Last October 4, 2008, the Bicol Chapter of PSM held the First Regional Convention and Scientific Meeting at Divine Word College of Legazpi (DWCL). Adopted from the 37th PSM annual convention of the PSM, the theme of the convention is “Microbes UnlimitedPSM Making Lives Better!”.
Dr. Maria. Auxilia T. Siringan, the current PSM National President, delivered the keynote lecture. Dr. Esperanza C. Cabrera of DLSU-Manila, Dr. Marian A. Pulido of the Museum of Natural History, UPLB, Dr. Fidel Rey P., Jr. Nayve and Dr. Francisco B. Elegado of BIOTECH, UPLB gave lectures on microbes of medical importance, microbial enzymes, ethanol-producing microbes, and probiotic bacteria, respectively.
There were more than 248 participants, composed of students, teachers, and researchers from different parts of the region, namely, Camarines Sur, Cam arines Norte, Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes.
After the welcome remarks from the DWCL President, Fr. Crispin Cordero, SVD and the opening remarks from the regional president, Dr. Michael A. Clores presented the 2008 PSM-Bicol Outstanding Microbiology Teaching Award to Prof. Socorro Del Castillo, one of the current members of the Board of Directors of the chapter. The award recognizes her exemplary involvement in promoting microbiology in the region, for being an excellent microbiology teacher and laboratory instructor and commendable contribution in the advancement of the goals of the Society and in particular, the PSM Bicol chapter.
Sixteen (16) participants took their oath as new regular PSM members. During the Business Meeting, the out-going president, Dr. Michael A. Clores of Ateneo de Naga University, presented the accomplishments of the chapter. This was followed by election of new set of officers and the turn-over ceremonies. The incoming President, Prof. Charmaine A. Malonzo, of Bicol University expressed her hope to continue the plans of the chapter and to start new ones to implement the mission-vision of the PSM.
*this article is a cross post from PSM’s old site