In line with the two-day event and collaboration with the Philippine Society for Microbiology – Northern Luzon Chapter (PSM-NL) and the BS Biology program of the University of Northern Philippines (UNP), the second day of the 24th Regional Convention and Scientific Meeting commenced on April 12 at UNP, specifically at the Tadena Hall with UNP serving as the host university.

Over 200 delegates from various universities, corporations, and LGUs from the Luzon region participated in the event, presenting their products and research studies related to microbiology. The event aimed to foster the academic sharing of knowledge in pursuit of collaboration and scientific learning.

The remaining paper presentations were held on the second day on the various topics in data science and microbial research.

Dr. Thaddeus M. Carvajal, Associate Professor at the Department of Biology at De La Salle University, presented virtually his study titled “Machine Learning Methods in Understanding Vector-Borne Diseases: A Case Study in Dengue Disease Dynamics.”

Additionally, Dr. Ursela G. Bigol, a Supervising Science Research Specialist at the Environment and Biotechnology Division of the Industrial Technology Development Institute at the Department of Science and Technology, presented her study “Artificial Intelligence in Virology Researches.”

Lastly, Dr. Peter James Icalia Gann, Associate Professor in Cell and Molecular Biology at the College of Medicine, Mariano Marcos State University, presented his study “Insights on Probiotic Isolates from Indigenous Plants and Native Animals: A Genomic and Biochemical Perspective.”

Moreover, JERR Marketing and LASE Laboratory Equipment Trading, two of the event’s platinum sponsors, demonstrated their innovative research products to the participants from different colleges and universities.

As a highlight of the regional convention, an oral research competition was conducted, which provided a platform for the participants to share their work and exchange ideas. Three oral presenters discussed their findings on different topics.

The first presenter is Mr. Gualberto Tampol Jr. from the Schools Division of Batac City with their research entitled “Microbial Load Assessment and Food Pathogen Detection of DTI-Assisted Meat Products in Ilocos Norte.”

The second oral presenter is from the Mariano Marcos State University, Mr. Alvin G. Domingo with their study “Whole Genome Sequencing of Probiotics Isolated from Fermented Nipa Sap for Potential Agro-Intdustrial Applications.”

The third presenter is Ms. Jimmbeth Zenila P. Fabia of the Mariano Mariano Marcos State University with their research “Bioactivity and Genome Analysis of Lentilactobacillus hilgardii LH500 from Nipa (Nypa fruticans) Sap Unveil Potential as Probiotic.”

The winners were also awarded for the poster and oral competition. A student from Pampanga State Agricultural University bagged the first place. Meanwhile, students from the Mariano Marcos State University garnered second and third place.

Additionally, for the oral presentation, Ms. Jimmbeth Zenila P. Fabia of the Mariano Marcos State University took home first place. Mr. Alvin G. Domingo and Mr. Gualberto Tampol Jr. were awarded second and third place.

Before the program ended, the new members and new set of officers of the Philippine Society for Microbiology–Northern Luzon Chapter (PSM-NL) took their oath.

Article by Adrian Troy A. Supnad and Kennedy R. Jetajobe.