The 38th PSM Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting: Incredible Microbes and Microbiologists Take Center Stage

The Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. (PSM) has etched another landmark in its rich and colorful history during the 38th PSM Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting on May 14-15, 2009, held at the world-class Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila in Malate, Manila. With the theme, “Incredible Microbes: Wealth and Wonders” or IM = ω2”, eminent scientists and budding researchers have shared the many facets of the wealth derived from the fascinating world of microorganisms. Gracing the event is our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of the Department of Science and Technology and current President of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP). Dr. Fusao Tomita, the Ambassador for Asia of the International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS) and Professor Emeritus at the Hokkaido University, Japan, gave an inspirational message on the theme which showcased the enormous economic potentials of microorganisms. Three distinguished educator-scientists were the plenary speakers. Dr. Esperanza C. Cabrera, the first recipient of the Prof. William L. Fernandez Award for Excellence in Teaching and a professor and fellow at the De La Salle University, inspired and challenged seasoned and young mentors as she spoke on “Learnings from Teaching Microbiology”. Dr. Kyosuke Araki of the Kagoshima University, Japan presented an informative lecture on recent developments in fish immunology. Dr. Wang June Kim, Donggkuk University in Korea, shared the applications of bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria from kimchi.

PSM 2009 Awards

PSM awarded the 2009 Outstanding Microbiologist Award to Dr. Windell L. Rivera, Professor at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. A multi-awarded and well-published researcher, Dr. Rivera was cited for his exemplary contributions in the field of molecular protozoology. The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) was given the PSM 2009 Service Award, Institutional Category in recognition of its unwavering support to the goals of the Society. BSWM has co-sponsored many PSM events in the past two decades and continues to promote microbiology as a vital discipline.

PSM Launches Philippine Fermented Foods by PC Sanchez

A first in the PSM history, PSM launches the new book by one of its pillars, Dr. Priscilla C. Sanchez, 1990 PSM Most Distinguished Microbiologist and Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM). The book entitled, “Philippine Fermented Foods: Principles and Technology is the first comprehensive book on fermented foods in the Philippines, showcasing the different aspects of food bioprocessing such as the relevant technologies, underlying principles, microorganisms involved and their metabolism and essential standards and regulations. Dr. Sanchez handed the first copies of her book to Dr. Maria Auxilia T. Siringan, PSM President FY 2008-2009, Prof. Lourdes E. Resubal, PAM chair FY 2008-2008 and Dr. Rosario G. Monsalud, PSM President FY 2007-2008, who led the book launching. PSM is honored to have the convention as the venue for the book launching. This has placed the Society as a leader in promoting significant academic endeavors.

Best Oral and Poster Papers

The Best Oral Paper, Undergraduate Category was awarded to Ms. Johanna Hamnia B. Poblete for her paper “Sequence Analysis of the luciferase (luxAB) gene in Non-pathogenic Vibrio harveyi Isolate VIB 391. Ms. Poblete and her co-authors, Mr. Fabini D. Orata and Dr. Cynthia T. Hedreyda are from the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines-Diliman. The Best Poster Paper Award was given to Ms. Susan A. Sedano, Ms. Teresita J. Ramirez, Ms. Severina B. Exconde and Ms. Arsenia B. Sapin for their paper, “The Use of Immunomagnetic Separation (IMS) and Polymerase Chain Reaction for Rapid Detection of Salmonella. The researchers are from the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), UP Los Baños.

Fellowship Night

On a lighter note, a fun-filled fellowship night on May 14, 2009 started with a sumptuous dinner buffet. PSM members enjoyed live music by a band which ably dished out nostalgic and contemporary songs and dance music. Lively dance numbers by the PSM Regional Chapters, PAM members and the PSM National Chapter were enjoyed by everyone. The PAM members, the most applauded group, were given the “Best Performance of the Night” award. It is one evening worth remembering!

The Sponsors: Vital PSM Partners

PSM gratefully acknowledged the convention’s sponsors, exhibitors, and donors. Leading the sponsors is the ever-generous Procter & Gamble, Philippines which has continuously supported the many endeavors and activities of the Society. The exhibitors included: 3M Philippines; Merck Philippines; TNC Everlight; BP Integrated Technologies, Inc.; Microbio Specialists, Inc.; RainPhil, Inc.; Asiagel Corp.; Focus Biotech; Guill-Bern Corporation; ITS Science Philippines, Inc.; Linar Educational Materials, Inc.; Secura International Corporation; and Xentec MLC Inc./Fil-Anaserve Inc. The success of the 38th PSM annual convention will not come into fruition without the dedication and diligence of the PSM Board of Directors for fiscal year 2008-2009, the guidance of the PAM, the unwavering support of P&G and the sponsors and the active participation of the PSM members.