The Philippine Genome Center conducted its Year-end review and R&D planning last December 12, 2017 at the Banyan/Cedar Hall, Richmonde Hotel, Ortigas, Pasig City. Dr. Cynthia P. Saloma, PGC Executive Director opened the meeting by welcoming the attendees comprised of the PGC executive committee, R&D program directors, project leaders, core facility and administrative staff. Dr. Saloma emphasized the importance of planning the projected Key Performance Indicator of the center and streamlining its operations for the next five years.
PGC attends 44th PSBMB Annual Convention
Representatives from the Philippine Genome Center attended the 44th Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PSBMB) annual convention last November 27-30, 2017 at the Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City.
PGC promotes genomics research and collaboration in Iloilo
Partnering for genomics research and collaborating for capacity building—the Philippine Genome Center invited researchers, faculty, and project leaders in the Visayas region with the goal of initiating collaboration amongst local principal investigators and promoting capacity building to budding genomics researchers. The symposium was held at the Iloilo Convention Center, Mandurriao, Iloilo City last October 27, 2017, with the help of the University of the Philippines Visayas and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development and Conservation (SEAFDEC) Aquaculture Department (AQD).
PGC showcases the importance of genomics at the 13th NBW
The Philippine Genome Center was one of the exhibitors during the 13th National Biotechnology Week held last November 20-24, 2017 at the Fisher mall Expo hall, Quezon City. The 5-day exhibit is organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the elected chair for this year. The event’s central theme and tagline is “Bioteknolohiya para sa Kalikasan, Kalusugan, Kagandahan, Kabuhayan, at Kaunlaran. Lamang ang masa at magsasaka sa limang K ng Bioteknolohiya”.
Enhancing Local Agrigenomics through Ultramodern Sequencing Tools and Bioinformatics
Focused on boosting the competency of genomics researchers in the Philippines, the PCARI funded project Shared Genomics Core Laboratory (SGCL) also serves as an extension of the Philippine Genome Center’s DNA Sequencing and Bioinformatics Facility (DSBF). Through its establishment of an NGS service facility and laboratory, SGCL aims to expand its existing collaborations, networking, and information exchanges within the local scientific community.
Vitamin D paper at AFES 2017
On November 10, the research paper titled “Next Generation Sequencing-based Discovery of Novel Genetic Markers in the Vitamin D Receptor Gene correlated with Osteoporotic Fracture among Older Filipino Women” was presented by Mr. Mark Pretzel P. Zumaraga, RCh, MSc, Science Research Specialist II at the Nutritional Biochemistry Section of Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology. The paper was accepted for oral presentation at the AFES Investigator’s Award for the theme, Calcium and Vitamin D Metabolism at the 19th ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies (AFES) Congress was held in Yangon, Myanmar on November 9-12, 2017.
PGC visits new building
As part of the preparations for the transfer to the new building, PGC ED and staff visits the new building for preliminary inspection.
3-day training in DNA Extraction and Capillary Sequencing for PCC Staff
The DSCF team with the Philippine Carabao Center staff (2nd-3rd from L: Gerard Ramos, Shanemae M. Rivera, Excel Rio S. Maylem) who took part in a 3-day training in DNA Extraction and Capillary Sequencing.
Virologist’s sequencing technologies in Ebola outbreak
The Philippine Genome Center of the UP System is holding a free seminar titled “Using viral genomic sequencing to track virus transmission during the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa” by Professor Ian Gordon Goodfellow of the Division of Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge.
Meet our new Executive Director
The University of the Philippines Board of Regents approved the appointment of Dr. Cynthia Palmes-Saloma as the Executive Director of the Philippine Genome Center (PGC).