis Laboratory’s autosomal STR database in 15 Philippine
regions revealed significant inter-regional variations.
Because local population
differentiation is expected to be greater for non-recombining markers such as mtDNA than
for autosomal STRs, these findings indicate that it is necessary to sample from different
11
areas of the archipelago to study the diversity of mtDNA types in the Philippines and to
apply the appropriate calculations in statistical analysis of matching forensic data in actual
casework. Mitochondrial DNA sequence at the Hypervariable Regions I and II of samples
from Cebu City, an urban population in the Visayas region, was generated. The
mitochondrial DNA diversity was characterized and compared with the existing NCR mtDNA
database. The value of the Philippine mtDNA HVR sequence database for the resolution of
forensic cases (e.g. identity testing) was determined by calculating measures of genetic
variability.
The Laboratory continues its involvement in a number of collaborative efforts that
target bolstering the number and complexity of the Philippine population database,
understanding of the peopling of the Philippines and the international significance of
Philippine population genetics, including the PanAsia SNP initiative with the Genome
Institute of Singapore, training at Chinese Academy of Sciences-Max Planck Gesselschaft
Partner Institutes for Computational Biology (China) for the Head of the laboratory and one
of our staff, as well as collaborations with The Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United
Kingdom and the Leipzig School of Human Origins-Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary
Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. Two of our staff received scholarships from the British
Council and from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. Four of our staff
were also invited to join in the 1st Asian DNA Profiling Group participated by representatives
from different Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei.
Continuing efforts towards dissemination of information regarding forensic DNA
analysis in the country, with emphasis on understanding the technology and appreciating
how the technology can work for Philippine society, included participation in various
lectures and workshops which targeted different members of the forensic community
including members of the legal profession, teachers and students in different parts of the
archipelago.
The laboratory also embarked on a new initiative in 2007. At present, there are few
DNA-based methods for species identification of animal meat products in the Philippines.
Hence, validation of DNA-based methods of meat identification that are more
discriminating, reliable, sensitive, and cost-efficient is needed to improve current methods
of detection. A key determining step in meat identification using molecular techniques is
the successful extraction of DNA from different meat products. The laboratory thus
evaluated three DNA extraction procedures (organic, silica-based procedure, and high-salt)
using raw and processed meat products.
2)
Project Title
:
Chemical Waste Management Program of NSRI
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Co-Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
NSR-00-1-05
NSRI
2007 – P 188,651 (personnel and lab supplies)
2006 – P 169,620 (personnel salary only)
2005 – P 144,000 (personnel salary only)
2004 – P 144,000 (personnel salary only)
2003 – P 187,811 (personnel salary only)
2002 – P 134,000 (personnel salary only)
2001 – P 127,620 (personnel salary only)
2000 – P 116,016 (personnel salary only)
January 1, 2000 – continuing program
Ms. Charita S. Kwan
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago
1 University Research Associate I
Expected Output:
Various chemical wastes are continuously generated from the research and
technical laboratories of the NSRI. If not managed properly, these can cause harm to
people and the environment. Thus, a Chemical Waste Management Program (CWMP) has
been put in place to ensure proper handling and disposal of these wastes for general safety
12
and in compliance with RA 6969:
Control Act of 1990.
Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste
For year 2007, the CWMP of the NSRI sustained the following activities:
management of the chemical exchange program, collection and disposal of chemical waste,
treatment of metal-containing waste, recycling of waste organic solvents particularly
hexane and dichloromethane by using the Brownstone high purity distillation system, and
identification and classification of unlabeled chemical waste.
In order to encourage compliance and participation of the waste management
program of the Institute, information dissemination activities were also put in place.
Seminars on biological and chemical safety for newly-hired URAs and in-coming thesis
advisees of project leaders were conducted in January and July. The chemical waste
management plans of project proposals for 2008 were also evaluated and proponents were
notified for any limitations, constraints and requirements.
A DENR-accredited waste treater that can responsibly handle, treat and dispose
the various toxic and hazardous chemical waste of the Institute was also identified. The
first batch of waste was submitted last December.
13
PROJECTS APPROVED FOR FUNDING IN 2007
BIOLOGY
1)
Project Title
:
Detection of Fucose-binding Proteins in Various
Tissues of Nile Tilapia.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
BIO-07-1-01
NSRI
2007 – P 355,651
January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Anacleto M. Argayosa
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
Carbohydrate-binding proteins, such as lectins, are proteins that play a major role
in disease resistance both in vertebrates and invertebrates. They possess the ability to
recognize cell surface glycans or carbohydrates on pathogens and initiate a cascade of
reactions that result to their agglutination and phagocytosis. We have isolated these
fucose-binding proteins, called fucolectins, from Nile tilapia serum and we are interested
to detect specific tissues that synthesize and secrete them into the bloodstream. We have
employed a synthetic fucose-binding protein probe to determine and analyze it. Our
previous results showed that the head, kidney and liver might be producing these
fucolectins that are subsequently released as soluble proteins found in the serum. We hope
to determine other organs in Nile tilapia that similarly show higher levels of expression
aside from liver, head, kidney, and gills. This project aims to determine relative levels of
fucose-binding proteins in Nile tilapia gut, spleen, and skin mucus. Future projects on cDNA
cloning of fucolectins will be based on the findings from these research activities.
2)
Project Title
:
Diversity of Aquatic Fauna of Candaba Swamp,
Central Luzon, Philippines: Microinvertibrates,
Plankton and Fish.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
:
:
:
Personnel
:
BIO-07-2-02
NSRI
2007 – P 381,451
January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2008
Dr. Luis Maria B. Garcia
Ms. Brenda M. Hernandez
Mr. Neil Edsel C. Ramirez
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
The project is an inventory of existing aquatic fauna in the Candaba wetland area
in central Luzon, which may provide information for the management of this rapidly
dwindling freshwater habitat now threatened by human-induced activities.
Macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects, mollusks, annelids, nematodes), plankton, and fish
were gathered from sampling stations in Simang, San Agustin-Bomba, Mandili, and
Barangca-Malisik in the municipality of Candaba, Pampanga. Sampling efforts were
concentrated in the backwaters of the nearby Pampanga River during November-December
2007 when seasonal floodwaters were receeding.
3)
Project Title
:
An Investigation of Endemic/Indigenous Plant Species
with Potential Medicinal Values in Kanawan, Morong,
Bataan Forest Area: Collection of Plant Materials
Project Code
Funding Source
:
:
BIO-07-1-03
NSRI
14
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
:
2007 – P 44,000
September 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Annabelle A. Herrera
Description of the project:
The study area, a primary forest within the Bataan National Park, is an ancestral
land of a group of Aetas. This research program was undertaken in cooperation with the
Aeta community who, through their barangay elders, had verbally agreed to share their
indigenous knowledge on the use of plants for medicinal purpose. They were collaborators
in the study and it was made clear to them that they will share in the possible economic
returns of the research projects be they in terms of patents or revenue from sales of
developed products. Thus, the indigenous community is the primary beneficiary of this
research program. In fact, selected members of the Aeta community collected the
identified plant species to be used by the proponents. They were hired for plant collection
during the four-month long project.
With further development and utilization of our data by health and pharmaceutical
sectors, the general Filipino and even the global population will enjoy the health benefits
offered by these plant products as food supplements, beverages and potentially novel drugs
against various diseases. Moreover, the conservation of threatened endemic/indigenous
species through tissue culture impacts positively on Philippine biodiversity.
CHEMISTRY
4)
Project Title
:
Synthesis of Molecular Imprinted Polymers for Food
Additives.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Collaborator
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
CHE-07-2-04
NSRI
2007 – P 358,251
January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2008
Dr. Susan D. Arco
Dr. Florian R. Del Mundo
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
In this study, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) will be prepared, characterized
and evaluated for the detection of selected food additives namely: 2,5-dimethylpyrazine,
erythrosine and BHA. The objective of the project is to develop an efficient method for the
synthesis of MIPs specific for the selected food additives. Determination of the efficiency
of the prepared MIPs for binding the imprinted molecule will be done through batch binding
experiment and thin layer chromatography. The effect of the different combination of
functional monomers for the selectivity of the prepared polymers will also be investigated.
5)
Project Title
:
A Process for the Preparation of Monolaurin.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
CHE-07-1-06
NSRI
2007 – P 356,651
January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Mary Ann E. Arias
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
Monolaurin has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a direct
food additive. While nontoxic to humans, monolaurin adversely affects bacteria, yeast,
15
fungi and enveloped viruses. Because of its wide applications in pharmaceutical, food and
cosmetics industry, it is called a nutraceutical.
The acid component of the monoester monolaurin is lauric acid, which is the major
fatty acid found in coconut fat. The Philippines is a major producer of the agricultural
product coconut.
Due to the immense importance of monolaurin in health and medicine, its synthesis
has been the subject of many research efforts. Several processes have been patented for its
production. It is a small and simple molecule but its synthesis and production in acceptable
levels of purity remain to be important goals in coconut product research.
6)
Project Title
:
Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Cancer
Chemopreventive Agent(s) from Excoecaria
philippinensis Merrill.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Collaborator
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
CHE-07-2-05
NSRI
2007 – P 389,051
January 1, 2006 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Amelia P. Guevara
Dr. Sonia D. Jacinto
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
Evaluation of the cancer chemopreventive potential of the crude extract and
solvent fractions from the leaf extract of Excoecaria philippinensis Merrill using the DPPH
free radical scavenging assay, HL 60 differentiation and JB 6 transformation assays were
done. Subsequently, the cancer chemopreventive agent(s) is/are obtained via a bioassayguided isolation using the DPPH assay. The pure active isolate(s) is/are subjected to dose
response studies to determine its IC50.
7)
Project Title
:
Antimutagenic Compounds from Philippine Plants.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
CHE-07-2-01
NSRI
2007 – P 446,651
January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2008
Dr. Christine L.C. Hernadez
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
The project will initially screen terrestrial plant extracts for their antimutagenic
action using the micronucleus test. The plant with the highest activity will be subjected to
bioassay-guided purification and isolation scheme to identify the active components. The
structure of the antimutagenic constituents will be determined using spectral analysis.
8)
Project Title
:
Sol-Gel Processing of Crystalline Ruthenium
Nanaoclusters in a Zirconium Xerogel Matrix.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
CHE-07-1-02
NSRI
2007 – P 336,651
January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Jim Josephus G. Minglana
1 University Research Associate I
16
Description of the project:
The project is at the forefront of research topics in chemistry and materials science
of intense current interest: sol-gel chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and particle-size
control. Sol-gel chemistry is a “soft” approach (use of ambient temperatures and mild
reaction conditions) to produce a wide range of materials. In particular, control of the
hydrolysis and condensation of silicon and early transition metal (zirconium, titanium,
vanadium) alkoxides is employed to obtain the desired material. The inorganic oxide matrix
formed from the gelation of these compounds can serve as support for a host of functional
groups ranging from well-defined metal centers to polymers to biomolecules.
The ultimate objective of this project is to incorporate ruthenium centers by
covalent linkages (through an organic ligand) into the zirconium oxide matrix so that the
ruthenium atoms would be highly dispersed and available for catalytic activity but still
remain strongly linked to the matrix. Such design and approach (sol-gel method) are highly
desirable in heterogeneous catalysis.
An understanding of the reaction of ruthenium complexes with zirconium alkoxides
and their subsequent gelation in relation to the size of the particles obtained is a
significant step in the science of particle size control. This will be very important to areas
that exploit nanometer-scale materials.
9)
Project Title
:
Sampling and Analysis of Some Health Impacting
Vapor Phase-Particulate Species in an Ambient Metro
Manila Site.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Collaborator
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
CHE-07-2-07
NSRI
2007 – P 342,651
January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2008
Dr. Leni L. Quirit
Ms. Flora Santos
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
In the last few years, the Philippines has been addressing urban air quality. The
process of identification and apportionment of pollutants to their sources is an important
step in air quality management. Receptor modeling uses measurements of the pollutant
concentrations at a sampling site and statistical analysis to predict pollutant sources.
In the validation of the receptor model, a usual problem is the partitioning of semivolatile species in the vapor and particulate phase. If the sampling does not take this into
account, this contributes to the mass closure problem in the receptor model. Another
problem is the uncertainty in the coefficients used for BC determination. Recent studies at
PNRI showed a difference of BC levels when transmittance and absorption methods are used
on the same samples. BC validation of the mass absorption coefficient, using a nonphotometric method, will help in more accurate modeling of air particulate pollution
sources, since BC forms a major percentage of fine PM (particulate matter) in Metro Manila.
Another recurring problem in the air quality scenario of Metro Manila is the
existence of chronological gaps in data gathering, especially in the vapor phase species. In
the particulate phase, data gathering has had continuity since the late 90’s, mainly due to
the efforts of PNRI and MO (Manila Observatory). Two very expensive attempts at sampling
real time PM, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and ozone levels have been started and then
discontinued by EMB-DENR since the late 90’s, probably due to maintenance and
operational difficulties. In the particulate phase data gathering, the uncertainties due to
semi-volatile particulate species and the BC coefficient have yet to be addressed.
This study hopes to address the sampling and analysis of the vapor phase species
(using relatively inexpensive and easily maintained methods which would aid in continuity
17
of data gathering), plus the sampling and receptor modeling uncertainties due to semivolatile particulate NH4NO3 and BC.
10)
Project Title
:
Development of Longicalycinin Derivatives with
Anticancer Activity.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
:
:
:
Personnel
:
CHE-07-2-03
NSRI
2007 – P 361,651
January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2008
Dr. Portia Mahal G. Sabido
Dr. Sonia D. Jacinto
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
In the past several decades, anticancer drugs have prolonged the lives of many
thousands of cancer patients and have cured a substantial number of them. However, in the
Philippines, cancer survival rates are still relatively low. In fact, cancer is one of the
leading causes of death with mortality rates still showing increasing trends.
There are over 50 clinically approved cancer drugs. In addition, there are many new
anticancer drugs in various stages of preclinical and clinical developments. But nearly all of
these drugs are limited in their use due to dual problems of drug resistance and lack of
selectivity. The lack of selectivity leads to severe side effects associated with most current
anticancer drugs — suppression of the immune system, gastrointestinal disturbances and
loss of hair. Thus, there is a continuing need for novel drugs for the treatment of cancer.
Plants have continued to be an excellent source for novel structures. There is good reason
for turning to nature for drug discovery since 25 percent of modern medicines are made
from plants that were previously used in traditional medicine.
As part of their research to isolate bioactive constituents from traditional medicinal
plants, a group from Kaohsiung Medical University has very recently isolated cyclic peptide
Longicalycinin A,1, from a traditional medicinal Dianthus superbus. They have shown that
this pentapeptide showed toxicities to Hep G2 cancer cell line.
11)
Project Title
:
Synthesis of Biodegradable Polyanhydrides for
Controlled Drug Delivery.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
CHE-07-2-08
NSRI
2007 – P 336,651
January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2008
Dr. Florentino C. Sumera
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
The products of synthesis which are new monomers/compounds from coconut fatty
acids such as the hydroxy and amino (ω-1) fatty acids are intermediates in our previous
project and will find another use in this project. It will be very beneficial if these
monomers can also be used as intermediates for the synthesis of polyanhydrides.
Polyanhydrides of fatty acids (like erucic acid and sebacic acid being fatty acid dimers)
were used as carriers for controlled drug delivery. They form strong flexible films that can
be injection-molded and loaded with drugs. They have been already tested for the
treatment of chronic bone infections. However, erucic based fatty acid dimer is not easily
metabolized in vivo because it contains a C-C linkage between two fatty acids. It is
therefore worthwhile to synthesize fatty acid based on diacid monomers that could readily
degrade under physiological conditions (pH 6.7-7.4, 37°C), and at the same time, possess
the physical and mechanical properties of FAD (fatty acid dimer)-based biopolymers.
18
MATHEMATICS
12)
Project Title
:
Minimisation and Signal Denoising in L1.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
MAT-07-1-01
NSRI
2007 – P 36,000
January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Noli N. Reyes
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
In the Hilbert space setting, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for
existence of a signal with prescribed best approximations from finitely many linear
subspaces. We also provide a characterization of such a signal with minimal norm. Our
result compliments a result of Youla on signal recovery by the method of alternating
projections.
13)
Project Title
:
Computing Sylow 2-Subgroup of Quadratic Fields.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Co-Project Leader
:
:
:
:
:
;
MAT-07-2-01
NSRI
2007 – P 36,800
September 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Juliu M. Basilla
Mr. Christopher F. Santos
Description of the project:
The research aims to contribute towards the understanding of the structure of the
ideal class groups of quadratic fields using the approach proposed in the papers of Basilla,
Nemenzo, and Wada.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND METEOROLOGY
14)
Project Title
:
Development of Rapid Environmental Assessment
Techniques for Beach Health: Biotic Indicators.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Collaborator
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
ESM-07-2-01
NSRI
2007 – P 244,650
July 1, 2006 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Benjamin Vallejo, Jr.
Dr. Wilfredo R. Licuanan
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
The project will be the first systematic study of the beach environment in the
Philippines. The beach environment and other intertidal habitats have been largely ignored
in studies on the Philippine marine environment. While there had been studies before,
much of these were made as undergraduate and graduate theses that never were
published. Some of the studies were made by regional universities and the results have
been published as gray literature. In, many cases the studies only dealt with certain aspects
of shore ecosystems and mainly taxonomic inventories that are questionable.
19
The techniques that will be developed will be useful in a rapid assessment of beach
environment especially in estimating initial and long term impacts of 1) oil and chemical
spills, 2) garbage, 3) beach modification resulting from engineering interventions, 4)
sedimentation due to coastal development 5) tourism and 6) natural changes due to
geomorphologic processes.
NSRI
15)
Project Title
:
Ancient Mitochondrial DNA Extraction of
Archeozoological Specimen Excavated in the
Philippines.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Collaborator
:
:
:
:
:
:
NSR-07-1-01
NSRI
2007 – P 121,000
January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007
Ms. Raquel O. Rubio
Mr. Victor J. Paz
Description of the project:
Studies of archaeological bone remains are hindered by the inability to accurately
identify them using morphological criteria due to inherent problems associated with the
lack of genus- and species-specific morphological features and the fragmentary nature of
archaeological bone specimen. In the Philippines. there is a need to develop and apply
molecular techniques in archaeology. The use of molecular techniques to identify
archaeozoological ecofacts would give archeologists a better understanding about shifts in
subsistence behavior of prehistoric humans in the islands, the corresponding changes In
their procurement technologies, the geographic distribution of several species in the past
and how much It changed through time, the degree by which the environment changed, as
well as the phylogenetic relationships of specimens found in the Philippines and in
Southeast Asia. This project aims to establish the background of molecular genetic research
for Philippine archaeology, especially in the investigation of faunal exploitation, their
palaeobiogeography, phylogenetics, and how extensively they played a role in human
behavior in the past. Also, having information about past distribution of animals can have a
significant role for the conservation biology of extant reprecentatives of these animals. This
will be a seminal work that uses molecular genetics in inferring the past of the Filipinos and
the Philippines.
16)
Project Title
:
Validation of Procedures for DNA Analysis of Meat
Products.
Project Code
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
:
:
:
NSR-07-1-03
NSRI
2007 – P 50,,162
September 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria
Description of the project:
The study aimed to validate DNA extraction procedures for raw meat and meat
products from pig (Sus domesticus), cattle (Bos indicus), chicken (Gallus gallus), carabao
(Bubalus bubalis), and goat (Capra hircus). The success of the DNA extraction procedures
will be verified via PCR amplification of the cytB gene.
20
EXTERNALLY – FUNDED PROJECTS
(NSRI regular research staff received grants for the following externally funded projects)
1)
Project Title
:
Global Air Passive Sampling.
Funding Source
:
Amount of Funding
:
Project Leader
:
Environment Canada Air Quality Process Research
Division for Global Air Passive Sampling (GAPS) Project
N.A.
Expenses for sampling materials and shipping provided
by Environment Canada. Transportation and other
expenses in deploying and retrieving the samples are
shouldered by RASL.
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago
Abstract:
The Global Air Passive Sampling Project is organized to monitor the Persistent
Organic Pollutants in strategic places around the globe to generate baseline data on the
concentrations of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Organochlorine Pesticides that are covered
by the Stockholm Convention. The data will be used as reference to assess the
effectiveness of the Convention.
Passive Air Sampler used for the Global Air Passive Sampling (GAPS) Project
2)
Project Title
:
Organochlorines Pesticides in Sea Bass in Selected
Coastal Areas in the Philippines.
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
:
:
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
UNU
P 280,000
Expenses for sampling materials and shipping provided
by Environment Canada. Transportation and other
expenses in deploying and retrieving the samples are
shouldered by RASL.
August 2007 – February 2008
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago
Ms. Charita S. Kwan
21
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago, Ms Charita S. Kwan with Mayor of Tagkawayan, Quezon
and BFAR staff for the UNU Project “Organochlorines Pesticides in Sea Bass in
Selected Coastal Areas in the Philippines”
Sea Bass Samples for UNU Project
Abstract:
Organochlorine Pesticides were monitored in Sea Bass collected from the wild in
three coastal areas in the Philippines. Sea Bass was selected as a biomonitor for OCPs
contamination of coastal areas in all participating countries in the UNU project The OCPs in
water and Sea Bass samples from Tagkawayan, Quezon, Roxas City and Estancia, Iloilo in
Panay Island did not show contamination above the Detection Limit of the Method used for
the analysis
3)
Project Title
:
DNAse-producing Bacteria in Exhumed Human-Bones:
Implications to Successful Human DNA Typing
Funding Source
:
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
:
Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and
Development (OVCRD)
P 300,000
June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2008
Ms. Gayvelline C. Calacal
22
Abstract:
The presence of residual nucleases and chemicals that degrade DNA during
laboratory handling and storage should be considered in evaluating the effectiveness of DNA
extraction procedures. This consideration is particularly important when handling human
remains such as bones that have been exposed to soil for a period of time since soil with
decomposing material is ideal for microbial growth. The study will determine the presence
of DNase-producing bacteria, and DNase activity inside five exhumed human bone samples.
4)
Project Title
:
Sequence Polymorphisms of the Human Mitochondrial
DNA Hypervariable Regions I and II in a Visayas
Regional Population.
Funding Source
:
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
:
Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and
Development (OVCRD)
P 30,000
November 15, 2006 – November 14, 2007
Mrs. Miriam Ruth M. Dalet
Abstract:
Sequencing of the Hypervariable Regions I and II (HVRI and HVRII) of human
mitochondrial DNA is among the most effective techniques for obtaining a DNA profile from
forensic biological evidence, particularly in cases where the evidence is available in trace
amounts or in severely degraded condition. However, when two samples are found to share
the same sequence type, the significance of DNA evidence must be calculated based on the
length of the region sequenced and the frequency of the observed sequence type in a given
population. Since the frequencies of mtDNA types vary from one population to another, it
is necessary to construct a reference database of the population.
The aim of this project is to generate a mtDNA HVI and HVII sequence database by
analyzing samples from Cebu City, an urban population in the Visayas region. Mitochondrial
DNA diversity was characterized and the value of the database for the resolution of forensic
cases (e.g. identity testing) was determined by calculating measures of genetic variability.
A more informative mtDNA Hypervariable Regions I and II sequence database of the
Philippine population was available for application in actual forensic casework.
5)
The 2007 DA-BAR/UP-NSRI Research Project on “Post-Doctoral and Senior Scientist
Research Fellowship in Basic Research for Agriculture and Fisheries”
a) Project Title
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Host Scientist
Human Resource Project
Development Associate
:
Transesterification of Oil Extract from LocallyCultivated Jatropha curcas and Determination of its
Properties as a Viable Biodiesel
:
:
:
:
:
DA-BAR
P 500,000
December 1, 2006 – November 30, 2007
Dr. Leon M. Payawan, Jr.
Dr. Titos Anacleto O. Quibuyen
:
Mr. Jay Mathias A. Arellano
Significance of the project:
The race is on to find a suitable alternative to fossil fuel. With the escalation of
petroleum prices from the Middle East due to dwindling supply and the constant
political turmoil in the region, non-petroleum producing countries have initiated
strategies to cope with the foreboding crisis. The United States, for instance, has
launched a massive fuel cell project, which aims to establish a Hydrogen-based
economy by the year 2015. Other developed countries have followed suit. Agriculturebased economies on the other hand are putting their stake on bio-diesel production
from energy crops such as Jatropha curcas. Large tracts of land across Africa, South
23
America, and Asia, have been planted with this high-value agricultural energy crop,
which now, has recently been introduced to the Philippines.
Renewable and potentially inexhaustible source of energy with an energetic
content close to diesel fuel could be found in plant oil extracts however, properties like
high viscosity, low volatility and formation of acrolein have made plant oils unsuitable
for us in diesel engines. Among the various strategies employed to improve the
properties of vegetable oils as fuels, transesterification has been most successful. The
physical characteristics of fatty acid esters (biodiesel) are very close to those of diesel
fuel and the transesterification process is relatively simple. Furthermore, the methyl
or ethyl esters of fatty acids can be burned directly in unmodified diesel engines, with
very low deposit formation.
24
NSRI-ASSISTED RESEARCHES
(NSRI provided laboratory space, electrical and water facilities for the following assisted
researches of the faculty of Institute of Biology and the National Institute of Physics)
1)
Project Title
:
Molecular Characterization of Acanthamoeba spp.
Isolated from Contact Lens Storage Cases, Soil and
Water.
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
:
:
OVCRD
Php 300,000
April 16, 2007 – April 15, 2010
Dr. Windell L. Rivera
Description of the project:
Free-living amebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are ubiquitous in nature and are
found in diverse habitats such as soil and water supplies. Several species of Acanthamoeba
leads to serious human diseases, including vision threatening amebic keratitis (AK),
especially in contact lens wearers and fatal granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) in
immunocompromised patients. Prior to this project, there was no study on the occurrence
of Acanthamoeba contamination in contact lens storage cases in the Philippines. Moreover,
molecular identification of the existing genotypes of acanthamoebae from different sources
based on its 18S rDNA has not yet been studied. This research project therefore evaluated
the genetic diversity of Philippine Acanthamoeba isolates at the molecular level through
rRNA gene fragment sequences.
2)
Project Title
:
Transport of Low Energy Plasmas for the Synthesis of
TiCN/TiCuNfilms and Ion Treatment of Polymers
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Amount Available for 2007
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
:
:
:
DOST
Php 18,821,628.17 (programmed for three years)
Php 8,517,469.10
April 16, 2007 – April 15, 2010
Dr. Henry J. Ramos
Description of the project:
Project A. TiN/TiCN/TixCuyNz Coating Technology
The process of TiN (hardness of 76 Rc) formation, done previously, is extended to
synthesize a composite film to form an even harder coating called titanium carbonitride
(TiCN) with hardness of 92 Rc. One advantage of TiCN over TiN is its better anti-adhesive
and anti-abrasive capability. It has a lower friction coefficient and higher wear resistance
than TiN. The synthesis of TiCN is a logical follow-up of research on even harder nitrides
using the SPNIS facility. Several approaches are being considered. One approach is to first
coat the diamond and diamond-like carbon layer on the substrate using the Plasma
Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) facility developed previously. Here methane
and hydrogen gases are dissociated into a mixed-species plasma to form the diamond or
DLC films on a metal substrate. Subsequently, the substrate is exposed to mixed
titanium/nitrogen plasma in the Sheet Plasma Negative Ion Source (SPNIS). Another
approach is to start with the TiN coating on steel substrates done with the SPNIS. The
nitrided substrate is then exposed to metal doping using an interstitial metal like carbon.
Using the sputter-type ion source with graphite as target material can do this. These two
ways of preparing the material, TiCN, can be explored. The characterization methods of
photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy will provide a picture of the
electronic and mechanical properties of the material. Together with scanning probe
microscopy, the process of material formation can be deduced. This study on the
interaction of an interstitial metal with the film under varying conditions should enable one
to understand the nanostructure phase formation and phase transformation of the material.
25
Project B. Polymer treatment of low energy ions from a gas discharge source
A Gas Discharge Ion Source (GDIS) is developed as an example of a low energy ion
beam source. Ion beam diagnostics like beam emittance measurement and mass analysis
are done to investigate optimum parameters in producing mixed species hydrogen positive
ions. By producing a low energy ion beam (H+ and H2+), this source is tested for surface
modification applications such as ion beam irradiation on sample polymers. The effects on
structural organic polymers such as wood, sea grass, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene
and others are tried. The ion treatment that the sample surfaces undergo changes their
physicochemical properties. The modification is of great significance in the moisture
absorption of the material improving its characteristic features like dyeability, anti stain,
and other physical characteristics. Present results can be extended to applications on other
polymers, bio-organisms and semiconductors. Other gas ions like oxygen, helium and
nitrogen are to be irradiated on similar polymers.
Project C. Beam focus, enhancement and transport in a sputter-type source
A sequence of accelerators and focusing techniques are to be employed in the
extraction of gas/metal ions produced in a sputter-type ion source. Enhancement of ion
yield is tried with noble gases as well as with cesium vapors. The extracted and highly
focused beam is studied in terms of its transport properties specifically on techniques of
increasing acceleration voltage reaching to several keV. The ion current is expected to
increase with increasing acceleration voltage. Acceleration voltages in the order of a few
keV and a few hundred microamperes of ion current are essential in ion beam implantation
and etching applications. Ion beam etching is necessary in the preparation of materials for
various investigations such as thinning of samples for transmission electron microscopy or
for texturing surfaces in the semiconductor industry. High-energy particles (ions or neutral
particles) bombard the specimen in the physical process. Ion beam etching has merits over
conventional metallographic etching methods specially when etching composite materials
or material compounds. The production of highly energetic ions in this study is the first step
towards comprehensive etching tests and parameter studies to be done on various
materials.
3)
Project Title
:
Gas Discharge Ion Source Applications in IC Packaging.
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
:
:
Intel Philippines, Inc.
US $ 8,000
April 16, 2007 – April 15, 2008
Dr. Henry J. Ramos
Description of the project:
Plasma processes are used as environmentally benign alternatives to metallographic
and chemical solvent methods in thinning of samples prior to electron microscopy or for
texturing surfaces in highly sensitive IC packaging and optoelectronic applications.
Challenges for the underfill and plasma process includes the development of fine pitch
devices. Fine pitch devices have 200 microns and below bump-to-bump distance. This
reduces the space by which the underfill material can flow and fill-up the gaps between the
die and the substrate and the ability of the plasma to clean and enhance surface
wettability.
4)
Project Title
:
Streaming Neutral Gas Injection (SNGI) and its
Applications in the Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes.
Funding Source
Equipment Cost
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
:
:
:
Equipment donation from Doshisha University
~ Php 600,000
~ Php 100,000 (NIP counterpart)
January 2007 – December 2008
Dr. Henry J. Ramos
26
Description of the project:
The system is operated in its arc mode to produce the swan peaks of C2 in a mixed
discharge of argon, helium and methane. The conditions in the optimum production of C2
will be determined as it is vital in the synthesis of carbon nanotubes.
5)
Project Title
:
Studies of a Microwave Plasma Device and its
Applications.
Funding Source
Amount of funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
:
:
OVCRD
Php 300,000
January 2007 – December 2008
Dr. Henry J. Ramos
Description of the project:
In this project, further studies on a newly developed microwave plasma device are
conducted. More accurate measurements on the microwave power delivery and plasma
parameters (e.g. electron density and electron temperature) using new equipment such as
power monitors and spectroscopy are done. The design and operation of the new
microwave plasma device will be optimized. Its discharge characteristics under various
conditions and gases will be determined. Finally, it will be used for applications like
plasma processing of wood, and abatement or reduction of perfluorinated compounds
(PFCs) which are gases that contribute to global warming.
6)
Project Title
:
Plasma Sterilization
Funding Source
Amount of funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
:
:
:
:
NIP
Php 100,000
January 2007 – December 2008
Dr. Henry J. Ramos
Description of the project:
Plasma sterilization provides an alternative method for decontamination of
microbiologically infected medical and industrial materials. Its accuracy, reliability and
shorter sterilization time exceeds the advantages of conventional sterilization techniques
such as autoclaving, dry heating and the use of ethylene oxide. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
vapor and oxygen (O2) gas are found to be most effective among these gases for
sterilization.
7)
Project Title
:
Ion Shower Treatment of Polymers and Other
Materials.
Funding Source
Amount of funding
Duration of Project
Project Leader
Collaborators
:
:
:
:
:
UPD
Php 200,000
January 2007 – December 2008
Dr. Henry J. Ramos
Department of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials
Engineering (DMMME), College of Engineering (COE), UP
Diliman
Description of the project:
The ion shower facility at the Shono Laboratory, DMMME-COE is utilized for various
polymer treatment intended for industrial applications.
27
DISSERTATION GRANT
1)
Project Title
:
Cancer Chemopreventive
and Chemotherapeutic
Activities of Flavonoid-Positive Fractions from
Annona squamosa Linn. Leaf Extract.
Funding Source
Amount of Funding
Duration of Project
Name of Faculty
Name of Adviser
:
:
:
:
:
NSRI
Php 81,507
January 1, 2006 – December 31, 2007
Dr. Gladys Asuncion N. Punzalan-Brady
Dr. Sonia D. Jacinto
Abstract:
This study aimed to find out the characteristic types and chromatographic profile of
compounds contained in flavonoid-positive fractions in leaf extracts of Annona squamosa
Linn. using standard phytochemical isolation and purification methods. The fractions
obtained at every step of the purification process were screened initially for the first
anticancer assay to test for free radical scavenging ability using DPPH assay. A final isolate
was obtained, characterized through physical and spectral data, and turned out to be a
benzylisoquinoline nitrogenous compound structurally related to flavonoids. This final
isolate from Annona squamosa leaves has moderate antioxidant property as demonstrated
by its ability to scavenge the free radical DPPH with an IC50 of 86.3ug/ml. This property was
further confirmed when it conferred protection to brine shrimps against potential lethal
effect of H2O2. The brine shrimps assay also demonstrated that the isolate is nontoxic. It
was however not observed to be an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase. When tested for
potential to cause differentiation of promyelocytic HL60 cells, it demonstrated strong
activity as inducer towards monocytic differentiation. This suggests additional bioactivities
of a characterized compound to add to chemical constituents studied and reported for
members of the plant family Annonaceae.
28
1.2 PUBLICATION AND CREATIVE WORKS
The NSRI regularly publishes the following:
1) NSRI Annual Report. This is a compilation of abstracts of NSRI-supported researches and
includes summary of the Institute's extension services for the year covered.
2) NSRI Research and Extension Programs. A summary of NSRI-funded researches and
extension services for the year reproduced for dissemination to the public.
3) NSRI Catalogue of Cultures. This describes the culture collection holding of the
Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory and is updated every two years.
4) NSRI Technical Reports. Terminating projects are published as Technical Report which
follows a standard format as prescribed by the Executive Council. These reports have been
reproduced and bound in uniform color and style. They have been catalogued by the CS
library and are now available for circulation to the public.
5) R & D Services. a) Brochure of NSRI Research and Technical Services
b) Catalogue of Training Courses
6) Scientific Publications Based on NSRI-Funded Projects. The output of NSRI supported
projects are published by researchers in scientific journals. The 2007 publication and
poster based on NSRI funded projects are shown below (Table 1a and Table 1b).
Table 1a. 2007 Publications based on NSRI researches.
AUTHOR
TITLE
PUBLICATIONS
BIOLOGY
I.C.G. Canoy, W.L. Rivera
E.M.Valido, W.L. Rivera
J.A.D.L. Yason, W.L. Rivera
Production and Characterization of
Polyclonal Antibodies Specific for
Entamoeba histolytica
Colony Growth of Philippine
Isolates of Blastocystis hominis in
Simplified Soft agar Medium
Genotyping of Giardia duodenalis
Isolates Among Residents of Slum
Area in Manila, Philippines
Philippine Journal of Science,
136(2): 131-138, ISSN 0031-7683
Parasitology Research, 101: 213217
Parasitology Research, 101:681687
CHEMISTRY
R.P. Obena, F.R. del Mundo, S.D.
Arco, A. Rama
Determination of Selectivity
Coefficient of a AG-ISE Based on
Synthesized 1,3-Macrocyclic
Diamide
29
Asiansense 2007 Proceedings,
ISBN: 978-971-93848-0-9, pp 98108
cont. of table 1a.
R.Y. Capangpangan, F.R. del
Mundo, S.D. Arco, A.T. Amilasan
and R.P. Obena
Correlating Potentiometric IonSelectivity of 1,9dibenzomethylene Macrocyclic
Diamide with Molecular Mechanics
Modeling
A PVC-ISE Based on 1,15-diazo3,4;12,13;16,19;22,24-tetrabenzo5,8,11-trioxacyclotetraeicosane2,14-dione as Neutral Lonophore
for Selective Determination of
Lithium Ion
Preparation and Performance
Characterization of a
Porphyrinbased ISE
A New PVC-membrane Electrode
Based on 1,3-MDA for Selective
Determination of Ag Ion
Development and Testing of A Li+
Ion-Selective Electrode Based on a
Novel Macrocyclic Diamide.
Asiasense 2007 Proceedings, ISBN:
978-971-93848-0-9, pp. 102-105
E.C. Amor
Anti-hyperglycemic and
Mutagenicity Effects of Momordica
charantia Chips (Ampalaya Chips)
Proceedings of the 22nd Philippine
Chemistry Congress, DAP
Convention Center, Tagaytay City
E.C. Amor
Folkloric Philippine Plants with
Analgesic Activity
Proceedings of the 27th Annual
PAASE Meeting and Symposium
(APAMS), Century Park Hotel,
Manila.
R.T. Laxamana, S.D. Arco and
M.U. Paredes
[RMIM]NO3 and [RMIM]OAc Ionic
Liquids as Green Solvents for the
Diels-Alder Reaction between
Cyclopentadiene and Methyl
Acrylate.
An Antimicrobial Ellagitannin from
Excoecaria philippinensis Merrill.
Proceedings of the 22nd Philippine
Chemistry Congress 2007, pp 305308
R.Y. Capangpangan, F.R. del
Mundo, S.D. Arco, et al.
M.G. Pangilinan and F.R. del
Mundo
R.P. Obena, F.R. del Mundo, S.D.
Arco and A.S. Rama
R.Y. Capangpangan, F.R. del
Mundo, S.D. Arco, A.T. Amilasan
and R.P. Obena
A.P. Guevara and R.P. Dator
Eurasia Conference on Chemical
Sciences, ISBN: 978-971-93848-1-6,
p.149
Eurasia Conference on Chemical
Sciences, ISBN: 978-971-93848-1-6,
ISBN: 978-971-93848-1-6, p.122
Proceedings of the 22nd Philippine
Chemistry Congress 2007, pp. 9599
Proceedings of the 22nd Philippine
Chemistry Congress 2007, pp.100103.
Proceedings of 22nd Philippine
Chemistry Congress, 2007, DAP
Convention Center, Tagaytay City,
Philippines.
Table 1b. 2007 Posters presented based on NSRI researches.
AUTHOR
TITLE
PUBLICATIONS
BIOLOGY
E.S. Catap, L.P. Nudo
Infection of Primary Cultured Cells
from the Lymphoid Organ of
Penaeus monodon by Monodon
Baculovirus (MBV), White Spot
Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and
Hepatopacreatic Parvovirus (HPV)
30
7th Symposium on Diseases in Asian
Aquaculture Proceedings
2. EXTENSION SERVICES
The NSRI’s second principal function is to render services to researchers. These services
are the following:
(1) Technical assistance and advisory services
(2) Training courses, seminars and conferences; and
(3) Information and community services
The NSRI has, however, opened these services to institutions and agencies outside UP to
maximize the use of facilities and equipment and to make the expertise of its research staff
available to the general public.
2.1 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND ADVISORY SERVICES
The NSRI research and technical staff provide technical and advisory services to
researchers, students, government and private institutions as well as private individuals.
Technical Assistance
The NSRI’s technical services laboratories are organized into the following units:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Biological Research and Services Laboratory (BRSL)
DNA Analysis Laboratory (DAL)
Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory (MRSL)
Research and Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL)
The services rendered by each laboratory are found in the succeeding pages. Socialized
fees are charged by the laboratories to cover cost of supplies, equipment maintenance, utilities
and services.
BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES LABORATORY (BRSL)
The Biological Research and Services Laboratory is one of the four research and services
laboratories in the Natural Sciences Research Institute of the University of the Philippines. It
houses modern laboratory equipment intended for microscopy, tissue culture, and molecular
biology studies. Students, researchers, and other science personnel from government and private
institutions have regularly visited the lab for its training courses/workshops in the proper handling
of laboratory animals and in basic molecular biology techniques. Students also find the lab to be an
ideal venue in performing their experimental studies while several researchers have frequently
availed of its technical assistance in conducting various biological assays. The lab is presently
involved in research in ancient DNA extraction for potential application in museum specimen
characterization, verification, or cataloging. The lab also carries out toxicity research with the aim
of developing into a lab that is capable of evaluating the toxicity and safety of foods, drugs,
cosmetics, and other biological substances.
Researches
Approved in 2007
The BRSL has started the in-house project entitled “Ancient Mitochondrial DNA Extraction
of Archaeozoological Specimen Excavated in the Philippines” from January 2007 – December
2008.
31
Extension Services/Clients
Figure 1. Graph of the BRSL’s services, illustrating the
substantial contribution of equipment use to the total
services provided by the lab to various clients, with
equipment rental comprising 97% while all other services
make up only 3% of the lab’s service output.
Figure 2. Profile of the BRSL’s services, excluding equipment rental, showing that sales of supplies and
reagents make up almost half of the services availed in 2007, while photomicroscopy made up about a quarter,
and toxicity assays – genotoxicity and cytotoxicity tests – accounted for nearly a fifth.
Figure 3. Chart showing the breakdown of equipment rental in 2007. The refrigerated centrifuge was the most
frequently used equipment, accounting for more than half of all instances of equipment use. Some of the less
commonly used pieces of equipment include the vortex mixer, the stove, and the stereomicroscope.
32
Figure 4. Graph showing attendance in workshops conducted by the BRSL in 2007, with the Laboratory Animal
Workshop having the highest attendance, comprising approximately half of all workshop attendees and roughly
twice of either the DNA Isolation Workshop or the Basic Molecular Biology Workshop. The Chromosome
Preparation Workshop had the lowest attendance because it was a special-request workshop for students from
Central Luzon State University working on their theses.
Figure 5. Graph of the client type profile of BRSL showing that roughly 71% of the clients who availed of the
lab’s services in 2007 were non-UP researchers and students (Type IV). This is due to the higher number of
workshop attendees coming from different colleges and universities. UP College of Science students (Type I),
NSRI-funded researchers (Type II), and non-CS researchers and students (Type III) each contributed the same
percentage, about a tenth of the total clients. The contribution of other government agencies (Type V) is
minimal, while large companies and multinational corporations (Type VI) did not avail of the lab’s services in
2007.
Support to Students
Graduate
Herrera, Michael James; MS Archaeology-UP Diliman. Dr. Victor Joaquin Paz
(Adviser). Recovery of Ancient Mitochondrial DNA Sequences: A Perspective on the
Feasibility of aDNA Research for Philippine Archaeology.
Marso, Margaret J.; MS Chemistry-University of Santo Tomas. Dr. Corazon A.
Menguito (Adviser). Effect of All-trans Retinoic Acid on Aflatoxin B1-induced Liver
Damage in Rats.
33
Linkages
Local
- U.P. Diliman Archaeological Studies Program
Trainings/Seminars conducted
The following training courses were conducted by BRSL in 2007.
1)
2)
3)
Title of Seminar
:
Large-Scale Structural Polymorphisms in the Human
Genome:Segmental Duplications and Meiotic Recombination
Funding Source
Date
Trainors
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
BRSL
February 14, 2007
Dr. Rhea U. Vallente
Free
89
Students and professionals
Title of Training
:
DNA Isolation Workshop
Funding Source
Date
Trainors
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for lecture and laboratory
March 7, 2007
BRSL Staff
Php 2,500.00/participant
1
Graduate student from University of Santo Tomas
Title of Training
:
DNA Isolation Workshop for High School Students
Funding Source
Date
Trainors
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for lecture and laboratory
March 16, 2007
BRSL staff
Php 1,500.00/class
21
20 High school students and 1 instructor from University of the
Philippines Integrated School
34
4)
5)
6)
Title of Training
:
Laboratory Animal Workshop
Funding Source
Date
Trainors
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for lecture and laboratory
April 27, 2007
Invited Speaker and BRSL Staff
Php 3,000.00/participant
13
Graduate students and professionals
Title of Training
:
Plant Chromosome Workshop
Funding Source
Date
Trainors
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for lecture and laboratory
September 21, 2007
BRSL Staff
Php 1,700.00/participant
4
1 Teacher and 3 students from Central Luzon State University
Title of Training
:
Basic Molecular Biology Workshop
Funding Source
Date
Trainors
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for lecture and laboratory
September 26 and 28, 2007
BRSL Staff
Php 2,000.00/participant
13
11 Graduate students and 2 professors from Bicol University
35
7)
8)
Title of Training
:
Laboratory Animal Workshop
Funding Source
Date
Trainors
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for lecture and laboratory
October 25, 2007
Invited Speaker and BRSL Staff
Php 2,500.00/participant
15
14 College students and 1 instructor from MAPUA Institute of
Technology
Title of Training
:
Laboratory Animal Workshop
Funding Source
Date
Trainors
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for lecture and laboratory
October 26, 2007
Invited Speaker and BRSL Staff
Php 2,500.00/participant
18
Students and professionals
36
9)
Title of Training
:
Basic Molecular Biology Workshop
Funding Source
Date
Trainors
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for lecture and laboratory
December 18, 2007
BRSL Staff
Php 2,000.00/participant
14
12 College students and 2 Professors from West Visayas State
University
Recent developments and other related activities of the BRSL for 2007
 The BRSL sponsored the seminar presentation of Dr. Rhea U. Vallente, its former lab head,
on the topic “Large-Scale Structural Polymorphisms in the Human Genome: Segmental
Duplications and Meiotic Recombination” held at the NSRI Conference Room. Dr. Vallente
did research in the School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, U.S.A.
after her stint in the BRSL.
 The UP Materials Science and Engineering Program has requested the BRSL to house and
oversee the new Hitachi CS 120GXL ultra microcentrifuge. This equipment is already being
used by several UP researchers and students.
 An ancient DNA laboratory has been set up in the former electron microscopy lab for the
NSRI project on DNA isolation from archaeozoological specimens in the Philippines. This
newly renovated area is envisioned to become the aDNA research lab in the future.
37
Visitors/Guests
Name of School/Agency - Southern Luzon Polytechnic College
No. of visitors - 18
Date of visit - February 21, 2007
Name of School/Agency – Victory Christian School
No. of visitors - 39
Date of visit - February 28, 2007
Name of School/Agency – UPIS Teachers
No. of visitors - 7
Date of visit - August 22, 2007
Name of School/Agency – MAPUA Institute of Technology
No. of visitors - 14
Date of visit - September 14, 2007
Name of School/Agency – Xavier School
No. of visitors - approximately 30
Date of visit - October 3, 2007
Name of School/Agency – Philippine Science High School-Ilocos Region Campus
No. of visitors - 35
Date of visit - October 18, 2007
Name of School/Agency – UPIS students
No. of visitors - approximately 30
Date of visit - December 11, 2007
Manpower Development
Activities of BRSL Staff in 2007
1) RAQUEL O. RUBIO (University Researcher I)
Positions held



Head, BRSL
Associate Member, National Research Council of the Philippines
Member, Philippine Environmental Mutagen Society
Seminars/Conferences/Symposia attended




Participant, National Research Council of the Philippines Annual Convention. March
8, 2007.
Panel, Quezon City Science High School Proposal Defense. March 15, 2007.
Participant, National Academy of Science and Technology Annual Convention. July
11-12, 2007.
Participant, Maximizing Acceptability of Philippine Products and Services through
MSTQ. UP NISMED. October 17, 2007.
Posters presented


Poster presenter, 5th International Conference on Environmental Mutagens in
Human Population. Antalya Turkey. May 21-24, 2007.
Poster presenter, 1st Asian Conference on Environmental Mutagens. Kitakyushu
Japan. November 28-29, 2007.
38
2) ERNA LOUISE L. ELIAS (University Research Associate I)
Positions held


Founding Member, Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society, Inc.
Member, Biology Teachers Association of the Philippines. Inc.
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended






Participant, 42nd BIOTA Annual National Convention and Scientific Sessions. Thomas
Aquinas Research Center, UST Manila. April 12 to 14, 2007.
Examiner, UP College Admission Test. UP Diliman, August 4 & 5, 2007.
Participant, Hitachi TM 1000: Bridging the Gap between an Optical Microscope & a
Conventional Scanning Electron Microscope; Holiday Inn Galleria, Ortigas Ave.,
Pasig City. September 12, 2007.
Participant, Philippine Biogeography: An Intensive Course. Institute of Biology, UP
Diliman. October 28-31, 2007.
Participant, 4th Symposium on Asian Pteridology and Garden Show. Central
Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon. November 13-17, 2007.
Participant, Seminar-Workshop on Ethics in Health Research. The Medical City,
Pasig City. December 8, 2007.
3) LILY ROSE R. DELA PAZ (Clerk II)
Positions held


Member, Personnel Officers Association of the Philippines
Member, Guidance Major Association
UP Employee privilege to study at reduced fees

Completing requirements for M.A. in Education (Major in Guidance and Counseling),
UP Diliman.
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended




Co-facilitator, Gender and Sexuality Workshop, Family Community Healing Center,
Brgy. UP Campus. February 24, 2007 and March 24, 2007.
Participant, University Appointment, ISSI, April 15, 2007.
Assistant, UP College Admission Test. UP Diliman. August 4-5, 2007.
Participant, Seminar Workshop on Employee Counseling and Grievance Handling.
Aloha Hotel, Manila. September 11-14, 2007.
DNA ANALYSIS LABORATORY (DAL)
The DNA Analysis Laboratory (UP-NSRI DAL) is one of the four research and extension service
laboratories in the Natural Sciences Research Institute of University of the Philippines, Diliman.
Physically located at the left wing, first floor of the Miranda Hall building inside the university
campus, the UP-NSRI DAL is mainly composed of dedicated sections designed for the various stages
of DNA analysis.
39
Researches
Approved in 2007/On-going
2007-2008
“DNAse-producing Bacteria in Exhumed Human-Bones: Implications to Successful
Human DNA Typing”. Grant awarded by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for
Research and Development (OVCRD).
2007-2008
“Validation of Procedures for DNA Analysis of Meat Products”. Grant awarded
by the Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) .
Terminating in 2007
2006-2007
“Validation of Procedures in Forensic DNA Analysis of Exhumed Human Bones
for Identification Purposes”. Grant awarded by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor
for Research and Development (OVCRD).
“Sequence Polymorphisms of the Human Mitochondrial DNA Hypervariable
Regions I and II in a Visayas Regional Population”. Grant awarded by the Office of
the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development (OVCRD).
September 2007 – December 2007
“Validation of DNA extraction procedure from animal meat”. Grant awarded by
the Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI).
Extension Services/Clients
The UP-NSRI DAL has assisted in the resolution of paternity/maternity cases and criminal
investigations. In 2007, over 224 case enquiries were received as of 21 December 2007. Of these,
46 cases of varying complexity were analyzed.
Support to Students


Mr. Frederick C. Delfin is working on his PhD studies in Molecular Anthropology Program
at International Max Planck Research School in Leipzig School of Human Origins - Max
Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Leipzig, Germany.
Ms. Jazelyn M. Salvador is working on her Master of Science (Microbiology) thesis under
the Institute of Biology, using laboratory facilities of the UP NSRI DNA Analysis
Laboratory and Microbiological Research Service Laboratory.
Linkages
Local
- Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research Development
(PCASTRD)
- National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)
- Child Protection Unit-Network (CPU-Net)
- Philippine Judicial Academy (PhilJA)
- House of Representatives - Committee on Science and Technology
- UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS)
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
- Bureau of Product Standard (BPS)
40
- Philippine Society for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (PSBMB)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Foreign
-
The Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Germany
Genome Institute of Singapore
Chinese Academy of Sciences-Max Planck Gesselschaft Partner Institutes for
Computational Biology, China
Trainings conducted
1)
Title of Training
:
Faculty Upgrading for Chemistry in Higher Education Course
for Molecular Biochemistry
Funding Source
:
Date
Trainors
:
:
Committee on Higher Education through the Philippine
Society for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
October 23, 2007
Maria Corazon A. De Ungria
Gayvelline C. Calacal
Jazelyn M. Salvador
Maria Catherine B. Otero
Leo A. Almazora
none
27
tertiary level teachers
Fees
:
No. of participants
:
Profile of participants :
Recent developments and other related activities of DAL for 2007
Four (4) laboratory trainees were hired by the laboratory in April 2007.
Visitors/Guests
Name of School/Agency - Victory Christian School
No. of visitors - 34 students
Date of visit - February 28, 2007
41
Name of School/Agency - DLSU
No. of visitors - 10 students
Date of visit - July 13, 2007
Name of School/Agency - CSSP, UP Diliman
No. of visitors - 19 students
Date of visit - September 19, 2007
Name of School/Agency - PSHS – Ilocos Region
No. of visitors - ~ 30 students
Date of visit - October 18, 2007
42
Name of School/Agency - Tertiary level teachers c/o CHED through PSBMB
No. of visitors - 27 teachers
Date of visit - October 23, 2007
Manpower Development
Activities of DNA Staff in 2007
1) MA. CORAZON A. DE UNGRIA (University Researcher III)
Position held

DNA Analysis Laboratory Head
Awards/Accreditation received


Selected as one of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service in Science
(TOWNS) awarded by the TOWNS Foundation
Selected as a Regional Affiliate Fellow for East and Southeast Asia by TWAS (The
Science Academy for the Developing World)
News Article

De Ungria MCA. 2007. Role of the Filipino Leader in the development of the AsiaPacific community. Philippine Star. 25 January.
Publications

Salvador JM, Calacal GC, Villamor LP and De Ungria MCA. 2007. Allele frequencies
for two pentanucleotide STR loci Penta D and Penta E in a Philippine population.
Legal Medicine 9(5):282-3.
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended


Attended a seminar on Winning Grant Proposal Writing, organized by Tritium
Knowledge Center Publishing, Richville Hotel, Mandaluyong City, July 25, 2007.
Conducted collaborative research with Dr Li Jin at the Shanghai Institute of Biology,
Shanghai, China May 18 to June 13, 2007.
43
Lectures












Invited to deliver a lecture on ‘Forensic Biotechnology: Teaching CSI in our
classrooms’ by the Philippine Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
October 23, 2007.
Invited to deliver one of the centennial lectures on ‘Emerging Science in Genetic
Testing’ by the Centro Escolar University, September 10, 2007.
Invited to deliver a lecture on ‘Technical Writing for Health Journals’ by the
Philippine
National
Health
Research
System
and
the
Philippine
Psychiatric Association Inc. during the forum on Strengthening Health Journal
Publishing in the Philippines, Advanced Science and Technology Institute, University
of the Philippines, Diliman, August 17, 2007.
Invited to deliver a lecture on ‘To identify or not to identify’ for the Science
in Society course offered by the College of Science, University of the
Philippines, Diliman, April 26, 2007.
Invited to deliver a lecture on ‘Biologist as a Researcher’ by the Biology Teachers
Association for their Annual Convention at the University of Santo Tomas, April 13,
2007.
Invited to deliver a lecture on ‘Basics of DNA Forensic Evidence: Understanding its
Nature, Limits and Possibilities in Investigations’ by the Alternative Law Groups for
their MCLE course at the Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, April 13, 2007.
Invited to deliver a lecture on ‘DNA as Evidence’ by the Arellano Law Foundation
for their MCLE course at the Century Park Sheraton Hotel, Manila, April 11, 2007.
Invited to deliver a lecture on ‘DNA as Evidence’ by the Arellano Law Foundation
for their MCLE course at the Villaraza and Angangco Law Offices, Makati City, March
24, 2007.
Invited to deliver a talk on ‘Forensic Bio-Detectives’ during the Kapisanang Kimika
ng Pilipinas symposium on ‘Scientists as Super Sleuths: A Symposium on Forensic
Sciences’ at the Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, February 21, 2007.
Invited to deliver a talk on ‘Postconviction DNA testing’ for graduating law students
at the UP law center, Quezon City, January 20, 2007.
Invited to deliver a talk on ‘Biotechnology in Forensics’ during the Biotechnology
Symposium organized by the National Institute of Molecular Biology and
Biotechnology at the Marine Science Institute, Quezon City, January 17, 2007.
Invited to deliver a talk on ‘Paternity Testing Franchise’ during the 3rd Philippine
Biotechnology Summit in Ateneo Business School, Makati City, January 12, 2007.
Conference Proceedings





Otero MCB, Bautista RL, Calacal GC and De Ungria MCA. 2007. Validation of
extraction procedures for DNA analysis of meat. Abstract for the 34th Annual
Convention of the Philippine Society for Biotechnology and Molecular Biology,
November 29-30, 2007, Philippine Rice Research Institute.
De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC. 2007. Impact of DNA evidence
in the Philippine Criminal Justice System. Abstract for the General Meeting of The
Academy of Sciences for the Developing World, November 13-14,2007,Trieste, Italy.
Dalet MRM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Madrid BJ, Tan MP, Sagum MS, Salvador JM,
Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP, Halos SC and De Ungria MCA. 2007. An
efficient and cost-effective strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing
sexual assault DNA evidence. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, November 12-13, 2007, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Salvador JM, Tabbada KA, Villamor LP,
Perdigon HB and De Ungria MCA. 2007. DNA Paternity Testing at the UP-NSRI DNA
Analysis Laboratory, Philippines. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, November 12-13, 2007, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Salvador JM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Perdigon HB, Tabbada KA and De Ungria MCA.
2007. Expansion of the Philippine Y-STR DNA haplotype database. Abstract for the
International DNA Symposium on Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, November 12-13,
2007, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
44



Calacal GC, Franco SL, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2007. Validation of DNA
extraction procedures from exhumed bone samples and application in forensic STR
DNA typing. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on Forensic DNA: Now
and beyond, November 12-13, 2007, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC 2007. DNA evidence in Criminal
Courts in the Philippines. Abstract for the International Conference on Testing
Genes, Profiling DNA: Global Governance of Genomics: Hopes, Duties and Security,
November 1-3, 2007, Brno, Czech Republic.
De Ungria MCA, Calacal GC, Salvador JM, Delfin FC, Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Madrid
BJ, Tan M, Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP and Halos SC 2007. Utility of DNA
evidence in Evaluating the Presence of Male DNA in Child Victims of Sexual Abuse.
Abstract for the VIIth Asian Regional Conference of the International Society for
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, September 23-25, 2007, Manila.
Technical consultations





Invited to be a judge for the selection of the new batch of the Asia Society Young
Leaders who would represent the Philippines in Singapore.
Invited to be a reviewer by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and
Development (Diliman campus).
Invited to be a member of the panel of judges by the BPI Foundation and DOST for
the Best Project of the Year during the ‘Annual Science Awards’.
Invited as a technical resource person by the National Institute of Science
Mathematics Education (NISMED) during the media production of ‘Science Police
Report on DNA Evidence’.
Invited to be a member of the TOYM Selection Committee by the TOYM Foundation.
2) GAYVELLINE C. CALACAL (University Research Associate II)
Awards/Accreditation received

GAWAD Chancellor Award for Best REPS (Research Category) awarded by the
University of the Philippines Diliman, February 2007.

Co-author of the Best Poster Award for the paper "An efficient and cost-effective
strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing sexual assault DNA evidence”
(Dalet MRM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Madrid BJ, Tan MP, Sagum MS, Salvador JM,
Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP, Halos SC and De Ungria MCA), given during
the International DNA Symposium 'Forensic DNA: Now and Beyond', held on
November 12-13, 2007 at Hilton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Recipient of a Research Dissemination Grant to present the paper "Validation of
DNA extraction procedures from exhumed bone samples and application in forensic
STR DNA typing" for the International DNA Symposium 'Forensic DNA: Now and
Beyond', held on November 12-13, 2007 at Hilton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

45
ASEAN DNA Profiling Group

International Publication Award given by the President of the University of the
Philippines Diliman.
Publications

Salvador JM, Calacal GC, Villamor LP and De Ungria MCA. 2007. Allele frequencies
for two pentanucleotide STR loci Penta D and Penta E in a Philippine population.
Legal Medicine 9(5):282-3.
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended









Workshop on Ethics in Health Research, Medical City, Pasig City
Attendance to the 1st Asian DNA profiling Group, Kimia, Petaling Jaya, Selangor,,
Malaysia
Attended the International DNA Symposium "Forensic DNA: Now and Beyond". Hilton
Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. November 12-13, 2007.
Attended the workshop on Mixture Interpretation and Statistical Analysis. Hilton
Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. November 11, 2007.
Attended the Philippine International Medical Expo MedExpo 2007 and Medical Job
Fair at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila, October 4-7,
2007.
Attended the 7th Asian Regional Conference of the International Society for the
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect "I Am for the Child". Sofitel, Manila,
Philippines. September 24-26, 2007.
Attended the National Academy of Science and Technology, 29th Annual Scientific
Meeting, Manila Hotel, July 2007.
Attended the symposium on "Scientists as SuperSleuths: A Symposium on Forensic
Sciences". Walter Hogan Conference Center, Institute of Social Order, Ateneo de
Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines. February 21, 2007.
Attended the 2007 International Science and Technology Conference and 27th
Annual Philippine- American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE) Meeting,
Century Park Hotel, Manila, February 2007.
Lectures

Co-presented a report on the Progress and Development of Forensic DNA Analysis
in the Philippines, Meeting of the Asian DNA Profiling Group, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, November 2007.
46

One of the facilitators for the “Faculty Upgrading for Chemistry in Higher
Education Course for Molecular Biochemistry” of the Committee on Higher
Education through
the
Philippine
Society
for Molecular
Biology
and
Biotechnology, October 2007.
Conference proceedings








Otero MCB, Bautista RL, Calacal GC and De Ungria MCA. 2007. Validation of
extraction procedures for DNA analysis of meat. Abstract for the 34th Annual
Convention of the Philippine Society for Biotechnology and Molecular Biology,
Philippine Rice Research Institute, November 29-30, 2007.
De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC. 2007. Impact of DNA evidence
in the Philippine Criminal Justice System. Abstract for the General Meeting of The
Academy of Sciences for the Developing World, Trieste, Italy, November 13-14,
2007.
Dalet MRM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Madrid BJ, Tan MP, Sagum MS, Salvador JM,
Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP, Halos SC and De Ungria MCA. 2007. An
efficient and cost-effective strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing
sexual assault DNA evidence. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Salvador JM, Tabbada KA, Villamor LP,
Perdigon HB and De Ungria MCA. 2007. DNA Paternity Testing at the UP-NSRI DNA
Analysis Laboratory, Philippines. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Salvador JM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Perdigon HB, Tabbada KA and De Ungria MCA.
2007. Expansion of the Philippine Y-STR DNA haplotype database. Abstract for the
International DNA Symposium on Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Calacal GC, Franco SL, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2007. Validation of DNA
extraction procedures from exhumed bone samples and application in forensic STR
DNA typing. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on Forensic DNA: Now
and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC 2007. DNA evidence in Criminal
Courts in the Philippines. Abstract for the International Conference on Testing
Genes, Profiling DNA: Global Governance of Genomics: Hopes, Duties and Security,
Brno, Czech Republic, November 1-3, 2007.
De Ungria MCA, Calacal GC, Salvador JM, Delfin FC, Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Madrid
BJ, Tan M, Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP and Halos SC 2007. Utility of DNA
evidence in Evaluating the Presence of Male DNA in Child Victims of Sexual Abuse.
Abstract for the VIIth Asian Regional Conference of the International Society for
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Manila, September 23-25, 2007.
3) MIRIAM RUTH M. DALET (University Research Associate I)
Awards/Accreditation received


First Author of the Best Poster Award for the paper "An efficient and cost-effective
strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing sexual assault DNA evidence”
(Dalet MRM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Madrid BJ, Tan MP, Sagum MS, Salvador JM,
Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP, Halos SC and De Ungria MCA), given during
the International DNA Symposium 'Forensic DNA: Now and Beyond', held on
November 12-13, 2007 at Hilton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Recipient of a Research Dissemination Grant to present the paper “An efficient and
cost-effective strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing sexual assault DNA
evidence" for the International DNA Symposium 'Forensic DNA: Now and Beyond',
held on November 12-13, 2007 at Hilton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
47
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended







Attended the 1st Meeting of the Asian DNA Profiling Group, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
November 14-15, 2007.
Attended the International DNA Symposium "Forensic DNA: Now and Beyond". Hilton
Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. November 12-13, 2007.
Attended the workshop on Mixture Interpretation and Statistical Analysis. Hilton
Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. November 11, 2007.
Attended the Philippine International Medical Expo MedExpo 2007 and Medical Job
Fair at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila, October 4-7,
2007.
Attended the 7th Asian Regional Conference of the International Society for the
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect "I Am for the Child". Sofitel, Manila,
Philippines. September 24-26, 2007.
Attended a seminar on Winning Grant Proposal Writing, organized by Tritium
Knowledge Center Publishing, Richville Hotel, Mandaluyong City, July 25, 2007.
Attended the symposium on "Scientists as SuperSleuths: A Symposium on Forensic
Sciences". Walter Hogan Conference Center, Institute of Social Order, Ateneo de
Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines. February 21, 2007.
Conference Proceedings





De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC. 2007. Impact of DNA evidence
in the Philippine Criminal Justice System. Abstract for the General Meeting of The
Academy of Sciences for the Developing World, Trieste, Italy, November 1314,2007.
Dalet MRM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Madrid BJ, Tan MP, Sagum MS, Salvador JM,
Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP, Halos SC and De Ungria MCA. 2007. An
efficient and cost-effective strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing
sexual assault DNA evidence. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Salvador JM, Tabbada KA, Villamor LP,
Perdigon HB and De Ungria MCA. 2007. DNA Paternity Testing at the UP-NSRI DNA
Analysis Laboratory, Philippines. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC 2007. DNA evidence in Criminal
Courts in the Philippines. Abstract for the International Conference on Testing
Genes, Profiling DNA: Global Governance of Genomics: Hopes, Duties and Security,
Brno, Czech Republic, November 1-3, 2007.
De Ungria MCA, Calacal GC, Salvador JM, Delfin FC, Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Madrid
BJ, Tan M, Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP and Halos SC 2007. Utility of DNA
evidence in Evaluating the Presence of Male DNA in Child Victims of Sexual Abuse.
Abstract for the VIIth Asian Regional Conference of the International Society for
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Manila, September 23-25, 2007.
4) MINERVA S. SAGUM (University Research Associate I)
Awards/Accreditation received


Co-author of the Best Poster Award for the paper "An efficient and cost-effective
strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing sexual assault DNA evidence”
(Dalet MRM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Madrid BJ, Tan MP, Sagum MS, Salvador JM,
Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP, Halos SC and De Ungria MCA), given during
the International DNA Symposium 'Forensic DNA: Now and Beyond', Hilton Hotel,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Recipient of a Research Dissemination Grant to present the paper “DNA Paternity
Testing at the UP-NSRI DNA Analysis Laboratory, Philippines" for the International
48
DNA Symposium 'Forensic DNA: Now and Beyond', Hilton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended







Attended the 1st Meeting of the Asian DNA Profiling Group, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
November 14-15, 2007.
Attended the International DNA Symposium "Forensic DNA: Now and Beyond". Hilton
Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Attended the workshop on Mixture Interpretation and Statistical Analysis. Hilton
Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 11, 2007.
Attended the Philippine International Medical Expo MedExpo 2007 and Medical Job
Fair at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila, October 4-7,
2007.
Attended the 7th Asian Regional Conference of the International Society for the
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect "I Am for the Child". Sofitel, Manila,
Philippines, September 24-26, 2007.
Attended the National Academy of Science and Technology, 29th Annual Scientific
Meeting, Manila Hotel, July 2007.
Attended the symposium on "Scientists as SuperSleuths: A Symposium on Forensic
Sciences". Walter Hogan Conference Center, Institute of Social Order, Ateneo de
Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines, February 21, 2007.
Conference proceedings





De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC. 2007. Impact of DNA evidence
in the Philippine Criminal Justice System. Abstract for the General Meeting of The
Academy of Sciences for the Developing World, Trieste, Italy, November 13-14,
2007.
Dalet MRM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Madrid BJ, Tan MP, Sagum MS, Salvador JM,
Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP, Halos SC and De Ungria MCA. 2007. An
efficient and cost-effective strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing
sexual assault DNA evidence. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Salvador JM, Tabbada KA, Villamor LP,
Perdigon HB and De Ungria MCA. 2007. DNA Paternity Testing at the UP-NSRI DNA
Analysis Laboratory, Philippines. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC 2007. DNA evidence in Criminal
Courts in the Philippines. Abstract for the International Conference on Testing
Genes, Profiling DNA: Global Governance of Genomics: Hopes, Duties and Security,
Brno, Czech Republic, November 1-3, 2007.
De Ungria MCA, Calacal GC, Salvador JM, Delfin FC, Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Madrid
BJ, Tan M, Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP and Halos SC 2007. Utility of DNA
evidence in Evaluating the Presence of Male DNA in Child Victims of Sexual Abuse.
Abstract for the VIIth Asian Regional Conference of the International Society for
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Manila, September 23-25, 2007.
5) JAZELYN M. SALVADOR (University Research Associate I)
Awards/Accreditation received

Co-author of the Best Poster Award for the paper "An efficient and cost-effective
strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing sexual assault DNA evidence”
(Dalet MRM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Madrid BJ, Tan MP, Sagum MS, Salvador JM,
Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP, Halos SC and De Ungria MCA), given during
the International DNA Symposium 'Forensic DNA: Now and Beyond', Hilton Hotel,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
49



Recipient of a Research Dissemination Grant to present the paper “Expansion of the
Philippine Y-STR haplotype database" for the International DNA Symposium 'Forensic
DNA: Now and Beyond', Hilton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13,
2007.
Recipient of a Research Dissemination Grant to attend the Training Program for
Genetic Diversity Data Analysis, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Max Planck
Gesselschaft (CAS-MPG)-Partner Institutes for Computational Biology (PICB),
Shanghai, China, May 27-July 9, 2007.
International Publication Award given by the President of the University of the
Philippines Diliman.
Publications

Salvador JM, Calacal GC, Villamor LP and De Ungria MCA. 2007. Allele frequencies
for two pentanucleotide STR loci Penta D and Penta E in a Philippine population.
Legal Medicine 9(5):282-3.
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended









Attended the 1st Meeting of the Asian DNA Profiling Group, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
November 14-15, 2007.
Attended the International DNA Symposium "Forensic DNA: Now and Beyond". Hilton
Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Attended the workshop on Mixture Interpretation and Statistical Analysis. Hilton
Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 11, 2007.
Attended the Philippine International Medical Expo MedExpo 2007 and Medical Job
Fair at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila, October 4-7,
2007.
Attended the 7th Asian Regional Conference of the International Society for the
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect "I Am for the Child", Sofitel, Manila,
Philippines, September 24-26, 2007.
Attended the training for Genetic Diversity Data Analysis. Chinese Academy of
Sciences-Max Planck Gesselschaft (CAS-MPG)-Partner Institutes for Computational
Biology (PICB), Shanghai, China, May 27 – July 9, 2007.
Attended the Forensic e-symposium on “Human Identification: Profiling degraded
and low amounts of DNA”. World Wide Web, March 27, 2007.
Attended the symposium on "Scientists as SuperSleuths: A Symposium on Forensic
Sciences". Walter Hogan Conference Center, Institute of Social Order, Ateneo de
Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines, February 21, 2007.
Attended the symposium on "Challenges of Applied and Environmental Microbiology
in Marine Science". Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, January 18, 2007.
Lectures



Co-presented a report on the Progress and Development of Forensic DNA Analysis
in the Philippines, Meeting of the Asian DNA Profiling Group, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, November 2007.
One of the facilitators for the “Faculty Upgrading for Chemistry in Higher
Education Course for Molecular Biochemistry” of the Committee on Higher
Education through the
Philippine
Society
for Molecular
Biology
and
Biotechnology, October 2007.
Invited as a resource speaker for the 9th Eto Kami Ngayon: A Symposium on Career
Options organized by University of the Philippines Office of Student AffairsGuidance’s Career Information and Placement Service (CIPS), University of the
Philippines Manila, August 8, 2007.
Conference proceedings

De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC. 2007. Impact of DNA evidence
50






in the Philippine Criminal Justice System. Abstract for the General Meeting of The
Academy of Sciences for the Developing World, Trieste, Italy, November 13-14,
2007.
Dalet MRM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Madrid BJ, Tan MP, Sagum MS, Salvador JM,
Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP, Halos SC and De Ungria MCA. 2007. An
efficient and cost-effective strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing
sexual assault DNA evidence. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Salvador JM, Tabbada KA, Villamor LP,
Perdigon HB and De Ungria MCA. 2007. DNA Paternity Testing at the UP-NSRI DNA
Analysis Laboratory, Philippines. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Salvador JM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Perdigon HB, Tabbada KA and De Ungria MCA.
2007. Expansion of the Philippine Y-STR DNA haplotype database. Abstract for the
International DNA Symposium on Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Calacal GC, Franco SL, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2007. Validation of DNA
extraction procedures from exhumed bone samples and application in forensic STR
DNA typing. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on Forensic DNA: Now
and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC 2007. DNA evidence in Criminal
Courts in the Philippines. Abstract for the International Conference on Testing
Genes, Profiling DNA: Global Governance of Genomics: Hopes, Duties and Security,
Brno, Czech Republic, November 1-3, 2007.
De Ungria MCA, Calacal GC, Salvador JM, Delfin FC, Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Madrid
BJ, Tan M, Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP and Halos SC 2007. Utility of DNA
evidence in Evaluating the Presence of Male DNA in Child Victims of Sexual Abuse.
Abstract for the VIIth Asian Regional Conference of the International Society for
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Manila, September 23-25, 2007.
6) KRISTINA A. TABBADA (University Research Associate I)
Awards/Accreditation received


Co-author of the Best Poster Award for the paper "An efficient and cost-effective
strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing sexual assault DNA evidence”
(Dalet MRM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Madrid BJ, Tan MP, Sagum MS, Salvador JM,
Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP, Halos SC and De Ungria MCA), given during
the International DNA Symposium 'Forensic DNA: Now and Beyond', Hilton Hotel,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Recipient of a Chevening Scholarship (SY 2006-2007), UK Foreign and
Commonwealth Office.
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended




Attended the Philippine International Medical Expo MedExpo 2007 and Medical Job
Fair at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila, October 4-7,
2007.
Landscape, Demography and Subsistence in Prehistoric India, Leverhulme Centre for
Human Evolutionary Studies, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Cambridge,
June 2-3, 2007.
The Natural Cook: A Theory of Human Evolution (A Special Lecture Series by Prof.
Richard Wrangham), Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies, Henry
Wellcome Building, University of Cambridge, May 1- 22, 2007.
Primatology Meets Palaeoanthropology Conference, Leverhulme Centre for Human
Evolutionary Studies, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Cambridge, April 1719, 2007.
51
Lectures

Invited as a resource speaker for the DNA Analysis: Genetic Identification and
Genetic Identity organized by The University of the Philippines Los Baños Genetics
Society, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños,
December 13, 2007.
Conference Proceedings






De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC. 2007. Impact of DNA evidence
in the Philippine Criminal Justice System. Abstract for the General Meeting of The
Academy of Sciences for the Developing World, Trieste, Italy, November 13-14,
2007.
Dalet MM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Sagum MS, De Ungria MCA, Madrid BJ, Tan M,
Salvador JM, Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP and Halos SC. 2007. An
efficient and cost-effective strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing
sexual assault DNA evidence. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Salvador JM, Tabbada KA, Villamor LP,
Perdigon HB and De Ungria MCA. 2007. DNA Paternity Testing at the UP-NSRI DNA
Analysis Laboratory, Philippines. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Salvador JM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Perdigon HB, Tabbada KA and De Ungria MCA.
2007. Expansion of the Philippine Y-STR DNA haplotype database. Abstract for the
International DNA Symposium on Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC 2007. DNA evidence in Criminal
Courts in the Philippines. Abstract for the International Conference on Testing
Genes, Profiling DNA: Global Governance of Genomics: Hopes, Duties and Security,
Brno, Czech Republic, November 1-3, 2007.
De Ungria MCA, Calacal GC, Salvador JM, Delfin FC, Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Madrid
BJ, Tan M, Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP and Halos SC 2007. Utility of DNA
evidence in Evaluating the Presence of Male DNA in Child Victims of Sexual Abuse.
Abstract for the VIIth Asian Regional Conference of the International Society for
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Manila, September 23-25, 2007.
7) LILIAN P. VILLAMOR (University Research Associate I)
Awards/Accreditation received


Co-author of the Best Poster Award for the paper "An efficient and cost-effective
strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing sexual assault DNA evidence”
(Dalet MRM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Madrid BJ, Tan MP, Sagum MS, Salvador JM,
Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP, Halos SC and De Ungria MCA), given during
the International DNA Symposium 'Forensic DNA: Now and Beyond', Hilton Hotel,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
International Publication Award given by the President of the University of the
Philippines Diliman.
Publications

Salvador JM, Calacal GC, Villamor LP and De Ungria MCA. 2007. Allele frequencies
for two pentanucleotide STR loci Penta D and Penta E in a Philippine population.
Legal Medicine 9(5):282-3.
52
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended

Attended the symposium on "Scientists as SuperSleuths: A Symposium on Forensic
Sciences". Walter Hogan Conference Center, Institute of Social Order, Ateneo de
Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines. February 21, 2007.
Conference proceedings





De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC. 2007. Impact of DNA evidence
in the Philippine Criminal Justice System. Abstract for the General Meeting of The
Academy of Sciences for the Developing World, Trieste, Italy, November 13-14,
2007.
Dalet MRM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Madrid BJ, Tan MP, Sagum MS, Salvador JM,
Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP, Halos SC and De Ungria MCA. 2007. An
efficient and cost-effective strategy for collecting, transporting and analyzing
sexual assault DNA evidence. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Salvador JM, Tabbada KA, Villamor LP,
Perdigon HB and De Ungria MCA. 2007. DNA Paternity Testing at the UP-NSRI DNA
Analysis Laboratory, Philippines. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on
Forensic DNA: Now and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
De Ungria MCA, Sagum MS, Calacal GC, Delfin FC, Tabbada KA, Dalet MM, Salvador
JM, Villamor LP, Perdigon HB, Tan MM and Halos SC 2007. DNA evidence in Criminal
Courts in the Philippines. Abstract for the International Conference on Testing
Genes, Profiling DNA: Global Governance of Genomics: Hopes, Duties and Security,
Brno, Czech Republic, November 1-3, 2007.
De Ungria MCA, Calacal GC, Salvador JM, Delfin FC, Sagum MS, Dalet MM, Madrid
BJ, Tan M, Tabbada KA, Perdigon HB, Villamor LP and Halos SC 2007. Utility of DNA
evidence in Evaluating the Presence of Male DNA in Child Victims of Sexual Abuse.
Abstract for the VIIth Asian Regional Conference of the International Society for
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Manila, September 23-25, 2007.
8) LEO FRANCIS A. ALMAZORA
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended


Attended the Philippine International Medical Expo MedExpo 2007 and Medical Job
Fair at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila, October 4-7,
2007.
Attended the National Academy of Science and Technology, 29th Annual Scientific
Meeting, Manila Hotel, July 2007.
Lectures

Assisted the facilitators for the “Faculty Upgrading for Chemistry in Higher
Education Course for Molecular Biochemistry” of the Committee on Higher
Education through the Philippine Society for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology,
October 2007.
9) RALPH LOUIE P. BAUTISTA
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended


Attended the Seminar-workshop on Ethics in Health Research sponsored by the
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development and Unilab Medical
Education, The Medical City, December 8, 2007.
Attended the 34th Annual Convention of the Philippine Society for Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology, “Agribiotech: Initiatives and Innovations for Industry”, Philippine
Rice Research Institute, Nueva Ecija, November 29 – December 1, 2007.
53




Attended the Philippine International Medical Expo MedExpo 2007 and Medical Job
Fair at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila, October 4-7,
2007.
Attended the 7th Asian Regional Conference of the International Society for the
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, "I Am for the Child", Sofitel Philippine Plaza,
Manila, September 24-26, 2007.
Attended the 29th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and
Technology, “Building a Culture of Science in the Philippines”, Manila Hotel,
Manila, July 11-12, 2007.
Attended the 9th DLSU Science and Technology Congress 2007, “Asset Management
in the Digital Age”, De La Salle University, Manila, July 4, 2007.
Conference proceedings

Otero MCB, Bautista RLP, Calacal GC and De Ungria MCA. 2007. Validation of
extraction procedures for DNA Analysis of Meat. Abstract for the 34th Annual
Convention of the Philippine Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
“Agribiotech: Initiatives and Innovations for Industry”, 29 November- 1 December
2007, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva
Ecija.
10) SHIELA ANN EDITH L. FRANCO
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended




Attended the Philippine International Medical Expo MedExpo 2007 and Medical Job
Fair at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila, October 4-7,
2007.
Attended the National Academy of Science and Technology, 29th Annual Scientific
Meeting, Manila Hotel, July 2007.
Attended the Forensic e-symposium on “Human Identification: Profiling degraded
and low amounts of DNA”. World Wide Web. March 27, 2007.
Attended the symposium on "Scientists as SuperSleuths: A Symposium on Forensic
Sciences". Walter Hogan Conference Center, Institute of Social Order, Ateneo de
Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines. February 21, 2007.
Conference proceedings

Calacal GC, Franco SL, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2007. Validation of DNA
extraction procedures from exhumed bone samples and application in forensic STR
DNA typing. Abstract for the International DNA Symposium on Forensic DNA: Now
and beyond, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12-13, 2007.
11) SHEENA B. MAIQUILLA
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended


Attended the National Academy of Science and Technology, 29th Annual Scientific
Meeting, Manila Hotel, July 2007.
Attended the symposium on "Scientists as SuperSleuths: A Symposium on Forensic
Sciences". Walter Hogan Conference Center, Institute of Social Order, Ateneo de
Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines. February 21, 2007.
12) MARIA CATHERINE B. OTERO
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended

Attended the Seminar-workshop on Ethics in Health Research sponsored by the
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development and Unilab Medical
Education, The Medical City, December 8, 2007.
54





Attended the 34th PSBMB Annual Convention, ‘Agribiotech: Inititatives and
Innovations for Industry.’ Philippine Rice Research Institute, Maligaya, Science City
of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija 29 November to 1 December 2007.
Attended the Philippine International Medical Expo MedExpo 2007 and Medical Job
Fair at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila, October 4-7,
2007.
SAttended the 7th ISPCAN Asian Regional Conference, Sofitel Philippine Plaza
September 23-26, 2007.
Attended the 29th Annual Meeting of the National Academy of Science and
Technology, Philippines, Manila Hotel, Manila, July, 2007.
Attended the DLSU 9th Science and Technology Congress 2007, De La Salle
University, Manila 4 July 2007.
Lectures

Assisted the facilitators for the “Faculty Upgrading for Chemistry in Higher
Education Course for Molecular Biochemistry” of the Committee on Higher
Education through the Philippine Society for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology,
October 2007.
Conference proceedings

Otero MCB, Bautista RLP, Calacal GC and De Ungria MCA. 2007. Validation of
Extraction Procedures for DNA Analysis of Meat. Abstract for the 34th Annual
Convention of the Philippine Society for Biotechnology and Molecular Biology,
Philippine Rice Research Institute, Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija,
November 29 – December 1, 2007.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES LABORATORY (MRSL)
As the Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory aims to be a nationally and globally
recognized microbiological testing laboratory, it continues to serve the various sectors of the
society through its quality technical services. MRSL has continuously supported the research and
graduate programs of the College of Science. MRSL researchers have collaborated with faculty
members of the Institute of Chemistry (IC) and National Institute of Physics (NIP) through provision
of microbiological assays and technical advice (Tables 2a and 2b). In addition, MRSL supported two
IC and two NIP students in the completion of their undergraduate theses. The laboratory has
continuously provided microbial cultures, services and technical advice to secondary and tertiary
level students from different schools and academic institutions.
Table 2a. List of studies based in UP-Diliman assisted by MRSL in 2007.
Title
Synthesis of Biodeggradable
Polyanhyrides Used for Controlled
Drug Delivery
Isolation and Structure Elucidation of
the Analgesic Constituent(s) of
Kyllinga monocephala
Antimutagenic Compounds from
Philippine Plants
Optical Surgery and Manipulation of
Living Yeast Cell Using NIR Laser
UP-Based
Institutions
UP-IC
Dr. Florentino Sumera
UP-IC
Dr. Evangeline Amor
UP-IC
Dr. Christine Hernandez
UP-NIP
Jun Ando
Osaka Univ.
55
Name of Project Leader
cont. of table 2a.
Concrete Crack Remediation Using
Microbiologically Induced
Mineralization by Bacilli Strains
Development of Longicalycinn
Derivatives with Anticancer Activity
Synthesis and Biodegradability of
Polymides and Polyesters Derived from
Coconut Fatty Acids
UP-Engineering
Michael John Cocjin
UP-IC
Dr. Portia Mahal Sabido
UP-IC
Dr. Florentino Sumera
Table 2b. List of studies based in other educational institutions assisted by MRSL in 2007.
Title
Ocimumbasilicum (basil) Essential Oil
as Antibacterial Ingredient for
dishwashing Liquids
70% Ixora coccinea Hand Sanitizer for
Antimicrobial Testing Against
Staphylococcus aureus.
Mangifera indica (Mango) Leaves as
Antimicrobial Hand Soap
Allium cepa (Onion) as Antimicrobial
Soap
The antimicrobial Properties of
Sampaguita (Jasmine sambac
L. ) Extract
Effect of Scoparone on the Resistance
of Human against Pathogenic
Microorganisms.
Other
Institutions
Rizal Natonal Science High
School
Name of Proponent
Kamille Patricia
Sepidoza
Rizal National Science High
School
Anna Clarisse Medina
Rizal Natonal Science High
School
Rizal National Science High
School
Quezon City Science High
School
Merlinda Manalo
Ramon Magsaysay Cubao High
School
Welvin Dave Alitao
Camille Rose G.
Celestial
Jeanne Ericho Fuentes
MRSL has also supported the vision and program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Agricultural
Products Standards (BAFPS) of the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the provision of
microbiological services and technical advice in connection with Good Agricultural Practice (GAP)
Certification. In addition, Dr. Maria Auxilia T. Siringan gave a lecture on “Sampling Procedures for
Microbial Analysis” for GAP inspectors from regional offices of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)
during the “Training of Inspectors for the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Program of the
Department of Agriculture (DA). Focus on Sampling for Pesticide and Microbial Analyses on July 17,
2008 in Golden Pine Hotel, Baguio City (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6. Dr. Siringan gave a lecture on “Sampling Procedures for Microbial Analysis”
during the “Training of Inspectors for the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Program of
the Department of Agriculture (DA). Focus on Sampling for Pesticide and Microbial
Analyses on July 17, 2008 in Golden Pine Hotel, Baguio City.
56
MRSL has also played a vital role in promoting safe and quality products as it has supported
the QA and R and D programs of manufacturing companies. A major proportion of the
microbiological services were provided to the companies manufacturing personal care and home
care products such as cosmetics, toiletries, biocidal agents and disinfectants.
The reorganization and upgrading of the MRSL facilities is currently in progress. MRSL has
purchased minor equipment such as a bacticinerator, computer and printers, digital camera,
exhaust fans, and water heater for handwashing.
MRSL continues to promote probiotics among the UP Diliman campus employee-residents.
The 2007 survey is the second phase of the study, “Bringing the Benefits of Probiotics to the UP
Communities which aims to determine the level of awareness of probiotic products among UP
constituents. The survey was conducted among the three different sectors of UP employees
residing in the campus, namely the faculty, research, extension and professional staff (REPS) and
the administrative personnel. Results of the study were presented as a poster paper, entitled,
“Bringing the Benefits of Probiotics to the UP Communities. Part II. Determining the levels of
awareness of UP Diliman Campus Residents Regarding Probiotics” during the 5th Annual Conference
of the Philippine Society for Lactic Acid Bacteria (PSLAB) in the Yakult Main Office, Ermita, Manila
on October 22-24, 2007.
Extension Services/Clients
Culture Collection
1. Maintenance of culture
The UPCC continues to maintain the viability and purity of about 400 stock
cultures of bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. Cultures are maintained by
periodic transfer to appropriate media and by overlaying with mineral oil. Stocks
of several important microorganisms are kept in lyophilized form.
A number of companies and researchers have deposited their microbial
cultures for safekeeping. These cultures are in both L-dried form and in agar
slants with oil overlay. These cultures are for the exclusive use of the depositor
and are not distributed by the MRSL to any interested party.
2. Distribution of cultures
A total of 475 cultures were distributed to various sectors in
2007 (Table 3) approximately 23% greater than the number of cultures distributed
in 2006. Of the cultures distributed, approximately 79.5% were bacteria, 10.9 %
were filamentous fungi and 9.5 % were yeasts (Fig. 7a). Students remain to be the
top users of microbial cultures. About 89.3% of the cultures distributed were
purchased by secondary to graduate students from various educational institutions,
80% of which were requested by non UP-students and 9.3% by UP students (Fig. 7b).
Table 3. Numbers of cultures distributed per client type in 2007.
Client Type
Bacteria
Yeast
Fungi
Total
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
Subtotal
34
6
6
304
3
25
378
4
0
1
37
1
2
45
6
0
3
42
44
6
10
383
4
28
475
57
1
52
10.9%
Bacteria
9.5%
Yeast
79.5%
Fungi
Fig. 7a Proportions of bacterial, yeast and fungal cultures distributed in 2007.
5.9%
0.8%
9.3%
1.3%
2.1%
I
II
IV
Non-UP
Students
III
80.6%
IV
V
VI
Legend
Category
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
Client Type
College of Science (CS), UP Diliman students
NSRI-funded research projects
Non-NSRI funded researches and non-CS students
Non-UP students
Government agencies and Small to Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs)
Companies
Fig. 7b. Proportions of Different Client Types that Have Availed of Microbial Cultures in 2007.
Microbiological Services
A total of 6,713 microbiological analyses were performed in 2007. About 78.9%
(5,299) of these are analyses of various types of water while 21.1% (1,414) were microbial
analyses of food, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and biocidal agents (Fig. 8).
58
Microbiological
analyses of
water samples
21.1%
Microbiological
analyses of
non-water
samples water
78.9%
Fig. 8. Proportions of microbiological analyses of water and non-water samples in 2007.
Of the requested water-related tests, about 96% (5,076) were potability testing (Table 4).
About 65.3% and 34.5% of these services were requested by the industrial and private sectors.
Table 4. List of microbiological analyses of various types of water performed in 2007.
Fecal
Coliform
Client
Potability
HPC
P. aeruginosa
Streptococcus
Levels
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
Subtotal
%
TOTAL
Legend
Category
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
0
7
0
0
1,731
3,338
5,076
95.80
0
0
0
0
11
63
74
1.40
0
0
0
0
2
17
19
0.40
5,299
0
0
0
0
2
22
24
0.45
0
0
0
0
84
22
106
2.00
Client Type
College of Science (CS), UP Diliman students
NSRI-funded research projects
Non-NSRI funded researches and non-CS students
Non-UP students
Government agencies and Small to Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs)
Companies
MRSL has been engaged in monitoring the safety of water supplies in Metro Manila
distribution system managed by the Metro Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory
Office (MWSS-RO) and water districts in Bulacan and Nueva Ecija and as well as the water retail
industry.
MRSL has conducted 1,414 microbiological analyses of food, pharmaceuticals, personal care
products and biocidal agents in 2007 (Table 5). The major services rendered are as follows:
Aerobic Plate Count or APC (71.4% or 1,009 of 1,414)), Yeasts and Molds Count (11.3% or 157) and
detection of coliform count and E. coli (4.8% or 67). Various food, beverage and personal care
products were submitted for the following tests: coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus count,
Bacillus cereus count, detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Azospirillum count was performed for
a microbial soil fertility enhancer. Biocidal agents were submitted for percent kill tests. MRSL has
also been serving as a reference laboratory to monitor the microbiological quality of cosmetics and
toiletries by two major companies
59
Table 5. Microbiological analyses of non-water samples performed in 2007.
Microbiological Tests
Aerobic Plate Count
Yeast and Mold Count
Detection of E. coli/coliform
determination
Determination of E.coli/coliform
Detection of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa
S. aureus Count
Bacillus cereus Count
Detection of Salmonella
S. cerevisiae count
Lactic acid bacteria count
Azospirillum count
Bacterial cell count
Antimicrobial assay (qualitative
screening of compounds)
Percent kill test
Testing reduction of E. coli in
water inoculated with
Streptococcus thermophilis
Biodegradability experiment
Microscopic examination of
floaters
Identification of floaters
Identification of foreign material
in food sample
Examination of chicken leg with
larvae
pH determination of samples
Subtotal
Legend
Category
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
I
II
III
IV
1
1
1
V
5
2
VI
Subtotals
1,003
157
67
1,009
160
68
4
29
4
29
40
20
9
40
20
9
2
6
15
4
17
2
6
15
4
17
6
14
2
20
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
1,378
4
1,414
1
7
5
7
17
Client Type
College of Science (CS), UP Diliman students
NSRI-funded research projects
Non-NSRI funded researches and non-CS students
Non-UP students
Government agencies and Small to Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs)
Companies
Support to Students
MRSL hosted four College of Science undergraduate students in 2007. MRSL supported the
completion of the undergraduate theses through its provision of technical expertise, facilities and
training.
Dr. Maria Auxilia T. Siringan mentored the following students who have successfully
defended their theses and completed their requirements for the degree in B. S. Physics:
1)
Thesis student
Adviser
Co-Adviser
Title
:
:
:
:
Emil A. Pares
Henry Ramos
Ma. Auxilia T. Siringan
“Complete Destruction of Biofilm-formed Bacillus subtilis in
Polyethylene theraphtalate Material using H2O2-O2 Plasma”
2)
Thesis student
Adviser
Co-Adviser
Title
:
:
:
:
Karel Pabelina
Henry Ramos
Ma. Auxilia T. Siringan
“Sterilization of a Package using Low-Pressure Glow Discharge Plasma”
60
Ms. Vina B. Argayosa supervised the following undergraduate students in their thesis work,
who have completed their requirements for the degree in B. S. Chemistry.
1)
Thesis student
Adviser
Co-Adviser
Title
:
:
:
:
Amily Concepcion P. Caminero.
Portia Mahal Sabido
Vina B. Argayosa
“Spectral Analysis of Crude Prodigiosin, Nor Prodigiosin and Heptyl
Prodigiosin at Different Incubation Times”
2)
Thesis student
Adviser
Co-Adviser
Title
:
:
:
:
Ma. Norjielyn Reyes Sto. Domingo
Portia Mahal Sabido
Vina B. Argayosa
“Production, Extraction and Characterization of Nor-prodigiosin from
the Orange Mutant (IJO1) of Serratia marcescens BIOTECH 1748 Grown
on Soild Media”
Linkages
International Linkages

World Federation of Culture Collections (WFCC)
UPCC is a member of the World Federation of Culture Collections (WFCC).

American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
Dr. Siringan is a voting member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
under Division Q (Environmental Microbiology). Through the membership, MRSL has an
on-line subscription to all ASM journals, colloquium papers, information on future
meetings and trainings and updates in developments.
National Linkages

Philippine Network of Microbial Culture Collection (PNMCC)
The University of the Philippines Culture Collection (UPCC) of the MRSL is an
affiliate member of the Philippine Network of Microbial Culture Collection (PNMCC).
Dr. Siringan and Ms. Argayosa have served as Chair and Secretary, respectively, for
2007. Dr. Siringan and Ms. Argayosa will be serving another term as Business Manager
and Board Member, respectively for 2008.

Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. (PSM)
Dr. Siringan was elected as Vice-President during the 36th Annual PSM Convention
and Scientific Meeting, at the College of St. Benilde International Conference Center
and Hotel, Malate, Manila on May 7-8, 2007.
Manpower Development
Activities of MRSL Staff in 2007
1) MA. AUXILIA T. SIRINGAN (University Researcher IV)
Positions held


MRSL Head
Diplomate, Philippine Academy of Microbiology
61






Life member, Philippine Society for Microbiology
Life member, Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science, Inc.
Associate member, National Research Council of the Philippines
President, Philippine Network of Microbial Culture Collections
Member, UP Diliman Interdisciplinary Committee on Bioprospecting
Chairman and Biosafety Officer, NSRI Safety Committee
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended













Member, Organizing Committee. PSM Cluster 1 Symposium, “Microbes Unlimited:
For Health and Wellness”, “Microbial Diversity in Mangrove Ecosystems”, De La
Salle University, Taft Ave., Manila, November 24, 2007.
Chair, Organizing Committee.
7th Philippine Network of Microbial Culture
Collections, Inc. (PNMCC), “Microbial Diversity in Mangrove Ecosystems”, De La
Salle University, Taft Ave., Manila, November 10, 2007.
Participant, co-author and poster paper presentor. “Bringing the Benefits of
Probiotics to the UP Communities. Part II. Determining the levels of awareness of
UP Diliman Campus Residents Regarding Probiotics”, 5th Annual Conference of the
Philippine Society for Lactic Acid Bacteria (PSLAB), Yakult Main Office, Ermita,
Manila, October 22-24, 2007.
Speaker. Microbial Culture Collections: Setting Up and Moving Forward. 15th PSM
Visayas Annual Meeting and Regional Scientific Convention. Sampaguita Gardens.
New Washington, Aklan, October 18-19, 2007.
Participant. International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods
(ICMSF) Symposium on Current & Innovative Approaches to Microbiological Food
Safety Management. Holiday Inn, Singapore, October 3-4, 2007.
Chair, Organizing Committee and Speaker. Special PSM Symposium in the Bicol
Region. “Meet the Mighty Microbes”. Ateneo de Naga University. Naga City,
Camarines Sur, September 29, 2007.
Speaker. Sampling Procedures for Microbial Analysis. Training of Inspectors for the
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Focus on Sampling for Pesticide and Microbial Analyses. The Golden Pine Hotel,
Baguio City, July 17-18, 2007.
June 27, 2007 Participant, Good Laboratory Practice and Hazardous Chemical
Safety. YANA Chemodities Building, 151 Kaliraya, Quezon City.
Member, Organizing Committee. 36th Philippine Society for Microbiology Annual
Convention and Scientific Meeting, College of St. Benilde International Conference
Center and Hotel, Malate, Manila, May 07 – 08, 2007.
Speaker. Advances in Anaerobic Microbiology. Seminar on “Anaerobic Microbiology
– a Retrospect”. YANA Chemodities Building, 151 Kaliraya, Quezon City, February
27, 2007.
Sepaker. “Of Microbes and Crimes”. KKP-OCTA Day of 2007 National Chemistry
Week, “Scientists as SuperSleuths: A Symposium on Forensic Sciences”. Ateneo de
Manila University, Quezon City, February 21, 2007.
Chair, Organizing Committee and Speaker. PSM Cluster I Symposium on “Exploring
the Diverse World of Microbes”. Ateneo de Naga University, Naga City, Camarines
Sur, February 03, 2007.
Speaker. DAAD Conference on the “Challenges of Applied and Environmental
Microbiology in Marine Science . Marine Science Institute, University of the
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, January 18, 2007.
2) SONIA SP. BULAONG (University Researcher II)
Positions held





Member, National Research Council of the Philippines
Life Member, Philippine Society for Microbiology
Life Member, Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science (PHILAAS)
Member, Philippine Association of Food Technologists, Inc.
Member, Mycological Society of the Philippines (MSP)
62



Member, Biology Teachers Association ( BIOTA)
Member, Phi Sigma Honor Society
Member, Women Association of Scientists in the Philippines (WASP)
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended



Participant. 7th Philippine Network of Microbial Culture Collections, Inc. (PNMCC),
“Microbial Diversity in Mangrove Ecosystems”, De La Salle University, Taft Ave.,
Manila, November 10, 2007.
Participant, co-author and poster paper presentor. “Bringing the Benefits of
Probiotics to the UP Communities. Part II. Determining the levels of awareness of
UP Diliman Campus Residents Regarding Probiotics”, 5th Annual Conference of the
Philippine Society for Lactic Acid Bacteria (PSLAB), Yakult Main Office, Ermita,
Manila, October 22-24, 2007.
Participant. 36th Philippine Society for Microbiology Annual Convention and
Scientific Meeting, College of St. Benilde International Conference Center and
Hotel, Malate, Manila, May 07 – 08, 2007.
3) VINA B. ARGAYOSA (University Researcher I)
Positions held







Life Member, Philippine Society for Microbiology (PSM)
Life Member, Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science (PHILAAS)
Member, Biology Teachers Association (BIOTA)
Member, UP Housing Cooperative, Inc.
Member, Mycological Society of the Philippines
Member, Philippine Association of Food Technologists
Member, Women Association of Scientist of the Philippines (WASP)
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended







Participant. Fundamentals of Metrology. YANA Chemodities. Kaliraya St., Quezon
City, November 14, 2007.
Member, Organizing Committee. 7th Philippine Network of Microbial Culture
Collections, Inc. (PNMCC), “Microbial Diversity in Mangrove Ecosystems”, De La
Salle University, Taft Ave., Manila, November 10, 2007.
Co-author and poster paper presentor. “Bringing the Benefits of Probiotics to the
UP Communities. Part II. Determining the levels of awareness of UP Diliman Campus
Residents Regarding Probiotics”, 5th Annual Conference of the Philippine Society for
Lactic Acid Bacteria (PSLAB), Yakult Main Office, Ermita, Manila, October 22-24,
2007.
Participant. Seminar on Maximizing Acceptability of Philippine Products and
Services Through Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality (MSTQ). UP NISMED
Auditorium, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, October 17, 2007.
Trainor. Customized Training Course on Microbiological Analyses of Cosmetics.
MRSL, NSRI, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, August 28, 2007.
Participant. Managing Microbiological Food Safety Risks Training-Workshop. Food
Standards Australia New Zealang )FSANZ).
Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Manila,
Philippines, July 23-27, 2007.
Participant. 36th Philippine Society for Microbiology Annual Convention and
Scientific Meeting, College of St. Benilde International Conference Center and
Hotel, Malate, Manila, May 07 – 08, 2007.
4) CELIA C. CERENO (University Researcher I)
Positions held


Life Member, Philippine Microbiology Society (PSM)
Associate Member, National Research Council of the Philippines
63



Member, Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science (PHILAAS)
Member, Women Association of Scientist in the Philippines (WASP)
Member, Philippine Association of Food Technologists, Inc. (PAFT)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended





Participant. Fundamentals of Metrology. YANA Chemodities. Kaliraya St., Quezon
City, November 14, 2007.
Participant. 7th Philippine Network of Microbial Culture Collections, Inc. (PNMCC),
“Microbial Diversity in Mangrove Ecosystems”, De La Salle University, Taft Ave.,
Manila, November 10, 2007.
Co-author and poster paper presentor. “Bringing the Benefits of Probiotics to the
UP Communities. Part II. Determining the levels of awareness of UP Diliman Campus
Residents Regarding Probiotics”, 5th Annual Conference of the Philippine Society for
Lactic Acid Bacteria (PSLAB), Yakult Main Office, Ermita, Manila, October 22-24,
2007.
Trainor. Customized Training Course on Microbiological Analyses of Cosmetics.
MRSL, NSRI, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, August 28, 2007.
Participant. 36th Philippine Society for Microbiology Annual Convention and
Scientific Meeting, College of St. Benilde International Conference Center and
Hotel, Malate, Manila, May 07 – 08, 2007.
RESEARCH AND ANALYTICAL SERVICES LABORATORY (RASL)
The Research and Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL) renders chemical analytical services
to students, researchers, entrepreneurs, industries and government agencies. RASL holds the
distinction of the first ISO 17025:2005 – Accredited Laboratory in the UP System. RASL conducts
research on validation and development of methods and in generation of baseline information on
toxic trace metals and trace organics in the Philippine environment. In addition to analytical
services, RASL conducts training courses for chemists to upgrade their technical capability to do
quality chemical analyses.
Extension Services/Clients
Analytical Services
Customers Served in 2007
Type I
(0, 0%)
Type II
(0, 0%)
Type III
(8, 4%)
Type IV (10, 5%)
Type V
(154, 84 %)
Type VI (13, 7%)
Note:
Type
Type
Type
Type
Type
Type
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
UP College of Science Students
UP NSRI Researches
UP Diliman Students outside of the College of Science
UP-Funded Researches outside NSRI and Students of UP outside Diliman
Government, Small and Medium Scale Industries, and Private Institutions
Multinationals and Big Companies (Top 1000)
64
Types of Analytical Services Rendered in 2007
Note:
AAS
ASV
GC/MS
IC
Electrometric, glass electrode
Electrometric, ISE
(895, 57%)
(138, 9%)
(124, 8%)
(149, 9%)
(31, 2%)
(16, 1%)
Colorimetric
Gravimetric
Titrimetric
TOC Analysis
Others, Hardness
(46, 3%)
(90, 6%)
(13, 1%)
(55, 3%)
(19, 1%)
AAS – Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
ASV – Anodic Stripping Voltammetry
GC/MS – Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry
IC – Ion Chromatography
Other extension activities for 2007

Hosted and organized together with Philippine Metrology, Standards, Testing, and
Quality, Inc. the Symposium on “Maximizing Acceptability of Philippine Products and
Services Through Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality (MSTQ)” on October 17,
2007 at UP NISMED Conference Hall University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

Conducted the GC/MS Laboratory Demonstration for the Seminar Workshop on “Faculty
Upgrading for Chemistry in the Higher Education: A Short Course in Analytical
Chemistry”, October 22-27, 2007 at Institute of Chemistry, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

Prepared Proficiency Testing (PT) Samples for trace metals and chloride analysis in
water, and served as convenor of the PT exercise for Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines,
Inc. (Central Laboratory).
Support to Students
RASL supports students and researchers by making available the facilities of the laboratory
and by providing the analytical services that they need (Table 6 and Table 7).
65
Table 6. List of RASL’s users of facilities in 2007.
Name /
Project Leader
Jeremy Chris Reyes /
Dr. Anacleto M.
Argayosa
Rose Anne Manalili,
Heidi Ferrano, Moises
Paez and Dollie Gay
San Juan / Ms. Lorna
Enerva
Hannah Joy P.
Alcantara
/ Dr. Glorina Pocsidio
Hannah Joy P.
Alcantara
/ Dr. Gilda C. Rivero
Facilities Used
School / University
Title of Research / Project
Ultralow Freezer
Institute of Biology, UP
Diliman, Quezon City
Detection of fucose binding
proteins (NSRI Project)
Rotary Evaporator
Polytechnic University
of the Philippines, Sta.
Mesa, Manila
Sucker Mouth Fish: Source of
Fatty Acid
Ultralow Freezer
Institute of Biology, UP
Diliman, Quezon City
Ultralow Freezer
Institute of Biology, UP
Diliman, Quezon City
Antioxidant Response of
Chromolaera odorata to Heavy
Metal Stress
Antioxidants and Hg-Binding
Biomolecules in Hg-Exposed
Chromolaera odorata
Table 7. List of students and researchers who requested assistance for thesis and research.
Name
Degree / Course
School / University
Keoduangchai
Keokhamphui
M.S. Environmental
Engineering
University of the
Philippines, Diliman.
Quezon City
Jorrel Vincent L. Valdez
B.S. Biology
University of the
Philippines, Manila
Zheela Guanzon / Leisa
Gobenciong
B.S. Biology
University of the
Philippines, Manila
Marissa R. Parao
Ph.D. in Forestry
University of the
Philippines, Los Baños,
Laguna
Rachel Ann S. Espino /
Judee Marie Malubay
B.S. Biology
University of the
Philippines, Manila
Aileen A. Castañeda
Perry Mortel
B.S. Metallurgical
Engineering
Glorina P. Orozco
Ph.D.
Environmental
Science
University of the
Philippines, Diliman.
Quezon City
University of the
Philippines, Diliman.
Quezon City
University of the
Philippines, Los Baños,
Laguna
Title
Fractional Speciation of
Suspended Particulate and
Sediment of Wastewater
from Small-scale Gold
Mining Effluent
Gas Chromatography
Analysis of Total Petroleum
Hydrocarbons in Soils
Biomonitoring Water Quality
of Payatas Groundwater
Using Several Indicator
Species
Survival and Growth
Response of Selected Trees
to Mycorrhizal Inoculation in
the Bioremediation of
Anatamok Mine Waste Dump
Assessment of Urban
Runoffs from Petroleum
Stations Using Zebrafish
(Danio renio) Embryos
Mercury from Broken
Fluorescent Lamps
Arsenic Adsorption of
Activated Carbon from
Scrap Wood
Biophysico-chemical and
Socioeconomic Study of Two
Major Manila Esteros
Linkages
Local
•
Environmental Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources
66
- Consultancy/participation as laboratory assessors in the EMB laboratory
recognition program.
•
Philippine Accreditation Office, Department of Trade and Industry.
- Consultancy/ participation as laboratory assessors in the PAO’s ISO-17025
accreditation program
•
Philippine Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality (MSTQ)
- Active participation as board members in pursuing the goal of the association
in enhancing the infrastructure for quality in the country
International / Foreign
•
United Nations University, Tokyo, Japan
- Active participation as the implementor in the country of the regional
research program of UNU in Monitoring POPs in the East Asian Region
•
United Nations Environment Program.
- As consultant to EMB on matters regarding the Global Monitoring Program of
UNEP for the Stockholm Convention.
•
Ministry of Environment of Japan for POPs in East Asia Project
- Active participation in the regional project POPs in Air in East Asia to
generate baseline data for the assessment of the effectivity of the Stockholm
Convention
•
Environment Canada Air Quality Processes Research Division
- As collaborator in sampling for the Global Air Passive Sampling project
Trainings conducted
RASL has developed three training courses to help laboratories prepare for the technical
requirements of ISO-17025. These are Quality Assurance in Chemical analysis, Validation of
chemical Analytical Methods and Measurement of Uncertainty in Chemical analysis. These courses
are offered every year. In addition to the regular training courses, RASL conducts special training as
requested.
Regular training courses conducted in 2007
1)
2)
Title of Training
:
Quality Assurance in Chemical Analysis
Funding Source
Date
Trainors
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for the training
March 8-9 and 12-13, 2007 (2 batches)
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago and Artemio E. Pascual
Php 4,000.00/participant
31
Chemists from government agencies and
private industries personnel
Title of Training
:
Validation of Chemical Methods
Funding Source
Date
Trainors
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for the training
April 2-3 and 16-17, 2007 (2 batches)
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago and Criselda R. Africa
Php 4,000.00/participant
30
Chemists from government agencies and
private industries personnel
67
3)
Title of Training
:
Uncertainty of Measurements in Chemical Analysis
Funding Source
Date
Trainors
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for the training
July 5-6 and 9-10, 2007 (2 batches)
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago and Fe Belen B. Bello
Php 4,000.00/participant
18
Chemists from government agencies and private industries
Special training courses conducted in 2007
1)
Title of Training
:
Laboratory Methods and Techniques for Determination of
Organic Contaminants in Environmental Samples
Funding Source
Date conducted
Trainors
Fees
No. of participants
:
:
:
:
:
World Health Organization
May 28 - June 14, 2007
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago and Ms. Charita S. Kwan
Php 385,120.00
9 staff of National Reference Laboratory (NRL) of the
Department of Health (DOH)
Chemists, Medical Officer and Medical Technologists
Profile of participants :
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago, RASL staff with the staff of National
Reference Laboratory (NRL) of the Department of Health (DOH) during
the Training on “Laboratory Methods and Techniques for Determination
of Organic Contaminants in Environmental Samples” conducted May 28 June 14, 2007.
2)
Title of Training
:
Hands-on Training on Analysis of Water by Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometry
Funding Source
Date
Trainors
:
:
:
Universal Robina Corporation
August 22-23, 2007
Ms. Criselda R. Africa, Ms. Fe Belen B. Bello and
Mr. Artemio E. Pascual
PhP 66,200.00
2 staff of Universal Robina Corporation
Chemists
Fees
:
No. of participants
:
Profile of participants :
68
Recent developments and other related activities of RASL for 2007
The RASL Participated in Four (4) Laboratory Proficiency Testing (PT) Programs:
1. PT Programme APLAC T057 for Heavy Metals in Seawater Shrimps analysis for Arsenic,
Cadmium and Lead organized by Hong Kong Government Laboratory from December 12,
2006 - January 24, 2007.
2. PT APG in Water Samples for analysis of Organochlorine Pesticides and Polycyclic
Aromatic Hydrocarbons organized by Analytical Products Group, Inc. from September 11
- October 16, 2007.
3. PT APG in Water Samples for analysis of Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Iron,
Lead, Manganese, Nickel, Silver, Zinc, Arsenic, Selenium and Boron organized by
Analytical Products Group, Inc. from September 11 - October 16, 2007.
4. PT APG in Water Samples for analysis of Mercury organized by Analytical Products
Group, Inc. from October 22 – November 8, 2007.
Visitors/Guests
Name of School/Agency – De La Salle University
No. of visitors - 20 students
Date of visit – July 13, 2007
Name of School/Agency – University of the Philippines Integrated School
No. of visitors – 10 faculty and 8 students
Date of visit – August 22, 2007
Name of School/Agency – Mapua Institute of Technology
No. of visitors – 15 students
Date of visit – September 14, 2007
Name of School/Agency – Philippine Science High School – Ilocos Region Campus
No. of visitors – 3 faculty and 35 students
Date of visit – October 18, 2007
Name of School/Agency – University of the Philippines Integrated School
No. of visitors – 1 faculty, 1 students teacher and 27 students
Date of visit – December 11, 2007
Manpower Development
Activities of RASL Staff in 2007
1) EVANGELINE C. SANTIAGO (University Researcher V)
Position held




Head and Technical Manager, RASL
National Project Coordinator for the Philippines (1999-present),
United Nations University EDC Monitoring in the East Asian Hydrosphere
Professorial Lecturer, College of Home Economics, November 1, 2007 to May 31,
2008.
Member, Scientific Productivity System Committee, UP System, January 2006present.
Professional/Extension activities

Member, Expert Working Group – Trial Air Monitoring Project in East Asia for the
Global Monitoring Program of the Stockholm Convention, 2003-present.
69







Invited Speaker, “Metrology in Chemistry” Integrated Chemists of the Philippines,
Chemistry Week, Ateneo de Manila University, February 9, 2007.
Trainor-Lecturer, “Quality Assurance in Chemical Analysis”, UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City, March 8-9 and 12-13, 2007.
Trainor-Lecturer, “Validation of Chemical Methods”, UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon
City, April 2-3 and 16-17, 2007.
Trainor-Lecturer, “Training on Laboratory Methods and Techniques for
Determination of Organic Contaminants in Environmental Samples for the Staff of
the National Reference Laboratory, Department of Health, UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City, May 28-June 15, 2007.
Trainor-Lecturer, “Uncertainty of Measurements in Chemical Analysis”, UP NSRI,
Diliman, Quezon City, July 5-6 and 9-10, 2007.
Invited Speaker, “Method Validation/Verification” for the Seminar-Workshop for PT
Round 1 (Wheat Flour) Participants, conducted by Food and Nutrition Research
Institute at FNRI e/F Training Room, DOST Compound, Taguig City, November 8,
2007.
Board Member - Philippine Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality, Inc.
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended


Participant, Forum on ”Meeting of the Minds: Bridging the Quantitative and
Qualitative Divide”, conducted by Research and Extension for Development Office
(REDO) of the UP College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD),
CSWCD Bulwagang Tandang Sora, UP Diliman, Quezon City, March 26, 2007.
Participant, Symposium on “Maximizing Acceptability of Philippine Products and
Services Through Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality (MSTQ)”, UP NISMED
Conference Hall University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, October 17,
2007.
Papers presented
Local

“Monitoring Organochorine Pesticides in Mt. Sto. Tomas, Benguet 22nd Philippine
Chemistry Congress: “Chemistry in Food Safety and the Environment” at The
Integrated Chemists of the Philippines and Philippine Federation of Chemistry
Societies / DAP Convention Center, Tagaytay, City, April 10-13, 2007.
International




Invited Speaker, “Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Ambient Air in the
Philippines Derived from Passive Samplers with Polyurethane Foam Disk”, 16th
Meeting of Japan Society of Environmental Chemistry, Kitakyushu, Japan, June 2022, 2007.
Invited Speaker, “Workshop on POPs Monitoring in East Asian Countries”, 27th
International Symposium on Halogenated Persistent Pollutants (Dioxin 2007), Tokyo,
Japan, September 3-6, 2007.
Paper presentor “Organochlorines Pesticides in Sea Bass in Selected Coastal Areas
in the Philippines”, UNU International Symposium, Sari Pan, Pacific Hotel, Jakarta,
Indonesia, November 13, 2007.
Invited Participant, “5th Workshop on Environmental Monitoring of Persistent
Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the East Asian Countries, conducted by Japanese
Ministry of the Environment in Kyoto, Japan, November 20-22, 2007.
Publications


Santiago, Evangeline and Cayetano, Mylene. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in
Ambient Air in the Philippines Derived from Passive Samplers with Polyurethane
Foam Disk, Atmospheric Environment 41 (2007) 4138-47, June 2007.
Santiago, Evangeline and Kwan, Charita. Endocrine-Disrupting Phenols in Selected
Rivers and Bays in the Philippines, Marine Pollution Bulletin, July 2007.
70
Papers submitted for publictions


Africa, Criselda, Pascual, Artemio and Santiago, Evangeline. Total Mercury in Three
Fish Species Sold in a Local Market: Monitoring and Risk Assessment, Science
Diliman (submitted on January 2007).
Africa, Criselda, and Santiago, Evangeline. Levels of Trace Metals in the Aquatic
Environment of Albay Gulf in the Philippines After a Reported Mine Tailings Spill,
Marine Pollution Bulletin (submitted on September 7, 2007, returned for revision
December, 2007).
Research project implemented

Organochlorines Pesticides in Sea Bass in Selected Coastal Areas in the Philippines
Awards


International Publication Award 2007 given by the University of the Philippines,
Diliman, as co-author of the paper Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Ambient Air
in the Philippines Derived from Passive Samplers with Polyurethane Foam Disk
Atmospheric Environment 41 (2007) 4138-47 June 2007.
International Publication Award 2007 given by the University of the Philippines,
Diliman, as co-author of the paper “Endocrine-Disrupting Phenols in Selected Rivers
and Bays in the Philippines”, Marine Pollution Bulletin 54:1031-1071, 2007.
2) FE BELEN B. BELLO (University Researcher IV)
Position held



Deputy Technical Manager, Document Control Officer and Analyst Supervisor, RASL
Treasurer – Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas, Division of Analytical Science
Board Member - Philippine Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality, Inc.
Professional/Extension activities



Lecturer in the Seminar Workshop on “Faculty Upgrading for Chemistry in the
Higher Education: A Short Course in Analytical Chemistry”, Institute of Chemistry,
UP Diliman, Quezon City, October 22-27, 2007.
Trainor-Lecturer, “Uncertainty of Measurements in Chemical Analysis”, UP NSRI,
Diliman, Quezon City, July 5-6 and 9-10, 2007.
Trainor-Lecturer, “Hands-on Training on Analysis of Water by Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometry”, for the two (2) staff of Universal Robina Corporation, August
22-23, 2007.
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended




Participant, 22nd Philippine Chemistry Congress: “Chemistry in Food Safety and the
Environment” conducted by The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines and
Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies at DAP Convention Center, Tagaytay,
City, April 10-13, 2007.
Participant, “Asia Sense 2007: Asian Conference on Sensors” conducted by
Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas-Division of Analytical Science at University of Sto.
Tomas, Manila, June 5-7, 2007.
Participant, 5th FAB Symposium: “Certifying Best Management Practices in
Aquaculture” conducted by The Fisheries Aquaculture Board of the Philippines,
Inc., at 5th Flr. Penthouse audio-Visual Room, BOI Industry and Investment Bldg.,
385 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, June 19, 2007.
Participant, Symposium on “Maximizing Acceptability of Philippine Products and
Services Through Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality (MSTQ)” at UP NISMED
Conference Hall University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, October 17,
2007.
71
3)
CHARITA S. KWAN (University Researcher II)
Positions held


Deputy Administrative Manager and Analyst Supervisor, RASL
NSRI Chemical Safety Officer
Professional/Extension activities


Trainor-Lecturer, “Training on Laboratory Methods and Techniques for
Determination of Organic Contaminants in Environmental Samples for the Staff of
the National Reference Laboratory, Department of Health, UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City, May 28-June 15, 2007.
Delegate, “2nd Forum on the DENR Recommended Methods for Water and
Wastewater Analysis and Review of the DENR DAO 98-63: Guidelines for the
Designation of DENR Recognized Environmental Laboratories” conducted by DENREMB at Fontana Leisure Parks, Clark Special Economic Zone, Pampanga, June 19-22,
2007.
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended




Participant, “UNU International Training on POPs Analysis in Fish Species”
conducted by United Nations University at Shimadzu training facilities in Hadano
City, Japan, February 27-March 1, 2007.
Participant, 22nd Philippine Chemistry Congress: “Chemistry in Food Safety and the
Environment” conducted by The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines and
Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies at DAP Convention Center, Tagaytay,
City, April 10-13, 2007.
Participant, Symposium on “Maximizing Acceptability of Philippine Products and
Services Through Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality (MSTQ)”, UP NISMED
Conference Hall University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, October 17,
2007.
Participant, 1st Philippine Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Summit “Waste
Management for Tomorrow, Today” conducted by Department of Environment and
Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau Central and Region VII
Offices and National Solid Waste Mangement Commission at Cebu Midtown Hotel,
Cebu City, December 6-7, 2007.
Paper presented

“Oral Paper Presenter: “Levels of POPs Pesticides in Freshwater Shrimps from the
Pampanga River” at the 22nd Philippine Chemistry Congress, The Integrated
Chemists of the Philippines and Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies / DAP
Convention Center, Tagaytay, City, April 10-13, 2007.
Award

International Publication Award 2007 given by the University of the Philippines,
Diliman, as co-author of the paper “Endocrine-Disrupting Phenols in Selected
Rivers and Bays in the Philippines”, Marine Pollution Bulletin 54:1031-1071, 2007.
4) ARTEMIO E. PASCUAL (University Researcher II)
Position held


Analyst Supervisor, RASL
Board Member – Kapisanan ng Kimika ng Pilipinas, Division of Analytical Science,
Philippines
72
Professional/Extension activities


Lecturer in the Seminar Workshop on “Faculty Upgrading for Chemistry in the
Higher Education: A Short Course in Analytical Chemistry”, Institute of Chemistry,
UP Diliman, Quezon City, October 22-27, 2007.
Trainor-Lecturer, “Hands-on Training on Analysis of Water by Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometry”, for the two (2) staff of Universal Robina Corporation, August
22-23, 2007.
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended





Participant, 22nd Philippine Chemistry Congress: “Chemistry in Food Safety and the
Environment” conducted by The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines and
Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies at DAP Convention Center, Tagaytay,
City, April 10-13, 2007.
Participant, “Asia Sense 2007: Asian Conference on Sensors” conducted by
Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas-Division of Analytical Science at University of Sto.
Tomas, Manila, June 5-7, 2007.
Participant, Symposium on “Maximizing Acceptability of Philippine Products and
Services Through Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality (MSTQ)”, UP NISMED
Conference Hall University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, October 17,
2007.
Participant “Fundametals of Industrial Ventilation” conducted by DOLE Occupational Safety and Health Center at OSHC, Diliman, Quezon City, November
12-13, 2007.
Participant, “Fundamentals of Metrology” conducted by Yana Chemodities, Inc. and
Memmert at Yana Chemodities, Inc., Quezon City, November 14, 2007.
Paper presented

“Oral Paper Presenter: “Total Mercury in Three Fish Species Sold in a Metro Manila
Public Market: Monitoring and Health Risk Assessment” at the 22nd Philippine
Chemistry Congress, The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines and Philippine
Federation of Chemistry Societies / DAP Convention Center, Tagaytay, City, April
10-13, 2007.
Papers submitted for publication

Africa, Criselda, Pascual, Artemio and Santiago, Evangeline. Total Mercury in Three
Fish Species Sold in a Local Market: Monitoring and Risk Assessment, Science
Diliman (submitted on January 2007).
5) CRISELDA R. AFRICA (University Researcher I)
Positions held

Analyst Supervisor, RASL
Professional/Extension activities


Trainor-Lecturer, “Validation of Chemical Methods”, UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon
City, April 2-3 and 16-17, 2007.
Trainor-Lecturer, “Hands-on Training on Analysis of Water by Atomic Absorption
Spectroph otometry”, for the two (2) staff of Universal Robina Corporation, August
22-23, 2007.
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended

Participant, 22nd Philippine Chemistry Congress: “Chemistry in Food Safety and the
Environment” conducted by The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines and
73

Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies at DAP Convention Center, Tagaytay,
City, April 10-13, 2007.
Participant, Symposium on “Maximizing Acceptability of Philippine Products and
Services Through Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality (MSTQ)”, UP NISMED
Conference Hall University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, October 17,
2007.
Paper submitted for publication


Africa, Criselda, Pascual, Artemio and Santiago, Evangeline. Total Mercury in Three
Fish Species Sold in a Local Market: Monitoring and Risk Assessment, Science
Diliman (submitted on January 2007).
Africa, Criselda, and Santiago, Evangeline. Levels of Trace Metals in the Aquatic
Environment of Albay Gulf in the Philippines After a Reported Mine Tailings Spill,
Marine Pollution Bulletin (submitted on September 7, 2007).
6) JENNIFER RODRIGUEZ (Laboratory Technician I)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended

Participant, Good Laboratory Practice and Safety in the Laboratory conducted by
Yana Chemodities Inc. at Quezon City, June 27, 2007.
7) FRITZIE ANN P. RIVAS (Analyst)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended


Participant, Good Laboratory Practice and Safety in the Laboratory conducted by
Yana Chemodities Inc. at Quezon City, June 27, 2007.
Participant, Analytical Chemistry of [legacy] Agrochemicals in Environmental
Samples conducted by Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Korea Ocean
Research & Development Institute (KORDI) at South Sea Research Institute, KORDI,
Korea, 15-26 October 2007.
8) LAARNIE C. TUMOLVA (Analyst)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended









Trainee, “On-the Job-Training on Analysis of Organochlorine Pesticides in Drinking
Water and Wastewater by GC/MS” conducted by RASL, UP Diliman, Quezon City,
August 2006 – January 2007.
Trainee, “On-the Job-Training on Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in
Water by GC/MS” conducted by RASL, UP Diliman, Quezon City, July 2006 – July
2007.
Trainee, “On-the Job-Training on Analysis of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Water by
GC/MS” conducted by RASL, UP Diliman, Quezon City, January-July 2007.
Trainee, “On-the Job-Training on Analysis of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (C10 –
C30+ Weathered Hydrocarbons) in Water by GC/MS” conducted by RASL, UP Diliman,
Quezon City, January-July 2007.
Trainee, “On-the Job-Training on Analysis of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (C10 –
C30 + Weathered Hydrocarbons) in Sediments by GC/MS” conducted by RASL, UP
Diliman, Quezon City, January-July 2007.
Participant, “Biological and Chemical Safety Seminar” conducted by UP NSRI at
NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City, February 7, 2007.
Participant, Training Course on “Quality Assurance in Chemical Analysis” conducted
by UP NSRI-RASL at NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City, March 8-9,
2007.
Participant, Training Course on “Validation of Chemical Methods” conducted by UP
NSRI-RASL at NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City, April 2-3, 2007.
Participant, Good Laboratory Practice and Safety in the Laboratory conducted by
Yana Chemodities Inc. at Quezon City, June 27, 2007.
74
9) JAMAICA P. LEMANA (Analyst)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended

Participant, Symposium on “Maximizing Acceptability of Philippine Products and
Services Through Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality (MSTQ)”, UP NISMED
Conference Hall University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, October 17,
2007.
10) ALVIN EDWIN A. MAGPANTAY (Analyst)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended




Participant, “Biological and Chemical Safety Seminar”, UP NSRI at NSRI Conference
Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City, February 7, 2007.
Participant, Training Course on “Quality Assurance in Chemical Analysis”, UP NSRIRASL at NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City, March 8-9, 2007.
Participant, Training Course on “Validation of Chemical Methods”, UP NSRI-RASL,
NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City, April 2-3, 2007.
Participant, 22nd Philippine Chemistry Congress: “Chemistry in Food Safety and the
Environment”, The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines and Philippine Federation
of Chemistry Societies at DAP Convention Center, Tagaytay, City, April 10-13, 2007.
11) JENALYN V. CRUZ (Clerk III)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended


Participant, Symposium on “Maximizing Acceptability of Philippine Products and
Services Through Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality (MSTQ)”, UP NISMED
Conference Hall University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, October 17,
2007.
Participant, “ISO/IEC 17025:2005, The Standard for Laboratory Competence” The
Philippine Trade Training Center, DTI Seminar Room A, 2nd Flr., PTTC Bldg., Sen. Gil
Puyat Ave. cor. Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, November 27, 2007.
12) RIO CARLO M. LIRAG (Chemical Waste Management Associate)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended








Participant, “Seminar-Workshop on Soil and Water Contamination and
Remediation”, Marine Sciences Institute and Institute of Chemistry at UP
Diliman,Quezon City, February 21 & 28, 2007.
Participant, Training Course on “Quality Assurance in Chemical Analysis”, UP NSRIRASL at NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City, March 8-9, 2007.
Participant, Training Course on “Validation of Chemical Methods”, UP NSRI-RASL at
NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City, April 2-3, 2007.
Participant, 22nd Philippine Chemistry Congress: “Chemistry in Food Safety and the
Environment”, The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines and Philippine Federation
of Chemistry Societies at DAP Convention Center, Tagaytay, City, April 10-13, 2007.
Participant, “Asia Sense 2007: Asian Conference on Sensors”, June 5-7, 2007,
conducted by Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas-Division of Analytical Science at
University of Sto. Tomas, Manila.
Participant, Good Laboratory Practice and Safety in the Laboratory,Yana
Chemodities Inc. at Quezon City, June 27, 2007.
Participant, Symposium on “Maximizing Acceptability of Philippine Products and
Services Through Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality (MSTQ)”, UP NISMED
Conference Hall University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, October 17,
2007.
Participant, 1st Philippine Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Summit “Waste
Management for Tomorrow, Today” Department of Environment and Natural
75
Resources – Environmental Management Bureau Central and Region VII Offices and
National Solid Waste Mangement Commission, Cebu Midtown Hotel, Cebu City,
December 6-7, 2007.
Professional/Extension activities

Resource Speaker, “Geared towards a Green Environment: Development on Waste
Management and Biodegradable Packaging Materials”, College of Engineering
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, March 15, 2007.
13) RAIAN F. LAPRESCA (Laboratory Aide)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended

Participant, Symposium on “Maximizing Acceptability of Philippine Products and
Services Through Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality (MSTQ)”, UP NISMED
Conference Hall University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. October 17,
2007.
14) CECILIA A. MENGUIS (Laboratory Aide)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended

Participant, Good Laboratory Practice and Safety in the Laboratory, Yana
Chemodities, Inc. Quezon City, June 27, 2007.
2.2 INFORMATION SERVICE
The NSRI provides information on its technical services and research activities through the
following publications (for details, please see section 1.2).
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
The NSRI Research and Extension Services
The NSRI Catalog of Cultures
The NSRI Brochure
The NSRI Technical Reports
Yearly Announcement of Training Courses
2.3 COMMUNITY SERVICE
The NSRI as a national center of excellence in the basic sciences strives to promote
consciousness and appreciation for the natural sciences by hosting visits of students and researchers
and accommodating requests for demonstration of modern equipment from various groups.
2.4 SAFETY PROGRAM
The NSRI continues to implement a Safety Program for the benefit of NSRI-based
researchers. The Safety Committee is chaired by Dr. Ma. Auxilia T. Siringan, who is the Biological
Safety Officer of the Institute. The Chemical Safety Officer who implements the Chemical Waste
Management Program of the Institute is Ms. Charita S. Kwan.
76
1. ORGANIZATION AND PERSONNEL
Organization and Management
The Organizational Chart of both regular and contractual personnel of NSRI is shown in
Figure 9. The various units, their principal personnel and functions are briefly described below:
Figure 9. The NSRI Organizational Chart
Executive Council
This is the highest policy making authority within the NSRI consisting of the NSRI
Director and the Dean of the College of Science as Co-Chairmen and the representatives of
the disciplinal and interdisciplinal units covered by the mandate of NSRI.
77
The Director serves for a term of three years and is the chief executive of the
Institute. He/she communicates and implements the decisions of the Executive Council to
parties concerned, represents the Institute and/or negotiates collaborations in behalf of
NSRI, initiates programs and taps external sources of funding, both national and
international.
The representatives are selected by their respective units for a term of two years.
They supervise the screening of research proposals within their units and act as liaison of
their units with the Executive Council.
The following were the members of the Executive Council in 2006:
Chairpersons:
Dr. Ernelea P. Cao
Director, NSRI
Dr. Caesar A. Saloma
Dean, College of Science
Members:
Dr. Zubaida U. Basiao (June 2007 – present)
Dr. Sonia D. Jacinto (January 2007 – May 2007)
Representative, Institute of Biology
Dr. Jim Josephus G. Miglana (July 2007 – present)
Dr. Girlie Naomi N. Sison (January 2007 – June 2007)
Representative, Institute of Chemistry
Dr. Jose Maria L. Escaner IV (October 2007 – present)
Dr. Jose Ernie C. Lope (January 2007 – September 2007)
Representative, Department of Mathematics
Dr. Flerida A. Cariño (January 2007 – present)
Representative, Institute of Environmental Science
and Meteorology
Research Section
This section performs the research functions of the NSRI. At present, most of the research is
undertaken through the faculty and staff of the College of Science in the following disciplines:
Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Environmental Sciences and Meteorology. The research
thrusts in these areas therefore reflect those of the institutes and departments. The members of
NSRI’s regular technical staff who were initially hired to provide technical services to researchers
were recognized as a research unit in 1988 under the Research Policies and Guidelines of NSRI. As
such, the NSRI REPS have also been active in soliciting grants from NSRI. NSRI’s REPS have also
been active in soliciting external support for their projects (see section on Externally Funded
Researches).
The research personnel of the NSRI thus consists of the following:
1.
2.
Project Leaders, Program Coordinators and Collaborators: faculty researchers of the
College of Science, NSRI research staff and adjunct researchers of the College of Science.
Contractual Research Staff: University Research Associate I, hired on a contractual basis
for a particular project.
78
Technical Support Section
This section provides technical services for researchers and performs the extension services
described in Technical assistance and Advisory services section. The principal units are the
Biological Research and Services Laboratory (BRSL), the DNA Analytical Laboratory (DAL), the
Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory (MRSL) and the Research and Analytical Services
Laboratory (RASL).
Biological Research and Services Laboratory (BRSL)
1
1
1
University Researcher I
University Research Associate I
Clerk II
DNA Analytical Laboratory (DAL)
1
1
1
4
5
1
University Researcher III
University Research Associate II
University Research Associate I (regular)
University Research Associate I (UP contractual)
Research Associate (non-UP contractual)
Consultant
Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory (MRSL)
1
1
2
1
1
University Researcher IV
University Researcher II
University Researcher I
Laboratory Technician I
Consultant
Research and Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL)
1
1
2
1
1
1
4
University Researcher V
University Researcher IV
University Researcher II
University Researcher I
Laboratory Technician I
Clerk III
Research and Analytical Staff (non-UP contractual)
Administrative Support Section
This section consists of the staff of the Administrative Office, Publication Section and the
Property Office:
1.
Administrative Office: handles the administration of research projects and provides
assistance to researchers in financial management, scheduling of use of Institute facilities,
and clerical and artistic services in the preparation of research manuscripts. The staff
consists of:
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Administrative Officer III
Public Relations Officer II
Records Officer II
Administrative Assistant
Artist Illustrator II
Driver II
Driver I
79
2.
Publication Section: offers graphic, printing, binding and photocopying services. It is
equipped with the necessary facilities and manpower for the publication of research reports,
manuals, books, etc. The staff consists of:
1
1
3.
Property Section: in-charge of the overall maintenance and upkeep of NSRI building and
grounds, facilities and equipment, property and supply, administration of electrical,
plumbing and carpentry work. The staff consists of:
1
1
1
1
1
5.
Publication Circulation Officer II
Printing Machine Operator IV
Supply Officer III
Storekeeper III
Precision Instrument Technician III
Laboratory Technician II
Laboratory Aide II
Computer Room: provides for the computer needs of researchers, URAs and other
administrative personnel, including e-mail and internet access through the DILNET.
List of NSRI Room Occupants in 2007
The complete list of NSRI’s room occupants in 2007 is shown in Table 8.
Table 8. Room Occupants of NSRI in 2007.
Chemistry Researchers occupying
rooms in NSRI
1. Dr. F. Valera
2. Dr. E. Llaguno
3. Dr. M. Arias
4. Dr. P. Espino
5. Dr. C. Pascual
6. Dr. L. Payawan Jr.
7. Dr. F. Del Mundo
8. Dr. E. Castriciones
9. Dr. L. Manuel
10. Dr. F. Sumera
11. Dr. S. Arco
12. Storage Room
13. Visitor’s Room
14. Dr. L. Quirit
15. Dr. L. Coo
16. Dr. F. Cariño
17. Dr. F. de Guzman
18. Dr. E. Amor
19. Dr. J. Minglana
Rm. 213
Rm. 215
Rm. 216
Rm. 217
Rm. 219
Rm. 220
Rm. 221
Rm. 222
Rm. 222
Rm. 223
Rm. 226
Rm. 235
Rm. 237
Rm. 238
Rm. 239
Rm. 240
Rm. 242
Rm. 244
Rm. 247
Biology Researchers occupying rooms in NSRI
1. Microalgae Culture Room
2. Dr. Z. Basiao/Dr. A. Herrera
3. Dr. G. Rivero
4. Dr. E. Catap
5. Dr. E. Cao
6. Dr. G. Pocsidio
7. Dr. L. Ungson
8. Dr. T. Salunga
9. Dr. W. Rivera
Rm. 114
Rm. 115
Rm. 116
Rm. 117
Rm. 118
Rm. 119
Rm. 123
Rm. 3
Rms. 5 & 7
Animal House No. 7 & 9
Physics/IESM/Math Researchers occupying rooms in NSRI
1. Vacant
2. Dr. H. Ramos
3. Dr. D. Yanga
4. Dr. J. Magpantay
5. IESM Common Room
Rm. 241
Rm. 243
Rm. 245
Rm. 246
Rm. 224
NSRI Researchers’ and Laboratory Rooms
1. DAL
Meeting Room (DAL)
2. BRSL
BRSL Bioinformatics
BRSL Office
BRSL Tissue Culture
BRSL Photo-microscopy
BRSL DNA-RNA Analysis
BRSL Room Extensions
Rms. 201-214
Rm. 218
3. RASL
Rms.133-135,138-139 &
Pesticide Rooms
Rms. 120-122/124-127
Rm. 120
Rm. 121
Rm. 122
Rm. 124
Rm. 125
Rms.126-127
MRSL Lab Rooms
MRSL Green Room
Office
Wash Room
5. Hot Room
6. Administrative Office
Conference Room
Director & Staff’s Office
7. Property & Maintenance
Room
80
Rms. 112,110,108, 106 and 104
Rms. 103 & 105
Rm. 102
Rm. 101
Rm. 113
Rms. 231 – 234
Rm. 231
Rms. 232 & 234
Rm. 137
cont.of table 8.
RASL Office
RASL Training Room
4. MRSL
MRSL Office
MRSL Staff Room
Rm. 134
Rm. 138
DA- BAR Grantee’s Rm.
DA-BAR/NSRI Office
Rms. 101–112
Rms. 111 & 109
Rm. 107
8. Computer Room
Rm. 233
Rm. 236 –1 (inside computer
room)
Rm. 238
Personnel Inventory of the NSRI
The list of regular personnel of the NSRI in 2007 is presented in Table 9.
inventory of regular and contractual personnel for 2007 is provided in Table 10.
The total
Table 9. Regular personnel of NSRI in 2007.
POSITION TITLE
Ernelea P. Cao
STAT
US OF
APPT.
Director
STATUS OF SERVICE
Additional Assignment
BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES LABORATORY (BRS)
Raquel O. Rubio
University Researcher I
P
On active duty
Erna Louise L. Elias
Univ. Research Assoc. I
P
On active duty
Lily Rose R. Dela Paz
Clerk II
P
On active duty
DNA ANALYSIS LABORATORY (DAL)
Ma. Corazon A. de Ungria
Univ. Researcher III
P
On active duty
Gayvelline C. Calacal
Univ. Research Assoc. II
P
On active duty
Frederick C. Delfin
Univ. Research Assoc. I
P
On study leave
Miriam Ruth Dalet – Marzan
Univ. Research Assoc. I
C
Temp. assigned to a project
Jazelyn Salvador
Univ. Research Assoc. I
C
Temp. assigned to a project
Kristina Tabbada
Univ. Research Assoc. I
C
Temp. assigned to a project (Oct-Dec 2007)
Lilian P. Villamor
Univ. Research Assoc. I
C
Temp. assigned to a project (Jan–Sept 2007)
Minerva S. Sagum
Univ. Research Assoc. I
C
Temp. assigned to a project
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES LABORATORY (MRSL)
Luisa S. Saniel
Consultant
Additional Assignment
Ma. Auxilia T. Siringan
Univ. Researcher IV
P
On active duty
Sonia SP. Bulaong
Univ. Researcher II
P
On active duty
Celia A. Cereno
Univ. Researcher I
P
On active duty
Vina B. Argayosa
Univ. Researcher I
P
On active duty
Reynaldo E. Javate, Jr.
Laboratory Technician I
P
On active duty
RESEARCH AND ANALYTICAL SERVICES LABORATORY (RASL)
Evangeline C. Santiago
Univ. Researcher V
P
On active duty
Fe Belen B. Bello
Univ. Researcher IV
P
On active duty
Artemio E. Pascual
Univ. Researcher II
P
On active duty
Charita S. Kwan
Univ. Researcher II
P
On active duty
Criselda R. Africa
Univ. Researcher I
P
On active duty
Jennifer L. Rodriguez
Laboratory Technician I
P
On active duty
Jenalyn V. Cruz
Clerk III
P
On active duty
81
cont. of table 9.
ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION
Leahfe P. Gabriel
Administrative Officer III
P
On active duty
Lelibeth S. Alveza
Records Officer II
P
On active duty
Eleazar S. Del Remedio
Public Relations Officer II
P
On active duty
Ernesto A. Canlas
Artist Illustrator II
P
On active duty
Edeza M. Rivera
Administrative Assistant
P
On active duty
Reynaldo S. Teaño
Driver II
P
On active duty
Romeo M. Magtibay
Driver I
P
On active duty
PUBLICATION SECTION
Vilma S. Vega
Publication Circulation Off. II
P
On-active duty
Florentino P. Abundo
Printing Machine Operator IV
P
On-active duty
PROPERTY SECTION
Leopoldo S. Nuñez
Supply Officer III
P
On-active duty
Alvin DC. Mallari
Precision Instrument Tech. III
P
On-active duty
Victoriano G. Bravo, Jr.
Laboratory Technician II
P
On-active duty
Edgardo C. Gayanes
Laboratory Aide II
P
On-active duty
Table 10. Personnel inventory of NSRI in 2007.
No. of Personnel
CATEGORY
(Man Years)
Regular Items
Lumpsum
TOTAL
NON-REGULAR
Members, Executive Council
Research Section:
Project Leaders
Co-Project Leaders
Program Coordinators
Collaborators
University Res. Assoc. I
6
6
26
6
1
8
27
26
6
1
8
27
REGULAR
Director
Research Staff
Univ. Researcher V
Univ. Researcher IV
Univ. Researcher III
Univ. Researcher II
Univ. Researcher I
Univ. Research Assoc. II
Univ. Research Assoc. I
Laboratory Aide II
Laboratory Technician I
Laboratory Technician II
Precision Instr. Tech. II
Administrative Section
1
1
1
2
1
3
4
1
2
1
2
1
1
13
1
2
1
3
4
1
2
1
2
1
1
13
-----------107
TOTAL
82
2. NSRI STAFF DEVELOPMENT IN 2007
ERNELEA P. CAO (Director)
Positions held/Standing Committees and other assignments
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Professor 5, Institute of Biology, UP Diliman, Q. C.
Member, U.P. Diliman Institutional Biosafety Committee (UPDIBC) (1997 – present)
Affiliate Faculty Member of the UP Open University (June 1, 2000 – present)
Member, Technical Panel for Biotechnology, Science and Technology Coordinating
Council, Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and
Development (January 1, 2002 – present)
Member, Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP), Department of Agriculture
Member, Technical Committee of the Ecolabeling Programme (ELP) Board, Bureau of
Product Standards, Department of Trade and Industry (April 16, 2004 – present)
Co-Chair, Philippine Technical Working Group (TWG) on Adventitious Presence of
Genetically Modified Plant Material, February 5, 2007 – present, organized by the
Department of Agriculture
Member, Committee for the Concepcion Dadufalza Award for Distinguished
Achievement, February 5, 2007 – April 30, 2007, U. P. System
Member, Philippine Technical Working Group (TWG) on Plant-Made Pharmaceuticals
(PMPs), April 12, 2007 – present, organized by the Department of Agriculture
Head, Philippine Delegation to the 5th, 6th, and 7th Sessions of the Codex Ad Hoc
Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology, Makuhari Messe
International Convention Hall, Chiba, Japan, 2005, 2006, 2007
Vice-Chair, Nomination Committee for the First Director of the Institute of
Mathematics, College of Science, U.P. Diliman, October 23 – November 16, 2007
Membership in Academic and Professional Organizations
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Asian Phycological Association
Biology Teachers’ Association of the Philippines, Inc.
National Research Council of the Philippines (Regular Member – Division V)
Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science, Inc.
Philippine Association of University Women (U.P. Diliman Chapter)
Philippine Society for the Advancement of Genetics, Inc.
Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. (Cluster II Chair - 2001-2002; Auditor – 20022003; Corresponding Secretary - 2003-2004; 2004-2005; Vice-President – 2005-2006;
President – 2006-2007); Immediate Past President (Ex-Officio) – 2007 - 2008.
Phi Sigma International Biological Honor Society (Alpha Chi Chapter)
The International Honor Society of the Phi Kappa Phi
Women Association of Scientists in the Philippines, Inc.
Seminars, conferences and trainings attended
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Codex Physical Working Group Meeting on Low-Level Presence of Recombinant-DNA
Plant Material, Washington D.C., U.S.A. March 13 – 15, 2007.
36th Annual Convention of the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. on the theme
“Microbiology and Biotechnology for Countryside Development and Empowerment,” CSB
International Conference Center and Hotel, Malate, Manila, Philippines (organizer). May
7 – 8, 2007.
2007 International Biotechnology Information Conference, Doubletree Hotel, St. Louis,
Missouri, U.S.A., sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council. August 20 – 24, 2007.
7h Session of the Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from
Biotechnology, Makuhari Messe International Convention Hall, Chiba, Japan. September
24 – 28, 2007.
83
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Symposium on “Maximizing Acceptability of Philippine Products and Services Through
Metrology, Standards, Testing and Quality (MSTQ),” NISMED Auditorium, U. P. Diliman,
Quezon City, sponsored by the Philippine Metrology, Standards, Testing and Quality,
Inc. October 17, 2007.
PSM Cluster I Symposium on the theme “Microbes Unlimited…for Health and Wellness,”
Yuchengco Hall, De La Salle University – Manila. November 24, 2007.
Papers presented in a Seminar/Scientific Meeting


As speaker/resource person – “Proposed Guidelines on Safety Assessment of
Adventitious Presence,” Summer Place Hotel, Baguio City. April 17 – 20, 2007.
As plenary speaker – “Demand for Microbiologists in Academic, Research and Industrial
Institutions,” 12th Regional Annual Convention of the Philippine Society for
Microbiology, Inc. - Mindanao Chapter on the theme “Microbiology Education for the
Development of Mindanao,” Davao Medical School Foundation, MTRC, Bajada, Davao
City. October 26-27, 2007.
Poster presentation

Jalandoni, A. C., A. L. A. Decena, W. L. Barraquio, V. L. Barraquio and E. P. Cao. Dye
Degrading Bacteria in Monoculture and Consortia. International Symposium on Microbial
Ecology, Asia 2007 and 23rd Annual Convention of the Japanese Society of Microbial
Ecology, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan. September 15-18, 2007.
Extension services

Judge, 1st National Biotechnology Quiz Contest for High School, sponsored by the
National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-U.P. Diliman, Philippine
Society for Microbiology, Inc., International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech
Applications, and UP Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Society, September 22, 2007
(Calabarzon regional contest), October 27, 2007 (Mindanao regional contest) and March
8, 2008 (national finals contest).
LEOPOLDO S. NUÑEZ (Supply Officer III)
Position held
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Building Administrator, U.P. NSRI, Diliman, Q.C.
Member, NSRI Research and Administrative Committee (RAC)
Member, NSRI Administrative Personnel Committee (APC)
Seminar attended

Procurement and Inventory Seminar, SPMO, UP Diliman, Q.C., December 2007.
LEAHFE P. GABRIEL (Administrative Officer III)
Additional assignment



Member, NSRI Research and Administrative Committee (RAC)
Member/Representative, NSRI Administrative Personnel Committee (APC)
Proctor, UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) for SY 2007 - 2008, U.P. Diliman, Q.C.,
August 4-5, 2007.
Seminars attended

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Use of Patents for National Development, Dusit Hotel Nikko, Makati City, October 24 25, 2007.
Seminar on University Appointments and Policies,ISSI, U.P. Diliman, April 13, 2007.
84
VILMA S. VEGA (Publication Circulation Officer II)
Additional assignment

Assistant Executive Secretary, National Committee on Marine Science (NCMS) – UNESCO.
Seminars attended

Member of the secretariat. National Committee on Marine Sciences (NCMS) Outreach
Marine 2007: Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, September 10 – 14, 2007.
LELIBETH S. ALVEZA (Records Officer II)
Additional assignment

Assistant, UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) for SY 2007 - 2008, U.P. Diliman, Q.C.,
August 4-5, 2007.
Online seminar

International Continuing Education on Various Health Related Issues, Provided by:
MEDSCAPE, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Discovery Insitute of Medical
Education, National Conference of Gerontological Practitioner, University of Kentucky
College of Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, January 1 – December 31,
2007.
ELEAZAR S. DEL REMEDIO (Public Relations Officer II)
Position held

Systems Administrator, U.P. NSRI, Diliman, Q.C.
ALVIN C. MALLARI (Precision Instrument Technical III)
Seminar attended

Procurement and Inventory Seminar, SPMO, UP Diliman, Q.C., December 2007.
EDEZA M. RIVERA (Administrative Assistant)
Additional assignment

Proctor, UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) for SY 2007 - 2008, U.P. Diliman, Q.C.,
August 4-5, 2007.
Seminars attended


Seminar on University Appointments, ISSI, UP Diliman, Q.C., March 23, 2007.
Seminar on Effective Records Management, University Hotel, U.P. Diliman, June 21-22,
2007.
85
3. RESOURCE GENERATION AND ALLOCATION
The NSRI’s resources are derived mainly from the U.P. Budget. Additional resources are
generated from external grants to the NSRI research staff and the funds from extension services. A
brief description of each source and their corresponding allocation is given below:
NSRI Budget
The NSRI’s Internal Operating Budget for 2007 is shown in Table 11.
The NSRI budget from the U.P. revolving fund is shown in Table 12. It showed how much
allocation was given to research grants by discipline, how much went to MOE, honoraria and URA’s
salaries.
Income from Extension Services
The funds from extension services goes to the UP Trust Account and the Diliman Science
Research Foundation. It is used mainly to purchase minor equipment and additional supplies for
the research and service laboratories as well as photocopying units. Also, it is used to hire non-UP
contractual personnel as needed, and to provide incentives for the regular staff. The NSRI makes
available through these services the expertise of its staff and the use of its maintained scientific
equipment. The extension services fill a strong need of outside agencies, particularly medium level
business and government laboratories with inadequate facilities and for specialized services like
analytical services, microbiological services, etc. The extension services provide a great
opportunity for the University of the Philippines to fulfill a critical national need and at the same
time generate funds for the Institute.
Table 11. The NSRI’s Internal Operating Budget in 2007.
Appropriation
Particulars
Allocation
Reserve
Withheld
Total
FOR: RESEARCH GRANTS
(Current Operating Expenditures)
I. Personnel Services
1. Permanent Positions
a. Number
b. Salary per PSI
c. Salary differences
Adjusted TOTAL
2. Lump sum for wages, contractuals,
substitute, faculty, graduate
student, assistants and consultants
3. Lump sum for lecturers, honoraria,
allowances and hazard pay
4. PERA/ACA/Bonus/Cash Gift
5. Magna Carta
6. GSIS life & ret., Medicare, ECIP
TOTAL FOR PS
II. Maintenance & Other Operating
Expenses (MOOE)
1. Regular
2. Utilities
3. Janitorial
4. UP Provident Fund HMO
TOTAL MOOE
4,826,000
P 4,826,000
1,784,000
1,784,000
P 6,610,000
3,800,000
3,800,000
P 3,800,000
P 10,410,000
GRAND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
86
cont. of table 10
FOR: REGULAR GRANTS
(Current Operating Expenditures)
I. Personnel Services
1. Permanent Positions
a. Number
b. Salary per PSI
Adjusted TOTAL
2. Lump sum for wages, contractuals,
substitute, faculty, graduate
student, assistants and consultants
3. Lump sum for lecturers, honoraria,
allowances and hazard pay
4. PERA/ACA/Bonus/Cash Gift/
Representation,Clothing,
Transprotation Allowance
5. Magna Carta
6. GSIS life & ret., Medicare, ECIP
TOTAL FOR PS
II. Maintenance & Other Operating
Expenses (MOOE)
1. Regular
2. Utilities
3. Janitorial/Guard
4. UP Provident Fund HMO
TOTAL MOOE
5,519,000
5,519,000
116,000
116,000
1,225,000
1,225,000
68,000
68,000
P 6,928,000
808,000
1,292,000
430,000
808,000
1,292,000
430,000
P 2,350,000
GRAND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
P 9,458,000
87
88
4. FISCAL RESOURCES
Financial Assistance from the Office of the Chancellor was used for the following:
a) Capital Outlay
1. Equipment Fund
Genetic Analyzer laser head, laser power supply and installation
P 1,200,000.00
b) General Maintenance Fund
1. Annual preventive maintenance of Dionex Ion
Chromatograph (IC)
2. Annual preventive maintenance of Shimadzu Gas
Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer, Model QP5OSOA (GCMS)
3. Annual preventive maintenance of Shimadzu Total
Organic Carbon Analyzer, Model 5000 (TOC)
4. Annual preventive maintenance of Shimadzu Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometer, Model AA-6800 (AAS)
5. Annual preventive maintenance of Thermo Jarrell Ash
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, Video 11e (AAS)
6. Annual preventive maintenance of Emergency Power Generator
7. Annual preventive maintenance of Chronolog Time Recorder
8. Annual preventive maintenance of U-BIX Copier, Model 1120
9. Annual preventive maintenance of Eppendorf Refrigerated Centrifuge
10. For the testing, certification and fumigation of
Gelman-Biological (Class II) Safety cabinet (in accordance
to Australian Standard 2252, part 2) @ P16,000
11. For functional test, calibration and cleaning of the following:
a) Incubator, Memmert
b) Waterbath, Memmert
c)
pH Meter, Orion
d) Autoclave, Hirayama
e) Analytical balance (verification)
f)
Oven, Memmert, 2 units @ 1,400
g)
Top loading balance, 3 units @ 1,400 (verification only)
h) Microscope (3 units @1,350)
i)
Laminar flow hood
j)
Oven, Memmert repair
TOTAL
89
P
10,000.00
21,000.00
17,640.00
21,000.00
20,000.00
19,215.00
10,500.00
12,540.00
4,000.00
32,000.00
1,400.00
1,400.00
1,400.00
1,400.00
1,400.00
2,800.00
4,200.00
4,050.00
8,500.00
19,000.00
-------------------P 1,413,445.00
=============
Future Plans and Recommendations
Research continues to be challenging considering the increasing cost of
equipment and maintenance, chemicals and other supplies without any
additional research budget. Additional funding remains to be a perennial
request. The need for additional research personnel, particularly, in the form
of University Research Associates (URAs) cannot be overemphasized. The
Institute is grateful for the granting of additional funds for lump sum
contractual personnel to assist the project leaders. However, the provision of
regular items remains to be ideal in order to retain highly qualified personnel
who have been already trained by the Institute.
The technical and extension services provide a great opportunity for the
University of the Philippines to fulfill a critical national need and at the same
time generate funds. The need of outside agencies for specialized technical
services not commonly available anywhere, especially for those with
inadequate facilities, is being addressed by the Institute being a national center
of excellence created by a republic act. The facilities however need to be
constantly maintained to ensure good working condition or upgraded/replaced
to continue to produce acceptable and reliable results.
Due to the strong interest of many teachers, research personnel and
laboratory analysts of different government and private institutions/industries,
there is a need for a bigger venue for the seminars, conferences and training
courses being sponsored and/or conducted by the Institute. The NSRI
Conference Room is being planned to be expanded into a Conference Hall in
order to accommodate the large number of participants interested to avail of
such trainings. This will entail minor costs since space is being envisioned to be
available once the NIP building is completed. The Administrative Office can be
transferred to the rooms presently being occupied by the NIP faculty.
With the abovementioned plans, the Institute will continue to draw
support from the UP Administration. The Institute will also continue to submit
proposals for external sources of funding.
90