Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos, the “Father and Founder of GFL”, the only ranked Scientist II and the Officer in Charge of the NFRDI's Training Division was conferred Academician by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) during the 40th NAST held last July 11-12, 2018 at the Manila Hotel. Academicians are distinguished members of the NAST adjudged as the highest recognition and scientific advisory of the Philippines.
Dr. Santos was also an awardee for Most Outstanding Young Scientist by NAST in 2011, Outstanding Agricultural Scientist in 2012 and Presidential Lingkod Bayan by the Civil Service Commission and Office of the President in 2014, was elevated to the rank for his exemplary, noble and continuous promotion of scientific studies in the field of marine biosciences. He pioneered the use of DNA barcoding as a tool in fish identification and population structure, essential data in properly managing the fisheries resources for sustainability. He was among the five (5) academicians conferred in this year’s Annual Scientific Meeting. Congratulations, Doc MUDJIE!
0 Comments
A total of 23 scientific posters from the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute were accepted in the 40th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Philippines. Two (2) posters were from the Genetic Fingerprinting Laboratory entitled: “DNA Barcoding as a Tool for Accurate Species Identification of Fisheries Resources and Products” and “DNA Barcoding of Commercial Fishery Products for Export in the Philippines”. Congratulations labrats and to all our researchers. GFL Barcoding Posters
Fish biologist Jeff Williams of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and colleagues were stunned recently to find a large and vibrantly colored new species of surgeonfish being sold at fish markets in the northeastern Philippines. Surgeonfish, particularly of the genus Acanthurus to which this one belongs, have been closely studied and collected in the Philippines by scientists for decades. They have a distinctive appearance and are well-known there. Sporting a prominent white band under its chin and having a vibrant orange head marked by wavy lines of iridescent blue, the improbable appearance of this distinctive new fish begs an explanation, so write Williams, Kent Carpenter of Old Dominion University and Mudjekeewis Santos of the Philippine National Fisheries Research and Development Institute. They are co-authors of a recent paper in the Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation that describes the fish, which they named Acanthurusalbimento, meaning white (albus) chin (mento).
July 11-16, 2017 marks as one of the busiest days for some the team of Jin, Nicko, Inna, and Len as they manned the NFRDI-TPJF booth for three scientific conferences. The busy week was kicked off by the 12th Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting of the Outstanding Young Scientists, Inc., followed by the 39th Annual Scientific meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology both held at the Manila Hotel, and lastly, the 14th National Convention of Philippine Association of Marine Science held at Chateau Royale, Nasugbu, Batangas. The NFRDI-TPJF booth promoted the office and it’s very own Journal by showcasing various IEC materials such as flyers, posters, pamphlets/brochures, notebooks, folders, manuals, fans, and mugs. The best feature of the booth was the giveaway of three book titles published by NFRDI: Common and Local Names of Marine Fishes of the Philippines, Red List Status of Marine Mammals in the Philippines, and Pating Ka Ba? An Identification Guide to Sharks, Batoids and Chimaeras of the Philippines. The exhibitors didn’t have much of a problem giving away free stuff, but to sit by an almost empty booth and think of ways to lure people in can be quite difficult, and yet they pulled it off! Kudos team! Quick selfie break while setting up the NAST booth (L-R: Nicko, Jin, Inna). The exhibitors: Jacque and Inna (top photo)/Tifanny and Inna (bottom photo) developed a “schedule” of giving away books in between session and snack breaks at PAMS 14.
Last November 7-9, the NFRDI Year-End Review for Completed and On-going Projects was conducted. Researches from different divisions were showcased through an oral competition. Among the competitors are: Katreena P Sarmiento under the FISHCODES Project of Ms. Minerva Ventolero; Precious Pattugalan under the BANGUS FRY Project and Gilda Calderon under the FISHACT Project both headed by Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos. Upon deliberation of various judges, the decision for the winners were made final and announced during the 2016 NFRDI Year-End Review Awarding and Employee Recognition held last December 16 at Pergola Hall, Ciudad Christhia, San Mateo Rizal with the theme Glitz, Glamour, Stunning and Stylized (GGSS). The Genetic Fingerprinting Laboratory garnered two awards for the FISHCODES Project, particularly 3rd Best Paper Award for the research, FISHCODES: READ (now CFRDD) Services Laboratory in Support of the Development and Implementation of Fisheries Management Plans, and 2nd Best Presenter Award for Katreena P Sarmiento. Other members of GFL were also recognized: Jin Kevin Dionisio having the Gawad ng MaagapsaTrabaho for having been consistently punctual with no absences; Precious Pattugalan having the Gawad ng Propesyonalfor successfully passing the Professional Civil Service Examination. The night of GGSS was also surprised with the GFL’s princess of the night, Jacqueline Pereda, for her astounding glamour. Wholly, the event was dedicated to NFRDI outstanding employees which are recognized for their passion and hard work in their field. Director Drusila Esther Bayate together with Dr Ulysses Montojo awarding the 3rd Best Research Paper to Katreena Sarmiento, DrMudjekeewis Santos and our Division Chair, Elsa Furio. Katreena P Sarmiento with DrMudjekeewis Santos of the Genetic Fingerprinting Laboratory. GFL ladies at GGSS from L to R: Jacqueline Pereda, Katreena Sarmiento, Gilda Calderon, Tiffany Pol and VerinnaMangonon with DrMudjekeewis Santos. Princess of the Night, Jacqueline Pereda and Prince of the Night, DesiderioAyanan. NFRDI Scientist II, DrMudjekeewis Santos with the Princess of the Night, Jacqueline Pereda. GFL ladies from L to R: Tiffany Pol, Gilda Calderon, VerinnaMangonon, Katreena Sarmiento and Jacqueline Pereda.
The 25th FAOBMB Conference and 43rd PSBMB Convention with the theme “Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Health and Wellness” happened last December 5-9, 2016 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Metro Manila, Philippines. DrMudjekeewis Santos was the Chairman of the Young Scientists’ Forum (YSF) Committee and the GFL members Minerva Ventolero, Jacqueline Pereda, Precious Pattugalan and Katreena Sarmiento served as the YSF committee members. The YSF is an oral competition among undergraduate students showcasing their theses. The competitors were: Maria Mikhaela Chua of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) College of Science at the University of the Philippines with the study entitled, “Induction of Tumor Cell Death by Combinatorial Nir-Peg-Lipid-Magnetic Single-walled Carbon Nano Tube Thermal Therapy”; Arman Ali Ghodsinia of the Disease Molecular Biology and Epigenetics Laboratory, University of the Philippines with the study entitled, “Finding Non-responders to Anti-EGFR Therapy: Investigations on the Functional Sequelae of the Novel PIK3CA Mutations, Q661K and C901R”; Darlene M. Roxas of the NIMBB at the University of the Philippines with her study entitled, “Characterization of Framework IX Peptides from the Turrid Snail GemmulaSpeciosa”; Joanne Marie Sytangco also from NIMBB with her study entitled, “Preliminary Investigation of the Putative Kras-Znf148 ceRNA Network Suggests Dependence on Degree of Mitogenic Stimulation”; and CharleenUsacdin of Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines with her study entitled, “Antioxidant Property of NSIC RC 238 Rice Bran and Extracts and Its Cytotoxicity Against Human Breast and Colon Cancer Cell Lines”. Among the judges include: Dr. Yi Fang Tsay of Academia Sinica, Mr. George McBride of Merck Inc., Dr. Wayne M. Patrick, FAOBMB Delegate of the University of Otago NZ, Dr. Paul Gleeson, FAOBMB Delegate, University of Melbourne AU, Dr. Yang Mooi LimFAOBMB DelegateUniversitiTunku Abdul Rahman MY. After the deliberation of judges, Mr. Arman Ali Ghodsinia garnered the 1st place, Ms. Maria Mikhaela Chua was in the 2nd place and Ms. CharleenUsacdin in the 3rd place. DrMudjekeewis Santos and GFL member Katreena Sarmiento with the FAOBMB Delegates, Mr. George McBride of Merck Inc., Dr. Yi Fang Tsay of Academia Sinica, Dr. Yang Mooi Lim of UniversitiTunku Abdul Rahman, Dr. Wayne M. Patrick of the University of Otago and Dr. Paul Gleeson of University of Melbourne. Katreena Sarmiento hosted the YSF at the 25thFAOBMB Conference and 43rdPSBMB Convention. Precious Pattugalan as YSF committee member at the 25thFAOBMB Conference and 43rdPSBMB Convention.
Tis the season to be jolly! The GFL kicked off the holiday season last December 9, 2016 as they celebrate their Annual Laboratory Christmas Party with the theme “Merry GFL Christmas”. It has been a wonderful celebration with food and laughter. Our laboratory manager, Minerva Ventolero with the laboratory’s Science Research Specialist II, Roselyn Aguila, led the program with fun games and activities. All GFL members were present namely: James Abad, Nicko Flores, John Dela Pena, JinDionisio, MarnelliRubia, Jacqueline Pereda, Precious Pattugalan, Jennifer Poniente, Gilda Calderon, Tiffany Pol, VerinnaMangonon and Katreena Sarmiento. The remarkable “Coke ko ‘to” challenge was triumphed by Jacque winning goodies of Coke products. The game “Ascending, descending” wherein participants were asked to arrange themselves in ascending order based on age or descending order based on their middle names. Group 2 comprised on Tiffany, Jacque, Nicko, Verinna and Jin won garnering Pocky goodies. Name the movie through charades and drawing was also carried out resulting to more fun and laughter. There was also the classic exchange gift. Over all, the Merry GFL Christmas party was a lot of fun and truly a day to remember. From the GFL labrats, we wish everyone a Jolly Jolly Christmas and a Blessed 2017! May everyone enjoy the holidays with their families and loved ones. Complete GFL family from L to R: John, Kat, James, Jacque, Nicko, Jin, Doc Mudjie (on top of Christmas tree), Min, Fher, Pee, Gilda, Tif, Len and Inna. MERRY GFL CHRISTMAS! GFL boys with the not-so-only Rose. From L to R: Doc Mudjie, John, Jin, Tiffany Rose, James and Nicko. MERRY GFL CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND A HAPPY 2017! I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord – Luke 2:11
The members of GFL celebrated this year’s Halloween with interesting dress up and costumes portraying different characters. There were winners for best in costume wherein Ms. Jacqueline Pereda came in first with her interpretation of “Valak” of The Conjuring; Ms. Precious Pattugalan came in second wherein she portrayed “Kampanerang Kuba”; and Ms. Verinna Mangono as third with her “Zombie referee” get up. Given that All Soul’s Day (held on November 1) and All Saint’s Day (held on November 2) are remembering the souls of those we’ve missed, the fun shouldn’t be contained and ourselves shall be fully expressed. On behalf of the members of GFL, we wish that you may have a meaningful Halloween. First place winner, Valak.
Second place winner, Kampanerang Kuba Third place winner, Zombie referee. Participation to the 1st International and 7th Annual Philippine Society for Cell Biology (PSCB)11/2/2016 This year’s theme “Connecting the World Through Cells” of the 1st International and 7th Annual Philippine Society for Cell Biology (PSCB) was highly relevant to the advancement of researchers reached to this year. Last October 21, 2016, speakers from various universities both local and international presented their findings and showcased their researchers to inspire young aspiring scientists to boost their confidence in investing more time to accomplish their researches. The PSCB president, Dr. Enerlea P. Cao gave her opening remarks to welcome the guests and participants. The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Ikuo Hirono of the Laboratory of Genome Science, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Japan. Dr. Hirono presented White Spot Syndrome (WSSV) virus homologous genes in Decapoda genome, which, the WSSV, is a mainstream research focus here in the Philippines because of its high impact in the shrimp industry particularly in black tiger shrimp, locally known as “sugpo”. Plenary lectures with a wide scope of interests in Cell Biology were delivered by different experts. Some of these plenary lectures were delivered by the following: Dr. Kaz Shiozaki of the Graduate School of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, Japan wherein he discussed about the genetic dissection of Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signaling conserved from yeast to humans; Dr. Michael Velarde of the Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines and Buck Institute for Research on Aging, California, USA tackled the mitochondrial dysfunction-associated senescence and the secretory phenotype; Dr. Ma. Luisa Enriquez of the De La Salle University discussed about the nonclonal chromosome abnormalities in hematologic diseases and their role in disease progression. A young scientist’s session was also dedicated to researchers whom are undergoing their Doctor of Philosophy or Post-doctoral Program including: Dr. Wilfred Esfulgar of Osaka University, Japan; Mr. Glenn Oyong of De La Salle University, Philippines; and Mr. Rod Russel Alenton of Tokyo Marine Science and Technology, Japan. Parallel sessions were all carried out on the second day of the conference (October 22, 2016). One of the members of the Genetic Fingerprinting Laboratory, Ms. Jacqueline Marjorie Pereda, presented her masteral’s thesis entitled: Molecular cloning, characterization and expression of serine/threonine protein phosphatase gene from the gills of black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon. The awarding ceremony was packed with raffles and awarding of best poster wherein Ms. Katreena Sarmiento of GFL got the second place for best poster presentation. Above all, the 1st International and 7th Annual PSCB conference was indeed a success and continues to be a place for exchange of expertise and sharing of knowledge and information to fellow researchers. GFL brought home its second Elvira O. Tan Award during the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) organized by the Department of Science and Technology last July 25 – 29, 2016.
The then DOST-TUNA PopGen team—led by Doc Mudjie, Len, Sweedy and Billy—bagged the Elvira O. Tan Award – Outstanding Paper in Natural Resources and Environment Category for their paper entitled Distinct yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) stocks detected in Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) using DNA microsatellites which was published in the journal PLOS ONE in August 2016. The study provides evidence on the possibility that there are at least two different subpopulations of yellowfin tuna in the WCPO. The identification of these distinct yellowfin stocks bears significant impact on fisheries management on stock sustainability. The award was given on July 28, 2016 at the PCAARRD, Los Baños, Laguna during the PCAARRD Anniversary Celebration. This is Doc Mudjie’s second EO Tan Award, the first being awarded in 2011 together with Ms. Grace Lopez and Mr. Noel Barut for their paper, A Pilot Study on the Genetic Variation of Eastern Little Tuna (Euthynnus affinis) in Southeast Asia. |
ActivitiesSee the latest happenings in and out of the laboratory. Archives
September 2018
Categories
All
News FeaturesMichael John Mendiola Web DesignJennifer A. Poniente |