The UST Microbiology Society, the official student organization of the BS Microbiology degree program at the College of Science of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, celebrates its 31^st year with week-long activities. Highlight of this celebration is its annual Microbiology Week Lecture Series held on 18 December 2012 at the Blas Hall, UST Main Building.
This year, three seasoned microbiologists were invited to give lectures in their respective fields. Prof. Dr. Supachai Basit, RMT, dean of the School of Medical Technology at Emilio Aguinaldo College, and presently president of PSM, gave a lecture entitled “HIV/ AIDS in the Philippines: The Bare Naked Truth”. Prof. Basit highlighted the increasing cases of HIV in the Philippines. Prof. Percival Garcia, M.AppSc., associate professor at Mapua Institute of Technology, and the PSM Business Manager, talked about the ins and outs of fermentation technology. An alumno of the UST BS Microbiology program, Prof. Garcia thrilled the students with his wits and experiences in fermentation biotechnology. Lastly, Prof. Dr. Virginia Barraquio, FPAM, professor at University of the Philippines- Los Baños and chair of the Philippine Academy of Microbiology presented her researches on microbiology and technology of meat and milk.

Prof. Barraquio stimulated the audience’s minds (and their stomachs) with her mouth-watering talk on meat and milk products. The event was graced by Assoc. Prof. Alicia Ely J. Pagulayan, M.Sc., chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, Asst. Prof. Ma. Sheila M. de Jesus, RMT, M.Sc., coordinator of the BS Microbiology Program, Prof. Dr. Thomas Edison E. dela Cruz and Asst. Prof. Mary Ann G. Santos, M.Sc., faculty advisers of the UST Microbiology Society, and the faculty members of UST Department of Biological Sciences. This activity will not be possible without the support and preparation made by the Executive Board of the UST Microbiology Society.