N ATURAL S CIENCES
R ESEARCH I NSTITUTE
Annual Report 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. I N T R O DUCTION
Vision, Mission
Executive Summary
Brief History and Program Goals
I I.
ii
iii
v
PROGRAMS
1. Research Programs and Publications
1.1 NSRI-funded Researches
Projects Terminated in 2014
Commitment Projects in 2014
Projects Approved for Funding in 2014
1
6
10
1.2 Externally-Funded Researches in 2014
20
1.3 Publication and Creative Works
32
2. Extension Services
2.1 Technical Assistance and Advisory Services
Biological Research and Services Laboratory (BRSL)
DNA Analysis Laboratory (DAL)
Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory (MRSL)
Research and Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL)
2.2 Information Service
2.3 Community Service
2.4 Biosafety Program
34
34
43
72
89
104
104
104
III. RESOURCES
1. Organization and Personnel
Organization and Management
Executive Council
Research Section
Technical Support Section
Administrative Support Section
List of NSRI Room Occupants 2014
Personnel Inventory of the NSRI
105
105
106
106
107
108
109
1.1 NSRI Staff Development in 2014
1.2 Lecture Series
1.3 Photo Gallery 2014
1.4 Resource Generation and Allocations
1.5 Fiscal Resources
112
115
122
125
128
IV.
CONCLUSION
Future Plans and Recommendations
129
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | i
NATURAL SCIENCES
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
VISION
A world-renowned National Center of
Excellence for research and technical
services in the disciplines and multi disciplines of biology, chemistry,
environmental, mathematical and
atmospheric sciences.
MISSION
 To
provide
opportunities
for
the
development of high-caliber scientific and
technological human resources;
 To
attain
world-class
status
for
research and scientific contributions;
its
 To attain world-class status for its various
technical service laboratories;
 To take the initiative in the advocacy for
the protection of the environment; and
 To take the leadership in the advancement
and application of science and technology
for the improvement of the quality of life
of the Filipino
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | ii
E XE CUT IV E S UMM A RY
It is with pride and pleasure to present to you
through this Annual Report, the accomplishments
of the Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI)
for the year 2014:

True to the mandate of the NSRI to support
the research activities of the UP College of
Science, 24 research projects (10 from the
Institute of Biology, 9 from the Institute of
Chemistry, 4 from the Institute of
Mathematics and 1 from the Institute
of
Environmental
Science
and
Meteorology) were funded in 2014.

Under the UP NSRI/DA BAR
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Program, the research proposal
of Dr. Juliana Janet MartinPuzon, Assistant Professor of
the Institute of Biology, UP
Diliman on “Antimicrobial and
Antioxidant Properties of Glinus
oppositofolius (L.) Aug. DC.: A
Promising Source of Active
Metabolites” was approved and implemented on February 1, 2014.
Meanwhile, Ms. Luiza H. Galarion, MSc Microbiology graduate of UP Diliman,
was appointed as the new Research Project Development Officer of this
fellowship program.

The NSRI Executive Council, the highest policy making body of the Institute,
conducted a Review and Planning Workshop at the Timberland Sports and
Nature Club, Timberland Heights, San Mateo, Rizal on April 11 -12, 2014. This
workshop was able to review the existing research policies and guidelines o f
the Institute and align them to the current trends of scientific research in
the country. The approved revised guidelines will be implemented in 2015.

On June 19, 2014, the NSRI celebrated its founding anniversary, tracing back
from its forerunner, the Natural Sciences Research Center (NSRC), which was
established on June 19, 1964 through Republic Act 3887. The anniversary
theme was “Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 years and Beyond”. This
event was graced by Chancellor Michael L. Tan, other University officials,
former Directors, and past and present staff of the NSRI. Indeed, it was
fitting to celebrate the accomplishments of the Institute during the last 50
years. The highlight of the event was the research symposium featuring the
current research efforts of in-house scientists in the form of lectures and
poster presentations.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | iii

The Office of the Chancellor approved the request of NSRI for an additional 3
million pesos for research MOOE on July 18, 2014. However, due to the short
period of time remaining for 2014, a request for realignment was made to
accommodate the renovation of some rooms in the NSRI main building. A
total amount of PhP 2,301,969.13 was allocated for the renovation project
and the remaining PhP 698,030.87 was distributed to 15 NSRI -funded projects
as research MOOE.

Eleven scientists were invited to deliver lectures under the monthly NSRI
Seminar Series program.

The NSRI produced 18 publications in SCI/SCIE-indexed journals in 2014.

Just like in previous years, national awards were reaped by our researchers.
On March 26, 2014, Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria received the National
Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Achievement Award for Medical
Sciences for her pioneering research in developing and validating forensic
DNA technology in the Philippines. On May 20, 2014 and December 8, 2014,
Dr. Windell L. Rivera was named as the National Winner of the Commission
on Higher Education (CHED) Outstanding Research Publication Award ee
(REPUBLICA) and Eusebio Y. Garcia Recognition Award for Molecular Biology
and Molecular Pathology, respectively.

The NSRI is also proud of Dr. Charita S. Kwan and Engr. Alvin C. Mallari. Dr.
Kwan received her PhD in Environmental Science from Tokyo University of
Agriculture and Technology in January 2014. Thereafter, Dr. Kwan succeeded
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago as the new Head of the Research and Analytical
Services Laboratory (RASL) after Dr. Santiago’s retirement on June 18, 2014.
Engr. Mallari also received his Master of Public Administration degree from
the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) in
April 2014.
The above accomplishments truly reflect the excellence of NSRI in all its functions:
research, administration and extension services. Mabuhay ang NSRI!
WINDELL L. RIVERA
Director
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | iv
BRIEF HISTORY AND PROGRAM GOALS
19 June 1964:
Republic Act 3887, signed by President Diosdado Macapagal, for the establishment
of the Natural Sciences Research Center (NSRC) as amended by Republic Act 6069
(1969).
February 1965:
U.P. President Carlos P. Romulo organized the Executive Advisory Council with the
task of getting funds for the Center.
July 1971:
NSRC was first opened to researchers.
13 November 1972:
Formal inauguration and dedication ceremonies of the UP-NSRC by U.P. President
Salvador P. Lopez.
23 March 1983:
Executive Order No. 889, issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos, organized the
Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) from the Natural Science Research
Center (NSRC).
26 May 1983:
Approval of the Implementing Guidelines for the creation of the NSRI out of NSRC
by the UP Board of Regents.
2 July 1985:
Executive Order No. 7, signed by UP President Edgardo J. Angara, provided for the
organizational structure and staffing pattern of the NSRI.
18 December 1986:
Executive Order No. 6, signed by UP President Edgardo J. Angara, amended EO No.
7 to include interdisciplinary programs.
28 February 2000:
The NSRI building was named Miranda Hall in honor of the late Prof. Bienvenido
T. Miranda, the Institute's first Director.
The NSRI serves as the national center of excellence for the advancement, dissemination, and
application of knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences and
Mathematics. It is mandated to:
a.
undertake research in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences,
Mathematics, and organize interdisciplinary research programs.
b.
support the graduate programs of the College of Science in these fields of study.
c.
provide extension and other services on request and when feasible do research needs such as
consultancies, research, training, technical support, analytical support, printing services to
researchers, other units of the University, and other institutions and agencies, both
government and private.
d.
disseminate research findings through scientific publications, workshops, conferences and
seminars.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | v
1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS AND PUBLICATIONS
1.1 NSRI- FUNDED R ESEARCHES
RESEARCH SUPPORT:
MOOE, FACILITIES, HONORARIA AND SALARIES OF
PROJECT PERSONNEL
PROJECTS TERMINATED IN 2014
BIOLOGY
1)
Project title
:
Prevalence and Profiling of Campylobacter Isolates
from Poultry Meat Products in Metro Manila
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
:
:
:
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
BIO-13-2-01
NSRI
2014 – P 578,722.96
2013 – P 559,722.96
1 January 2013 – 31 December 2014
Dr. Gil M. Penuliar
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the study:
Concerns about the level of food safety have regularly been expressed both in
the national and international levels due to increasing foodborne disease incidence
caused by microorganisms in food and drug resistance in foodborne bacteria. One of
the most commonly contaminated foods is chicken meat, which is a staple part of
most Filipino diet. It is therefore quite surprising that to date, only one study in the
Philippines regarding the prevalence of Campylobacter species from poultry has been
conducted. The study, however, was limited to only two locations in the province of
Laguna and did not describe the drug resistance and plasmid profile of the isolates.
This project was made to address the lack of information regarding the
prevalence, drug resistance and plasmid profiles of Campylobacter species circulating
in markets in Metro Manila. The results from this study could serve as a basis for a
nationwide epidemiological study on Campylobacter, leading to ways of improving
our food control systems, and producing safer food, reducing the numbers of
foodborne illnesses.
2)
Project title
:
Pharmacological Screening of Selected Priority
Agricultural Plant Species: An Evaluation of their
Potential Impacts on Health and Wellness
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
:
:
:
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
BIO-13-2-03
NSRI
2014 – P 578,722.96
2013 – P 519,722.96
1 January 2013 – 31 December 2014
Dr. Elena S. Catap
1 University Research Associate I
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 1
Description of the study:
In general, the project will validate some of the data that have been reported
on selected plant species, in an attempt to clarify some of the previous contradictory
reports. Furthermore, the study will provide the data on the safety and efficacy of the
selected plants. Validation of safety and efficacy of medicinal plants is a required step
in the appropriate use of herbal medicines which are targeted to be available for
national primary health care program. It is also worthy to note that at least two
undergraduate and one graduate Biology students will work on some aspects of this
project as part of their theses.
CHEMISTRY
3)
Project title
:
The Synthesis and Characterization of Room
Temperature Ionic Liquids for Gas Capture
Technology Development
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
:
:
:
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
CHE-13-2-01
NSRI
2014 – P 584,722.96
2013 – P 565,722.96
1 January 2013 – 31 December 2014
Dr. Imee S. Martinez
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the study:
This project will aid in finding an economically sound alternative to current CO 2
gas capture technology, an area of pressing concern given the effect of climate
change in the current world scenario, if successfully identified, it will be able to help
control the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, in particular carbon
dioxide, and help address issues concerning global warming. Also, the Philippine
government at present, plans to add more reliable power plants to the country. This
can mean the construction of more coal, diesel, or natural gas power plants, which
emphasizes even more the need to develop an alternative, robust carbon capture
system.
The ionic liquids, which will be synthesized in this project, are just a few of the
possible ionic liquids that can be developed given the “tunability” of these types of
liquids allowing for task-specific synthesis based on a particular application. This project
will therefore open avenues for ionic liquid research in the university. This project will
also improve knowledge and understanding of these new class of pure electrolytic
liquid salts at the fundamental level comparing them to aqueous liquid salts.
The interfacial studies related to this project will experimentally address and
determine the role of surface structure in gas adsorption and absorption at a
molecular level. These studies will therefore put into experimentation theoretical studies
on the gas capture capability of ionic liquids.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 2
4)
Project title
:
Development of Ornithine-Rich Lipopeptides with
Potential Antimicrobial Activity
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
:
:
:
Duration of project
Project leader
Collaborator
Personnel
:
:
:
:
CHE-13-2-02
NSRI
2014 – P 518,722.96
2013 – P 469,722.96
1 January 2013 – 31 December 2014
Dr. Portia Mahal G. Sabido
Dr. Windell L. Rivera
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the study:
Infectious diseases remain to be the leading cause of death in developing
countries. The rising frequency of opportunistic fungal infections as well as increasing
resistance to classical antibiotic treatments has made the battle against microbes
challenging. Because of this, there is an urgent need to develop alternative and
innovative antifungal and antibacterial agents to diversify the arsenal of drugs that are
commercially available and to provide new tools for multi-therapy treatment. To slow
down the alarming trend of drug resistance, it is likewise vital to search for new drugs
with alternative modes of action. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have entered the
scene as potential therapeutic agents because of their non-receptor mediated killing
mechanism. Although most antibacterial peptides are active without posttranslational
modification, lipopeptides have a short N-terminally linked fatty acid that is crucial for
their antimicrobial activity. Thus, the goal of this research is to design and synthesize
new cationic lipopeptides and test their potential antifungal and antibacterial activity.
We have started to do manual solid phase synthesis in the Philippines and have
applied it in the preparation of natural products such as cyclic peptides and linear
antimicrobial peptides like anoplin. We would like to extend the use of this technology
in the synthesis of designed cationic lipopeptides. This technology will be a key tool for
our drug development program since it will facilitate the preparation of promising
compounds with potential antifungal and antibacterial activity.
5)
Project title
:
Application of TiO2/PAA and Ag/PAA
Nanocomposites in Flourescent-Detection and
Photodynamics Interaction of Catalase Positive
Bacteria
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
:
:
:
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
CHE-13-2-04
NSRI
2014 – P 515,722.96
2013 – P 465,722.96
1 January 2013 – 31 December 2014
Dr. Leon M. Payawan
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the study:
Recently, a number of bacteria and viruses has been found to develop drug
resistance and tolerance towards antibiotics and other medicinal treatments due to
rampant overuse of antibiotics. Development of alternative methods for treating these
diseases has become an emerging field. Exploitation of the potential of titania
nanocomposites as photocatalysts in the degradation of these bacterial and viral
agents is the potential application of this work. Catalase, which is found on several
disease causing microorganisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Campylobacter
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 3
jejuni, Staphylococus aureus etc. will be used as a model for the binding of the
nanocomposites and the UV-sensitized degradation of the enzyme studied.
Titanium (IV) oxide, commonly termed as titania, is a well-known photocatalyst,
and has a widespread application as paint, dye and food coloring commercially.
When reduced to nano-sized particles, the photocatalytic activity of titania increases
immensely due to an effective increase in its surface area for absorption of UV light.
Biological application of the photocatalyst for photodynamic treatment requires the
attachment of the semi-conductor material onto the biomolecule so that an effective
and a selective degradation occur.
Detection of mycobacteria could also be achieved by using fluorescent tags.
Metal/polymer composites previously synthesized were fluorescent due to metal
cluster. Polymers with carboxylic acid moiety can be used to stabilize metal clusters via
multi-coordination resulting to chemical adsorption of the polymer onto the metal
surface.
Polymers like polyacrylic acid, PAA, impart stability by encapsulation of the
nanometal as well as processability to the nanocomposites structure. Exploitation of
the surface charge of PAA allows the formation of monolayer films on a countercharge surface, and thus paving a way to the organization of the nanocomposites
and also the ability of the nanocomposites to ligate with another molecule i.e. an
enzyme. Monolayers with different functional groups and moieties can be
incorporated onto the surface of metal nanoparticles. The modification of
nanoparticles by the incorporation of a functional group is of potential significance for
the expansion of chemical and biological applications of these nanomaterials.
6)
Project title
:
Synthesis and Characterization of Hyperbranched
Poly (N-VinylCarbazole) and its Copolymers
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
:
:
:
Duration of project
Project leader
Collaborator
Personnel
:
:
:
:
CHE-13-2-05
NSRI
2014 – P 553,122.96
2013 – P 482,722.96
1 January 2013 – 31 December 2014
Dr. Susan D. Arco
Dr. Guillermo M. Nuesca
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the study:
Polymers and copolymers with increasingly complexed, yet well-defined
architectures are an evolving challenge in the field of polymer science. In recent
studies, hyperbranched polymers have been gaining more scientific attention due to
their very convenient one-pot synthesis as compared to dendrimers which suffer
tedious step-by-step chemical synthesis. Like dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers
have many unique features such as high densities, low viscosities and many functional
end groups. These features make highly branched polymers attractive candidates for
many material applications like targeted drug delivery, viscosity modifiers, thin film
formation, and scaffolds for further synthesis.
To date, hyperbranched polymer synthesis and analysis are yet to be tapped
here in the country. Considering the vast possibilities in creating hyperbranched
polymers and the myriad of potential application of these, it will be a good scientific
venture to do research on this currently growing field. This study will be basically
fundamental in nature as structure-property relationships, mesoscale to nanoscale
phase separation morphologies, solution and thin film self and directed assemblies,
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 4
and electro-optical properties will be analyzed. Data obtained from these analyses will
allow future researchers to utilize this to develop new materials and other applications
involving hyperbranched polymers.
MATHEMATICS
7)
Project title
:
S-Orthogonal and S-Householder Matrices
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
:
:
:
Duration of project
2014 Project leader
Co-Project leader
Collaborator
:
:
:
:
MAT-13-2-01
NSRI
2014 – P 85,400
2013 – P 85,400
1 January 2013 – 31 December
Dr. Agnes T. Paras
Mr. Ralph John L. Dela Cruz
Dr. Dennis I. Merino
Description of the Study:
Let S € M n ( C ) be nonsingular such that S-T S is normal (that is, the cosquare of
S is normal). Set Φs (A) = S-1 AT S FOR A € Mn ( C ). We determine conditions on A so
that A has a Φs polar decomposition. We also find the possible Jordan Canonical
Forms of a Φs orthogonal matrix of a Φs skew symmetric matrix in the cases (a) 1 €/ σ
(S-T S) and (b) -1 €/ σ (S-T S)
8)
Project title
:
Formal Solution of Singular Nonlinear Partial
Differential Equations
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
:
:
:
Duration of project
Project leader
Co-Project leader
:
:
:
MAT-13-2-03
NSRI
2014 – P 82,400
2013 – P 84,400
1 January 2013 – 31 December 2014
Dr. Jose Ernie C. Lope
Mr. Mark Philip F. Ona
Description of the Study:
In the case of linear ordinary differential equations, it is known that near an
irregular singular point there exist formal power series solutions that diverge everywhere.
These solutions are shown to belong in some formal Gevrey class, that is, the
coefficients U k of the formal series ∑ U k tk grow like some power of k! as k ∞.
The extension of this result to the more difficult case of nonlinear equations was
done by Maillet and later improved by Malgrage. The extension to the case of partial
differential equations was done by Gerrard and Tahara in the 1990s. (They termed such
results as “Maillet type theorems”.) since then, any other authors (Shirai, Hibino,
Pongerard, etc.) have come up with Maillet type theorems for various classes of
singular equations.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 5
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND METEOROLOGY
7)
Project title
:
Simulating CO 2 and CO Concentrations at Possible
Observation Sites and at Existing Air Quality Stations in
the Philippines
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
:
:
:
Duration of project
Project leader
Co-Project leader
:
:
:
ESM-13-2-01
NSRI
2014 – P 561,122.96
2013 – P 129,873.75
1 January 2013 – 31 December 2014
Dr. Ronald Macatangay
Dr. Gerry Bagtasa
Description of the Study:
Surface carbon dioxide concentrations were measured using a non-dispersive
infrared carbon dioxide sensor at Lampang Rajabhat University from April to May 2013
and at the University of the Philippines-Diliman campus starting September 2013.
Factors influencing the variations in these measurements were determined using
multiple linear regression and a Lagrangian transport model. Air temperature and sea
level pressure were the dominant meteorological factors that affect the CO 2
variations.
However, these factors are not enough. Surface CO 2 flux and
transboundary transport need to be considered as well.
COMMITMENT PROJECTS IN 2014
NSRI
1)
Project title
:
Validation of DNA Typing Procedures and
Assessment of Genetic Relationships among Filipino
Ethnic/Language Groups
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
:
:
:
NSR-97-2-04
NSRI/Office of the Chancellor, UPD
2014 – P 1,394,891 (personnel salary)
2013 – P 1,294,891 (personnel salary)
2012 – P 1,127,293 (personnel salary)
2011 – P 1,127,293 (personnel salary)
2010 – P 1,030,872 (personnel salary)
2009 – P 938,052 (personnel salary)
2008 – P 1,017,124 (personnel salary)
1 January 1997 – continuing project
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
Dr. Maria Corazon A. de Ungria (1999 – present)
4 University Research Associate I
Description of the Study:
Research projects in the DNA Analysis Laboratory have always focused on
making science work for society. For years now, the laboratory had been promoting
forensic DNA technology to assist the Philippine judicial system in the resolution of cases
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 6
of varying complexities. Continuous efforts in the validation of procedures for DNA
testing of environmentally challenged samples have been given importance.
The validated procedures for genome-based identification of human remains
for forensic application was funded by the Philippine Council for Health Research and
Development (PCHRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will be
used in the analysis of relevant casework samples and in the formulation of national
guidelines and standard operating procedures for collecting, handling, and analyzing
compromised samples. These guidelines and protocols can be used in situations when
recovered human remains are severely decomposed or fragmented and fingerprints
or other recognizable marks are no longer discernible. In these cases, identification
through DNA profiling may be the only means to establish identity.
Two research studies funded by PCHRD and the Philippine Council for Industry,
Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) of DOST
address distinguishing a male individiual amongst paternally-related suspects. In order
to do this, additional Y-STR DNA markers with higher mutation rates than the
conventional Y-STR DNA markers were identified. The faster mutating Y-STR markers are
called 'Rapidly Mutating or RM Y-STR DNA markers. Worldwide population studies
including the Philippines were conducted to further evaluate the use of an expanded
panel of conventional Y-STR and RM Y-STR DNA markers in forensics.
The project funded through the re-entry program of PCIEERD concentrated on
the generation of a Philippine RM Y-STR database and conventional Y-STR DNA
database, characterization of Y-STR DNA markers found in the Philippine population,
and comparison of the Philippine Y-STR DNA data with other global populations. Y-STR
haplotypes were analyzed in a Filipino population sample of 155 (n=155) using the
PowerPlex® Y23 and RM Y-STR protocols. Concordance testing was performed at two
RM Y-STR markers, namely DYS570 and DYS576, which are common to both assays. For
each Y-STR DNA marker unit, allele frequency and gene diversity are presented, as well
as the haplotype frequency and haplotype diversity of several combination of Y-STR
DNA marker units. The inclusion of the additional Y-STR DNA markers with high gene
diversity and high mutation rates increased the power of the conventional Y-STR DNA
markers. Population comparisons with several worldwide population haplotype data
showed different levels of population substructuring for several combinations of Y-STR
DNA markers. This is consistent with the results of the two worldwide population studies
on PPY23 and RM Y-STR, respectively, in which the data generated from this study were
included.
The research study funded by PCHRD aims to test new set of RM Y-STRs in the
Philippine population for up to two meiotic events in order to assess the nature and
degree of variation in these markers, as well as their capacity to differentiate
paternally-related males. Since Y-chromosome is found only in men, Y-chromosome
DNA typing is very effective for male identification in crimes where men are the usual
suspects, such as in sexual assaults. However, the current method in Y-chromosome
DNA testing may get inaccurate results when paternally-related men, like brothers or
fathers-and-sons, are involved in crimes. In this project, blood samples were collected
from 154 paternal trios – 141 of which are father-son-son trios while the remaining 13 are
grandfather-father-son relationships. DNA typing experiments were conducted using a
commercially available kit (Powerplex® Y23) that includes a conventional panel of YSTR markers, and a published protocol for the 13 RM Y-STRs. All samples have been
typed at 21 conventional Y-STR Markers (Powerplex® Y23) and 150 trios were typed at
13 RM Y-STRs. Data analysis of these Y-STR DNA Typing experiments are currently
underway. Preliminary results have been reported by the project proponents during the
World Forensic Festival 2014 in Seoul, Korea last 12-18 October 2014 in two (2) scientific
posters.
DNA profiling is a powerful tool for human identification. In many instances,
DNA profiling is performed on bones and teeth because these biological samples tend
to be less prone to DNA contamination and degradation. Molecular methods for DNA
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 7
profiling of compromised samples must be optimized to take into account challenges
in handling these types of samples or evidence. Hence a study, funded by the Office
of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, proposed to use validated
procedures for handling tooth samples provided by male individuals who have
consulted with their dentists and who have opted to have these teeth samples
extracted. Teeth can be a good source of endogenous DNA because the outer layer
of enamel of a tooth protects the DNA-rich pulp located inside the tooth. This would
ensure that there is sufficient amount of DNA from which a profile can be generated.
As part of the continuous effort of the laboratory in assisting the legal system in
the just incarceration of perpetrators of crimes like sexual assault crimes, the laboratory
was awarded grants to conduct studies to validate procedures for complex mixture
analysis that can be applied to sexual assault cases. Sexual assault of children is the
most frequently reported type of child abuse in Southeast Asia (WHO, 2009). For faster
resolution of a case, it is important for proper and immediate identification of the
perpetrator and the rehabilitation of the child. Biological samples such as vaginal
swabs and semen/vaginal stains are routinely collected during physical examination of
sexually-abused child patients. These samples often contain a mixture of DNA from the
male perpetrator/s and the female victim. The laboratory validated procedures for
complex mixture analysis using simulated mixed DNA samples. A set of standard
operating procedures and mixture interpretation guidelines for analyzing mixed DNA
samples were established for processing samples from sexual assault cases. These will
be applied in the analysis of DNA samples from sexually-abused patients, and will be
made available to other DNA laboratories in the Philippines for possible
implementation.
Whilst the laboratory is focused on conducting research studies on forensic
technology, we also acknowledge that our country is exceptionally diverse in culture,
people, and languages. The laboratory has an on-going study in collaboration with
Leipzig School of Human Origins-Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in
Leipzig, Germany to evaluate the human evolutionary genetics particularly of the
Philippine population. Analyses and associated computational requirements human
genome-wide (gw) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data have a wide range of
applications from human population history to disease gene-phenotype association.
This study aims to generate high-density gwSNP data for representative Filipino
populations using a MicroArray Core Facility at the National Institutes of Health,
University of the Philippines, Manila. The associated computational requirements for
GW data analyses was evaluated using high performance computing servers at the
DNA Analysis Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the
Philippines, Diliman. In the process, the appropriate bioinformatics and statistical
genetics methods for different applications (population history, genome-wide
association, genetic-recombination mapping and forensic genetics) of the Filipino
gwSNP data resource will be applied. This endeavor will make available the Filipino
gwSNP data resource, analyses methods and computational resources for Filipino
genome research.
An interdisciplinary project with the Archaeological Studies Program will address
a standing need for palaeoecological basic research and its direct link to ancient and
current biodiversity questions and early human movement in island SE-Asia. By initiating
this research we are confident that there will be patterns coming out of the
palaeoecological data that may help us understand past and current environmental
and biodiversity issues and human adaptations. The laboratory is currently in the
process of having meetings and dialogues with the different Mangyan group leaders in
the presence of the National Council for Indigenous People assigned personnel to get
the approval of the groups for the collection of samples. A poster entitled "Adoption of
an iterative strategy in Population Genetics Research Involving Indigenous Peoples
(IPs)/Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs)” was included in the Scientific Posters
Session of NAST's 36th Annual Scientific Meeting. A poster on the Indigenous Knowledge
Systems and Practices (IKSP) process adopted by the team was presented during the
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 8
Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) Research Symposium on
December 1-2, 2014.
The project entitled “Reconstruction of Jose Rizal’s DNA to Study His Genealogy
and Genetic Ancestry Using Lineage and Ancestry Informative Markers,” simply
referred to as the Rizal DNA Project, aims to use bioinformatics to study the genealogy
and genetic ancestry of Dr. Jose Rizal using DNA collected from his living relatives. In
particular, the study involves 4th and 5th generation Rizal descendants and his paternal
relatives from his father’s (Don Francisco Mercado’s) side of the family. The project will
test the feasibility of tracing a Filipino’s genetic ancestry by targeting lineage markers,
namely mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome DNA (Y-DNA), and ancestry
informative markers (AIMs) from genome-wide autosomal single nucleotide
polymorphisms (aSNPs). Data acquired will be compared with public international
databases in order to trace the genealogy of the Rizal family. Results of this project will
provide the scientific perspective to enrich the historical narrative of the life and family
of Dr. Jose Rizal, as well as contribute to developing technologies for bioinformatics
and personal genomics.
Lastly, DAL’s membership to the Asian Forensic Science Network (AFSN) through
the approval of the membership of the entire Natural Sciences Research Institute
(NSRI), improved collaboration in terms of DNA testing proficiency exercises within the
East Asia Pacific Region had been strengthened which in turn helps the laboratory in its
preparations for an ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation.
2)
Project title
:
Chemical Waste Management Program of NSRI
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
:
:
:
NSR-00-1-05
NSRI
2014 – P 260,000 (personnel salary, treatment of
chemical waste and lab supplies)
Duration of project
Project leaders
Pollution Control Officer
Chemical Safety and Waste
Mgt. Associate
:
:
:
:
2013 – P 260,000 (personnel salary, treatment of
chemical waste and lab supplies)
2012 – P 260,000 (personnel salary, treatment of
chemical waste and lab supplies)
2011 – P 234,513 (personnel salary, treatment of
chemical waste and lab supplies)
2010 – P 234,513 (personnel salary and lab supplies)
2009 – P 234,513 (personnel salary and lab supplies)
2008 – P 216,781 (personnel salary and lab supplies)
1 January 2000 – continuing program
Dr. Windell L. Rivera
Ms. Leahfe P. Gabriel (additional assignment)
Ms. Jonah L. Bondoc
(contractual August 16 - December 2014)
Engr. San Barney M. Agbayani
(contractual January - August 14, 2014)
Description of the Study:
The NSRI is continuously generating chemical wastes from the operations of its
research and technical laboratories. Thus, the NSRI is expected to sustain its chemical
waste management program. In compliance with the requirements of RA 6969 (Toxic
Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990), the NSRI has been
a DENR-registered hazardous waste generator since Y2000.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 9
The main focus of the project is to monitor the waste generated at the Institute
and to ensure safe storage until it is due for treatment by accredited waste treaters. For
Y2014, it has continually implemented its safety guidelines regarding waste collection
and storage such as proper identification of chemical wastes and proper
documentation of chemicals during turn-over of laboratory rooms. The program has
also conducted an inventory of its chemicals under the chemical exchange program.
For Y2014, the program has also actively participated in the two safety seminars
conducted by the Institute annually.
Table 1. Breakdown of Chemical Waste Management Program Y2014 activities & by the CWM
Associate
ACTIVITIES
DATE
February 2014
August 2014
August 2014
September 2014
April 2014
July 2014
October 2014
August 2014
Monthly
From Neco (Laguna) with PNP escort and
JBondoc&RLapresca Aug 2014
From Merck – delivered by Merck with PNP
escort Sept 2014
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Safety seminar held at the Institute
Chemical waste collection, transport & treatment
by All Waste Services, Inc.
Updated & submitted SMR files to DENR-EMB
Renewed PDEA license
PNP report update
Nitric acid delivery
•
Continuation Table 1.
Updated inventory of chemicals available for the
Chemical Exchange Program (CEP)
Transferred chemicals for CEP from old storage
room to Room 247
Initial preparation of documents for PNP License to
Possess renewal
Initial preparation of documents for PNP Permit to
Purchase
October - December 2014
November – December 2014
December 2014
December 2014
Table 2. Number of Requests for Chemical Exchange Program
Client
Students/Researchers
NSRI In-house Labs
Number of Requests
College of Science (CS)
students/researchers
Non-CS students
Non-UP students
PROJECTS APPROVED
13
16
10
5
IN
2014
BIOLOGY
1)
Project title
:
Determination of the Role of Tumor-Associated
Glycoprotein-72 (TAG-72) in the Induction of
Immune-Suppression in Tumor Microenvironments
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
:
:
:
:
BIO-14-2-01
NSRI
2014 – P 584,722.96
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2015
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 10
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
Dr. Joyce A. Ibana
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the
Philippines. In 2010 alone, it was estimated that there were 82,468 individuals with new
cancer diagnoses. Further, in the same year, nearly 52,000 Filipinos died of
malignancies. Conventional chemotherapeutic treatment regimens are primarily
based on mechanisms by which cancer cells are eliminated by their cytotoxic activity.
While chemotherapeutic regimen has been useful in the initial treatment of cancer,
the long-term use of these agents could affect normal cells leading to detrimental sideeffects in some patients. Furthermore, cancer cell resistance to cytotoxic agents often
develops. Therefore, non-cytotoxic remedies to control the recurrence of cancer by
preventing immune-suppression in tumor microenvironments can alleviate the burden
of long term use of cytotoxicity-based maintenance therapies on cancer patients.
This proposed project is a basic research designed to elucidate a novel
mechanism that will provide new biological targets for cancer drug discovery that are
not based on cytotoxic activity. By exploiting current knowledge on mechanisms
involved in immune-suppressive processes in the female reproductive tract to support
conception that parallels observations reported in tumor microenvironments, this study
will venture in an area of research that has not been widely explored. Significantly, the
aim of this proposal is to provide new knowledge that will aid in developing strategies
to boost the cancer patients’ own immune system in order to control cancer
metastasis, by actively inhibiting biological pathways that induce immune-suppression
in tumor microenvironments. Therefore, the outcomes of this research endeavor could
contribute to the country’s economic growth by providing a premise for the local
discovery and development of novel non-cytotoxicity-based anti-cancer agents
2)
Project title
:
Prevalence of Bacterial Pathogens and Somatic
Phages in Agricultural Irrigation Waters within Metro
Manila
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
BIO-14-2-02
NSRI
2014 – P 578,722.96
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2015
Dr. Pierangeli G. Vital
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
Microbial contamination of agricultural products may act as severe risk to
public health. Prevalent environmental conditions, poor sanitary infrastructure, and
limited social resources present in Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines are
unique characteristics that differ from those in developed countries. Determining the
potential risk of contaminated agricultural produce would be instrumental in aiding
policy makers within these countries. By conducting a rigorous survey of irrigation
waters, the impacts of fecal contamination in these waters on the food quality of fresh
produce could be determined. This information would be beneficial to policy makers
that wish to establish effective regulations and proper agricultural and food safety
management guidelines for Southeast Asia.
The main project tasks will be to conduct a comprehensive survey of microbial
contaminants in environmental sources, primarily through irrigation water. Sampling
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 11
from irrigation water will be undertaken to determine the relative levels of bacteria
(namely, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp) and viruses (somatic phages).
3)
Project title
:
Ecology and Population of Cavity-Nesting Birds at
Subic Watershed Forest Reserve and Adjacent Forests
of Bataan National Park, Luzon, Philippines
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
BIO-14-2-03
NSRI
2014 – P 572,722.96
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2015
Dr. Carmela P. Española
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
Around 45% of the Philippines’ vertebrate fauna is endemic to the country (Ong
et al., 2002). This high degree of endemism, however, does not translate to increased
measures of conservation action, and 33% of the country’s 181 endemic birds are
highly threatened, the second highest total of any country (BirdLife International, 2001),
Forest loss due to logging, mining and slash-and-burn farming as well as direct
exploitation for food and the pet trade have been identified as the major threats to
Philippine’s endemic birds (Collar et al., 1999). Given the remarkably high threats to
these endemic species, little is known about their biology and population. Examining
ways in which the challenge of addressing this information deficit can be met will be
one of the outputs of this project. Ecological data will be gathered, using various
methods, on threatened parrots and other key avian cavity nesters. These will have
application in species and habitat management programs not only at SWFR and the
adjoining forests of BNP but in other localities where cavity-nesting birds are found.
Moreover, the participation in the study of graduate student(s) as research assistants
and/or thesis advisees will serve to increase capacity in the conduct of ecological
research in the country.
Breeding among cavity-nesting birds is limited by the availability of largediameter trees where nests can be made as well as the abundance of primary cavity
nesters i.e. woodpeckers which are responsible for excavating cavities that secondary
cavity nesters use. Through the study the degree of nesting competition among cavity
nesters will be investigated and if found to be very high then conservation action
mitigating its impact can be devised and included in recommendations to reserve
managers. A possible mitigating action can be the use of nest boxes or artificial
cavities which have been found to be effective in easing nesting competition and
increasing reproductive fitness in parrots (e.g. White et al., 2006). This is especially
important as the study sites support dwindling populations of several threatened and
near-threatened cavity nesters: near-threatened Blue-naped Parrot, vulnerable Green
Racquet-tail and vulnerable Philippine Eagle-owl Bubo philippensis (IUCN, 2013). The
proposal to reintroduce the highly threatened Philippine Cockatoo in Subic and the
potential increase in nest hole competition will bring further underscores the need for
this research.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 12
4)
Project title
:
Development of Multiplex PCR for Detection of
Ehrlichia canis, Babesia canis and Hepatozoon canis
in Canine Blood
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
BIO-14-2-04
NSRI
2014 – P 584,722.96
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2015
Dr. Windell L. Rivera
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) have become increasingly common
globally in recent times. There is a growing concern over the spread of tick-borne
infections in dogs as they have been noted to cause serious diseases in tropical and
semi-tropical environments. With an ever-growing number of people taking up
domesticated animals as household pets, the heightened incidence of disease
transmission is a cause for alarm, especially for practitioners of veterinary medicine. In
addition, several limitations in differential and clinical diagnostic procedures of
common tick-borne diseases in canines have led to poor prognosis and increased
mortality.
There are a variety of different species of microorganisms that serve as etiologic
agents of common canine vector-borne diseases. These can be classified into two
major categories — protozoan and bacterial. Members of the genus Babesia and
genus Hepatozoon are examples of protozoan agents, while microorganisms classified
under genus Ehrlichia are bacterial agents. Prevalence of one type over the other and
relative abundance of a particular species vary across different regions of the globe.
Most of the common diagnostic techniques described for these diseases are
serological, histological or cytological in nature. They rely on the skills of trained
personnel, as in the case of microscopic examination of blood smear and tissues, or on
the detection of an immune response element, as in existing test kits and
immunofluorescence tests. Time is of paramount importance when it comes to
detection, and a successful diagnosis is the priority since the objective is to get the
patient treated at the soonest possible time for the best outcome.
This is where PCR plays a major role in providing quick and highly sensitive
results. While the use of PCR in diagnosis of these CVBDs is nothing new, the
simultaneous detection and differentiation of numerous CVBD etiologic agents in a
single run with a procedure like multiplex PCR have numerous implications, especially in
the Philippine setting.
5)
Project title
:
Testing Options to Recover and Increase the Survival
of Coral Post-Settlement Recruits in Representative
Degraded Reefs of the Philippines
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
BIO-14-2-05
NSRI
2014 – P 578,722.96
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2015
Dr. Jonathan A. Anticamara
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
The outputs from this research will benefit many coral reefs and coastal
societies and local government in the Philippines that are experiencing reduced coral
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 13
reef biodiversity and productivity due to coral degradation. Specifically, the outputs
from this project will provide options for interested coastal societies and local
government to actively recover their degraded reefs. Coral reefs are known to hold
the greatest diversity of life on our planet, per unit area, but most of the coral reefs that
we surveyed throughout the Philippines since last year contain a huge portion of areas
that are covered with rubble and coral fragments. In addition, many of the coral
recruits and post-settlement corals in degraded reefs are attached to dying and
collapsing coral colonies. The outputs of this project will help increase the survival of
coral fragments and post-settlement corals, and will therefore have direct benefits in
terms of biodiversity recovery and coral habitat restoration. Ultimately, this research will
help improve the science of active reef recovery in the Philippines as well as increase
our understanding of reef biodiversity.
6)
Project title
:
Comparative Genetic Characterization of Coffee
(Coffea sp.) Varieties Grown in the Visayas and
Mindanao Areas of the Philippines
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Collaborator
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
BIO-14-1-06
NSRI
2014 – P 546,722.96
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2014
Dr. Ernelea P. Cao
Dr. Ruel M. Mojica
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
Coffee (Coffea sp.) is grown worldwide and is a favorite drink of almost all
nationalities. In the Philippines, there are four varieties grown: Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa
and Liberica. Since coffee plays an important role in the Philippine economy, a lot of
studies have focused on the improvement of the varieties particularly in terms of
agronomic characters and roasting procedures to enhance taste and aroma. In
comparison, studies have been done in other countries focus on the
biological/genetic characterization of Coffea sp. using morphological and even
molecular markers. However, no such studies have been done in the Philippines.
In an earlier study, we examined the molecular genetic variations present in
coffee varieties obtained from the germplasm collection of the National Coffee
Research Development and Extension Center, Cavite State University and compared
them to the nearby coffee growing areas of Tagyatay and Cavite, as well as that of
Benguet, therefore only all Luzon areas, due to limitations in funding. This proposal
intends to expand the study to include coffee varieties planted in other areas,
particularly, the Visayas and Mindanao, and expand the characterization to other
genetic markers like SSRs and SNPs.
7)
Project title
:
Effects of Exogenous Salicylic Acid on the Cadmium
Uptake and Antioxidative Response of Euphorbia hirta
L. (Euphorbiaceae)
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
BIO-14-1-07
NSRI
2014 – P 390,722.96
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2014
Dr. Gilda C. Rivero
1 University Research Associate I
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 14
Description of the project:
In the local perspective, heavy metal contamination in soil and water systems,
which is brought about by mishandling and illicit disposal of industrial wastes, poses
imminent risks to the environment and human health alike. Hence, any research that
would lead to the elucidation of the mechanistic response of biotic systems to heavy
metal stress, particularly in plants, is of great significance in establishing the basis of
future practical solutions such as bioremediation. The present study, which aims to
assess the effect of salicylic acid on the response of Euphorbia hirta L. to cadmium
stress, may provide relevant information to the general knowledge of signaling
responses in plants to heavy metal stress. Moreover, the use of E. hirta as the subject of
the study may confer additional economic value to the plant and may contribute to
the limited collection of local studies focusing on this plant.
The proposed study will determine the effects of salicylic acid pretreatment on
the antioxidative response and heavy metal uptake of E. hirta after exposure to Cd.
This study will partly ascertain the role of salicylic acid in plant’s response to heavy
metal stress. Moreover, the study will show the possible involvement of phenolic
compounds in the antioxidative response of the plant to Cd— induced oxidative stress.
8)
Project title
:
Phenology and Seed - Seedling Dynamics of the
Palanan Forest Dynamics Plot
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
Description of the project:
:
:
:
:
:
:
BIO-14-1-08
NSRI
2014 – P 378,722.96
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2014
Dr. Sandra L. Yap
1 University Research Associate I
Philippine forests have been under much threat from habitat degradation, such
that it features very highly on the list of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Fortunately,
there has been a worldwide response to address reports of high forest loss, that it has
even incited several studies on seed dispersal as this mechanism is expected to
influence the rehabilitation of degraded areas. In the Philippines, there has also been a
surge of reforestation and forest rehabilitation activities from all sectors within the
country, including the government, private companies, NGOs and even private
individuals. However, current tree planting activities alone cannot simulate lost forest
habitats due to an inadequate pool of information regarding natural forest dynamics
that could serve as a basis for such initiatives. A better understanding of the natural
recovery process of a disturbed forest will provide insight into the best protocol to
follow in order to replicate this recovery process and ensure a successful rehabilitation
program.
The Palanan Forest Dynamics Plot (PFDP) is located in a lowland mixed
dipterocarp primary forest in the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park and has been
protected from anthropogenic disturbances. However, Category 4 and 5 typhoons
frequently visit the plot resulting in high disturbance coupled with fast forest recovery,
making it the ideal site to study accelerated forest succession.
The proposed research project will study several aspects of forest dynamics to
address the scarcity of information on forest re-growth, including (1) the dispersal of
seeds from parent trees to their eventual place on the forest soil, and (2) seed growth
and development, which will be monitored to determine the resulting distribution of the
species within the forest tree community. Prior to the appearance of fruits/seeds, trees
must produce flowers, and the timing of both events will continuously be observed,
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 15
particularly in relation to weather conditions as precipitation has been documented to
play an important role in the onset of flowering and fruiting events in tropical
rainforests. The data gathered from this study can be used to create sound forest
management practices as well as improve current reforestation protocols. Biodiversity
conservation will thus be promoted with the detailed knowledge of phenology gained
from this study.
CHEMISTRY
9)
Project title
:
Analysis of the Oxidative Degradation of Asphalt
Concrete: Headspace Analysis Using Gas
Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Particulate
Matter
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
CHE-14-2-01
NSRI
2014 – P 578,722.96
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2015
Dr. Rheo B. Lamorena-Lim
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
The proposed project is in-line with the primary goals of the project, namely:

Contribution in national efforts to identify essential points of development in the
improvement of pavements and roads without compromising environmental and
health risks
In addition to existing efforts in improving the strength of asphalt pavements, this
project emphasizes the need to improve the environmental performance of these
pavements to ensure environmental and health safety.

Essential environmental information that could help the authorities
Our investigations will be essential in promoting awareness and concern to the
effect of these different conditions in our current pavements. This will help the
authorities in choosing the right materials and finding adequate measures and
improvement in ensuring the asphalt pavement’s durability and as well as its
impact in our health and the environment.
10)
Project title
:
Synthesis and Characterization of Eu3+-DOTA and
Eu3+-DOTA-type Complexes as Potential ParaCEST
Imaging Agent
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
CHE-14-2-02
NSRI
2014 – P 584,722.96
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2015
Dr. Aaron Joseph L. Villaraza
1 University Research Associate I
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 16
Description of the project:
The immediate benefit of the proposed project is to provide a deeper
understanding of the relationship between the chemical and spectroscopic properties
of Eu3-based ParaCEST Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agents.
MRI contrast agents (CAs) are paramagnetic chelates introduced into the
body of a patient prior to an MRI scan in order to produce images with enhanced
contrast, Currently-approved MRI CAs are Gd3+- based. They work on the principle that
the protons of a water molecule bound directly to the paramagnetic ion in the chelate
will experience a shortened spin-lattice (or Ti) NMR relaxation time relative to the
protons of water molecules present in the bulk solvent. Hence, in an MRI scan any
aqueous environment in close proximity to the CA will appear brighter in the resulting
image. This has led to the development of Gd3-based CAs for different medical
diagnostic protocols. For example, they have been used for the visualization of blood
flow and vascular occlusion in MR angiography. In the field of cancer, they have also
been used for the detection of solid tumors, where the CA tends to accumulate in vivo
as it circulates through the body.
ParaCEST agents are a new class of MRI contrast agent. Though they behave
according to the same NMR principles, they produce MR enhancement via an NMR
mechanism known as Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST). The CEST effect is
a result of magnetization transfer between a proton of water molecule directly bound
to the paramagnetic ion and the protons of the bulk solvent. The most studied
lanthanide ion for this effect is Eu3+, because any bound water molecule is
paramagnetically shifted downfield (~5O ppm) relative to the diamagnetic region on
a 1-D 1H NMR spectrum. Hence, this peak can be selectively irradiated/pre-saturated
resulting in magnetization transfer to the bulk solvent, whose resonance in the
diamagnetic region is thereby suppressed. This characteristic is the driving force behind
the interest in developing a next generation of MRI CAs with improved sensitivity.
To date, several Gd3+-based MRI CAs have received FDA approval and are
regularly used in the clinic. However, no ParaCEST agent has yet been approved
precisely because of their novelty. Though the principle of ParaCEST has already been
demonstrated, more research is required in order to understand the effect of the
chemical properties of both the ligand and the resulting complex on the NMR
spectroscopic properties of the CA.
In this study, we propose to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by
synthesizing a series of Eu3+ - based complexes with macrocyclic ligands of varying
denticity and donor groups, resulting in complexes of different charge and
hydrophobicity. Upon successful synthesis and purification, equimolar solutions of the
target compounds will be analyzed by 1-D 1H NMR spectroscopy to see what effects
these chemical properties will have on the resulting binding and relaxation behavior of
the bound water molecule. This is crucial information in the design of this class of
agents, as the length of the Eu3+ ---OH 2 bond, and the amount of time the water
molecule stays bound to the paramagnetic ion, have an essential role in producing
the CEST effect.
Another benefit is that the proposal is designed by the proponent to serve as a
masters degree project for a graduate student or researcher of the Institute of
Chemistry. The student or researcher will learn a wide variety of techniques from the
total spectrum of chemistry: organic synthesis, analytical purification techniques, and
physical/inorganic spectroscopic characterization. In particular, it will increase local
expertise in the various uses of the new NMR spectrometers.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 17
11)
Project title
:
Nitrosamines in River Waters in Metro Manila
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
CHE-14-2-03
NSRI
2014 – P 584,722.96
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2015
Dr. Maria Pythias B. Espino
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
Among the emerging and priority contaminants in water include nitrosamines.
N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is the most commonly detected nitrosamine in the
environment and is the most harmful because it is a known carcinogen. Nitrosamines
thus are important contaminants that must be studied, monitored and removed from
water supplies especially those intended for human consumption. To date,
nitrosamines are not among the water contaminants that are routinely monitored nor
regulated in the drinking water in the Philippines. This research will study the presence
and levels of nitrosamines in the aquatic environments (surface and treated waters) in
the country. Analytical methodologies including solid-phase extraction and HPLC
determination methods for the analysis of the major nitrosamines in water will be
developed and optimized. The analytical methods that will be developed will be useful
not only to researchers interested in studying the occurrence and removal of these
contaminants in environmental waters but also to government laboratories doing
compliance and monitoring work for the environment.
12)
Project title
:
Cholinesterase Inhibitor/s from Moringa oleifera Lam.
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
CHE-14-2-04
NSRI
2014 – P 544,722.96
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2015
Dr. Evangeline C. Amor
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that
affects the elderly population worldwide, which at present still has no cure. The
estimated prevalence rate of AD is 1 is to 68 of the world population. In the Philippines,
House Bill 7171, filed by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez seeks to create a center
tasked to treat or manage Alzheimer’s disease, which is an action that acknowledges
the seriousness of the disease and the need to address it.
Isolation and identification of the cholinesterase inhibitor/s from M. oleifera
complement the present program on Moringa oleifera funded by the Philippine
Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST), with an end-goal of promoting M. oleifera as a health
product as well as a source of lead compounds that can progress to drug
development. There are several project components under this program, which
include isolation and identification of anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hypertension, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunoprotective compounds from M. oleifera. The
present proposal may be viewed as a two-pronged project that may lead to lead
compounds that can be developed into a cholinesterase inhibitor drug and/or that
can be used to chemically standardize an herbal product that may be developed
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 18
from M. oleifera. This is aligned with the drug discovery program of the DOST, some of
which are implemented by researchers in the Institute of Chemistry.
A review of clinical trials involving various cholinesterase inhibitors reveals their
positive effect in the treatment of dementias.
13)
Project title
:
Synthesis of Poly (Hydroxy Lauric-co-Lactic Acid)
Liquid Polymer for Dissolving Lipophilic Drugs Applied
to Sustained Release Parenterals
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Personnel
:
:
:
:
:
:
CHE-14-2-05
NSRI
2014 – P 490,722.96
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2015
Dr. Florentino C. Sumera
1 University Research Associate I
Description of the project:
A liquid, biocompatible polyester-based polymer, which could be simply mixed
with an active substance under mild conditions and thus facilitate injectible
formulations is much needed by pharmaceutical companies. More than this, there are
available lipophilic modern drugs (more than 9 out of 10 new chemical entities are
poorly water soluble) that can be dissolved into this new polymer and could be
considered as still unmet need in the drug industry. Poly(hydroxylauric acid co-lactic
acid) is a novel polymer which combines hydrophobic long chain aliphatic methylene
units. Its longer aliphatic methylene chain can act as internal plasticizer, reducing the
Tg in comparison with homopolymer polylactic acid and hereby leading to a viscous
liquid material. Moreover, the hydroxyl lauric acid comes from lauric acid, the major
fatty acid of coconut oil, while lactic acid can be obtained from natural resources.
Combination of the properties into a copolymer constitute a potential biodegradability
and biocompatibility property, necessary property of a biomaterial.
MATHEMATICS
14)
Project title
:
Error Estimates for Moreau's Proximity Operator
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
:
:
:
:
:
MAT-14-2-01
NSRI
2014 – P 48,000
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2014
Dr. Noli N. Reyes
Description of the project:
The mathematical problems we wish to solve has natural connections to signal
recovery. for instance, (0.1) can be restated as follows: an unknown signals s€ᾟ
corrupted by noise n€ᾟ can be recovered from the observed signal r = s + n by
1
minimizing ||𝑦 − 𝑟||^2 + ᶲ(𝑦) over y €ᾟ. The unique minimizer is s€ᾟ provided n € ᵟᶲ(s). On
2
the other hand, (0.2) shows that the unique solution of miny€ᾟ
approximation to the unknown signal s provided n is close to ᵟᶲ(s).
1
2
||𝑦 − 𝑟||^2 + ᶲ(𝑦) is an
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 19
15)
Project title
:
On the Ψs - polar decomposition of matrices
Project code
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Co-Project leader
:
:
:
:
:
:
MAT-14-1-02
NSRI
2014 – P 85,400
1 January 2014 – 31 December 2014
Dr. Agnes T. Paras
Mr. Daryl q. Granario
Description of the project:
It is known when a matrix has Ψs - polar decomposition for S nonsingular and
coninvolutory or skew-coninvolutory. The project aims to generalize this for nonsingular
S such that S-T S is normal.
1.2 EXTERNALLY – FUNDED PROJECTS
(NSRI regular research staff received grants for the following externally funded projects in 2014)
1)
Project title
:
Funding source
:
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
:
:
:
DNA Testing of Child Trafficking Cases
DNA Prokid Initiative, University of Granada, Spain
and University of North Texas Health Services, USA.
N.A.
2009 – to present
Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria
Description of the project:
DNA Prokids is an international humanitarian initiative aimed at fighting against
traffic in human beings within and across national borders using genetic identification
of victims and their families, especially children (www.dnapro-kids.org). Trafficking of
children in the Philippines for prostitution, illegal adoption, sale of organs, child labor
and other forms of exploitation is significant, hence, the passage of Republic Act 9208
or the ‘Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003’. This law also created the Inter-Agency
Coalition Against Child Trafficking (IACAT) chaired by the Secretary of the Department
of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),
which was mandated to coordinate all efforts to fight trafficking in the Philippines.
However, only 13 traffickers have been prosecuted after six years since the law was
passed. One of the weakest links is in the unavailability of evidence to identify women
and children who have been trafficked; and their ‘traffickers’.
In November 2008, the DNA Analysis Laboratory of the Natural Sciences
Research Institute of the University of the Philippines Diliman campus (UP-NSRI) was
invited to join the initiative and to function as the reference laboratory that would
coordinate local efforts to develop forensic DNA technology for this purpose. In
October 2009, the University of the Philippines Diliman signed a Memorandum of
Agreement with the University of Granada, which signified the University’s commitment
to share its technical resources and facility for the conduct of research, training and
extension work in line with the implementation of the DNA Pro-kids program in the
Philippines.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 20
2)
Project title
:
Human DNA Forensics Program: Forensic DNA
Analysis Procedures for Human Remains Identification
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
:
:
:
:
PCHRD - DOST
P 13,686,484
2013 - 2015
Ms. Gayvelline C. Calacal
Description of the project:
The identification of human remains is a complex task and poses challenges to
the field of forensic research. Various conventional forensic techniques such as
fingerprint analysis, anthropology and odontology, can be utilized for identification of
sources of human remains in mass disaster investigations and abandoned remains in
criminal cases. However, when recovered human remains are severely decomposed
or fragmented and fingerprints or other recognizable marks are no longer discernible,
an unambiguous identification is not possible using conventional techniques. In these
situations, DNA profiling may be the only means to establish identity. The objective of
the project is to establish validated procedures for genome-based identification of
human remains for forensic application. These procedures will be used in the analysis of
relevant casework samples and in the formulation of national guidelines and standard
operating procedures for sample collection, handling and analysis of compromised
samples.
3)
Project title
:
Human DNA Forensics Program: Y Chromosomal DNA
Variation of Filipinos Across Families Using Rapidly
Mutating (RM) Y-chromosome Specific Short Tandem
Repeat (STR) Markers.
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
:
:
:
:
PCHRD - DOST
P 10,853,019.45
2013 - 2015
Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria
Description of the project:
DNA typing of male-specific polymorphisms on the non-recombining portion of
the Y-chromosome, specifically short tandem repeat (STR) loci, is the most powerful
forensic tool for male identification. However, the current Y-STR marker sets used in
forensic DNA typing provide limited resolution to paternally-related males, and those
who belong to small communities wherein inbreeding is common. A set of 13 Y-STR loci
with very high mutation rate (6.5-fold higher than current Y-STR loci), termed Rapidly
Mutating (RM) Y-STR markers, were identified and were shown to be able to
differentiate between male relatives. This project aims to test this new set of RM Y-STRs
in the Philippine population for up to two meiotic events in order to assess the nature
and degree of variation in these markers, as well as their capacity to differentiate
paternally-related males. Blood samples were collected from 154 paternal trios
composed of 141 father-son1-son2 and 13 grandfather-father-son relationships. DNA
typing experiments were conducted using a commercially available kit (Powerplex®
Y23) that includes a conventional panel of Y-STR markers, and a published protocol for
the 13 RM Y-STRs.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 21
4)
Project title
:
Y-Chromosomal DNA Variation of the Filipino
Population Using Rapidly Mutating (RM)
YChromosome Specific Short Tandem Repeat (STR)
Markers.
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
:
:
:
:
PCIEERD (Re-entry program) - DOST
P 400,000
December 2012 – November 2014
Ms. Jazelyn M. Salvador
Description of the project:
Male-specific polymorphisms on the non-recombining portion of the Ychromosome, specifically Short Tandem Repeat DNA (Y-STR DNA) markers, have
become an important tool for forensic investigations. In the Philippines, currently
available Y-STR sets (9-12 Y-STR DNA markers) are used in deficient paternity testing
cases; in the detection of male DNA in vaginal smears/swabs collected during
investigations of sexual assault cases; and in the identification of disaster victims and
missing persons. However, the current sets of conventional Y-STR DNA markers provide
limited resolution to paternally-related males and those individuals who belong to small
communities wherein close relatives intermarry, e.g. inbreeding, is common. To address
the challenge of accurate identification of a male person amongst paternally-related
suspects,
additional Y-STR DNA markers with higher mutation rates than the
conventional Y-STR DNA markers were identified. The faster mutating Y-STR markers are
called 'Rapidly Mutating or RM Y-STR DNA markers. Because of the potential use of an
expanded panel of conventional Y-STR and RM Y-STR DNA markers in forensics,
worldwide population studies, including the Philippines, were conducted to further
evaluate the forensic utility of these new Y-STR DNA markers. This report presents the
work done for the Philippine population which includes generation of a Philippine RM
Y-STR database and conventional Y-STR DNA database; characterization of Y-STR DNA
markers in the Philippine population; and, comparison of the Philippine Y-STR DNA data
with other global populations. Y-STR haplotypes were analyzed in a Filipino population
sample of 155 (n=155) using the PowerPlex® Y23 and RM Y-STR protocols.
Concordance testing was performed at two RM Y-STR markers, namely DYS570 and
DYS576 that are common to both assays. For each Y-STR DNA marker unit, allele
frequency and gene diversity are presented, as well as the haplotype frequency and
haplotype diversity of several combination of Y-STR DNA marker units. The inclusion of
the additional Y-STR DNA markers with high gene diversity and high mutation rates
increased the power of the conventional Y-STR DNA markers. Population comparisons
with several worldwide population haplotype data showed different levels of
population substructuring for several combinations of Y-STR DNA markers. This is
consistent with the results of the two worldwide population studies on PPY23 and RM YSTR, respectively, where data generated from this study were included.
5)
Project title
:
The Reconstruction of Jose Rizal's DNA to Study His
Phenotype, Genealogy and Genetic Ancestry
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
:
:
:
:
UP - OVPAA
P 2,300,000
April 2013
Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria
Description of the project:
The overall objective of the study is to use bioinformatics to reconstruct the
genealogy, genetic ancestry and selected phenotypic characteristics of our national
hero, Jose Rizal, using the DNA of his living relatives. The project is exploratory and aims
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 22
to test the feasibility of this approach in studying the genetic ancestry, genealogy and
other traits of other Filipino decedents. New bioinformatics tools that will be developed
and used for the project will also be made available.
6)
Project title
:
DNA Profiling of Human Urine Samples for
Identification
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
:
:
:
:
UP - OVCRD
P 300,000
December 2012 – November 2014
Ms. Maria Lourdes D. Honrado
Description of the project:
The study was conducted to test the efficiency of DNA extraction procedures
for urine using commercially available kits prior to forensic application on routine DNA
analysis. Guidelines for the proper storage of human urine in drug testing laboratories
will be defined to better preserve the DNA contained in the samples for possible use in
DNA profiling.
Success of DNA typing primarily depends on the success of recovering DNA
from the source. Consequently, DNA recovery relies on the efficiency of extraction
procedures used and on sample storage conditions e.g. temperature and length of
storage.
7)
Project title
:
Palaeoenviromental and Biodiversity Study of
Mindoro Island: An Archaeological Science Initiative
– Project
Funding source
Amount of funding
:
:
Duration of project
Project leader
Co-Project leader
:
:
:
UP – OVPAA
P 800,000/year (for the genetics component of the
study)
2012 - 2016
Dr. Armand Mijares
Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria
Description of the project:
This palaeoenvironment and biodiversity study is an interdisciplinary project that
addresses a standing need for palaeoecological basic research to be directly linked to
ancient and current biodiversity questions and early human movement in island SEAsia. There are very few research projects in the entire Southeast Asian region that
attempt to cover these topics together. By initiating this research we are confident that
there will be patterns coming out of the palaeoecological data that may help us
understand past and current environmental and biodiversity issues and human
adaptations.
The proponent is currently in the process of having meetings and dialogues with
the different Mangyan communities in the presence of the National Commission on
Indigenous People assigned personnel to get the groups approval for the collection of
samples.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 23
8)
Project title
:
Formulation of an Integrated System of Forensic DNA
Testing for the Evaluation of Sexual Assault Cases in
the Philippines
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
:
:
:
:
UP – OVPAA - CWRG
P 262,000
June 2013 – May 2014 (for completion)
Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria
Description of the project:
In sexual assault investigation, the detection of semen on the victim's body,
especially her intimate parts, confirms that the victim had sexual contact within the last
72 hours. The routinely used presumptive test for acid phosphatase is prone to false
positive results. A confirmatory test such as semenogelin detection is therefore needed.
To validate the sensitivity and specificity of Rapid Stain Identification (RSIDTM)Semen which tests for semenogelin, positive and negative controls, and semen-saliva
mixtures were deposited on cotton underwear. Cuttings (20 mm2) were subjected to
semenogelin test followed by organic DNA extraction and DNA quantitation using
Plexor® HY system. Pure semen and mixtures tested positive with observed band
intensities decreasing consistently with the concentration of male DNA detected. This
indicates the ability of the kit to detect semen even when mixed with saliva. However
the blank and saliva controls also tested positive. Semen may have diffused to the nonsemen containing sections of the underwear since only a single substrate was used. Yet
<10 pg/µL male DNA detected in the negative controls might not be able to generate
a full profile. Whether the kit can distinguish between semen containing and nonsemen containing samples remains inconclusive.
To reliably demonstrate specificity of the kit in detecting semen, it is
recommended to use separate substrates to avoid mixing of semen with blank and
saliva controls. More varying concentrations should also be tested to precisely
determine the sensitivity of RSIDTM-Semen kit.
9)
Project title
:
Validation of DNA Profiling Methods for Human Teeth
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
:
:
:
:
UP – OVCRD
P 300,000/year
December 2013 – November 2015
Mr. Paul Ryan L. Sales
Description of the project:
DNA profiling is a powerful tool for human identification. The source of human
biological samples (e.g. bones, blood, tissues and bodily fluids) may be determined. In
this study, we propose to use DNA profiling methods to generate the genotype of male
tooth samples at the following markers: autosomal short tandem repeat (aSTR), Ychromosome short tandem repeat (Y-STR) and mitochondrial DNA sequences(mtDNA).
Procedures for the processing of different tooth types using three extraction methods
and subsequent genotyping will be validated in order to make these available for use
in mass disaster victim identification, in aid of criminal investigations and civil suits when
identity of source is in question. In 2011, the Philippines was one of the top five countries
hit by natural disasters, with 33 natural disasters that resulted in high number of fatalities.
In many of these disasters, the identification of human remains for proper turn-over to
grieving families is incomplete because of the magnitude of the disaster, the lack of
preparedness within the community and the absence of a systematized procedure for
handling information and recovered bodies. In some forensic investigations, the
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 24
perpetrator would attempt to destroy evidence by leaving the body of the victim in an
area often exposed to the elements or the perpetrator would purposely burn the body
in hopes of destroying any biological evidence. In other cases, the body of the
deceased is exhumed in order to settle a civil case. Hence, molecular methods for
DNA profiling of these samples must be optimized to take into account these
challenges. In many instances, DNA profiling is performed on bones and teeth
because these biological samples tend to be less prone to DNA contamination and
degradation.
For this study, we propose to use validated procedures for handling tooth
samples provided by male persons who have consulted with their dentists and who
have opted to have these teeth samples extracted. Teeth can be a good source of
endogenous DNA because the outer layer of enamel of a tooth protects the DNA-rich
pulp located inside the tooth. This would ensure that there is sufficient amount of DNA
from which a profile can be generated.
10)
Project title
:
Incidence and Determination of Food-borne
Pathogens in Vegetables: Towards the Development
of Microbiological Standards for Produce
Funding source
:
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Extension of the project
Project leader
:
:
:
:
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural
Research
P 1,352,559.90
September 3, 2012 – September 2, 2014
September 3, 2014 – May 2, 2015
Dr. Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
Description of the Project:
Fresh fruits and vegetables have been implicated as vehicles of foodborne
pathogens that cause serious and life-threatening illnesses and outbreaks. Ensuring the
safety of produce necessitates the establishment of food safety policies and
development of standards. Food safety standard formulation requires essential data
that could be used in science-based microbiological quality assessment of produce.
The incidence of coliform bacteria, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes and
Salmonella was determined in 288 vegetables, consisting of 100 lettuce samples, 90
tomato samples and 98 onion leaf samples collected from farms and wet markets in
different regions, using standard conventional methods for the target microbial groups,
from September 2012 to September 2014.
Identification of E. coli and Salmonella
isolates obtained from the produce was done using API 20E identification system. PCR
assays that target eaeA and invA, were performed to confirm the identity of the
candidate, E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella isolates, respectively.
This study demonstrates the prevalence of coliform bacteria and E. coli in
lettuce, tomatoes, and onion leaves collected in wet markets, conventional and
organic farms, presence of pathogens of public health concern in local produce and
the overall poor microbiological quality of the produce samples surveyed. Of the 288
produce samples, about 85.4% had coliform counts that range from 102 to more than
106 MPN/g, reflecting their poor microbiological quality and the widespread
prevalence of these bacteria. About 17.5% (50/288) of the samples had E. coli counts
ranging from 3 to more than 100 MPN/g, indicative of the marginal to unsatisfactory
quality of these vegetables. All 50 isolates from E. coli-positive produce samples were
phenotypically identified as E. coli. Two E. coli isolates from tomato samples were
confirmed as E. coli O157:H7 using the eaeA-targeting PCR assay, showing that 0.7%
(2/288) of the samples harbored this pathogen. Further, Salmonella was detected in
about 4.5% (13/288) of the produce, which were all onion leaf samples. Identity of the
13 Salmonella isolates was confirmed through the invA-targeting PCR assay. Samples
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 25
that harbor E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella are considered potentially hazardous and
are, therefore, unsafe for human consumption.
Currently, validation of the
identification of the isolates and the determination of their virulence genes are being
undertaken using molecular methods.
It is important that these pathogens are included as microbiological
parameters in food safety standards for these produce. The data generated through
the study could be useful in the development and implementation of science-based
food safety policies, guidance and management system that will ensure the safety of
produce and protect public health.
11)
Project title
:
Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory
(MRSL): Leveling up towards International Laboratory
Accreditation (ISO 17025 Project)
Funding source
:
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Extension of project
Project leader
:
:
:
:
Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and
Development (OVCRD), University of the PhilippinesDiliman
P 300,000
December 9, 2013 – December 8, 2014
December 9, 2014 - June 8, 2015
Dr. Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
Description of the Project:
The Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory (MRSL) aims to attain an ISO
17025:2005 accreditation in order to establish itself as a globally-recognized testing
laboratory and microbial resource center. An ISO 17025 accreditation demonstrates
the technical competency and sound management system of the accredited testing
laboratory, assuring trade stakeholders and regulatory bodies of the validity and
quality of test results.
To prepare for the said accreditation, the MRSL has undertaken this project in
order to review and revise current policies and practices and to update the present
Quality Management System (QMS). Policies and procedures for the management
and technical requirements prescribed in the PNS/ISO/IEC 17025:2005 Guide were
prepared. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each requirement applicable to
MRSL operations have been drafted. The revision and application of the policies and
procedures of the updated QMS are in progress.
12)
Project title
:
Development of Plasma Technology for the Nonthermal Sterilization of Food Products, Packaging, and
Contact Surfaces in Food Processing (Plasma Project)
Title of the Study
:
Development of inoculation protocols for food
products, packaging, and contact surfaces in food
processing
Funding source
:
Amount of funding
Duration of the project
Extension of project
Project leader
Project staff, level 3
:
:
:
:
:
Department of Science and Technology-Philippine
Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging
Technology Research and Development (DOSTPCIEERD)
P 4,305,958.50 (for the entire project)
June 1, 2014 - May 31, 2015
December 9, 2014 - June 8, 2015
Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel
Dr. Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 26
Description of the Project:
Atmospheric plasma sterilization protocols will be explored as an alternative
method for the sterilization of matrices in food manufacturing, such as beverage, food,
packaging and contact surfaces used in food processing. Efficacy of plasma
sterilization protocols will be evaluated using microbial test organisms in selected food
matrices and materials used in food packaging and processing. Determination of
sterilization efficacy of non-thermal plasma treatment requires the development of
protocols for the inoculation of test organisms on the selected matrices or materials.
Protocols for the inoculation of the test fungus, Aspergillus niger ATCC 9029 (UPCC
4219) onto irradiated cheese powder and for the inoculation of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa ATCC 27853 on sanitized polypropylene (PP) surface were developed and
are currently being validated. Validated inoculation protocols will be used in future
studies on the evaluation of plasma sterilization of artificially contaminated cheese
powder and PP sheets.
13)
Program title
:
Discovery and Development of Health Products:
Marine Component (DDHP: Marine)
Project title
:
Study title
Funding source
:
:
Amount of funding
Duration of the project
Program leader
Project leader
Project staff, level 3
:
:
:
:
:
Project 1: High-throughput Multi-omics Discovery of
Bioactive Marine Compounds and Establishment of a
Marine Chemical Library and Informatics System
Characterization and culture of microbial isolates
Department of Science and Technology-Philippine
Council for Health Research and Development
(DOST-PCHRD)
P 55,824,532.00 (for the entire project)
July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015
Dr. Arturo O. Lluisma
Dr. Arturo O. Lluisma
Dr. Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
Description of the Project:
The Discovery and Development of Health Products: Marine Component (DDHP:
Marine) Program aims to harness the bioactive potential of the Philippine’s rich marine
biodiversity. To achieve this, Project 1 will focus on the establishment of a facility for
high-throughput screening of compounds and extracts derived from sponges, spongeassociated marine microorganisms (MMOs) and Conoideans. The major endeavors of
the project include: a) collection, conservation, identification and documentation of
the marine sources of bioactive compounds, namely, the sponges, sponge-derived
MMOs and Conus spp, b) screening for different bioactivities of the marine sources, c)
setting up of library of bioactive extracts and metabolites, d) setting up of a bank of
bioactive MMOs, e) harnessing enzymes for the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds,
and f) establishing a comprehensive data management system for the data
generated by the Program.
The study on the characterization and culture of microbial isolates aims to
support the establishment of the facility and in particular, to build up a bank of
bioactive microorganisms. Sponge-derived MMOs from the PHARMASEAS program are
maintained, documented, characterized and screened for anti-infective activities for
subsequent culture optimization studies. Fifteen (15) PHARMASEAS MMOs were revived
and characterized. Validation of the identification of the MMOs is in progress. Small
scale cultures of the 15 MMOs were produced for diaion extraction. Fractions from the
extracts were subjected to antimicrobial assay using the Microplate Alamar Blue Assay
(MABA) and test organisms, P. aeruginosa ATCC 10145 and S. aureus ATCC 6538.
Validation of the MABA will be carried out to assess the validity of the results of
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 27
antimicrobial assay performed on the fractions derived from the 15 MMOs. To further
build up the microbial bank, microorganisms from sponges, particularly Xestospongia
spp., which will be collected in Puerto Galera and Zamboanga del Sur, will be isolated,
screened for anti-infective activity, characterized and identified and preserved.
14)
Program title
:
Discovery and Development of Health Products:
Marine Component (DDHP: Marine)
Project title
:
Study title
Funding source
:
:
Amount of funding
Duration of the project
Program leader
Project leader
Project staff, level 3
:
:
;
:
:
Project 3: Discovery and Development: AntiInfectives and Anti-Cancer
Microbial culture optimization
Department of Science and Technology-Philippine
Council for Health Research and Development
(DOST-PCHRD)
P 21,448,444.00 (for the entire project)
July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015
Dr. Arturo O. Lluisma
Dr. Lilibeth S. Reyes
Dr. Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
Description of the Project:
Project 3 of the Discovery and Development of Health Products: Marine
Component (DDHP: Marine) Program aims to discover, characterize and develop antiinfective and/or anticancer compounds from Philippine marine sponges and
associated microorganisms. Efficacy of these compounds will be tested in in vitro
assays and animal models of infection or cancer. The chemical structure, potency
and mechanism of action of candidate anti-infective and anti-proliferative (anticancer) compounds will be determined.
To enhance the yield of the compounds, physico-chemical and nutritional
requirements of each priority MMO that will enhance growth and increase the yield of
target compounds will be determined. In this present study, initial work was done on
the minimal medium, pH level and NaCl concentration requirements of four (4) priority
MMOs from sponges, namely, P-142A-I-1-A (142), ISP-788 (788), R2A 573 (573), and R2A
688A (688). Combinations of minimal medium, pH level and NaCl concentration for
optimum growth have been empirically determined. Using R2A as the medium, 3
MMOs, namely 142, 573, and 688 yielded substantial growth at pH 7 without the
addition of NaCl. Isolate 788 had optimum growth at pH 8 and 0% NaCl concentration
in R2A. Using ISP2 as the culture medium, only 142 exhibited optimal growth at pH 7
with 2% NaCl. In ISP2, both 573 and 688 required pH 9 and no NaCl addition for
optimum growth. Validation of these results will be undertaken. Currently, growth
studies for isolates 142, 573 and 688 are conducted in order to monitor their growth and
antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and S. aureus ATCC 6538.
Data from the growth studies will facilitate the determination of key growth phases of
each isolate in which growth and production of the anti-infective could be optimum.
Understanding the growth phases of the MMO will provide clues on the strategy that
can enhance production of the target metabolite. With the results of the growth
studies, validation and scaling up of experiments pertinent to the pH and NaCl
requirements of the MMOs will be carried out. Further, nutritional requirements of the
MMOs for optimum growth will be investigated using various carbon and nitrogen
sources. Protocols and growth conditions for enhanced anti-infective production will
be established based on the results of studies on the physico-chemical and nutritional
requirements of the MMOs.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 28
15)
Project title
:
Global Atmospheric Passive Sampling (PUF–disk
Sampling) - Activities in the Philippines
Funding source
:
Amount of funding
:
Duration of project
Project leader(s)
:
:
Environment Canada Air Quality Process Research
Division for Global Air Passive Sampling (GAPS) Project
N/A, collaboration in sampling
Expenses for sampling materials and shipping
provided by Environment Canada. Transportation
and other expenses in deploying and retrieving the
samples are shouldered by RASL Trust Account
January 2005 – present
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago (retired) and
Dr. Charita S. Kwan
Description of the Project:
The Global Atmospheric Passive Sampling (GAP) Project has evolved into the
GAPS Network. It was organized to monitor Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in
strategic places around the globe to generate baseline data on the concentrations of
POPs that are covered by the Stockholm Convention. The data will be used as
reference to assess the effectiveness of the Convention.
POPs in air are measured continuously throughout the year in selected sites
throughout the world with the use of a passive air sampler (PAS) that contains
polyurethane foam (PUF) disk as sampling media. PUF disks are changed every three
months and sent to Environment Canada for the measurement of the POPs at the end
of each quarter. The sampling location in the Philippines is located at the rooftop of
the NSRI.
Fig.1. Passive Air Sampler used for the Global Air Passive Sampling (GAPS) Project
16)
Project title
:
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Air in East Asia
Funding source
Amount of funding
:
:
Duration of project
Project leader
:
:
Ministry of Environment Japan
Expenses for travel, accommodation in annual
meetings
January 2012 – June 2014
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago (retired June 18, 2014)
Description of the Project:
The research network does monitoring of POPs in air project to generate data
to support the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Stockholm Convention in East
Asia.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 29
17)
Project title
:
Monitoring of PFOS Environmental Waters in Pasig
River and Selected Industrial Parks
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of the project
Project leader
:
:
:
:
United Nations University
$4,000
May 2013 – May 2014
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago (retired June 18, 2014)
Description of the Project:
Water samples were collected from selected rivers and industrial effluents, and
analyzed for Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoate(PFOA), two
new Persistent Organic Pollutants covered by the Stockholm Convention. The objective
of the project is to generate baseline information on the contamination of these POPs
in the Philippine hydrosphere.
18)
Project title
:
Monitoring of Chloramphenicol, Nitrofuran
Metabolites and Malachite Green in Aquaculture
Feeds, Bangus and Shrimps for Regulatory and Trade
Purposes
Funding Source
:
Amount of Funding
:
Duration of the Project
:
Project Leader(s)
:
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agriculture and
Research (DA-BAR)
P 4,961,133.30 (total for 3 years)
Year 1: P 1,519,763.00
Year 2: P 1,660,366.00
Three (3) years subject to approval by DA-BAR
Year 1: March 2013 – March 2014
Year 2: March 2014 – March 2015
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago (Retired June 18, 2014)
Dr. Charita S. Kwan (effective June 19, 2014)
Description of the Project:
The project aims to establish at the RASL ISO-17025 accredited analytical
methods for chloramphenicol, nitrofuran metabolites and malachite green in bangus
and shrimps that can comply with the reporting limits required by importing countries
that ban these veterinary drug residues in food. In addition, the project will apply the
analytical methods to generate a national database of contamination of these
antibiotic residues that could be used as basis to institute control policies on the use of
the veterinary drugs in aquaculture. The overall objective of the project is to enhance
the safety of the consumers of locally produced bangus and shrimps, and the
competitiveness of these products in the export market.
The analytical method for the analysis of chloramphenicol in bangus and
shrimps obtained the ISO-17025 accreditation in May 2014. Validation of the analytical
methods for the nitrofuran metabolites, malachite green has been started.
Participation in proficiency testing programs of the targeted analytes was processed in
November in time for the start of the PT exercises scheduled on the first quarter of 2015.
Sampling of bangus, shrimps and feeds were started in selected areas in
Regions 1, 3, 4A and 7. Sampling will be continued in 2015 due to constraints in storage
space in the ultralow freezer. The collected samples will be analyzed after completion
of the method validation for the nitrofuran metabolites and malachite green.
To support the activities of the project, proposal for a supplemental project was
submitted to the NSRI. The main objective of the proposed supplemental project is
ensure
the
continued
operation
of
the
Liquid
Chromatograph/Mass
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 30
Spectrometer/Mass Spectrometer (LC/MS/MS), which is the major equipment used for
the analysis of the banned antibiotics throughout the duration of the DA-BAR funded
project.
THE 2014 DA-BAR/UP-NSRI POST-DOCTORAL AND SENIOR
SCIENTIST RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS IN BASIC RESEARCH FOR
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES
19)
Project Title
:
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Glinus
oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC. (syn. Mollugo oppositifolia
L.), a Promising Source of Bioactive Metabolites
Funding source
Amount of funding
Duration of project
Project leader
Project manager
Host scientist
:
:
:
:
:
:
DA-BAR
P 500,000
February 1, 2014 – April 30, 2014
Dr. Juliana Janet R. Martin-Puzon
Dr. Windell L. Rivera
Dr. Windell L. Rivera
Description of the Project:
The alarming increase in the incidence of new and re-emerging infectious
diseases and the widespread, rapid development of antimicrobial resistance in human
pathogens against commonly used antibiotics have become among the most serious
public health concerns across the world. These bring about the necessity for a constant
search for new antimicrobial substances from plant sources. A wide range of
substances from plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of chronic and
acute infectious diseases can be developed as new antimicrobial drugs. On the other
hand, studies on finding antioxidant phytochemicals are equally significant because
they can inhibit the propagation of free-radical reactions and protect the human
body from metabolic diseases due to oxidative stress such as DNA damage,
carcinogenesis and degenerative disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, aging
and neuro-degenerative diseases, atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The use of
synthetic antioxidants, such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated
hydroxytoluene (BHT) has been restricted due to their side effects, such as inflammation
and carcinogenicity. Therefore, the interest and importance of the search and
exploitation of naturally occurring antioxidants, such as polyphenols, flavonoids and
other secondary metabolites or plant natural products to replace synthetic
antioxidants have tremendously increased in recent decades.
Commonly known in the Philippines as “sarsalida” or “malagoso” (Tagalog),
“papait” (Iloko) and slender carpet weed (English), Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC.
syn. Mollugo oppositifolia and M. spergula L. belongs to the family Molluginaceae. The
plant is a very common weed that grows at low and medium altitudes throughout the
Philippines. It also occurs in India to tropical Africa and Australia. There have been
some reports on the therapeutic value of G. oppositifolius in traditional medicine,
which include its analgesic, antidiabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, antihelminthic,
antidiarrhoeal, diuretic, antimalarial, antiviral, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The shoot of G. oppositifolius is eaten occasionally as a vegetable even though it is
bitter on account of its stomachic, aperient, and antiseptic properties. It can also
improve digestion and can cure burning sensation, itchiness and other skin ailments.
Although there have been some reports on the antimicrobial and antioxidant
activities of extracts from G. oppositifolius, the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential
of the species remained unexploited. Results of this research study will have a direct
impact in the exploitation of this plant as a new source of antimicrobial and
antioxidant compounds which could be tapped by the agricultural sector for
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 31
appropriate, improved mass cultivation and by the pharmaceutical industry for proper
drug development. Moreover, this study will provide a scientific proof on the traditional
use of this plant as herbal medicine.
1.3 PUBLICATION
AND
CREATIVE WORKS
The NSRI regularly publishes the following:
1) NSRI Annual Report. This is a compilation of abstracts of NSRI-supported researches and
includes a summary of the Institute's extension services for the year covered.
2) NSRI Research and Extension Programs. A summary of NSRI-funded researches and
extension services for the year reproduced for dissemination to the public.
3) NSRI Catalogue of Cultures. This describes the culture collection holding of the
Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory and is updated every two years.
4) R & D Services. a) Brochure of NSRI Research and Technical Services
b) Catalogue of Training Courses uploaded in the NSRI website.
5) Scientific Publications Based on NSRI-Funded and NSRI-Assisted Projects. The output of
NSRI supported projects are published by researchers in scientific journals. The 2014
publications based on NSRI-funded projects and other projects housed at NSRI are
shown below (Table 3).
Table 3. 2014 Publications based on NSRI researches and other projects housed at NSRI
BIOLOGY
AUTHOR
Membreve, D.M.C.S.,
Jacinto, S.D. and Rivera,
W.L.
TITLE
Trichomonas vaginalis Induces
Cytopathic Effect on Human Lung
Alveolar Basal Carcinoma
Epithelial Cell Line A549
PUBLICATIONS
Experimental Parasitology
147: 33-40
Cruz, A.R.S. and Rivera,
W.L.
Genotype Analysis of
Acanthamoeba Isolated from
Human Nasal Swabs in the
Philippines
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical
Biomedicine
4(10): 627-831
Dimasuay, K.G.B. and
Rivera, W.L.
First Report of Trichomonas tenax
infections in the Philippines
Parasitology International
63: 400-402
Reyes, J.C.B., Solon, J.A.A.
and Rivera, W.L.
Development of Loop Mediated
Isothermal Amplification Assay for
Detection of Trichomonas
vaginalis
Diagnostic Microbiology and
Infectious Disease
79: 337-341
Ng, K.C.S. and Rivera, W.L.
Antimicrobial Resistance of
Salmonella enteric Isolates from
Tonsil and Jejunum with Lymph
Node Tissues of Slaughtered Swine
in Metro Manila, Philippines
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
ISRN Microbiology
Vol. 2014, Article ID 364265
Vital, P.G., Dimasuay,
K.G.B., Widmer, K.W. and
Rivera, W.L.
Microbiological Quality of Fresh
Produce from Open Air Markets
and Supermarkets in the
Philippines
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
The Scientific World Journal
Vol. 2014, Article ID 219534
Acebedo, A.R., Amor,E.C.
and Jacinto, S.D.
Apoptosis-Inducing Activity of
HPLC Fraction from Voacanga
globosa (Blanco) Merr. On the
Human Colon Carcinoma Cell
Line, HCT116
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer
Prevention
15(2): 617-622
http://dx.dot.org/10.1155/2014/364265
http://dx.dot.org/10.1155/2014/219534
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 32
CHEMISTRY
AUTHOR
TITLE
PUBLICATIONS
Usman, K.A.S., Rosales,
A.V. and Payawan,Jr. L.M.
Fluorescent Property of GammaIrradiated Silver/Poly(acrylic acid)
Nanocomposites
KIMIKA
Vol. 25(2): 2-11
Paguigan, N.D, and
Hernandez, C.L.C.
15-Lipoxygenase Inhibition of
Selected Philippine Medicinal
Plants
Pharmacognosy Journal
Vol 6, Issue 1: 43-46
Paguigan, N.D, Castillo,
D.H.B. and Hernandez,
C.L.C.
Anti-Ulcer Activity of Leguminosae
Arquibos de Gastroenterology
Vol. 51, Issue 1: 1-5
Cao, E.P., ConstantinoSantos, D.M., Ramos,
L.A.P., Santos, B.S.,
Quilang, J.P. and Mojica,
R.M.
Molecular and Morphological
Differentiantion Among Coffea
(Rubiaceae) Varieties Grown in the
Farms of Cavite Province,
Philippines
Philippine Science Letters
Vol.7(2): 387-397
Chong, S.M.L.,
Constantino-Santos,
D.M.A. and Cao, E.P.
Pollen Morphometrics of Four
Coffee (Coffea sp.) Varieties
Grown in the Philippines
Philippine Journal of Crop
Science
Vol. 39(2): 81-86
MATHEMATICS
AUTHOR
TITLE
PUBLICATIONS
Leyson, D.T. and Lemence,
R.S.
On W 4 - Flatness of Some Classes of
Generalizations of Einstein
Manifolds
International Journal of Math.
Analysis
Vol.8, No.18: 881-889
De la Cruz, R.J., De la
Rosa, K.L., Merino, D.I. and
Paras, A.T.
The Cartan-Dieudonne-Scherk
Theorems for Complex SOrthogonal Matrices
Linear Algebra and Its
Applications
458: 251-260
IESM
AUTHOR
Macatangay, R., Sonkaew,
T., Velazco, V., Gerbig, C.,
Intarat, N., Nantajai,
Bagtasa, G.
TITLE
Factors Influencing Surface CO 2
Variations in LPRU, Thailand and
IESM, Philippines
PUBLICATIONS
Environmental Pollution
195: 282-291
NSRI (In-House)
AUTHOR
TITLE
PUBLICATIONS
Ko, A.M.S, Chen, C.Y.,
Fu,Q., Delfin, F., Li, M., Chiu,
H.L., Stoneking, M., Ko, Y.C.
Early Austronesians: Into and Out
of Taiwan
The American Journal of Human
Genetics
94: 426-436
De Ungria, M.C.A.,
Salvador, J., Rodriguez,
J.J.R. et.al.
A Global Analysis of Ychromosomal haplotype diversity
for 23 STR loci
Forensic Science International:
Genetics
12: 12-23
Kwan, C.S., Takada, H.,
Boonyatumanond, R.,
Kato, Y., Mizukawa, K., Ito,
M., Dung, L.Q., Zakaria,
M.P. and Santiago, E.C.
Historical Occurrence of
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers
and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in
Manila Bay, Philippines and in the
Upper Gulf of Thailand
Science of the Total Environment
470-471: 427-437
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 33
2. E X T E N S I O N S E R V I C E S
The NSRI’s second principal function is to render services to researchers.
These services are the following:
(1) Technical assistance and advisory services
(2) Training courses, seminars and conferences; and
(3) Information and community services
The NSRI has, however, opened these services to institutions and agencies
outside UP to maximize the use of facilities and equipment and to make the
expertise of its research staff available to the general public.
2.1
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND ADVISORY SERVICES
The NSRI research and technical staff provide technical and advisory
services to researchers, students, government and private institutions as well as
private individuals.
Technical Assistance
The NSRI’s technical services laboratories are organized into the following units:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Biological Research and Services Laboratory (BRSL)
DNA Analysis Laboratory (DAL)
Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory (MRSL)
Research and Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL)
The services rendered by each laboratory are found in the succeeding
pages. Socialized fees are charged by the laboratories to cover cost of
supplies, equipment maintenance, utilities and services.
BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES LABORATORY (BRSL)
The Biological Research and Services Laboratory (BRSL) is one of the four
research and technical laboratories of the UP Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI).
It was established in 1999 from the then Electron Microscopy Room of NSRI that in turn
evolved from the previous Biological Services Laboratory. The laboratory was created to
effectively provide services related to microscopical analysis of biological samples.
Since then, however, the laboratory has expanded its research and services thrust. It has
undertaken researches in the fields of medical genetics, molecular biology,
biotechnology, environmental genotoxicity, and DNA analysis of bioarchaeological
samples. At present, it provides biological services adapted to specific needs of
research in the natural sciences primarily in the evaluation of toxicity and safety of
foods, drugs, and other biological substances. BRSL’s modern facility is
ideal
for
conducting experiments by researchers and students of UP and other universities and
science personnel from government and industry. It has microscopy, cell culture, and
molecular biology laboratories including a laboratory for processing of ancient and
modern bioarchaeological samples for population genetic studies.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 34
In 2007, the BRSL has initiated the holding of a regular workshop at the NSRI on
the proper care and handling of laboratory mice to meet international standards. This
has benefited many students and researchers in the country who lack training in basic
animal husbandry and laboratory procedures. Moreover, as a response to the growing
need on the use of laboratory animals in research and to better serve its clients in the
scientific community, construction of an animal breeding facility was started in 2011 with
a grant received from the National Science Complex of the UP Diliman College of
Science. The facility will allow researchers to have access to a reliable source of healthy
laboratory animals for their theses and research experiments.
Research
The BRSL conducted an NSRI-funded research entitled “Evaluation of
Genotoxicity of Antimicrobial Compounds Isolated from Actinomycetes” from January
to December 2014. Actinomycetes are considered to be effective source for the
production of secondary metabolites, antibiotics and other bioactive compounds.
However, some constituents of isolates are known to be potentially toxic, mutagenic
and teratogenic. In the Philippines, promising antimicrobial compounds have been
isolated from actinomycetes found in mangrove soil samples. These isolates were
evaluated for genotoxicity using the Comet assay as part of screening program.
Extension Services/Clients
The BRSL continues to support the research and undergraduate/graduate
programs of the University particularly those of the College of Science. Other clients
include academic, government and private companies. We provide bioassay services
and use of equipment, as well as conduct workshops on laboratory animal handling
and basic molecular biology. Data on the BRSL’s services are presented below.
BRSL Services in 2014
14
12
10
8
VI
V
IV
III
II
I
6
4
2
0
Fig.2. The distribution of BRSL’s services (excluding equipment use and workshops) according to client
type shows that of the services availed by all clients in 2014, sale of lab supplies and chemicals was
highest particularly among non-CS UP students and employees (Type III). Many clients also requested
cytotoxicity testing and photomicroscopy. Other services include solubility testing and laboratory use.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 35
Table-top Minicentrifuge
2014 Equipment Use
pH meter
Ultracentrifuge
I
II
III
IV
Micropipettor
UV Transilluminator
Hotplate stirrer
Vortex mixer
Inverted microscope
Vacuum pump
Top-loading Balance
Pipet Aid
Incubator/oven
Sonicator
Light microscope
Autoclave
Swingbucket centrifuge
Laminar flow hood
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
Fig.3. Equipment use comprised almost 87% of all of BRSL services in 2014. The chart of equipment use
according to client type shows that all equipment users belonged to the academe (Types I-IV) and NSRIaffiliated researchers (Type II) were the most frequent users. The laminar flow hood, swing-bucket
centrifuge, and autoclave, were the top three most frequently used equipment, together accounting for
more than half of all equipment use. Lab equipment that were not rented were the cryostat, dry bath,
water bath, electrophoresis apparatus, and refrigerated centrifuge.
2014 Lab Animal Workshop Participants
II (1) III (5)
I (25)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
V (1)
IV (21)
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Fig.4. Of those who availed of BRSL’s services in 2014, 7.5% were participants of the Laboratory Animal
Workshop. Students from the College of Science (Type I) and non-UP students and faculty (Type IV) were
almost equal in percentage and together comprised the majority of attendees, with nearly 87%.
2014 BRSL Client Type Profile
(unique clients only)
I
0%
10%
20%
30%
II
III
40%
50%
IV
60%
70%
V VI
80%
90%
100%
Fig.5. Client type profile showing that nearly all of BRSL’s clients in 2014 belonged to the academe (Types
I-IV). Majority of the clients were from UP (Types I-III) but non-UP students, faculty, researchers (Type IV)
also comprised a large proportion of BRSL’s clients. Private individuals, government agencies and small
industries (Type V) made up only a small percentage of BRSL’s clients and only one multinational
company (Type VI) availed of the lab’s services in 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 36
Support to Students
Student assistance
Title: Effects of Garcinia mangostana L. extract on thromboxane synthesis: in
vitro study
Degree course: Doctor of Medicine
Name of student: JC Custodio et al.
Adviser: Dr. Janeth Serrano
University: Dept. of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Our Lady of
Fatima University
Degree course: BS Materials Engineering
Name of student: Kathrina Taaca & Peter Bugayong
Advisers: Leslie Joy Diaz & Myra Ruth Poblete
University: DMMME, UP Diliman
Analyses for thesis/special projects
Cytotoxicity assay – 7/10 (Centro Escolar Univeristy; Our Lady of Fatima
University; Notre Dame of Dadiangas University)
Genotoxicity/Anti-genotoxicity assay – 5/5 (Bacoor National High School; UP
Diliman CHE; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences-NIH UP
Manila; Fatima University; Caraga Regional Science High
School)
Trainings/Seminars conducted
1) Title of Training
Funding Source
Date
Trainor(s)
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
: Laboratory Animal Workshop
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for lecture and laboratory
April 23, 2014
Dr. Maria Amelita C. Estacio, Ms. Raquel O. Rubio, Ms. Erna L. Elias
P 3,000 outsider participant, P2,500 UP student/employee
16
8 students and 8 professionals
Fig.6. A participant practices intravenous drug administration during
the Laboratory Animal Workshop on April 23, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 37
2) Title of Training
: Laboratory Animal Workshop
Funding Source
Date
Trainor(s)
: Participants paid a fee for lecture and laboratory
: October 24, 2014
: Dr. Maria Amelita C. Estacio, Ms. Raquel O. Rubio, Ms. Erna L.
Elias, Ms. Maridel B. Desamero, Dr. Mark Desamero
Fees
: P 3,000 outsider participant, P 2,500 UP student/employee
No. of participants
: 19
Profile of participants : 11 students, 8 professionals
Fig.7. Participants practice handling and restraining mice during the
Laboratory Animal Workshop on October 24, 2014.
3) Title of Training
: Laboratory Animal Workshop
Funding Source
Date
Trainor(s)
: Participants paid a fee for lecture and laboratory
: October 30, 2014
: Dr. Maria Amelita C. Estacio, Ms. Raquel O. Rubio, Ms. Erna L.
Elias, Ms. Maridel B. Desamero
Fees
: P 3,000 outsider participant, P 2,500 UP student/employee
No. of participants
: 18
Profile of participants : 15 students, 3 professionals
Fig.8. Participants watch trainor, Dr. MAC Estacio, demonstrate
blood collection from the infra-orbital sinus during the Laboratory
Animal Workshop on October 30, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 38
Recent developments and other related activities of the BRSL
for 2014
(None)
Visitors/Guests
•
Visitor
Number of visitors
Date of visit
: IESM-UP Diliman
:4
: January 27, 2014
•
Visitor
Number of visitors
Date of visit
: Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology
: 1 class
: February 21, 2014
Fig.9. MSU-IIT Prof. Henry Rivero and students.
•
Visitor
Number of visitors
Date of visit
: Miriam College High School
:9
: April 25, 2014
•
Visitor
Number of visitors
Date of visit
: MRSL training participants
:7
: August 8, 2014
Fig.10. Ms. Vina Argayosa and MRSL training participants.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 39
Manpower Development
Activities of BRSL Staff in 2014
1) RAQUEL O. RUBIO (University Researcher I)
Positions held
•
Head, BRSL
Professional/Extension activities
•
•
Reviewer, UP Diliman Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
Organizer/Trainor, Laboratory Animal Workshop
Seminars/Conferences/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NSRI Lecture Series "Networks of Marine Reserves for Fisheries Management:
Can They Really Work?" NSRI, UP Diliman. January 7, 2014.
Paliwanagan sa UP Diliman: OVCRD Colloquium 2014. Session 1: Influencing
National-level Initiatives through Research and Creative Work Programs.
National Institute of Physics, National Science Complex, UP Diliman. January 20,
2014.
Paliwanagan sa UP Diliman: OVCRD Colloquium 2014. Session 2: Breaking New
Grounds, Exploring Alternative Perspectives. National Institute of Physics,
National Science Complex, UP Diliman. January 20, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series “Repurposing of an Anti-Cancer Drug Candidate to Treat
Antibiotic-resistant Chlamydia Infections.” NSRI, UP Diliman. February 4, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion." NSRI, UP Diliman. February 13, 2014.
81st National Research Council of the Philippines General Membership Assembly
and Scientific Conference. Manila Hotel, Manila. March 2014.
International Conference on Academic Disciplines. Barcelona, Spain. June 1619, 2014.
Anti-Sexual Harassment. NSRI, UP Diliman. July 21, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL): Research
Directions and Thesis Opportunities." NSRI, UP Diliman. July 25, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Benthic Marine Cyanobacteria as Biofactories of Small
Molecules." NSRI, UP Diliman. August 15, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Rebuilding a Legacy: The Philippine National Museum of
Natural History." NSRI, UP Diliman. September 2, 2014.
14th Philippine Network of Microbial Culture Collections, Inc. Annual Scientific
Meeting and General Assembly. Miriam College, Quezon City. October 4, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Unique Evolution of Metabolism and Vesicular Traffic in
Entamoeba." NSRI, UP Diliman. October 15, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series “Precision Food Processing: The Use of Microbiological
Inactivation and Quality Deterioration Models to Address the Consumer
Demand Paradox for Safety and Quality.” NSRI, UP Diliman. November 11, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "The 'Real' CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in
New York City." NSRI, UP Diliman. November 21, 2014.
34th Annual Convention of the Philippine Environmental Mutagen Society.
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Diliman, Quezon City. November 22, 2014.
17th Asia-Pacific International Molecular Biology Network Annual Conference.
St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City, Taguig City. December 1-2, 2014.
19th Annual Convention of the Natural Products Society of the Philippines
“Towards One ASEAN: Quality Standards.” Ateneo De Manila University, Quezon
City. December 5, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 40
Organizations
•
•
•
•
•
•
Member, National Research Council of the Philippines
Member, Philippine Environmental Mutagens Society
Member, Natural Products Society of the Philippines
Member, Philippine Association for Laboratory Animal Science
Member, Philippine Society for Cell Biology
Member, Philippine Society for Developmental Biology
2) ERNA LOUISE L. ELIAS (University Research Associate I)
Positions held
•
•
Member, NSRI Academic Personnel Committee (AcPC), REPS Non-supervisory
Level Representative
Member, NSRI Seminar Committee
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NSRI Lecture Series "Networks of Marine Reserves for Fisheries Management:
Can They Really Work?" NSRI, UP Diliman. January 7, 2014.
Paliwanagan sa UP Diliman: OVCRD Colloquium 2014. Session 1: Influencing
National-level Initiatives through Research and Creative Work Programs.
National Institute of Physics, National Science Complex, UP Diliman. January 20,
2014.
Paliwanagan sa UP Diliman: OVCRD Colloquium 2014. Session 2: Breaking New
Grounds, Exploring Alternative Perspectives. National Institute of Physics,
National Science Complex, UP Diliman. January 20, 2014.
Paliwanagan sa UP Diliman: OVCRD Colloquium 2014. Session 3: Insighting:
Implementing Socially-relevant Research and Creative Works. National Institute
of Physics, National Science Complex, UP Diliman. January 20, 2014.
Good Laboratory Practice. YANA Chemodities, Inc. January 29, 2014.
Forensic Biology Symposium 2014 "Forensic Science in the Philippines: Status,
Challenges, and Opportunities." NSRI, UP Diliman. February 11, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion." NSRI, UP Diliman. February 13, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Massive Contribution of Repeats and Noncoding Elements
to Primate Origins." NSRI, UP Diliman. March 10, 2014.
4th ILTER-EAP Information Management System Training Workshop. CS
Auditorium, UP Diliman. June 2-4, 2014.
2014 ILTER East Asia Pacific 10th Biennial Conference. Institute of Biology, UP
Diliman. June 5-6, 2014.
Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond. NSRI, UP Diliman. June
19, 2014.
Anti-Sexual Harassment. NSRI, UP Diliman. July 21, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL): Research
Directions and Thesis Opportunities." NSRI, UP Diliman. July 25, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Benthic Marine Cyanobacteria as Biofactories of Small
Molecules." NSRI, UP Diliman. August 15, 2014.
Seminar on Cellular Health and Imaging. NSRI, UP Diliman. August 28, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Rebuilding a Legacy: The Philippine National Museum of
Natural History." NSRI, UP Diliman. September 2, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Unique Evolution of Metabolism and Vesicular Traffic in
Entamoeba." NSRI, UP Diliman. October 15, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Precision Food Processing: The Use of Microbiological
Inactivation and Quality Deterioration Models to Address the Consumer
Demand Paradox for Safety and Quality." NSRI, UP Diliman. November 11, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "The 'Real' CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in
New York City." NSRI, UP Diliman. November 21, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 41
•
•
34th Annual Convention of the Philippine Environmental Mutagen Society.
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Diliman. November 22, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Reconstruction of Phylogenetic Tree from a Set of Rooted
Triplets." NSRI, UP Diliman. December 3, 2014.
Organizations
•
•
•
Member, Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society, Inc.
Member, Association of Systematic Biologists of the Philippines
Life Member, Philippine Environmental Mutagen Society
3) RIEZIEL ANN D. BERNAL (University Research Associate I) [January - March, 2014]
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NSRI Lecture Series "Networks of Marine Reserves for Fisheries Management:
Can They Really Work?" NSRI, UP Diliman. January 7, 2014.
Paliwanagan sa UP Diliman: OVCRD Colloquium 2014. Session 1: Influencing
National-level Initiatives through Research and Creative Work Programs.
National Institute of Physics, National Science Complex, UP Diliman. January 20,
2014.
Paliwanagan sa UP Diliman: OVCRD Colloquium 2014. Session 2: Breaking New
Grounds, Exploring Alternative Perspectives. National Institute of Physics,
National Science Complex, UP Diliman. January 20, 2014.
Paliwanagan sa UP Diliman: OVCRD Colloquium 2014. Session 3: Insighting:
Implementing Socially-relevant Research and Creative Works. National Institute
of Physics, National Science Complex, UP Diliman. January 20, 2014.
Good Laboratory Practice. YANA Chemodities, Inc. January 29, 2014.
Forensic Biology Symposium 2014 "Forensic Science in the Philippines: Status,
Challenges, and Opportunities." NSRI, UP Diliman. February 11, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion." NSRI, UP Diliman. February 13, 2014.
4) MARIDEL B. DESAMERO (University Research Associate I) [June - December, 2014]
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond. NSRI, UP Diliman. June
19, 2014.
Anti-Sexual Harassment. NSRI, UP Diliman. July 21, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL): Research
Directions and Thesis Opportunities." NSRI, UP Diliman. July 25, 2014.
Century of Amazing Science: Latest Advances in Genetic Analysis for
Clinical/Ag Bio Research. NIMBB, UP Diliman. August 1, 2014.
Century of Amazing Science: Inflammation, Cancer and Autoimmunity
Research. NIMBB, UP Diliman. August 1, 2014.
Safety and Security in the Workplace. NSRI, UP Diliman. August 18, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Rebuilding a Legacy: The Philippine National Museum of
Natural History." NSRI, UP Diliman. September 2, 2014.
Genomics of Diversification in Philippine Reptile. IB, UP Diliman. September 18,
2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Unique Evolution of Metabolism and Vesicular Traffic in
Entamoeba." NSRI, UP Diliman. October 15, 2014.
NSRI Lecture Series "Precision Food Processing: The Use of Microbiological
Inactivation and Quality Deterioration Models to Address the Consumer
Demand Paradox for Safety and Quality." NSRI, UP Diliman. November 11, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 42
DNA ANALYSIS LABORATORY (DAL)
The DNA Analysis Laboratory (UP-NSRI DAL) is one of the four research and extension
service laboratories at the Natural Sciences Research Institute of University of the Philippines,
Diliman. The UP-NSRI DAL is mainly composed of four laboratories designed for the various
stages of DNA analysis. A secured Physical Evidence Room provides for the cataloguing and
storage of biological samples for DNA analysis. Guests and clients are received at the UP-NSRI
DAL Meeting Room and all administrative functions are conducted at the Staff Room. Aside
from the promotion of the forensic DNA technology in the country, the laboratory is also
involved in the following research areas: genetic databases for forensic and population
studies, characterization of the genetics of ethno-linguistic groups and personalized genomes
of Filipinos.
Researches
On-going in 2014
Project Title
Human DNA Forensics Program: Forensic DNA
Analysis Procedures for Human Remains
Identification
Human DNA Forensics Program: Y Chromosomal
DNA Variation of Filipinos across families using
Rapidly Mutating (RM) Y-chromosome Specific Short
Tandem Repeat (STR) Markers
Y-Chromosomal DNA Variation of the Filipino
Population using Rapidly Mutating (RM) YChromosome Specific Short Tandem Repeat (STR)
Markers
Funding
Agency
PCHRD
PCHRD
PCIEERD
Project leader
Ms. Gayvelline C.
Calacal, RMT
MSc
Dr. Maria
Corazon A. De
Ungria (Program
Director)
Ms. Jazelyn M.
Salvador, MSc
Dr. Maria
Corazon A. De
Ungria
Ms. Maria Lourdes
D. Honrado, BSc /
Dr. Maria Corazon
A. De Ungria
The Reconstruction of Jose Rizal's DNA to study his
Genealogy and Genetic Ancestry
OVPAAEFSTRG
DNA profiling of Human Urine samples for
Identification
OVCRDORG
Validation of DNA Profiling Methods for Human Teeth
OVCRDORG
Mr. Paul Ryan L.
Sales, BSc
Palaeoenviromental and Biodiversity study of
Mindoro Island: An Archaeological Science Initiative
– Project
OVPAAEIRG
Formulation of an Integrated System of Forensic DNA
Testing for the Evaluation of Sexual Assault Cases in
the Philippines
Main: Dr. Armand
Mijares; Co: Dr.
Maria Corazon A.
De Ungria
OVPAACWRG
Dr. Maria Corazon
A. De Ungria
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 43
On-going collaborative research projects
Project Title
A study on rapidly mutating Ychromosome short tandem repeat
Human evolutionary genetics study
Pan Asian SNP Consortium study
Pan Asian Population Genomes Initiative
Palaeoenviromental and Biodiversity
study of Mindoro Island: An
Archaeological Science Initiative
DNA-PROKIDS: Using DNA to fight childtrafficking
Innocence Project Philippines: Using DNA
to help exonerate wrongfully convicted
persons
Collaborative Agency
Department of Forensic Molecular Biology,
Erasmus MC University Medical Center
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary
Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
International study involving different
institutions and organizations across the
Asian and Pacific region with focus on
human genetic diversity as represented by
genome-wide single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs)
Local collaborator: Institute of Human Genetics,
National Institutes of Health, UP-Manila
Local collaborators: Institute of Human
Genetics, National Institutes of Health, UPManila
Philippine Genome Center
OVPAA-EMERGING INTERDISCIPLINARY
RESEARCH GRANT:
o
Main proponent: Archaeological
Studies Program
o
Co-proponents:
 UP-NIGS
 UP-Envi Sci
 UP-NSRI-DAL
 UP-Manila
Laboratory of Genetic Identification,
University of Granada, Spain
University of North Texas Health Science
Center, USA
Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG)
Office of Legal Aid, UP Diliman College of
Law
College of Law, De La Salle University
College of Law, Ateneo De Davao
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 44
Extension Services/Clients
•
•
2014 Prokids cases n = 1
2014 DNA Testing
Inquiries, n= 245
DNA services, n= 43
5
Oct to Dec
9
Jul to Sept
21
Apr to Jun
8
Jan to Mar
0
5
10
15
20
Distribution of 2014 cases per quarter
25
Support to Students
•
•
•
•
•
Mr. Frederick C. Delfin is working on his Doctoral Studies thesis under the
International Max Planck Research School, Leipzig School of Human Origins, Max
Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria teaches in the Science, Technology and Society
Program of the College of Science.
Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria teaches at the Institute of Biology of the College of
Science.
Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria is the co-adviser of Mr. Jae Joseph Russell B.
Rodriguez who is working on his Master in Genetics (Minor in Molecular Biology and
Biotechnology) under the Graduate program of the University of the Philippines in
Los Baños.
Mentoring Ms. Sheila Marie E. Dennis, a US FulBright scholar, who is working on her
Research Grant Project: It’s All Relative: A Molecular Approach to Forensic Science
and Ethnicity in the Philippines.
Linkages
Local
-
Philippine Genome Center (PGC)
Archaeological Studies Program (ASP)
Asia Against Child Trafficking (Asia-ACT) (NGO)
Child Protection-Network (CPU-Net)
Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
Department of Justice (DOJ) – Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT)
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
International Justice Mission (IJM)
National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Outstanding Young Scientists Inc (OYS Inc)
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 45
-
Philippine National Police – Women and Children Protection Center (PNPWCPC)
Philippine Science High School System (PSHS)
The Outstanding Women in the Nation Service (TOWNS)
International
-
Academy of Science for the Developing World (TWAS)
Asian Forensic Science Network (AFSN)
DNA-Prokids
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (Germany)
University of Granada (Spain)
University of North Texas Health Science Center (USA)
Visitors/Guests
UC Berkeley
- No. of visitors
- Date of visit
:2
: February 11, 2014
Archaelogical Studies Program UP Diliman
- No. of visitors
:4
- Date of visit
: February 12, 2014
Silliman University
- No. of visitors
:3
- Date of visit
: February 17, 2014
Mindanao State University
- No. of visitors
: 20
- Date of visit
: February 20, 2014
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
- No. of visitors
:1
- Date of visit
: February 10-19, 2014
Miriam College (HS Department)
- No. of visitors
:7
- Date of visit
: April 25, 2014
NISMED and College of Education, UP Diliman
- No. of visitors
:6
- Date of visit
: April 30, 2014
Bicol University (College of Science, Dept. of Biology)
- No. of visitors
: 67
- Date of visit
: May 9, 2014
Sultan Kudarat State University
- No. of visitors
:2
- Date of visit
: May 26, 2014
NSRI @50
- No. of visitors
- Date of visit
:7
: June 19, 2014
Bureau of Plant Industry (NSQCS)
- No. of visitors
: 17
- Date of visit
: June 27, 2014
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 46
DAL’s Photo Gallery
Fig.11. Ms. Jazelyn M. Salvador as a
Judge for the Science and Technology
Research Competition during the Youth,
Math, Science and Technology Week of
the Philippine Science High School Main
Campus. (January 18, 2014).
Fig.12. Dr. Mark Stoneking from
the Max Planck Institute for
Evolutionary Anthropology with
the DNA Analysis Laboratory
team (February 19, 2014).
Fig.13. Mr. Paul Ryan L. Sales during the
laboratory tour for staff of the National
Institute for Science and Mathematics
Education Development (NISMED) and
College of Education (April 30, 2014).
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 47
Fig.14. Mr. Paul Ryan L. Sales
during the laboratory tour of
faculty and students from Bicol
University, College of Science,
Dept. of Biology (May 9, 2014).
Fig.15. Laboratory tour during the
Open House for the 50th anniversary
of the Natural Sciences Research
Institute (June 19, 2014).
Fig.16. Laboratory staff during
the World Forensic Festival at
Seoul, South Korea (October
10-17, 2014).
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 48
Fig.17. Ms. Jazelyn M. Salvador as a
Resource Speaker on "Forensic
Technology" during the conduct of
In-Service Training Seminar for
Teachers of Tagumpay National
High School, San Jose Rodriguez,
Rizal (October 23, 2014).
Fig.18. Dr. Maria Corazon A. De
Ungria explaining the field of
genetics to the Mangyan
leaders of Oriental Mindoro
(Calapan
City,
Oriental
Mindoro; November 16, 2014).
Fig.19. The UP-OVPAA EIDR-funded
research program director (Dr. A.
Mijares) and project leader (Dr. De
Ungria) together with the NCIP
Occidental
Mindoro
personnel
(Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro;
November 18, 2014).
Fig.20. Dr. De Ungria explaining the
project to the Iraya group of
Occidental Mindoro (Mamburao,
Occidental Mindoro; December 13,
2014).
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 49
Fig.21. Ms. Shiela Marie E. Dennis
giving a presentation for the
Philippine National Police (PNP) DNA
Analysis Laboratory staff (December
18, 2014).
Manpower Development
Activities of DAL Staff in 2014
1) MARIA CORAZON A. DE UNGRIA (University Researcher III / DOST SCS Scientist 2)
Positions held
•
•
•
•
•
DNA Analysis Laboratory Head (Feb 1999 – present)
Director, Program on Forensics and Ethnicity, Philippine Genome Center,
University of the Philippines (May 2011 – present)
Professorial Lecturer, Science and Society Program, College of Science,
University of the Philippines (June 2009 – May 2012 Level I; June 2012 – present
Level II)
Lecturer, Forensic Biology Seminar Series, Institute of Biology, College of
Science, University of the Philippines (Nov 2012 – present)
Board Member, Innocence Project Philippines Network, Inc.
Awards/Accreditation received
•
•
2014 Scientific Achievement Award by the National Research Council of the
Philippines (Division III)
Recipient of International Publication Award given by the President of the
University of the Philippines for the paper “Complete mtDNA genomes of Filipino
ethnolinguistic groups: A melting pot of recent and ancient lineages in the AsiaPacific region”. European Journal of Human Genetics 22 (2):228-37.
Research grants
•
•
•
•
Palaeoenviromental and Biodiversity Study of Mindoro island: An
Archaeological Science Initiative funded by the Office of the Vice President for
Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines to the Archaeological Studies
Program through the Emerging Interdisciplinary Research (EIDR) Program.
Forensic DNA analysis procedures for human remains identification funded by
the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development under the
Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the
University of the Philippines.
Y chromosomal DNA variation of Filipinos across families using rapidly mutating
(RM) Y-chromosome specific Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers funded by the
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development under the Program on
Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the University of the
Philippines.
Y chromosomal DNA variation of the Filipino population using rapidly mutating
(RM) Y-chromosome specific Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers funded by the
Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 50
•
•
•
•
•
•
Development under the Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine
Genome Center of the University of the Philippines.
Formulation of an integrated system of forensic DNA testing for the evaluation
of sexual assault cases in the Philippines funded by the Office of the Vice
President for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines through its Creative
Work and Research Grant Scheme.
Reconstruction of Jose Rizal’s DNA to Study his Genealogy and Genetic
Ancestry using Lineage and Ancestry Informative Markers funded by the Office
of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines under the
Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the
University of the Philippines.
DNA profiling of human urine samples for identification funded by the Office of
Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, University of the Philippines,
Diliman.
Validation of DNA Profiling Methods for Human Teeth funded by the Office of
Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, University of the Philippines,
Diliman.
DNA Testing of Child Trafficking Cases funded by the DNA-Prokids Initiative,
Granada, Spain.
Understanding the Genetic Diversity and Identity of Filipino Populations funded
by the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
Publications
•
•
•
Ballantyne KN, Ralf A, et al. 2014. "Towards male individualization with rapidly
mutating Ychromosomal STRs." Hum Mutation; 35(8)1021-1032.
Purps J, et al. 2014. A global analysis of Y-chromosomal haplotype diversity for
23 STR loci. Forensic Science International: Genetics;12:12-23.
Delfin FC, Min-Shan Ko A, Li M, Gunnarsdóttir ED, Tabbada KA, Salvador JM,
Calacal GC, Sagum MS, Datar FA, Padilla SG, De Ungria MC and Stoneking M.
2014. Complete mtDNA genomes of Filipino ethnolinguistic groups: a melting
pot of recent and ancient lineages in the Asia-Pacific region. Eur J Hum Genet.
22(2):228-37.
Lectures
•
•
•
•
•
De Ungria MCA. 2014. Use of DNA in Human Identification. Forensic Conference
for Human Rights and Justice organized by the Asian Federation Against
Disappearance, Bayview Hotel, Manila. July 22, 2014.
De Ungria MCA. 2014. The Utility of DNA from Tooth in Human Identification.
105th Annual Convention of the Philippine Dental Association, SMX Convention
Center, Pasay City. May 12, 2014.
De Ungria MCA. 2014. The Potential Contribution of DNA Technology in the
Effort Towards National Recovery After a Disaster. 32nd Anniversary of the
Philippine Health Council for Health Research and Development with the
theme 'The Filipino Crises Resilience: Connecting Health R&D and Emergency
Health Management, Makati Shang-ri La Hotel, Makati City. March 14, 2014.
De Ungria MCA. 2014. The Contribution of DNA in the Fight Against Child
Trafficking. Terre des Hommes, Asia Tune Hotel, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. March
6-7, 2014.
De Ungria MCA. 2014. The Double Helix as a Catalyst for Change. The National
Research Council of the Philippines (Medical/Health Division), UP Manila.
February 11, 2014.
Technical consultations
•
Technical Consultant for the Organization of Symposium on ‘Forensic Science in
the Philippines: Status, Challenges and Opportunities' organized by the students
of BIOL397, Institute of Biological Sciences, the Natural Sciences Research
Institute and the Philippine Genome Center, UP Diliman. February 11, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 51
•
•
•
Member, REPS Steering Committee organized by the Office of the Vice
President for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines, Diliman. July to
December 2014.
Organizing Committee, Innocence Project Philippines, that aims to assist
persons who may have been wrongfully convicted (2012- on going).
Technical Consultant, Steering Committee of the Innocence Project Philippines
that aims to network the legal aid programs of different law schools in order to
assist indigent prisoners who had been wrongfully convicted (2012- ongoing).
Newspaper/ Magazine citations
•
•
•
•
De Ungria MCA. 2014. Demolishing the Ivory Tower via Facebook. Philippine
Star. July 24, 2014.
Nudo L and De Ungria MCA. 2014. 'Nalunod or Nilunod: Forensic science in
drowning investigations.
Philippine Star. July 3, 2014.
De Ungria MCA. 2014. Forensic science in the classroom. Philippine Star. March
20, 2014.
Conference proceedings
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Calacal G, Apaga DL, Dalet MR, Honrado ML, Sales PR, Salvador J, Jimenez JJ,
Villacorta RP, Lim MC, Fortun R, Datar F and MC De Ungria. 2014. Comparing
different post mortem human samples as DNA sources for downstream
genotyping and identification in the Philippines. 20th Conference of the
International Association of Forensic Sciences with the theme ‘New horizons in
forensic science’, Seoul, South Korea. October 15-16, 2014.
Rodriguez J, Bright J, Salvador J, Laude R and De Ungria MC. 2014. DNA
evidence interpretation for sexual assault cases in the Philippines: adopting a
continuous model for mixture analysis. 20th Conference of the International
Association of Forensic Sciences with the theme ‘New horizons in forensic
science’, Seoul, South Korea. October 15-16, 2014.
Salvador J, Honrado ML, Carandang LC, Agmata A, Sagum AR and De Ungria
MC. 2014. Evaluation of Y-STR DNA results of kinship cases using the Philippine
online Y-STR Haplotype Reference Database (YHRD). 20th Conference of the
International Association of Forensic Sciences with the theme ‘New horizons in
forensic science’, Seoul, South Korea. October 15-16, 2014.
Sales PRL, Ferrer DEC, Calacal GC, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2014.
Validation and comparison of DNA extraction methods from cigarette butts.
20th Conference of the International Association of Forensic Sciences with the
theme ‘New horizons in forensic science’, Seoul, South Korea. October 15-16,
2014.
De Ungria MCA, Jose JM and Jimenez E. 2014. Judicial rules, laws and ethics
that govern DNA forensics in the Philippines. 6th Annual Meeting and
Symposium of the Asian Forensic Science Network, Seoul, South Korea.
October 12-14, 2014.
Rodriguez JJRR, Calacal G, Laude R and De Ungria MCA. 2014. Evaluation of
forensic DNA extraction methods for post-coital swabs, stains and condoms. 6th
Annual Meeting and Symposium of the Asian Forensic Science Network, Seoul,
South Korea. October 12-14, 2014.
Salvador J, Rodriguez JJRR and De Ungria MCA. 2014. Advantage of using
complementary kits for the elucidation of ambiguous DNA profiling results. 6th
Annual Meeting and Symposium of the Asian Forensic Science Network, Seoul,
South Korea. October 12-14, 2014.
Carandang LC, Salvador J, Honrado ML, Agmata A, Sagum AR and De Ungria
MC. 2014. Mutation rates at 34 Y-chromosomal Short Tandem Repeat (STR)
markers in father-son, brother-brother, and grandfather-grandson pairs from a
Filipino population. 6th Annual Meeting and Symposium of the Asian Forensic
Science Network, Seoul, South Korea. October 12-14, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 52
•
•
•
•
•
Sales PRL, Calacal GC, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2014. Validation and
comparison of DNA extraction methods for human teeth. 6th Annual Meeting
and Symposium of the Asian Forensic Science Network, Seoul, South Korea.
October 12-14, 2014.
Rodriguez JJRB, Salvador JM, Calacal GC, Laude RP and De Ungria MCA. 2014.
The Establishment of a Philippine Population DNA Database at 23 Autosomal
Short Tandem Repeat Markers for Forensic Applications. The 7th UPLB CAS
Student-Faculty Research Conference held in the New CAS Auditorium, UPLB.
November 17, 2014. (Best Poster Presentation Award).
Carandang LCDL, Salvador JM, Calacal GC and De Ungria MCA. 2014.
Reconstruction of Jose Rizal’s maternal genealogy using mitochondrial lineage
markers. 36th National Academy of Science and Technology Convention.
Philippine International Convention Center. July 9-10, 2014.
Espigar ARM, Delfin FC, Guia-Padilla M, Salvador JM, De Ungria, MCA and
Mijares, ASB. 2014. Adoption of an iterative strategy in Population Genetics
Research involving Indigenous Peoples (IPs)/ Indigenous Cultural Communities
(ICCs). 36th National Academy of Science and Technology Convention.
Philippine International Convention Center. July 9-10, 2014.
Apaga DLT, Calacal GCC, Dalet MRM, Honrado MLD and De Ungria MCA.
2014. Quantitative Assays of DNA Samples in the Presence of PCR Inhibitors.
36th National Academy of Science and Technology Convention. Philippine
International Convention Center. July 9-10, 2014.
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
14th Forum for Ethics Review Committees in the Asia and the Western Pacific
(FERCAP) International Conference and the 1st Philippine Health Research
Ethics Board National Conference with the theme "Embedding Ethics in
National Health Research Systems", Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City, Philippines.
November 24-25, 2014.
Comprehensive Training for Airline Accident (Mass Casualties Management
Training Program) organized by the Asia-Pacific Medico-Legal Agencies,
Incheon Airport, Seoul, South Korea. October 18, 2014.
Seminar on 'The Real CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in New York
City" by Ms. Sheila E. Dennis, Natural Sciences Research Institute, UP Diliman.
November 21, 2014.
8th Scientific Symposium of the Scientific Career System and Philippine
Association of Career Scientists on ‘Science in the Age of #' Eastwood
Richmonde Hotel. October 1, 2014.
Seminar on ‘Rebuilding a Legacy: The Philippine National Museum and Natural
History' by Dr Arvin C. Diesmos, Natural Sciences Research Institute, UP Diliman.
September 2, 2014.
Symposium of the Natural Sciences Research Institute with the theme
'Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 years and Beyond', Natural Sciences
Research Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman Campus, Quezon City.
June 19, 2014.
81st Scientific Conference of the National Research Council of the Philippines
on ‘Future Earth, Future Philippines' Manila Hotel. March 26-27, 2014.
Seminar on ‘Massive Contribution of Repeats and Noncoding Elements to
Primate Origin' by Dr. Ricardo del Rosario, Natural Sciences Research Institute,
UP Diliman. March 10, 2014.
Seminar on ‘Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion' by Dr. Mark Stoneking, Natural Sciences Research
Institute, UP Diliman. February 13, 2014.
Seminar on ‘Genes, Culture and Human Evolution: Are humans still evolving?' by
Dr Mark Stoneking, Institute of Biological Sciences Lecture Hall, UP Los Baños.
February 12, 2014.
Symposium on ‘Forensic Science in the Philippines: Status, Challenges and
Opportunities' organized by the students of BIOL397, Institute of Biological
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 53
•
Sciences, the Natural Sciences Research Institute and the Philippine Genome
Center, UP Diliman. February 11, 2014.
Seminar on ‘Networks of Marine Reserves For Fisheries Management: Can they
really work?' by Dr Rene Abesamis, Natural Sciences Research Institute, UP
Diliman. January 7, 2014.
Organizations
International
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society– Member (2011- present )
Quality Assurance and Standards Committee of Asia Forensic Science Network
– 1st Secretary (2011 - present)
DNA Workgroup of the Asia Forensic Science Network – Member and Country
Representative (2009-present).
Regional East Asia DNA Profiling Group (REAFD) - Member and Country
Representative (2007-2009)
The Academy of Science for the Developing World (TWAS) – Affiliate Fellow
(2007-2012)
American Association of Blood Banks- Member (2005-present)
Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE)- Member
(2005-present)
International Society for Forensic Genetics - Member (2003-2004)
Third World Organization of Women Scientists (TWOWS) – Member (1999present)
Local
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Innocence Project Philippines Network - Acting Executive Director (2012present)
Forensic Odontology Society of the Philippines - Honorary Fellow (2013- present)
Outstanding Young Scientists Inc. – Board Member (Secretary 2008 - 2014;
Public Relations Officer 2007 - 2008)
Philippine Association of Career Scientists - Member, Board of Trustees (2013 present)
The Outstanding Women in the Nation Service (TOWNS) - Member (2007present)
Philippine Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Member (2002)
National Research Council of the Philippines (Division III) – Member (2003 present); Associate Member (1999 - 2003)
Philippine Society for Microbiology Inc - Member (1999 - 2003)
2) GAYVELLINE C. CALACAL (University Researcher II / DOST SCS Scientist 2)
Positions held
•
•
•
University Researcher II (March 1997 – present)
Scientist I (DOST-SCS) (March 2013 – present)
Program Committee Member (Forensics and Ethnicity), Philippine Genome
Center (November 2011 - present)
Awards/Accreditation received
•
Recipient of International Publication Award given by the President of the
University of the Philippines for the paper “Complete mtDNA genomes of Filipino
ethnolinguistic groups: A melting pot of recent and ancient lineages in the AsiaPacific region”. European Journal of Human Genetics 22 (2):228-37.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 54
Research grants
•
Forensic DNA analysis procedures for human remains identification funded by
the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development under the
Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the
University of the Philippines.
•
DNA Testing of Child Trafficking Cases funded by the DNA-Prokids Initiative,
Granada, Spain.
Publications
•
Frederick Delfin, Albert Min-Shan Ko, Mingkun Li, Ellen D Gunnarsdottir, Kristina A
Tabbada, Jazelyn M Salvador, Gayvelline C Calacal, Minerva S Sagum,
Francisco A Datar, Sabino G Padilla, Maria Corazon A De Ungria and Mark
Stoneking. 2014. Complete mtDNA genomes of Filipino ethnolinguistic groups: a
melting pot of recent and ancient lineages in the Asia-Pacific region. Eur J Hum
Genet.
Lectures
•
•
•
•
Coordinator/Facilitator, Bone DNA Workshop for Human Remains Identification.
NSRI, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. January 12 14 & 20 – 23, 2014.
Speaker. A Catalyst for Philippine Judicial Reform: 18 years of Forensic DNA
typing Research, Training and Extension Services at the UP-NSRI-DAL. NSRI 50th
Anniversary with the theme “Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 years and
beyond”. NSRI, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
June 19, 2014.
Speaker. Disaster Victim Identification. Forensic Biology Symposium 2014 with
the theme “Forensic Science in the Philippines: Status, Challenges and
Opportunities”. NSRI, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. February 11, 2014.
Resource Person, DNA Typing Technology for the science-oriented radio
program “Sciencia na Kayo” of the College of Science, University of the
Philippines DZUP Program. January 24, 2014.
Conference proceedings
•
•
•
•
•
Calacal GC, Apaga DLT, Dalet MR, Salvador JM, Honrado MLD, Sales PRL,
Jimenez JJ, Villacorta PR, Lim MC, Fortun RdR, Datar F and De Ungria MCA.
2014. Comparing Different Post Mortem Human Samples as DNA sources for
downstream genotyping and identification in the Philippines. World Forensic
Festival 2014-20th World Meeting of the International Association of Forensic
Sciences (WFF-IAFS), COEX, Seoul, South Korea. October 15-17, 2014. COEX,
Sales, PRL, Calacal GC, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2014. Validation of
extraction methods for human DNA from cigarette butts. World Forensic Festival
2014-20th World Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences
(WFF-IAFS). COEX, Seoul, South Korea. October 15-17, 2014.
Salvador JM, Honrado MLD, Apaga DLT, Calacal GC and De Ungria MCA. 2014.
Evaluation of the prototype PowerQuant™ System for DNA quantitation. World
Forensic Festival 2014-6th Asian Forensic Sciences Network Annual Meeting and
Symposium (WFF-AFSN), COEX, Seoul, South Korea. October 12-14, 2014.
Sales, PRL, Calacal GC, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2014. Validation and
comparison of DNA extraction methods for human teeth. World Forensic
Festival 2014-6th Asian Forensic Sciences Network Annual Meeting and
Symposium (WFF-AFSN), COEX, Seoul South, Korea. October 12-14, 2014.
Rodriguez JJRB, Calacal GC, Laude RP and De Ungria MCA. Evaluation of DNA
extraction methods for post-coital swabs, stains and condoms. 2014. Validation
and comparison of DNA extraction methods for human teeth. World Forensic
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 55
•
•
Festival 2014-6th Asian Forensic Sciences Network Annual Meeting and
Symposium (WFF-AFSN), COEX, Seoul, South Korea. October 12-14, 2014.
Apaga DLT, Calacal GC, Dalet MRMD, Honrado MLD and De Ungria MCA.
2014. Quantitative Assays of Bone DNA Samples in the Presence of PCR
Inhibitors. 36th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science
and Technology (NAST). PICC, Manila, Philippines, July 9-10, 2014.
Carandang LCDL, Salvador JMS, Calacal GC and De Ungria MCA. 2014
Reconstruction of Jose Rizal’s Maternal Genealogy Using Mitochondrial Lineage
Markers. 36th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science
and Technology (NAST). PICC, Manila, Philippines, July 9-10, 2014.
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NSRI Seminar “The Real CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in New York
City”. NSRI, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
November 2014.
Asia-Pacific Medico-Legal Agency, 2014 Comprehensive Training for Airline
Accident, Mass casualties management training program, Incheon
International airport, Seoul, South Korea. October 2014.
World Forensic Festival 2014-20th World Meeting of the International Association
of Forensic Sciences (WFF-IAFS) and 6th Asian Forensic Science Network, COEX,
Seoul, South Korea. October 2014.
World Forensic Festival 2014- 6th Asian Forensic Science Network, COEX, Seoul,
South Korea. October 2014.
Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 years and beyond, NSRI, University of the
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. June 2014.
Training-Workshop on Principles of Health Research Ethics and Good Clinical
Practice, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Compound,
Manila, Philippines. March 2014.
32nd PCHRD Anniversary Celebration “Connecting Health R&D Emergency
Health Management”, Makati Shangri-la Hotel. Makati City, Philippines. March
2014.
NSRI Seminar Series: “Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion”, NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. February 2014.
Organizations
International
•
•
•
International Society for Forensic Genetics – Member (2013-present)
DNA Workgroup of the Asia Forensic Science Network - Member Representative
(2009-present)
Regional East Asia DNA Profiling Group (REAFD) – Member (2007-present)
Local
•
•
•
•
•
•
Scientific Career System – Member (2013 - present)
Outstanding Young Scientists Inc. – Member (2010 - present)
Philippine Biosafety and Biosecurity Association, Inc (PhBBA) – Member (2009 present)
Philippine Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PSBMB) – Member
(2002 - present)
Philippine Society for Microbiology (PSM) – Member (2000 - present)
Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) – Member (1993 present)
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 56
3) JAZELYN M. SALVADOR (University Research Associate I)
Positions held
•
•
University Research Associate I (March 2002 – present)
Program Committee Member (Forensics and Ethnicity), Philippine Genome
Center (November 2011 - present)
Awards/Accreditation received
•
Recipient of International Publication Award given by the President of the
University of the Philippines for the paper “Complete mtDNA genomes of Filipino
ethnolinguistic groups: A melting pot of recent and ancient lineages in the AsiaPacific region”. European Journal of Human Genetics 22 (2):228-37.
Research grants
•
•
•
Y chromosomal DNA variation of Filipinos across families using rapidly mutating
(RM) Y-chromosome specific Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers funded by the
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development under the Program on
Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the University of the
Philippines.
Y chromosomal DNA variation of the Filipino population using rapidly mutating
(RM) Y-chromosome specific Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers funded by the
Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and
Development under the Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine
Genome Center of the University of the Philippines.
DNA Testing of Child Trafficking Cases funded by the DNA-Prokids Initiative,
Granada, Spain.
Publications
•
•
Ballantyne KN, Ralf A, Aboukhalid R, Achakzai NM, Anjos MJ, Ayub Q, Balažic J,
Ballantyne J, Ballard DJ, Berger B, Bobillo C, Bouabdellah M, Burri H, Capal T,
Caratti S, Cárdenas J, Cartault F, Carvalho EF, Carvalho M, Cheng B, Coble
MD, Comas D, Corach D, D’Amato ME, Davison S, de Knijff P, De Ungria MCA,
Decorte R, Dobosz T, Dupuy BM, Elmrghni S, Gliwiński M, Gomes SC, Grol L, Haas
C, Hanson E, Henke J, Henke L, Herrera-Rodríguez E, Hill CR, Holmlund G, Honda
K, Immel UD, Inokuchi S, Jobling MA, Kaddura M, Kim JS, Kim SH, Kim W, King TE,
Klausriegler E, Kling D, Kovačević L, Kovatsi L, Krajewski P, Kravchenko S,
Larmuseau MHD, Lee EY, Lessig R, Livshits LA, Marjanović D, Minarik M, Mizuno N,
Moreira H, Morling N, Mukherjee M, Munier P, Nagaraju J, Neuhuber F, Nie S,
Nilasitsataporn P, Nishi T, Oh HH, Olofsson J, Onofri V, Palo JU, Pamjav H, Parson
W, Petlach M, Phillips C, Ploski R, Prasad SPR, Primorac D, Purnomo GA, Purps J,
Rangel-Villalobos H, Rębała K, Rerkamnuaychoke B, Gonzalez DR, Robino C,
Roewer L, Rosa A, Sajantila A, Sala A, Salvador JM, Sanz P, Schmitt C, Sharma
AK, Silva DA, Shin KJ, Sijen T, Sirker M, Siváková D, Škaro V, Solano-Matamoros C,
Souto L, Stenzl V, Sudoyo H, Court DS, Tagliabracci A, Taylor D, Tillmar A,
Tsybovsky IS, Tyler-Smith C, van der Gaag KJ, Vanek D, Völgyi A, Ward D,
Willemse P, Yap EPH, Yong RYY, Pajnič IZ, and Kayser M. 2014. ‘Towards male
individualization with rapidly mutating Y-chromosomal STRs’. Human Mutation
35(8): 1021-1032.
Purps J, Siegert S, Willuweit S, Nagy M, Alves C, Salazar R, Angustia SMT, Santos
LH, Anslinger K, Bayer B, Ayub Q, Wei W, Xue Y, Tyler-Smith C, Bafalluy MB,
Martínez-Jarreta B, Egyed B, Balitzki B, Tschumi S, Ballard D, Court DS, Barrantes
X, Bäßler G, Wiest T, Berger B, Niederstätter H, Parson W, Davis C, Budowle B,
Burri H, Borer U, Koller C, Carvalho EF, Domingues PM, Chamoun WT, Coble MD,
Hill CR, Corach D, Caputo M, D'Amato ME, Davison S, Decorte R, Larmuseau
MHD, Ottoni C, Rickards O, Lu D, Jiang C, Dobosz T, Jonkisz A, Frank WE, Furac I,
Gehrig C, Castella V, Grskovic B, Haas C, Wobst J, Hadzic G, Drobnic K, Honda
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 57
•
K, Hou Y, Zhou D, Li Y, Hu S, Chen S, Immel U-D, Lessig R, Jakovski Z, Ilievska T,
Klann AE, Garcia CC, de Knijff P, Kraaijenbrink T, Kondili A, Miniati P,
Vouropoulou M, Kovacevic L, Marjanovic D, Lindner I, Mansour I, Al-Azem M,
Andari AE, Marino M, Furfuro S, Locarno L, Martín P, Luque GM, Alonso A,
Miranda LS, Moreira H, Mizuno N, Iwashima Y, Neto RSM, Nogueira TLS, Silva R,
Nastainczyk-Wulf M, Edelmann J, Kohl M, Nie S, Wang X, Cheng B, Núñez C, de
Pancorbo MM, Olofsson JK, Morling N, Onofri V, Tagliabracchi A, Pamjav H,
Volgyi A, Barany G, Pawlowski R, Maciejewska A, Pelotti S, Pepinski W, AbreuGlowacka M, Phillips C, Cárdenas J, Rey-Gonzalez D, Salas A, Brisighelli F,
Capelli C, Toscanini U, Piccinini A, Piglionica M, Baldassarra SL, Ploski R,
Konarzewska M, Jastrzebska E, Robino C, Sajantila A, Palo JU, Guevara E,
Salvador JM, De Ungria MC, Rodriguez JJR, Schmidt U, Schlauderer N, Saukko P,
Schneider PM, Sirker M, Shin K-J, Oh YN, Skitsa I, Ampati A, Smith T-G, CalvitLSd,
Stenzl V, Capal T, Tillmar A, Nilsson H, Turrina S, De Leo D, Verzeletti A, Cortellini
V, Wetton JH, Gwynne GM, Jobling MA, Whittle MR, Sumita DR, WolańskaNowak P, Yong RYY, Krawczak M, Nothnagel M and Roewer L. 2014. ‘A global
analysis of Y-chromosomal haplotype diversity for 23 STR loci’. Forensic Science
International: Genetics 12:12-23.
Delfin FC, Min-Shan Ko A, Li M, Gunnarsdottir ED, Tabbada KA, Salvador JM,
Calacal GC, Sagum MS, Datar FA, Padilla SG, De Ungria MCA and Stoneking M.
2014. ‘Complete mtDNA genomes of Filipino ethnolinguistic groups: a melting
pot of recent and ancient lineages in the Asia-Pacific region’. European
Journal of Human Genetics 22 (2):228-37.
Lectures
•
•
Resource Speaker on "Forensic Technology" during the conduct of In-Service
Training Seminar for Teachers of Tagumpay National High School, San Jose
Rodriguez, Rizal. October 23, 2014.
Judge for the Science and Technology Research Competition during the Youth,
Math, Science and Technology Week of the Philippine Science High School
Main Campus. January 18, 2014.
Conference proceedings
•
•
•
•
•
•
Salvador JM, Honrado MLD, Apaga DLT, Calacal GC and De Ungria MCA. 2014.
Evaluation of the prototype PowerQuantTM System for DNA quantitation. World
Forensic Festival 2014 – 6th Asian Forensic Sciences Network Annual Meeting
and Symposium (WFF-AFSN), COEX, Seoul, Korea. October 12-14, 2014.
Salvador JM, Rodriguez JJRB and De Ungria MCA. 2014. Advantage of using
complementary kits for the elucidation of ambiguous DNA profiling results.
World Forensic Festival 2014 – 6th Asian Forensic Sciences Network Annual
Meeting and Symposium (WFF-AFSN), COEX, Seoul, Korea. October 12-14, 2014.
Sales PRL, Calacal GC, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2014. Validation and
comparison of DNA extraction methods for human teeth. World Forensic
Festival 2014 – 6th Asian Forensic Sciences Network Annual Meeting and
Symposium (WFF-AFSN), COEX, Seoul, Korea. October 12-14, 2014.
Carandang LCDL, Salvador JM, Honrado MLD, Agmata AB, Sagum ARP, De
Ungria MCA. 2014. Mutation rates at 34 Y-chromosomal Short Tandem Repeat
(STR) markers in Father/Son, Brother, and Grandfather-Grandson pairs from a
Filipino population. World Forensic Festival 2014 – 6th Asian Forensic Sciences
Network Annual Meeting and Symposium (WFF-AFSN), COEX, Seoul, Korea.
October 12-14, 2014.
Salvador JM, Honrado MLD, Carandang LCDL, Agmata AB, Sagum ARP, De
Ungria MCA. 2014. Evaluation of Y-STR DNA results of kinship cases using the
Philippine online Y-STR Haplotype Reference Database (YHRD). World Forensic
Festival 2014 –20th World Meeting of the International Association of Forensic
Sciences (WFF-IAFS), COEX, Seoul, Korea. October 15-17, 2014.
Sales PRL, Ferrer DEC, Calacal GC, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2014.
Validation of extraction methods for human DNA from cigarette butts. World
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 58
•
•
•
•
•
Forensic Festival 2014 –20th World Meeting of the International Association of
Forensic Sciences (WFF-IAFS), COEX, Seoul, Korea. October 15-17, 2014.
Rodriguez JJRB, Bright J, Salvador JM, Laude RP and De Ungria MCA. 2014. DNA
evidence interpretation for sexual assault cases in the Philippines: adopting a
continuous model for mixture analysis. World Forensic Festival 2014 –20th World
Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences (WFF-IAFS), COEX,
Seoul, Korea. October 15-17, 2014.
Calacal GC, Apaga DLT, Dalet MRM, Honrado MLD, Jimenez JA, Villacorta PR,
Lim MC, Fortun R, Datar F, Sales PR, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2014.
Comparing different post mortem human samples as DNA sources for
downstream genotyping and identification in the Philippines. World Forensic
Festival 2014 –20th World Meeting of the International Association of Forensic
Sciences (WFF-IAFS), COEX, Seoul, Korea. October 15-17, 2014.
Delfin FC, Gunnarsdóttir E, Ko AM, Li M, Pugach I, Stoneking M, Salvador JM,
Calacal GC, Perdigon HB, Tabbada KA, Villamor LP, Sagum MS, Halos SC and
De Ungria MCA. 2014. A Scratch on the Surface”: Filipino Population Genetic
Story and Genetic Perspectives on the History and Demography of the
Mamanwa of Surigao. International Mamanwa Dialogue Symposium, Hotel
Tavern Surigao, Surigao City, Philippines. September 19-21, 2014.
Espigar ARM, Delfin FC, Padilla MTG, Salvador JM, De Ungria MCA and Mijares
AB. 2014. Adoption of an iterative strategy in population genetics research
involving Indigenous Peoples (IP)/Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC). 36th
Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and
Technology, PICC Manila, Philippines. July 9-10, 2014.
Carandang LCDL, Salvador JM, CalacalGC and De Ungria MCA. 2014.
Reconstruction of Jose Rizal’s maternal genealogy using mitochondrial lineage
markers. 36th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science
and Technology, PICC Manila, Philippines. July 9-10, 2014.
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
NSRI Seminar “The Real CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in New York
City”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
November 2014.
Asia-Pacific Medico-Legal Agency, 2014 Comprehensive Training for Airline
Accident, Mass casualties management training program. Incheon
International airport, Seoul, South Korea. October 2014.
World Forensic Festival 2014-20th World Meeting of the International Association
of Forensic Sciences (WFF-IAFS) and 6th Asian Forensic Science Network. COEX.
Seoul, South Korea. October 2014.
World Forensic Festival 2014- 6th Asian Forensic Science Network. COEX. Seoul,
South Korea. October 2014.
What makes us human? Insights from the Neanderthal Genome". Archaelogical
Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. October 2014.
Organizations
International
• Regional East Asia Forensic DNA (REAFD) Group. Member (Founding Member)
since 2007.
• DNA Working Group of the Asian Forensic Science Network (AFSN). Member
since 2009.
Local
•
Philippine Genome Center, Program on Forensics and Ethnicity Committee –
Member since 2013.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 59
•
•
Network for Integrative Multidisciplinary Bioinformatics Utilization Strategies, Inc.
(NIMBUS Inc.) – Life Member since 2009
Philippine Society for Microbiology (PSM) – Member since 2004.
4) FREDERICK C. DELFIN (University Research Associate I)
Positions held
•
•
•
University Research Associate 1 (1998 – present)
Member, Program on Forensics and Ethnicity, Philippine Genome Center,
University of the Philippines (May 2011 – present)
Research manuscript reviewer for Universitas Scientiarum, Pontificia Universidad
Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia 2014
Awards/Accreditation received
•
•
Recipient of International Publication Award, University of the Philippines,
Diliman. Delfin F, Ko AM, Li M, Gunnarsdóttir ED, Tabbada KA, Salvador JM,
Calacal GC, Sagum MS, Datar FA, Padilla SG, De Ungria MCA and Stoneking M
2014. Complete mtDNA genomes of Filipino ethnolinguistic groups: a melting
pot of recent and ancient lineages in the Asia-Pacific region. Eur J Hum Genet
22:228-237.
Recipient of International Publication Award, University of the Philippines,
Diliman. Pugach I, Delfin F, Gunnarsdóttir E, Kayser M and Stoneking S. 2013.
Genome-wide data substantiate Holocene gene flow from India to Australia.
Proc Nat Acad Sci 110(5):1803-1808.
Research grants
•
•
•
Palaeoenviromental and biodiversity study of Mindoro island: An
archaeological science initiative funded by the Office of the Vice President for
Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines to the Archaeological Studies
Program through the Emerging Technologies Program.
Reconstruction of Jose Rizal’s DNA to Study his Genealogy and Genetic
Ancestry using Lineage and Ancestry Informative Markers funded by the Office
of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines under the
Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the
University of the Philippines.
Understanding the Genetic Diversity and Identity of Filipino Populations funded
by the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
Publications
•
•
Ko AM, Chen C, Fu Q, Delfin F, Li M, Chiu H, Stoneking M and Ko Y. 2014. Early
Austronesians: Into and Out of Taiwan. Am J Hum Genet 94: 426-436.
Delfin F, Ko AM, et al. 2014. Complete mtDNA genomes of Filipino
ethnolinguistic groups: a melting pot of recent and ancient lineages in the AsiaPacific region. Eur J Hum Genet 22: 228-237.
Lectures
•
Lecturer: Sabino G. Padilla Memorial Lecture Series. University of the Philippines,
Manila, Layag Organization, Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of
Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines, Manila, Ermita, Manila. March 7,
2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 60
Conference proceedings
•
Molecular Anthropology / Human Population History Research Group,
Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary
Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany: Frederick Delfin, Ellen Gunnarsdóttir, Albert
Min-Shan Ko, Mingkun Li, Irina Pugach and Mark Stoneking; DNA Analysis
Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the Philippines,
Diliman, Philippines: Frederick Delfin, Jazelyn M Salvador, Gayvelline C Calacal,
Henry B Perdigon, Kristina A Tabbada, Lilian P Villamor, Minerva S Sagum,
Saturnina C Halos and Maria Corazon A De Ungria. “A Scratch on the Surface”:
Filipino Population Genetic Story and Genetic Perspectives on the History and
Demography of the Mamanwa of Surigao. A Symposium paper (oral
presentation) presented at the International Mamanwa Dialogue Symposium,
Hotel Tavern Surigao, Surigao City, Philippines. September 19-21 2014.
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
NSRI Seminar “The Real CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in New York
City”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
November 2014.
"What makes us human? Insights from the Neanderthal Genome".
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014.
Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 years and beyond. NSRI, University of the
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. June 2014.
"Forensic Science in the Philippines: status, challenges and opportunities". NSRI
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. February 2014.
NSRI Seminar Series: “Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. February 2014.
Organizations
International
•
•
Regional East Asia Forensic DNA (REAFD) Group. Member (Founding Member)
since 2007.
Quality Assurance and Standards Committee of Asia Forensic Science Network–
member since 2010.
5) MIRIAM RUTH M. DALET (University Research Associate I)
Positions held
•
•
University Research Associate 1 (Feb 2002 – present)
Board Member, Innocence Project Philippines Network, Inc.
Research grants
•
•
•
Forensic DNA analysis procedures for human remains identification funded by
the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development under the
Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the
University of the Philippines.
Y chromosomal DNA variation of the Filipino population using rapidly mutating
(RM) Y-chromosome specific Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers funded by the
Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and
Development under the Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine
Genome Center of the University of the Philippines.
Y chromosomal DNA variation of Filipinos across families using rapidly mutating
(RM) Y-chromosome specific Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers funded by the
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 61
•
•
•
•
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development under the Program on
Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the University of the
Philippines.
Formulation of an integrated system of forensic DNA testing for the evaluation
of sexual assault cases in the Philippines funded by the Office of the Vice
President for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines through its Creative
Work and Research Grant Scheme.
Reconstruction of Jose Rizal’s DNA to Study his Genealogy and Genetic
Ancestry using Lineage and Ancestry Informative Markers funded by the Office
of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines under the
Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the
University of the Philippines.
DNA profiling of human urine samples for identification funded by the Office of
Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, University of the Philippines,
Diliman.
DNA Testing of Child Trafficking Cases funded by the DNA-Prokids Initiative,
Granada, Spain.
Conference proceedings
•
Calacal GC, Apaga DLT, Dalet MRM, Honrado MLD, Jimenez JA, Villacorta PR,
Lim MC, Fortun R, Datar F, Sales PR, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2014.
Comparing different post mortem human samples as DNA sources for
downstream genotyping and identification in the Philippines. World Forensic
Festival 2014 –20th World Meeting of the International Association of Forensic
Sciences (WFF-IAFS), COEX, Seoul, Korea. October 15-17, 2014.
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
NSRI Seminar “The Real CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in New York
City”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
November 2014.
"What makes us human? Insights from the Neanderthal Genome".
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014.
Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 years and beyond. NSRI, University of the
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. June 2014.
"Forensic Science in the Philippines: status, challenges and opportunities". NSRI
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. February 2014.
NSRI Seminar Series: “Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. February 2014.
Organizations
International
•
•
Regional East Asia Forensic DNA (REAFD) Group. Member (Founding Member)
since 2007.
Quality Assurance and Standards Committee of Asia Forensic Science Network–
member since 2010.
6) MINERVA S. SAGUM (University Research Associate I)
Positions held
•
•
•
•
EU Project Research Associate (Oct 2002 – 2003)
DAL Research Associate (2003 – May 2006)
University Research Associate 1 (June 2006 – present)
Board Member, Innocence Project Philippines Network, Inc.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 62
•
NSRI Special Events Committee Head (2013 - present)
Awards/Accreditation received
•
Recipient of International Publication Award, University of the Philippines,
Diliman. Delfin F, Ko AM, Li M, Gunnarsdóttir ED, Tabbada KA, Salvador JM,
Calacal GC, Sagum MS, Datar FA, Padilla SG, De Ungria MCA and Stoneking M
2014. Complete mtDNA genomes of Filipino ethnolinguistic groups: a melting
pot of recent and ancient lineages in the Asia-Pacific region. Eur J Hum Genet
22:228-237.
Research Grants
•
•
•
Y chromosomal DNA variation of the Filipino population using rapidly mutating
(RM) Y-chromosome specific Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers funded by the
Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and
Development under the Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine
Genome Center of the University of the Philippines.
DNA profiling of human urine samples for identification funded by the Office of
Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, University of the Philippines,
Diliman.
DNA Testing of Child Trafficking Cases funded by the DNA-Prokids Initiative,
Granada, Spain.
Publications
•
Frederick Delfin, Albert Min-Shan Ko, Mingkun Li, Ellen D Gunnarsdottir, Kristina A
Tabbada, Jazelyn M Salvador, Gayvelline C Calacal, Minerva S Sagum,
Francisco A Datar, Sabino G Padilla, Maria Corazon A De Ungria and Mark
Stoneking. 2013. Complete mtDNA genomes of Filipino ethnolinguistic groups: a
melting pot of recent and ancient lineages in the Asia-Pacific region. Eur J Hum
Genet.
Conference Proceedings
•
Delfin FC, Gunnarsdóttir E, Ko AM, Li M, Pugach I, Stoneking M, Salvador JM,
Calacal GC, Perdigon HB, Tabbada KA, Villamor LP, Sagum MS, Halos SC and
De Ungria MCA. 2014. A Scratch on the Surface”: Filipino Population Genetic
Story and Genetic Perspectives on the History and Demography of the
Mamanwa of Surigao. International Mamanwa Dialogue Symposium, Hotel
Tavern Surigao, Surigao City, Philippines. September 19-21, 2014.
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
NSRI Seminar “The Real CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in New York
City”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
November 2014.
"What makes us human? Insights from the Neanderthal Genome".
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014.
Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 years and beyond. NSRI, University of the
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. June 2014.
"Forensic Science in the Philippines: status, challenges and opportunities". NSRI
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. February 2014.
NSRI Seminar Series: “Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. February 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 63
Organizations
International
•
•
Regional East Asia Forensic DNA (REAFD) Group. Member (Founding Member)
since 2007.
Quality Assurance and Standards Committee of Asia Forensic Science Network–
member since 2009
Local
•
•
•
Philippine Society for Microbiology (PSM) – Member
Philippine Association for Teacher Education (PAFTE) – Member
Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) – Associate Member
7) MARIA LOURDES D. HONRADO (University Research Associate I)
Positions held
•
University Research Associate 1 (June 2011 – present)
Research Grants
•
•
•
•
Y chromosomal DNA variation of Filipinos across families using rapidly mutating
(RM) Y-chromosome specific Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers funded by the
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development under the Program on
Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the University of the
Philippines.
Formulation of an integrated system of forensic DNA testing for the evaluation
of sexual assault cases in the Philippines funded by the Office of the Vice
President for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines through its Creative
Work and Research Grant Scheme.
DNA profiling of human urine samples for identification funded by the Office of
Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, University of the Philippines,
Diliman.
DNA Testing of Child Trafficking Cases funded by the DNA-Prokids Initiative,
Granada, Spain.
Conference Proceedings
•
•
•
•
Salvador JM, Honrado MLD, Apaga DLT, Calacal GC and De Ungria MCA. 2014.
Evaluation of the prototype PowerQuantTM System for DNA quantitation. World
Forensic Festival 2014 – 6th Asian Forensic Sciences Network Annual Meeting
and Symposium (WFF-AFSN), COEX, Seoul, Korea. October 12-14, 2014.
Carandang LCDL, Salvador JM, Honrado MLD, Agmata AB, Sagum ARP, De
Ungria MCA. 2014. Mutation rates at 34 Y-chromosomal Short Tandem Repeat
(STR) markers in Father/Son, Brother, and Grandfather-Grandson pairs from a
Filipino population. World Forensic Festival 2014 – 6th Asian Forensic Sciences
Network Annual Meeting and Symposium (WFF-AFSN), COEX, Seoul, Korea.
October 12-14, 2014.
Salvador JM, Honrado MLD, Carandang LCDL, Agmata AB, Sagum ARP, De
Ungria MCA. 2014. Evaluation of Y-STR DNA results of kinship cases using the
Philippine online Y-STR Haplotype Reference Database (YHRD). World Forensic
Festival 2014 –20th World Meeting of the International Association of Forensic
Sciences (WFF-IAFS), COEX, Seoul, Korea. October 15-17, 2014.
Calacal GC, Apaga DLT, Dalet MRM, Honrado MLD, Jimenez JA, Villacorta PR,
Lim MC, Fortun R, Datar F, Sales PR, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2014.
Comparing different post mortem human samples as DNA sources for
downstream genotyping and identification in the Philippines. World Forensic
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 64
Festival 2014 –20th World Meeting of the International Association of Forensic
Sciences (WFF-IAFS), COEX, Seoul, Korea. October 15-17, 2014.
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
•
Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 years and beyond. NSRI, University of the
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. June 2014.
"Forensic Science in the Philippines: status, challenges and opportunities". NSRI
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. February 2014.
NSRI Seminar Series: “Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. February 2014.
8) PAUL RYAN L. SALES (University Research Associate 1)
Positions held
•
•
•
DAL Trainee (Feb 2012 – April 2012)
Research Associate (May 2012 – February 2013)
University Research Associate 1 (March 2013 – present)
Research Grants
•
•
DNA Testing of Child Trafficking Cases funded by the DNA-Prokids Initiative,
Granada, Spain.
Validation of DNA Profiling Methods for Human Teeth funded by the Office of
Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, University of the Philippines,
Diliman.
Conference Proceedings
•
•
•
Calacal GC, Apaga DLT, Dalet MR, Salvador JM, Honrado MLD, Sales PRL,
Jimenez JJ, Villacorta PR, Lim MC, Fortun RdR, Datar F and De Ungria MCA.
2014. Comparing Different Post Mortem Human Samples as DNA sources for
downstream genotyping and identification in the Philippines. World Forensic
Festival 2014-20th World Meeting of the International Association of Forensic
Sciences (WFF-IAFS), COEX, Seoul, South Korea. October 15-17, 2014.
Sales, PRL, Calacal GC, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2014. Validation of
extraction methods for human DNA from cigarette butts. World Forensic Festival
2014-20th World Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences
(WFF-IAFS), COEX, Seoul, South Korea. October 15-17, 2014.
Sales, PRL, Calacal GC, Salvador JM and De Ungria MCA. 2014. Validation and
comparison of DNA extraction methods for human teeth. World Forensic
Festival 2014-6th Asian Forensic Sciences Network Annual Meeting and
Symposium (WFF-AFSN), COEX, Seoul South, Korea. October 12-14, 2014.
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
NSRI Seminar “The Real CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in New York
City”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
November 2014.
NSRI Seminar “Exploring the Filipino Microbiome”. NSRI University of the
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014.
"What makes us human? Insights from the Neanderthal Genome".
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014.
“The Genome of the Black Death: The evolution of ancient human pathogens”.
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 65
•
•
•
•
•
•
“Ancient Pathogen Genomics: what we learn from historical pandemics”.
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. October 2014.
World Forensic Festival 2014-20th World Meeting of the International Association
of Forensic Sciences (WFF-IAFS) and 6th Asian Forensic Science Network. COEX.
Seoul, South Korea. October 2014.
World Forensic Festival 2014- 6th Asian Forensic Science Network. COEX. Seoul,
South Korea. October 2014.
Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 years and beyond. NSRI, University of the
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. June 2014.
"Forensic Science in the Philippines: status, challenges and opportunities". NSRI
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. February 2014.
NSRI Seminar Series: “Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. February 2014.
Organizations
International
•
DNA Working Group Asia Forensic Science Network – Member (2012- )
Local
•
•
Philippine Environmental Mutagen Society – Member (2011- )
UP Pre-Medical Honor Society - Member (2008 – 2011)
9) NELVIE FATIMA JANE A. SOLIVEN (University Research Associate 1)
Positions held
•
•
DAL Trainee (Oct 2014)
University Research Associate 1 (Nov 2014 – present)
Research Grants
•
•
Sanctuarium Sample Collection and Storage Collaboration
Package Design Improvement Initiative for the Sexual Assault Investigation Kit
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
NSRI Seminar “Reconstruction of phylogenetic tree from a set of rooted triplets”.
NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. November
2014. December 2014.
NSRI Seminar “The use of microbiological inactivation and quality deterioration
models to address the consumer demand paradox for safety and quality”. NSRI
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014.
NSRI Seminar “The Real CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in New York
City”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
November 2014.
"What makes us human? Insights from the Neanderthal Genome".
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014.
“The Genome of the Black Death: The evolution of ancient human pathogens”.
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014.
“Ancient Pathogen Genomics: what we learn from historical pandemics”.
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. October 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 66
Organizations
Local
•
•
•
Institute of Biology Alumni Association
University of the Philippines Alumni Association
Floorball Philippines
10) ALPHA RAE M. ESPIGAR (Project Research Associate)
Positions held
•
Project Research Associate 1 (Nov 2014 – present)
Research Grants
•
Palaeoenvironmental and Biodiversity Study of Mindoro
Archaeological Science Initiative (Genetics Component)
Island:
An
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
11)
NSRI Seminar “Reconstruction of phylogenetic tree from a set of rooted triplets”.
NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. November
2014. December 2014.
NSRI Seminar “The use of microbiological inactivation and quality deterioration
models to address the consumer demand paradox for safety and quality”. NSRI
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014
NSRI Seminar “The Real CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in New York
City”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
November 2014.
"What makes us human? Insights from the Neanderthal Genome".
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. October 2014.
“The Genome of the Black Death: The evolution of ancient human pathogens”.
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014.
“Ancient Pathogen Genomics: what we learn from historical pandemics”.
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014.
Lindsay Claire DL Carandang (Science Research Specialist 2)
Positions held
•
•
•
DAL Trainee (Jan 2013 – May 2013)
Research Associate (June 2013 – Jan 2014)
Science Research Specialist 2 (Jan 2014 – present)
Research Grant
•
•
Y Chromosomal DNA Variation of the Filipinos across families using Rapidly
Mutating (RM) Y-chromosome Specific Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Markers
funded by Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of
the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under the Program on
Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the University of the
Philippines.
Reconstruction of Jose Rizal’s DNA to Study his Genealogy and Genetic
Ancestry using Lineage and Ancestry Informative Markers funded by the Office
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 67
of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines under the
Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the
University of the Philippines.
Conference Proceedings
•
•
•
Carandang LCDL, Salvador JM, Honrado MLD, Agmata AB, Sagum ARP, De
Ungria MCA. 2014. Mutation rates at 34 Y-chromosomal Short Tandem Repeat
(STR) markers in Father/Son, Brother, and Grandfather-Grandson pairs from a
Filipino population. World Forensic Festival 2014 – 6th Asian Forensic Sciences
Network Annual Meeting and Symposium (WFF-AFSN), COEX, Seoul, Korea.
October 12-14, 2014.
Salvador JM, Honrado MLD, Carandang LCDL, Agmata AB, Sagum ARP, De
Ungria MCA. 2014. Evaluation of Y-STR DNA results of kinship cases using the
Philippine online Y-STR Haplotype Reference Database (YHRD). World Forensic
Festival 2014 –20th World Meeting of the International Association of Forensic
Sciences (WFF-IAFS). October 15-17, 2014. COEX, Seoul, Korea.
Carandang LCDL, Salvador JM, Calacal GC and De Ungria MCA. 2014.
Reconstruction of Jose Rizal’s maternal genealogy using mitochondrial lineage
markers. 36th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science
and Technology, PICC Manila, Philippines. July 9-10, 2014.
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
"What makes us human? Insights from the Neanderthal Genome".
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014.
World Forensic Festival 2014-20th World Meeting of the International Association
of Forensic Sciences (WFF-IAFS) and 6th Asian Forensic Science Network. COEX.
Seoul, South Korea. October 2014.
NSRI Seminar Series: “Benthic Marine Cyanobacteria as Biofactories of Small
Molecules”. Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI), UP Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. August 2014.
National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) – 24th Annual Scientific
Meeting 2014. Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Metro Manila,
Philippines. July 2014.
Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 years and beyond. NSRI, University of the
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. June 2014.
"The Relevance and Importance of Y Typing in a Forensic Laboratory". Natural
Sciences Research Institute (NSRI), UP Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. April
2014.
Philippine Genome Center’s Scientific Symposium 2014. “Genomics: The Path
Towards a Better Understanding of Health, Disease, Evolution and Biodiversity”.
National Institute of Physics (NIP) Auditorium, National Science Complex,
University of the Philippines – Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. April 2014.
NSRI Seminar Series: “Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. February 2014.
"Forensic Science in the Philippines: status, challenges and opportunities". NSRI
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. February 2014.
NSRI Seminar Series : "Repurposing of an Anti-Cancer Drug Candidate to Treat
Antibiotic-resistant Chlamydia infections”. NSRI University of the Philippines,
Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. February 2014.
NSRI Seminar Series: “Marine Reserves for Fisheries Management: Can They
Really Work?”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. January 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 68
Organizations
International
•
DNA Working Group Asia Forensic Science Network – Member (2013 - present)
12) DAME LOVELINESS T. APAGA (Science Research Specialist 2)
Positions held
•
Science Research Specialist 2 (Jan 2013 – present)
Research Grant
•
Forensic DNA analysis procedures for human remains identification funded by
the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development under the
Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the
University of the Philippines.
Conference Proceedings
•
•
•
Calacal GC, Apaga DLT, Dalet MR, Salvador JM, Honrado MLD, Sales PRL,
Jimenez JJ, Villacorta PR, Lim MC, Fortun RdR, Datar F and De Ungria MCA.
2014. Comparing Different Post Mortem Human Samples as DNA sources for
downstream genotyping and identification in the Philippines. World Forensic
Festival 2014-20th World Meeting of the International Association of Forensic
Sciences (WFF-IAFS), COEX, Seoul, South Korea. October 15-17, 2014.
Salvador JM, Honrado MLD, Apaga DLT, Calacal GC and De Ungria MCA. 2014.
Evaluation of the prototype PowerQuant™ System for DNA quantitation. World
Forensic Festival 2014-6th Asian Forensic Sciences Network Annual Meeting and
Symposium (WFF-AFSN), COEX, Seoul, South Korea. October, 2014.
Apaga DLT, Calacal GC, Dalet MRMD, Honrado MLD and De Ungria MCA.
2014. Quantitative Assays of Bone DNA Samples in the Presence of PCR
Inhibitors. 36th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science
and Technology (NAST). PICC, Manila, Philippines. July 9-10, 2014.
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
"What makes us human? Insights from the Neanderthal Genome".
Archaelogical Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines. November 2014.
World Forensic Festival 2014-20th World Meeting of the International Association
of Forensic Sciences (WFF-IAFS) and 6th Asian Forensic Science Network. COEX.
Seoul, South Korea. October 2014.
NSRI Seminar Series: “Benthic Marine Cyanobacteria as Biofactories of Small
Molecules”. Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI), UP Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. August 2014.
National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) – 24th Annual Scientific
Meeting 2014. Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Metro Manila,
Philippines. July 2014.
Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 years and beyond. NSRI, University of the
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. June 2014.
"The Relevance and Importance of Y Typing in a Forensic Laboratory". Natural
Sciences Research Institute (NSRI), UP Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. April
2014.
Philippine Genome Center’s Scientific Symposium 2014. “Genomics: The Path
Towards a Better Understanding of Health, Disease, Evolution and Biodiversity”.
National Institute of Physics (NIP) Auditorium, National Science Complex,
University of the Philippines – Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. April 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 69
•
•
•
•
NSRI Seminar Series: “Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. February 2014.
"Forensic Science in the Philippines: status, challenges and opportunities". NSRI
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. February 2014
NSRI Seminar Series : "Repurposing of an Anti-Cancer Drug Candidate to Treat
Antibiotic-resistant Chlamydia infections”. NSRI University of the Philippines,
Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. February 2014.
NSRI Seminar Series: “Marine Reserves for Fisheries Management: Can They
Really Work?”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. January 2014.
Organizations
International
•
DNA Working Group Asia Forensic Science Network – Member (2013 - present)
Local
•
Integrated Chemist of the Philippines (ICP) – Associate Member
13) ANGELICA ROSE P. SAGUM (Science Research Specialist 2)
Positions held
•
•
Laboratory Research Associate (Feb 2014 to present)
Science Research Specialist 2 (July 2013 – Oct 2013)
Research Grant
•
•
Y chromosomal DNA variation of Filipinos across families using rapidly mutating
(RM) Y-chromosome specific Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers funded by the
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development under the Program on
Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the University of the
Philippines.
Y chromosomal DNA variation of the Filipino population using rapidly mutating
(RM) Y-chromosome specific Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers funded by the
Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and
Development under the Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine
Genome Center of the University of the Philippines.
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
NSRI Seminar “The Real CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in New York
City”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
November 2014.
NSRI Seminar Series: “Benthic Marine Cyanobacteria as Biofactories of Small
Molecules”. Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI), UP Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. August 2014.
Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 years and beyond. NSRI, University of the
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. June 2014.
"The Relevance and Importance of Y Typing in a Forensic Laboratory". Natural
Sciences Research Institute (NSRI), UP Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. April
2014.
NSRI Seminar Series: “Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. February 2014.
"Forensic Science in the Philippines: status, challenges and opportunities". NSRI
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. February 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 70
•
NSRI Seminar Series : "Repurposing of an Anti-Cancer Drug Candidate to Treat
Antibiotic-resistant Chlamydia infections”. NSRI University of the Philippines,
Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. February 2014.
Organizations
Local
•
•
Association of Nursing Service Administrators of the Philippines (ANSAP) –
Member (2011- present)
Infusion Nurses Society (INS)- Member (2011-present)
14) SHEILA MARIE E. DENNIS (Fulbright scholar, Nov 2014 - April 2015)
Positions held (Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Dept. of Forensic Biology, New
York, New York, U.S.A.)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Assistant Director: Research, Development, validation and Implementation
Team (Oct 2013 to Oct 2014)
Assistant Director: Hybrid/Cold Case Group (May 2011 to Oct 2013)
Criminalist IV: DNA Missing Persons Group (July 2006 to May 2011)
Criminalist III: DNA Missing Persons Group (May 2004 to July 2006)
Criminalist III: World Trade Center (WTO) Special Projects Team (Feb 2002 to
May 2004)
Criminalist II: Night Shift Leader, World Trade Center (WTO) and American
Airlines Flight 587 Disaster (Sept 2001 to Feb 2002)
Criminalist II (July 2000 to Sept 2001)
Forensic Anthropology Intern (1996-1999)
Research Grant
•
•
•
It's All Relative: A Molecular Approach to Forensic Science and Ethnicity in the
Philippines
Forensic DNA analysis procedures for human remains identification funded by
the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development under the
Program on Forensics and Ethnicity of the Philippine Genome Center of the
University of the Philippines.
Palaeoenviromental and biodiversity study of Mindoro island: An
archaeological science initiative funded by the Office of the Vice President for
Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines to the Archaeological Studies
Program through the Emerging Technologies Program.
Other tasks: Lecture and provide hands-on training for mass disaster response and
disaster victim identification. Share experiences in establishing a DNA Missing and
Unidentified Persons program and approaches to testing cold cases and post
conviction cases. Co-teaching BIOL 397 Seminar Series, Institute of Biology, College
of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman
Publication
•
Butcher, B., Bieber, F., Budimlija, Z., Dennis, S., Desire, M. "Identification of Missing
Persons and Mass Disaster Victim Identification by DNA." Forensic DNA
Applications: An Interdisciplinary Perspective, 1st edition. Ed. Dragan Primorac
and Moses Schanfield. USA: CRC Press, 2014, pp 277-292.
Lectures presented
•
"Workshop on DNA Typing of Bone Samples", Crime Laborartory, Philippine
National Police, Camp Crame, Quezon City, Philippines. December 2014
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 71
•
•
NSRI Seminar “The Real CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in New York
City”. NSRI University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
November 2014.
"Beta Testing a Targeted Next Generation Sequencing Solution for Forensic
Genomics: The 20/20 Experience". Promega's 25th International Symposium on
Human Identification (ISHI), Phoenix, AZ. September 2014.
Conference Proceedings
•
"Proof of Concept: Use of Rapid DNA Systems in Disaster Victim Identification".
Promega's 25th International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI), Phoenix,
AZ. Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2014.
Seminars/Workshops/Trainings attended
•
•
What makes us human? Insights from the Neanderthal Genome". Archaelogical
Studies Program (ASP), University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines. October 2014.
Promega's 25th International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI), Phoenix,
AZ. Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2014.
Organizations
•
•
•
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) – Fellow
Young Forensic Scientists Forum, AAFS - Secretary (2002-2005)
Young Forensic Scientists Forum Newsletter, AAFS - Editor (2002-2005)
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES LABORATORY (MRSL)
The Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory (MRSL) has unswervingly
served the various sectors of the society as it aspires to become a globally-recognized
and vital microbiological center. In 2014, through its microbiological resources and
services, extension work, research and academic endeavors, the MRSL has supported
the strengthening of the quality infrastructure and the advancement of science in the
Philippines.
Through its expertise in the field of microbiology, MRSL has provided technical
services for the programs and advocacies of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of
Agricultural and Fisheries Product Standards (DA-BAFPS). A total of 108 agricultural
products, namely, coconut products, peanuts, strawberries, taro (gabi) leaves and
various vegetables (Fig.22), were analyzed for key microbial parameters. The
laboratory performed the following microbiological tests to generate vital data for
standards development: enumeration of coliform bacteria and E. coli counts, Yeast
and Mold Count and detection of Salmonella. In addition, Dr. Maria Auxilia T. Siringan,
MRSL Head served as a member of two Technical Working Groups (TWG) of the DABAFS which were tasked to formulate two Philippine National Standards (PNS) for
agricultural products, namely the Code of Hygienic Practice (COHP) for Berries and
COHP for tomatoes. She has been involved in equipping DA-BAFS personnel and focal
persons who are involved in the implementation of the Good Agriculture Practice
(GAP) and in Organic Agriculture. Dr. Siringan served as resource person in the
following DA-BAFS-organized events: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Inspectors
Training on May 27-29, 2014 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Mid-year Assessment and
Planning Workshop for BAFS Regional Focal Persons on June 24-26, 2014 in Baguio City,
Benguet and c) Capacity Building for Organic Agriculture Validation Team on August
12-15, 2014 in Baguio City, Benguet.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 72
a
b
c
Fig. 22. Coco-sugar (a) and peanuts (b) were analyzed for key microbial parameters in
relation to the development of Philippine National Standards (PNS) for coconut products and
peanuts, respectively. Detection of Salmonella by conventional method (c) was performed.
MRSL has been committed to upgrade the technical competency of its staff.
MRSL Researchers, Ms. Sonia Sp. Bulaong and Ms. Celia A. Cereno were trained by Ms.
Glaezel Angelique V. Torres on the detection of Listeria monocytogenes in food on
October 14-17, 2014. Ms. Torres had acquired competency in L. monocytogenes
detection through the validation studies and actual microbiological analyses
performed in a project funded by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural
Research (DA-BAR), entitled, “Incidence and Determination of Food-Borne Pathogens
in Vegetables: Towards the Development of Microbiological Standards for Produce”.
Moreover, MRSL participated in the three Proficiency Testing programs organized by
the Philippine Metrology, Standards, Testing and Quality, Inc (PhilMSTQ) and
implemented by the IFM Quality Services (IFM) in Australia (Fig. 23).
The MRSL
technical staff demonstrated good to excellent performance in the following PT
programs in Microbiology: a) PT for potable water and beverage, b) PT for nonpathogens in infant formula and c) PT for pathogens in panettone.
With the
demonstration of proficiency in the enumeration of aerobic bacteria (Aerobic Plate
Count or APC), Bacillus cereus, coliform bacteria, E. coli, enterococci, fecal
streptococci,
lactic
acid
bacteria,
Listeria
monocytogenes,
Salmonella,
Staphylococcus aureus and yeasts and molds in pertinent matrices, the MRSL will
consistently provide quality microbiological services to its diverse clientele. In addition,
the MRSL has updated its Quality Management System (QMS) as it prepares for its ISO
17025:2005 accreditation.
This is currently undertaken through the project,
“Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory (MRSL): Leveling up towards
International Laboratory Accreditation (ISO 17025 Project)”, funded by the Office of
the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development (OVCRD) of the University of the
Philippines-Diliman
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 73
a
c
b
d
Fig. 23. Ms. Celia A, Cereno (a), Ms. Sonia Sp. Bulaong, Ms. Mary Adele
N. Arjona (c) and Ms. Vina B. Argayosa (d) participated in various
Proficiency Testing (PT) programs and demonstrated proficiency in
testing for different microbiological parameters for beverage, food and
water.
In line with the PT in Microbiology organized by PhilMSTQ, Inc., Dr. Siringan
served as lecturer in the National Microbiological Proficiency Testing Programme:
Technical Briefing on April 10, June 13 and August 15, 2014. The technical briefing was
conducted in order to orient the PT participants on procedures and guidelines relevant
to the program. Dr. Siringan discussed Proficiency Testing 101, Water Proficiency
Testing, PT for non-pathogens, PT for pathogens and PT for extension pathogens and
results entry.
MRSL has supported the capacity building programs of various institutions
through its training courses. Laboratory personnel from government agencies, food
industry, testing laboratories, and water providers were equipped in microbiological
testing. The laboratory conducted the following training courses: a) Bacteriological
Examination of Water on June 2 to 6 and on September 22 to 26, 2014 (Fig. 24), b)
Microbiological Analyses of Foods on August 4 to 8, 2014 (Fig. 25) and c) Basic
Microbiological Techniques on November 18-20, 2014.
Fig. 24. Ms. Bulaong is shown here training the participants in the enumeration
of quality indicators and pathogens in water.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 74
Fig.25. Participants from different agencies are shown here performing
microbiological analyses of different food matrices during the training course on
“Microbiological Analyses of Foods” on August 4 to 8, 2014.
MRSL has consistently provided quality and timely microbiological services to
the companies involved in the manufacture of biocidal agents, food and ingredients,
probiotics, personal care products. The laboratory served as reference laboratory or
technical arm of manufacturing firms, thus, supporting their Quality Assurance and
Research and Development Programs.
MRSL has continuously explored the diversity and potentials of microorganisms
through its research partnerships with UP-Diliman faculty-researchers. Under the
project, “Development of Plasma Technologies for Non-thermal Sterilization of Food
Products, Packaging, and Contact Surfaces and Enhancement of Food Packaging
Properties”, Dr. Siringan collaborates with Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel of the College of Home
Economics, the project leader, in developing inoculation protocols for bacteria and
fungi in food and food contact surfaces.
The protocols will be used in the
determination of the efficacy of plasma sterilization methods that will be developed by
the Plasma Laboratory of the National Institute of Pphysics (NIP), UP-Diliman.
The
project is funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for
Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOSTPCIEERD). Further, with more focused targets and generous funding from the DOSTPhilippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), the marine
drug discovery program was revitalized under the program, “Discovery and
Development of Health Products: Marine Component (DDHP: Marine). In the DDHP:
Marine program, headed by Dr. Arturo O. Lluisma of the Marine Science Institute, Dr.
Siringan is involved in harnessing and enhancing the anti-infective activity of
microorganisms associated with marine sponges (Fig.26). She is currently leading the
microbiology teams involved in the isolation, characterization and screening of
sponge-associated marine microorganisms for anti-infective potentials and
optimization of culture conditions for enhanced production of target metabolites.
a
b
c
Fig. 26. Marine microorganisms (c) from sponges (a and b) will be characterized
and screened for anti-infective activity under the Discovery and Development of
Health Products: Marine Component (DDHP: Marine).
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 75
Through the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR)-funded project,
“Incidence and Determination of Food-borne Pathogens in Vegetables: Towards the
Development of Microbiological Standards for Produce”, Dr. Siringan has documented
the incidence of coliform bacteria, E. coli and Salmonella in lettuce, onion leaves and
tomatoes. Baseline data generated through the study would be useful in the
formulation of product standards for these vegetables. Studies on the virulence and
antibiotic resistance genes of the microbial isolates are currently being undertaken.
Data from these studies may be utilized in the formulation of science-based policies
and strategies on food safety and public health protection.
MRSL has played a role in supporting science education. Through the provision
of microbiological services and technical advice, students from secondary and tertiary
schools, students were assisted in their studies and theses, thereby enriching their
knowledge in the field of science. Students from different educational institutions have
availed of the following tests in completion of their investigatory projects and theses:
APC of swabs, antimicrobial assay of various extracts, Bacillus cereus count of rice
products, coliform count of water, determination of coliform bacteria and E. coli in
street foods, evaluation of culture media and Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) of
water. In addition, MRSL hosted two students from Philippine Science High SchoolRegion V (PSHS-Bicol), Ms. Catherine Joy Abella and Mr. Francis Anthony Homillanoto
enable them to evaluate the performance of their science project, “Do-it-Yourself-Gel
Electrophoresis” (Fig. 27). For this project, Ms. Abella and Mr. Homillano were awarded
as the Champion in the Physical Science Category and the Grand Champion in the
2015 Research Fair UP ALCHEMES held at National Institute of Physics, University of the
Philippines-Diliman in January 2015. They were ably supported by PSHS-Bicol teachers,
Ms. Christine Marie M. Obusan and Mr. Erick John Marmol and Dr. Giovanni Tapang of
the VISSER laboratory, NIP, UP-Diliman.
Fig. 27.
Ms. Catherine Joy Abella (2nd from right) and Mr Francis Anthony
Homillano (2nd from left) were hosted by Dr. Siringan (rightmost) and supervised
by Ms. Glaezel Angelique V. Torres (leftmost) in the evaluation of their project,
“Do-it-Yourself-Gel Electrophoresis” which was declared as Grand Champion at
the 2015 Research Fair UP ALCHEMES held at National Institute of Physics, UPDiliman.
Moreover, Ms. Vina B. Argayosa provided technical advice to Mr. Kevin
Christian G. Ereñeta, an MS Food Science student of the University of Santo
Tomas in the completion of his thesis entitled, “Cultivation Efficiency of Culture
Media with Varying Concentrations of Inulin on the Growth of lactic Acid
Bacteria”. Ms. Argayosa is one of Mr. Ereñeta’s co-authors of the paper
entitled, “Dose Response Study of Inulin and Lactobacillus reuteri NBRC 15892 in
the Development of Functional Food Products”. Mr. Ereñeta presented the
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 76
paper in the 4th International Symposium and Meeting of the Asian Federation
of the Societies for Lactic Acid Bacteria, Inc., and the 9th Scientific Conference
and Assembly of the Philippine Society for Lactic Acid Bacteria, Inc. at the
Southeast Asian Regional Center for Agriculture, UP Los Baños, Laguna, on
October 23, 2014.
Further, Dr. Siringan has mentored and supervised the
research of undergraduate and graduate students from the College of
Science, UPD. She has also served as examiner of three MS Microbiology
students of the University of Santo Tomas.
Researches
Renewed in 2014 and continuing in 2015
Title of the project:
Incidence and Determination of Food-borne Pathogens in
Vegetables: Towards the Development of Microbiological
Standards for Produce
Project leader:
Research Associate:
Funding Agency:
Year 1:
Year 2:
Extension:
Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
Glaezel Angelique V, Torres
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research
September 2, 2012 to September 1, 2013
September 2, 2013 to September 1, 2014
September 2, 2014 to May 2, 2015
a
c
b
d
Fig.28. Ms. Torres enumerated coliform bacteria, E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria
monocytogenes in onion leaves (a), lettuce (b) and tomatoes (c). Confirmation of test
results was done using PCR assays that target the pathogens.
Results of the invAtargeting PCR assay (d) confirmed the presence of Salmonella in onion leaves.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 77
Implemented in 2013 and continuing in 2015
Title of the project:
Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory (MRSL):
Leveling up towards International Laboratory Accreditation
(ISO 17025 Project)
Project leader:
Research Associate:
Funding Agency:
Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
Kristine Elaine Paz M. Olisa
Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development
(OVCRD), University of the Philippines-Diliman
December 9, 2013 to December 8, 2014
December 9, 2014 to June 8, 2015
Year 1:
Extension
Implemented in 2014 and continuing in 2015
Title of the project:
Development of Plasma Technology for the Non-thermal
Sterilization of Food Products, Packaging, and Contact Surfaces
in Food Processing (Plasma Project)
Project Staff:
Science Research Specialist I:
Funding Agency:
Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
Pauline Nicole Dela Pena
Department of Science and Technology-Philippine
Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging
Technology Research and Development (DOSTPCIEERD)
Year 1:
June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015
Title of the program:
Discovery and Development of Health Products:
Component
Title of Project 1:
Study Title:
Project Staff:
Science Research Specialists:
Funding Agency:
Year 1:
Title of Project 3:
Study Title:
Project Staff:
Science Research Specialists:
Laboratory Technician:
Funding Agency:
Year 1:
Marine
High-throughput Multi-omics Discovery of Bioactive
Marine Compounds and Establishment of a Marine
Chemical Library and Informatics Facility
Characterization and Culture of Microbial Isolates
Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
Glaezel Angelique V. Torres and
Paula Camille D. Ingalla
Department of Science and Technology-Philippine
Council for Health Research and Development
(DOST-PCHRD)
July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
Project 3: Anti-infective and Anticancer Drug
Candidates: Discovery and Development
Culture Optimization and Anti-infective Productions
by Sponge-derived Marine Microorganisms
Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
Charose Marie T. Perez and J. C. Pal D. Molino
Jonald Karingal
DOST-PCHRD
July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 78
Extension Services/Clients
Profile and Types of Microbiological Services
MRSL has provided microbiological services to various stakeholders, supporting
scientific investigation, product development, standards compliance and quality
assurance programs. A total of 6,121 microbiological services were provided by the
MRSL to various sectors of the society in 2014, consisting of 4,263 microbial tests for
different types of water (69.6%) and 1,858 (30.4%) analytical services for non-water
samples (Table 4).
Table 4. Number of microbiological services performed in 2014
Water Samples
Non-water Samples
Total
4,263 (69.6%)
1,858 (30.4%)
6,121
Of the 4,263 water samples tested, 3,582 (84%) were analyzed for coliform
counts which corresponds to potability testing of drinking water. Nearly 15% or 633
samples were tested for Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC). Table 25 and Fig. 29 present
the different microbiological tests done for water samples in 2014.
Table 5. Microbiological services performed for various types of water in 2014.
Client
Coliform
Heterotrophic
Detection of
Fecal
Enumeration
Pseudomona
Streptococcus
Count
Plate Count
of coliform
saeruginosa
(Potabilit
(HPC)
Count
levels
y Testing)
Total per
Client
Type
I
4
0
0
0
3
II
1
0
0
0
0
III
1
9
0
0
59
0
0
0
0
0
10
59
105
13
0
0
1
119
3,412
3,582
611
633
9
9
7
7
28
32
4,067
IV
V
VI
Subtotal
TOTAL
4,263
7
1
4,263
Legend:
I:
College of Science (CS), UP students
II:
Non-NSRI funded research projects and non-CS, UP students
III: UP researchers from other UP units
IV: Non-UP students
V: Government agencies and Small- to Medium-scale Enterprises
VI: Industry
Fig. 29. Microbiological tests performed in water samples in 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 79
A total of 1,858 microbiological services were performed in non-water samples in 2014.
Table 6 lists the different services done in: 1) food samples including agricultural products,
beverages, food supplements, ingredients, raw materials and processed food products, 2)
home care products including biocidal agents and disinfectants; 3) personal care products
such as toiletries; 4) extracts from various biological sources; 5) culture media, 6) environmental
samples and 7) microbial isolates. The top four microbiological services, based on the number
of services performed in 2014 are the following: a) qualitative screening or antimicrobial assay
of different bioactive compounds or extracts (979/1,858 or 52.7%), b) Coliform count/E.coli
(195/1,858 or 10.5%), c) Yeast and Mold Count (128/1,858 or 6.9%) and d) detection of
Salmonella (127/1,858 or 6.8 %).
Table 6. List of microbiological services performed for non-water samplesa in 2014.
Service
Code
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
Total
1
Aerobic plate count
1
0
0
13
0
104
2
B. cereus count
0
0
0
3
0
2
5
3
4
Bifidobacterium count
0
0
0
0
0
17
17
Coliform and E. coli count
Cultivation efficiency of culture
media
Detection and enumeration of
fungi
0
0
0
0
102
93
195
0
0
0
5
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
8
8
7
Detection of C. albicans
0
0
0
0
0
9
9
8
Detection of E. coli
0
0
0
3
10
4
17
9
Detection of K. pneumoniae
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
10
Detection of S. aureus
0
0
0
3
0
14
17
11
Detection of Salmonella
0
0
0
3
115
9
127
12
Identification of bacterial isolate
1
0
1
0
0
24
26
13
14
Identification of fungal isolate
Identification of floater/
foreign matter
0
0
0
0
0
3
3
0
0
0
0
0
4
4
15
Lactic acid bacteria count
0
0
0
0
0
5
5
16
17
Lactobacillus count
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
Percent kill
0
0
0
0
0
64
64
18
Preservative Challenge Test
0
0
0
0
0
125
125
19
Qualitative screening of
compounds/antimicrobial assay
86
643
132
979
20
Swabbing
2
19
Yeast and mold count
5
6
Subtotal
TOTAL
118
0
1
118
0
0
0
3
0
0
12
3
19
94
128
120
0
99
678
246
715
1858
1,858
MRSL also performed non-routine microbiological analyses for students,
researchers and the industry. These include the following: a) detection of Candida
albicans, b) detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae, b) detection and identification of
heat-resistant fungi (Fig. 30), c) evaluation of culture media formulation and d)
identification of bacterial isolates
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 80
Fig. 30. Heat-resistant fungi were detected and identified based on their
phenotypic traits.
Profile of Clients
More than 95% of the microbiological tests done for water samples were
provided to the industrial sector (Fig. 31). Through these services, the laboratory has
been a partner of regulatory agencies, water distribution firms and the water industry in
ensuring the safety of the water supply.
Fig. 31.Profile of clients that have availed of microbiological tests for water samples in 2014.
For microbiological services for non-water samples, non-UP students were
the major clients in 2014 (Fig. 32). About 39% of the services were offered to
manufacturing firms, indicating that the industrial sector was the first major
client in 2014. About 37% of the 1,858 microbial tests were provided to non-UP
clients, particularly students in various secondary and tertiary educational
institutions. Services were also provided to government agencies (13.2%) and
UP constituents (11.8%).
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 81
Fig. 32. Profile of clients that have availed of microbiological tests for non-water samples in
2014.
Support to Students
Mentoring of Students
In support of the University’s academic programs, MRSL has hosted thesis
students from the National Institute of Physics (NIP) and Institute of Biology (IB), College
of Science. To conduct their theses, MRSL provided technical advice, microbial
cultures and facilities to Ms. Jenica Rosette Uy (NIP), Mr. Joey Kim T. Soriano (NIP), Mr.
Julius Andrew P. Nuñez (NIP) and Ms. Glaezel Angelique V. Torres (IB). Dr. Siringan
served as co-adviser and supervisor of microbiological aspects of their studies. She
also has served as a panel member to UP and non-UP students in various capacities.
Table 7 lists the mentoring activities of Dr. Siringan in 2014.
Table 7.Mentoring activities of Dr. Siringan in 2014.
Name of
Title or Topic of Thesis
Student and
Degree
UP Units
Graduated in 2014
Ms. Jenica
Disinfection of S. aureus biofilms using
Rosette Uy
microwave atmospheric plasma pencil (MAPP)
B. S. Applied
Successfully defended her thesis on April 16,
Physics
2014
Mr. Paul
Diversity of carbohydrate-active enzymes
Lorenzo A.
(CAzymes) in a metagenome obtained via
Gaite
Next Generation Sequencing of seaweed farm
M.S. Marine
sediments
Science
Successfully defended his thesis proposal in
May 2014
Completed
For Thesis Completion
Mr. Joey Kim T. Art and artifact restoration via microwave
Soriano
atmospheric pen plasma (APP)
M. S. Applied
Successfully defended his thesis on May13,
Physics
2014.
Ms Christine M. “An examination of the exposure to infectious
Obusan
agents and impact of human interaction on
Ph D
stranded cetaceans in the Philippines: sentinel
Environmental
species providing clues on ocean and human
Science
health”.
Served as co-author and reviewer of the journal
articles required for PhD students
Unit
Adviser(s)
Designation
of MATS
NIP
Dr. Henry
J. Ramos
Co-adviser
MSI,
UPD
Dr. Arturo
O. Lluisma
External
Reader
NIP
Dr. Roy
Tumlos
Co-adviser
Dr.
Lemnuel
V.
Aragones
Co-adviser
IESM
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 82
Continuation of Table 7.
In Progress
Mr. Julius
“Photocatalytic activity and bactericidal
Andrew P.
efficiency study on simulated wastewater of
Nunez
magnetron sputtered TiO 2 films deposited at
M. S. Material
different O 2 /Ar ratios”
Science
Successfully defended his thesis proposal on
May 13, 2014
Non-UP Units
Graduated in 2014
Ms. Jovy Ann
Biosorption of Cd (II) by yeasts from ripe fruit
Casmorin
peels
M.S.
Successfully defended her thesis on March 13,
Microbiology
2014
Ms. Carolyn L.
Degradation of polycyclic aromatic
Nanca
hydrocarbon (PAH) by moderately halophilic
M.S.
bacteria from Luzon salterns
Successfully defended her thesis on April 10,
Microbiology
2014
Ms. Maze Ann
Potential of myxobacteria in biocontrol of
Biol
tomato bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia
M.S.
solanacearum
Successfully defended her thesis on April 10,
Microbiology
2014
MSEP,
NIP,
UPD
Dr. Henry
J. Ramos
Co-Adviser
UST
Dr. Gina R.
Dedeles
Examiner
UST
Dr. Gina R.
Dedeles
Reader
UST
Dr. Gina R.
Dedeles
Examiner
Providing Technical Services to Students
MRSL provided microbiological services and advice to students from 36 high
schools and 17 college and universities. The students availed of the following
microbiological tests for their investigatory or science projects and theses:
antimicrobial assay of extracts, B. cereus count, culture media evaluation,
enumeration of coliform bacteria and E. coli and heterotrophic plate count.
Linkages
International
•
World Federation of Culture Collections (WFCC)
UPCC is a member of the World Federation of Culture Collections (WFCC). It is
registered as WDCM 238.
•
Asian Network of Research Resource Centers (ANRRC)
Dr. Siringan is a member of the Executive board of ANRRC. She is also a member
of the subcommittee on International Affairs of the ANRRC. Dr. Siringan presented
the paper, entitled “Addressing Health Issues through Microbiological Research
and represented the Philippines in the 6th Asian Network of Research Resource
Centers (ANRRC) International Meeting in Fudan University, Shanghai, China on
September 17 to 19, 2014 (Fig. 12).
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 83
Dr. Siringan
Fig. 33. Dr. Siringan attended the 6th Asian Network of Research Resource Centers
(ANRRC) International Meeting in Fudan University, Shanghai, China on September
17 to 19, 2014. She presented the paper, entitled “Addressing Health Issues
through Microbiological Research.
National
•
National Codex Alimentarius Organization
Ms. Vina B. Argayosa is a member of the Sub-Committee on Food Hygiene (SCFH),
Ad Hoc Working Group for the Drafting of the National Codex Organization Manual
of Operations, convened by the Department of Health (DOH).
•
Philippine Network of Microbial Culture Collection (PNMCC)
The University of the Philippines Natural Sciences Research Institute-Culture
Collection (UPCC) of the MRSL is an affiliate member of the Philippine Network of
Microbial Culture Collection (PNMCC).
•
Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. (PSM)
 Dr. Siringan is an active life-member of the Philippine Society for Microbiology,
Inc. (PSM).
She is a Diplomate and one of the Examiners of the Philippine
Academy of Microbiology (PAM), the accreditation arm of the PSM.
 Ms. Argayosa, Ms. Bulaong and Ms. Cereno are life-members of the Society.
 Ms. Argayosa and Ms. Bulaong are Specialist Microbiologists (SM) under the PAM
accreditation scheme.
•
Philippine Metrology, Standards, Testing and Quality, Inc. (PhilMSTQ)
• Dr. Siringan, Ms. Argayosa, Ms. Bulaong and Ms. Celia A. Cereno are members of
the Philippine Metrology, Standards, Testing and Quality, Inc. (PhilMSTQ).
• Dr. Siringan served as lecturer-resource person in PhilMSTQ’s technical briefing for
proficiency testing in microbiology.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 84
Trainings conducted
1)
2)
Title of training
:
Training Course on Bacteriological Examination of Water
Funding source
Date
:
:
MRSL and Training Fees
June 2 to 8, 2014
Lecturers and trainors :
Dr. Maria Auxilia T. Siringan, Ms. Vina B. Argayosa,
Ms. Sonia Sp. Bulaong, and Ms. Celia A. Cereno
Fees
No. of trainees
Profile of trainees
:
:
:
P 11,000 per person
9
Laboratory personnel/analysts from public and private water
distribution systems and testing laboratory.
Title of training
:
Training Course on Microbiological Analyses of Foods
Funding source
:
Date
:
Lecturers and trainors :
MRSL and Training Fees
August 4 to 8, 2014
Dr. Maria Auxilia T. Siringan, Ms. Vina B. Argayosa,
Ms. Sonia Sp. Bulaong, and Ms. Celia A. Cereno
P 14,000 per person
9
Laboratory personnel/analysts from food companies,
government agencies and testing laboratories
Fees
No. of trainees
Profile of trainees
:
:
:
Fig. 34. The MRSL Researchers and the trainees who participated in the
training course on “Microbiological Analyses of Foods” held on August 4 to 8,
2014 at the MRSL, UP-NSRI.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 85
3)
Title of training :
Training Course on Bacteriological Examination of Water
Funding source
:
Date
:
Lecturers and trainors :
Fees
No. of trainees
Profile of trainees
:
:
:
MRSL and Training Fees
September 22 to 26, 2014
Dr. Maria Auxilia T. Siringan, Ms. Vina B. Argayosa,
Ms. Sonia Sp. Bulaong, and Ms. Celia A. Cereno
P 11,000 per person
5
Laboratory personnel/analysts from government agencies
and public and private water distribution systems
Fig. 35. Participants observed the characteristics of waterborne bacteria under the
microscope during the training course on “Bacteriological Examination of Water” on
September 22 to 26, 2014. Dr. Siringan (rightmost) was one of the lecturer-trainors.
4)
Title of training
:
Training Course on Basic Microbiological Techniques
Date
Trainor
Fees
No. of trainees
Profile of trainees
:
:
:
:
:
November 18 to 20, 2014
Ms. Vina B. Argayosa
P 13,000 per person
4
Laboratory personnel of Compact Pharmaceutical
Corporation
Fig. 36. Laboratory personnel of Compact Pharmaceutical were trained in
microbiological techniques by Ms. Argayosa (second from right) on November 18 to
20, 2014. Dr. Siringan (third from right) awarded the certificate of participation to the
trainees.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 86
Manpower Development
Activities of MRSL Staff in 2014
1)
MARIA AUXILIA T. SIRINGAN (University Researcher IV)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “The Real CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in
New York City.” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City. November 21, 2014.
Co-organizer. Training Course on “Basic Microbiological Techniques”. MRSL, NSRI, UP
Diliman, Quezon City. November 18-20, 2014.
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “Precision Food Processing: The Use of Microbiological
Inactivation and Quality Deterioration Models to Address the Consumer Demand
Paradox for Safety and Quality.” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
November 11, 2014.
Participant. 2nd Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network National Symposium.
Ocean Adventure, Subic, Zambales. October 29, 2014.
Participant. 4th International Symposium and Meeting of the Asian Federation of the
Societies for Lactic Acid Bacteria, Inc., and the 9th Scientific Conference and Assembly
of the Philippine Society for Lactic Acid Bacteria, Inc. Theme: “Ageless Wonders of
Lactic Acid Bacteria, Key Challenges and Opportunities.” Southeast Asian Regional
Center for Agriculture, UP Los Baños, Laguna. October 22-24, 2014.
Technical Working Group Expert and Presentor. DA-BAFS’ Public Consultative Meeting
for the Development of Philippine National Standard (PNS): “Code of Hygienic Practice
for Berries”, Baguio City, Benguet. October 9, 2014.
Coordinator. 14P8 Food Pathogens Proficiency Testing. MRSL, NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon
City. October to November 2014.
Coordinator. 14CSP10 Check Sample (Water Proficiency Testing).
MRSL, NSRI, UP
Diliman, Quezon City. October 1 to 25, 2014.
Organizer, Lecturer and Trainor. Training Course on “Bacteriological Examination of
Water”. MRSL, NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon City. September 22-26, 2014.
Presentor and Board Member. Oral paper on “Addressing Health Issues through
Microbiological Research. The 6th Asian Network of Research Resource Centers
(ANRRC) International Meeting. Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai,
China. September 17-19, 2014.
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “Rebuilding a Legacy: The Philippine National Museum of
Natural History.” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City. September 2, 2014.
Lecturer. National Microbiological Proficiency TestingProgramme: Technical Briefing.
Philippine MSTQ, Inc. Office, Crispina Building, Quezon Ave., Quezon City. August 15,
2014.
Organizer, Lecturer and Trainor. Training Course on “Microbiological Analyses of Foods”.
MRSL, NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon City. August 4-8, 2014.
Coordinator. 14P6 Food Non Pathogens Proficiency Testing. MRSL, NSRI, UP Diliman,
Quezon City. August 1 to September 9, 2014.
Participant. Thermo Scientific Product Launching Seminar. UP NIMBB Conference Room.
UP Diliman, Quezon City. July 10, 2014.
Participant. 50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with a theme, “Celebrating
Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond.” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Presentor.
Oral paper entitled, “Probing the Pathogens in Local Produce”,50th
Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with a theme, “Celebrating Research Productivity:
50 Years and Beyond.” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Lecturer and Trainor. Training Course on “Bacteriological Examination of Water”. MRSL,
NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon City. June 2-6, 2014.
Lecturer. “Good Agricultural Practices Inspectors Training.” Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. May
26-30, 2014.
Lecturer. National Microbiological Proficiency Testing Programme: Technical Briefing.
UP-NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon City. April 10, June 13 and August 15,2014.
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “Networks of Marine Reserves for Fisheries Management:
Can They Really Work?” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City. January 7,
2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 87
2)
SONIA SP. BULAONG (University Researcher II)
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “Precision Food Processing: The Use of Microbiological
Inactivation and Quality Deterioration Models to Address the Consumer Demand
Paradox for Safety and Quality.” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
November 11, 2014.
Participant. 14P8 Food Pathogens Proficiency Testing. MRSL, NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon
City. October to November 2014.
Participant. 14CSP10 Check Sample (Water Proficiency Testing).
MRSL, NSRI, UP
Diliman, Quezon City. October 1 to 25, 2014.
Lecturer and Trainor. Training Course on “Bacteriological Examination of Water”. MRSL,
NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon City. September 22-26, 2014.
Participant. 14P6 Food Non Pathogens Proficiency Testing. MRSL, NSRI, UP Diliman,
Quezon City. August 1 to September 9, 2014.
Lecturer and Trainor. Training Course on “Microbiological Analyses of Foods”. MRSL, NSRI,
UP Diliman, Quezon City. August 4-8, 2014.
Participant. Training on Gender Sensitivity and Development for Gender and
Development (GAD) Focal Point Persons. UP Diliman, Quezon City. July 14-15, 2014.
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “Anti-Sexual Harassment.” NSRI Conference Room, UP
Diliman, Quezon City. July 10, 2014.
Participant. 50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with a theme, “Celebrating
Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond.” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Lecturer and Trainor. Training Course on “Bacteriological Examination of Water”. MRSL,
NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon City. June 2-6, 2014.
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “Networks of Marine Reserves for Fisheries Management:
Can They Really Work?” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City. January 7,
2014.
3) VINA B. ARGAYOSA (University Researcher I)
Seminars/Workshop/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lecturer and Trainor. Training Course on “Basic Microbiological Techniques for Compact
Pharmaceutical Corporation”. MRSL, NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon City. November 18-20,
2014.
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “Precision Food Processing: The Use of Microbiological
Inactivation and Quality Deterioration Models to Address the Consumer Demand
Paradox for Safety and Quality.” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
November 11, 2014.
Participant. 14CSP10 Check Sample (Water Proficiency Testing).
MRSL, NSRI, UP
Diliman, Quezon City. October 1 to 25, 2014.
Lecturer and Trainor. Training Course on “Bacteriological Examination of Water”. MRSL,
NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon City. September 22-26, 2014.
Participant. 14P6 Food Non Pathogens Proficiency Testing.
MRSL, NSRI, UP Diliman,
Quezon City. August 1 to September 9, 2014.
Lecturer and Trainor. Training Course on “Microbiological Analyses of Foods”. MRSL, NSRI,
UP Diliman, Quezon City. August 4-8, 2014.
Participant. Thermo Scientific Product Launching Seminar. UP NIMBB Conference Room.
UP Diliman, Quezon City. July 10, 2014.
Participant. 50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with a theme, “Celebrating
Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond.” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Lecturer and Trainor. Training Course on “Bacteriological Examination of Water”. MRSL,
NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon City. June 2-6, 2014.
Participant. Laguna Lake Development Authority hearing.
Sugar Regulatory
Administration, North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. May 28, 2014.
Participant. UP Diliman-Wide Extension Colloquium. BulwagangTandangSora. CSWCD,
UP Diliman, Quezon City. February 7, 2014.
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “Repurposing of an Anti-cancer Drug Candidate to Treat
Antibiotic-resistant Chlamydia Infections”, NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon
City. February 4, 2014.
Participant. Forum on Laboratory Accreditation in Celebration of World Accreditation
day. Best Western Plaza Hotel, Makati City. January 17, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 88
•
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “Networks of Marine Reserves for Fisheries Management:
Can They Really Work?” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City. January 7,
2014.
4) CELIA A. CERENO (University Researcher I)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “The Real CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in
New York City.” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City. November 21, 2014.
Co-organizer. Training Course on “Microbiological Techniques”. MRSL, NSRI, UP Diliman,
Quezon City. November 18-20, 2014.
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “Precision Food Processing: The Use of Microbiological
Inactivation and Quality Deterioration Models to Address the Consumer Demand
Paradox for Safety and Quality.” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
November 11, 2014.
Participant. 14P8 Food Pathogens Proficiency Testing. MRSL, NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon
City. October to November 2014.
Participant. 14CSP10 Check Sample (Water Proficiency Testing).
MRSL, NSRI, UP
Diliman, Quezon City. October 1 to 25, 2014.
Lecturer and Trainor. Training Course on “Bacteriological Examination of Water”. MRSL,
NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon City. September 22-26, 2014.
Participant. 14P6 Food Non Pathogens Proficiency Testing.
MRSL, NSRI, UP Diliman,
Quezon City. August 1 to September 9, 2014.
Lecturer and Trainor. Training Course on “Microbiological Analyses of Foods”. MRSL, NSRI,
UP Diliman, Quezon City. August 4-8, 2014.
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “Anti-Sexual Harassment.” NSRI Conference Room, UP
Diliman, Quezon City. July 10, 2014.
Participant. 50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with a theme, “Celebrating
Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond.” NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Lecturer and Trainor. Training Course on “Bacteriological Examination of Water”. MRSL,
NSRI, UP Diliman, Quezon City. June 2-6, 2014.
Participant. NSRI Seminar on “Repurposing of an Anti-cancer Drug Candidate to Treat
Antibiotic-resistant Chlamydia Infections”, NSRI Conference Room, UP Diliman, Quezon
City. February 4, 2014.
RESEARCH AND ANALYTICAL SERVICES LABORATORY (RASL)
The Research and Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL):
•
The first analytical services laboratory in the University of the Philippines System
accredited to ISO 17025.
-
•
ISO-17025 accreditation was obtained in Y2003 and sustained up to the
present.
Recognized as a third party laboratory by government regulatory agencies
Mandate and Mission
•
Provides testing services the quality of which conforms to international standards.
-
•
Contamination of toxic metals and toxic organics in air, water, sediments,
and food
Conducts training courses for chemists to upgrade their technical capability to do
quality chemical analyses.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 89
-
•
Quality Assurance in Chemical Analysis, Validation of Chemical Methods
and Uncertainty of Measurements in Chemical Analysis
Undertakes research on projects where the capability of the RASL can be utilized
and/or expanded:
-
Conducts research on validation and development of analytical methods
that are needed by customers, and which are not available in other
analytical laboratories:
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for coconut oil and banana chips
exporters
Banned antibiotics in aquaculture products for fish and shrimp exporters
-
Conducts research on generation of information on toxic trace metals and
trace organics pollution in the Philippine environment.
- Maintains research collaboration on Monitoring of Persistent Organic
Pollutants (POPs) with the United Nations University, Ministry of
Environment of Japan, and the Environment Canada Air Quality
Processes Research Division.
Research Activities
Foreign Collaboration
•
The following are 2014 on-going projects of Dr. Evangeline Santiago (retired)
and Dr. Charita S. Kwan:
1) “Global Atmospheric Passive Sampling (PUF–disk Sampling) - Activities in the
Philippines”
2) “Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Air in East Asia” funded by the
Ministry of Environment of Japan.
3) “Monitoring of PFOS in Environmental Waters in Pasig River and Selected
Industrial Parks” funded by the United Nations University, Japan
4) “Monitoring of Chloramphenicol, Nitrofuran Metabolites and Malachite
Green in Aquaculture Feeds, Bangus and Shrimps for Regulatory and Trade
Purposes” funded by DA-BAR
(Pls. see externally funded section for details of the above projects)
In-house Research and Development projects initiated
•
Development of analysis for dialysis water for application of DOH accreditation.
-
•
This project is being undertaken to expand the analytical services of RASL.
Analysis of trace metals using electrothermal AAS methods is validated to
suit the requirements of DOH. This development project is funded by the
laboratory-generated funds.
Enhancement of the analytical method for the analysis Polycyclic Aromatic
Hydrocarbons in coconut oil using Gel Permeation Chromatography and
GC/MS(SIM).
-
This project is being undertaken to develop a faster and more accurate
method than the procedure presently used in the laboratory. This
development project is funded by the laboratory-generated funds.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 90
Extension Services
Analytical Services
a) Customers served by RASL in 2014
Type I
(0, 0.00 %)
Type II
(0, 0.00 %)
Type III
(4, 2.26%)
Type IV
(5, 2.82 %)
Type V
(153, 86.44 %)
Type VI
(13, 7.34 %)
PT
(2, 1.13 %)
Fig.39. Customers served by RASL in 2014
Note:
Type I
Type II
Type III
Type IV
UP College of Science Students
UP NSRI Researches
UP Diliman Students outside of the College of Science
UP-Funded Researches outside NSRI and Students of
UP outside Diliman
Type V Government, Small and Medium Scale Industries, and
Private Institutions
Type VI Multinationals and Big Companies (Top 1000)
PT
Proficiency Testing
b) Analytical instruments available
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
Electrochemical Analysis Assembly
Gas Chromatograph / Mass Spectrometer
Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
Ion Chromatograph
Liquid Chromatograph / Mass Spectrometer / Mass Spectrometer
Microwave Digestor
Total Organic Carbon Analyzer
Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer
Eyela Pressured Gas Blowing Concentrator
Support to Students
RASL supports students and researchers by making available the facilities of the
laboratory and by providing the analytical services that they need (Table 8).
Table 8. List of students and researchers who requested assistance for thesis, research and class
projects in 2014
Name
Ma. Rosila Flor
Escudero, Ma.
Romina Jiselle
Lirio
Degree / Course
BS Biology /
Thesis
School /
University
UP Manila /
Department of
Biology
Title
Assessment of Heavy
Metal Concentrations
Found in Indoor Dust
from Four Philippine
Hospitals
Assistance for
Thesis / Research
and Class projects
Analysis of Arsenic
and Mercury in
Indoor Dust
Samples
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 91
Continuation of Table 8.
Peter
BS Materials
Bugayong
Engineering /
Thesis
Department of
Mining,
Metallurgical
and Materials
Engineering / UP
Diliman, Quezon
City
Natural Sciences
Research Institute
– Institute of
Biology, UP
Diliman, Quezon
City
Dr. Gilda C.
Rivero / Sarah
Jean G.
Supnet
Research Project
Dr. Elena S.
Catap
Research Project
Institute of
Biology, UP
Diliman, Quezon
City
Janina Aurelio
/ Arjay Roman
/ Cecilia
Sesante
BS Materials
Engineering /
Thesis
Department of
Mining,
Metallurgical
and Materials
Engineering / UP
Diliman, Quezon
City
Characterization of
Cellulose-Chitin Film as
a Potential Wound
Healing Film
Visible Reading of
Prepared Solutions
Effect of Exogenous
Salicylic Acid on the
Cadmium Uptake and
Antioxidative
Response of Euphorbia
hirta L.
(Euphorbiaceae)
Biomonitoring of
Atmospheric Air in
Metro Manila Using
Homing Pigeons
Analysis of
Cadmium in
Prepared Solutions
Synthesis and
Evaluation of
Chitosan-Zeolite for
the Adsorption of
Mercury in Aqueous
Solution
Sample
Preparation for
Polycyclic
Aromatic
Hydrocarbons
(PAH) of Liver and
Lungs of Pigeons
Analysis of Mercury
in Stock and
Treated Solutions
RASL Assistance to students in 2014
1. Assistance to Ms. Jonah L. Bondoc, PhD. Candidate, University of the PhilippinesInstitute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (UP-IESM) for the completion of
her Ph.D. thesis entitled, Polychlorinated Biphenyls – And Their Hydroxylated
Metabolites-induced Changes in Cetaceans Found Stranded and By-caught in
Philippine Waters
Table 9. Consultation of students/private companies/government agencies/individuals
Name
Mr. Marvin Duco Naing
MS Chemistry
Mr. Patrick Dizon
City Agriculture Office
Mr. Charlie A. Repana, Lab.
Analyst
Ms. Cathy France Magsino
Shemaiah Ileto and Meloy
Macainag
Camille M. Martinez et.al
Ms. Lyn A. Esteves
Balmes, Lesiguez and Tabada
Affiliation
Institute of Chemistry
University of the Philippines,
Diliman
City Hall Complex, A.B.
Fernandez Ave.,
Dagupan City
BFAR IX, Zamboanga City
Ostrea Mineral Laboratories
Inc.
University of the East,
College of Dentistry
Batasan Hills National High
School
Philippine Center for
Postharvest Development
and Mechanization
(PhilMech)
Consultation details
LC/MS/MS analysis for thesis
Testing (oysters and fish) to check for
levels of harmful heavy metals
present. Heavy metals that we would
like to test include lead, copper,
cadmium, mercury and arsenic
Method validation of meat (sardines)
Method validation of mercury on
water and wastewater
Bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects
of lime oil on Streptococcus mutans
Preparation of samples
LC/MS/MS analysis
Comparison of methods by Atomic
Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS)
and Ion Selective Electrode (ISE)
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 92
Continuation of Table 9.
Krystle Anne F. Fruelda
Orlando P. Batallones
Philippine Batteries Inc.
Occiano, Ramirez and De
Lima
Mr. Zakariya T. Muripaga
MS Chemistry Student
Surtex
Dole Consultant (Banana
Industries)
Our Lady of Fatima
University
MSU-Iligan Institute of
Technology
Roland M. Torres and Delzi E.
Banzali
Pajarilla, Rivera, Gonzales,
Fernandez and Mina
CV Solutions, Inc.
Ralph Lorenz Dela Pena
Our Lady of Fatima
University – Valenzuela City
Yusuf Sucol
Trisha Regodon
Quezon City Science High
School
Quezon Science High
School
Joseph Neos Cruz
Philippine Science High
School
Alpha Rowena Pimentel
Bicol Region
Marvin Angelo Aberin
BS Biochemistry
UP Manila
Method validation exercises
EDX, Silicon analysis
Analysis of Polyasphartic Acid
Minosine purification on Ion Exchange
Chromatography
Isolation of bioactive phytochemicals
from a medicinal plant source by Mass
Spectrometry
Possible preparation of reagents for
water treatment plant
Physico-chemical Analysis on Bacoor
bay waters using Perna viridis as
bioindicator
Quantification of PAHs in soil samples
Analysis of PAH in artificial dyes
Effect of Temperature on the Cytokinin
Content of Sunflower Plants
(Helianthus annuus L.)
Isolation, Characterization and
Determination of Oil-degrading
Activity of Non-luminescent and
Bioluminescent Bacteria
Conduct of extraction process and
the testing of the alkaloid
Use of laboratory and analysis of iron
and zinc in processed dry-ashed rice
flour samples
Linkages
Local
•
University of the Philippines in the Visayas, On-the-job training of Chemistry
Students in the laboratory
•
National Codex Organization, Department of Agriculture- participation as
member of the Sub Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling and Sub
Committee on Fats and Oil
International/Foreign
•
United Nations University (UNU), Tokyo, Japan
Active participation as the implementing institution of the regional
research program of the UNU in Monitoring of POPs in the East Asian
Region
•
Ministry of Environment of Japan for POPs in East Asia Project
Active participation as member of the Expert Group in the regional project
POPs in Air in East Asia to generate baseline data for the assessment of the
effectiveness of the Stockholm Convention
•
GAPS Network, Environment Canada Air Quality Processes Research Division
As collaborator in the Philippines in sampling for the Global Atmospheric
Passive Sampling Project
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 93
Trainings conducted
RASL offers three training courses to help laboratories prepare for the technical
requirements of ISO-17025:2005. These are Quality Assurance in Chemical Analysis,
Validation of Chemical Methods of Analysis and Uncertainty of Measurement in
Chemical Analysis. These courses are offered every year. In addition to the regular
training courses, RASL conducts special training as requested.
Regular training courses conducted in 2014
1)
Title of training
:
Validation of Chemical Methods of Analysis
Funding source(s)
Date
Trainor(s)
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for the training
February 27 & 28, 2014
Dr. Charita S. Kwan and Mr.Artemio E. Pascual
P 6,000/participant
26
Chemists from government agencies and private industries
Fig. 38. Dr. Charita S. Kwan and
Artemio E. Pascual (Trainors), RASL
staff with the participants of
Training Course on “Validation of
Chemical Methods of Analysis”
conducted on February 27 & 28,
2014
2)
Title of Training
:
Quality Assurance in Chemical Analysis.
Funding source(s)
Date conducted
Trainor(s)
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for the training
March 20 & 21, 2014
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago and Ms. Criselda R. Africa
P 6,000/participant
25
Chemists from government agencies and private industries
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 94
Fig. 39. Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago,
Ms. Criselda R.Africa, RASL Staff
with the participants of the Training
Course on “Quality Assurance in
Chemical Analysis” conducted on
20 & 21 March 2014
3)
Title of Training
:
Uncertainty of Measurement in Chemical Analysis
Funding Source(s)
Date conducted
Trainor(s)
Fees
No. of participants
Profile of participants
:
:
:
:
:
:
Participants paid a fee for the training
April 3 & 4, 2014
Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago
P 6,000/participant
21
Chemists from government agencies and private industries
Fig. 40. Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago
with the three (3) RASL staff/trainees
and participants of Training Course
on “Uncertainty of Measurement in
Chemical Analysis” conducted on
April 3 & 4, 2014
Other activities of RASL for 2014
1) On-the-Job Training (Practical Training in Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation) of
Clarie Dean C. Baquiano and Jenie R. Soncio, B. S. Chemistry student of University of
the Philippines in the Visayas on April 21 – May 27, 2014 (200 hours).
2) RASL Planning Workshop - The RASL in Transition: SWOT Analysis, Review of Goals and
Future Plans: July 11 (AM) and July 22 (AM) 2014 attended by all RASL Staff.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 95
Fig. 41.
RASL Staff with Dr. Windell L. Rivera, NSRI Director during the RASL Planning
Workshop conducted on July 11 & 22, 2014
Recent development of RASL for 2013
1. Participated in two (2) Laboratory Proficiency Testing (PT) Programs:
a)
MiCPT-14-02 Trace Metals (Cadmium, Cobalt , Magnesium, Manganese , Nickel,
Lead and Zinc) in Water from October 1 to 14 November 14, 2014.
b) Proficiency testing of one (1) water sample ITDI Proficiency Testing 2014 Round 3
MiCPT-14-03 Calcium in Water from October 1 to 14 November 14, 2014.
2. Acquisition of one (1) unit Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) Benchtop Meter on August 22,
2014.
3. Retirement of Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago, Head of RASL effective June 18, 2014, and
the appointment of Dr. Charita S. Kwan as new Head for the RASL effective June 19,
2014.
Manpower Development
Activities of MRSL Staff in 2013
1) EVANGELINE C. SANTIAGO (University Researcher V), Retired: June 1, 2014
Positions held
•
•
Head and Technical Manager, RASL
National Project Coordinator for the Philippines (1999-present),
United Nations University EDC Monitoring in the East Asian Hydrosphere
Professional/Extension activities
•
•
•
Member, Expert Working Group – Trial Air Monitoring Project in East Asia for the
Global Monitoring Program of the Stockholm Convention, 2003-June 2014.
Trainor-Lecturer. “Quality Assurance in Chemical Analysis”, UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. March 20 & 21,2014.
Trainor-Lecturer. “Uncertainty of Measurement in Chemical Analysis”, UP NSRI,
Diliman, Quezon City. April 3 & 4, 2014.
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
Participant. “Validation of Analytical Methods“ Integrated Chemist of the
Philippines, PNP Multipurpose Hall, Camp Crame, EDSA.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 96
Publication
•
Kwan, C.S., Takada, H., Boonyatumanond, R., Kato, Y., Mizukawa, K., Ito, M.,
Dung, L.Q., Zakaria, M.P., Santiago, E.C. (2014). Historical occurrences of
polybrominateddiphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in Manila Bay
and in the upper Gulf of Thailand. Science of the Total Environment 470-471:
427-437.
Poster presentation
•
Santiago, E. C., Manalang, K. O. PFCs in Selected Rivers and Industrial Estates in
the Philippines. International Conference of Asian Environmental Chemistry
2014. Convention Center, Chulabhron Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand.
November 24-2,
2014. Organized by Japan Society for Environmental
Chemistry.
2) CHARITA S. KWAN (University Researcher III)
Position held
•
•
•
•
Head, RASL effective June 19, 2014
Deputy Administrative Manager, RASL until June 18, 2014
Member, NSRI Safety Committee
Project Leader, Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research
funded project on “Monitoring of Chloramphenicol, Nitrofuran Metabolites and
Malachite Green in Aquaculture Feeds, Bangus and Shrimps for Regulatory and
Trade Purposes”, effective June 19, 2014
Professional/Extension activities (source: Intervening 2014)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Trainor-Lecturer. “Validation of Chemical Methods of Analysis”, UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. February 27 & 28, 2014.
Trainor-Lecturer. Training Course on “Analysis of Trace Metals in Water and Soil
for the Bureau of Soils and Water Management” held at NSRI-RASL, Miranda
Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. November 24-28 and December 1-5 &11, 2014.
Facilitator of the RASL Planning Workshop - The RASL in Transition: SWOT Analysis,
Review of Goals and Future Plans: July 11(AM) and July 22 (AM) 2014.
Host Researcher of Ms. Jonah Bondoc for her PhD dissertation on “The
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and their Hydroxylated Metabolites-induced
changes in Cetaceans found stranded in Philippines Waters – linking
ecotoxicological, biomarker and histophathological approaches”.
Co-Adviser of Ms. Everlyn Tamayo, MS Environmental Science Candidate, IESM,
UP Diliman.
Team Leader for the RASL Part in the Research Collaboration with Dr. Elena
Catap for the Project on “Biomonitoring of Atmospheric Air in Metro Manila
using Homing Pigeons”.
Representative of the Director in the following activities:
- 3rd Planning Workshop on Updating of Manila Bay Environmental Atlas
Project. National Mapping & Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA)
Lecture Hall, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Presentor: PBDEs in the Metropolitan
Manila Area (short presentation), May 28, 2014.
- Launching of the DOST-ITDI Metrology in Chemistry Laboratory. ITDI, Bicutan,
Taguig City, July 1, 2014, 1:00-5:00 PM.
- Technical Working Group Meeting on Updating of Manila Bay
Environmental Atlas, National Mapping & Resource Information Authority
(NAMRIA) Lecture Hall, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. September 17, 2014.
Participant, Technical Working Group Writeshop re: Updating of Manila Bay
Environmental Atlas Project. The Lake Hotel, Tagaytay City. September 29-30,
2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 97
•
•
Meetings Attended:
- Consultative meeting on the analysis of PCBs, sponsored by the EMB at the
Quezon Memorial Circle (Chicken Bacolod Restaurant) sometime in
February 2014.
- First Year End Report of the DA-BAR project by Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago,
DA-BAR office, Quezon Memorial Circe corner Visayas Ave., March 28, 2014.
Member. Philippine Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality, Inc.
Publication
•
Kwan, C.S., Takada, H., Boonyatumanond, R., Kato, Y., Mizukawa, K., Ito, M.,
Dung, L.Q., Zakaria, M.P., Santiago, E.C. (2014). Historical occurrences of
polybrominateddiphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in Manila Bay
and in the upper Gulf of Thailand. Science of the Total Environment 470-471:
427-437.
Paper presented
•
•
"Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs): Occurrence and Debromination in
Tropical Asian Countries", 23rd Symposium on Environmental Chemistry, Kyoto,
Japan. May 14, 2014.
”PBDEs in our Midst: Potential Dilemma of Tropical Asian Countries", NSRI 50th
Anniversary Symposium, UP NSRI. June 19, 2014.
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
Trainee, Training Course on Uncertainty of Measurement in Chemical Analysis.
UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. April 3 &4, 2014.
Participant: 23rd Symposium on Environmental Chemistry, including short
presentation at the "Night Meeting for sharing information globally for future
international session, Kyoto, Japan, May 14-16, 2014.
Participant. “50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with the theme:
“Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”. UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Participant. “Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL): Research
Directions and Thesis Opportunities”. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. July 18,
2014.
Participant. “Anti-Sexual Harassment” conducted by UPD-Office of Anti-Sexual
Harassment. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. July 21, 2014.
Participant. “Unique Evolution of Metabolism and Vesicular Traffic in
Entamoeba” NSRI lecture of Dr. Tomoyoshi Nozaki. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon
City. October 15, 2014.
3) ARTEMIO E. PASCUAL (University Researcher II)
Positions held
•
•
Deputy Technical Manager and Analyst / Supervisor, RASL
Board Member – Kapisanan ng Kimika ng Pilipinas, Division of Analytical
Science, Philippines
Professional/Extension activities
•
•
•
Trainor-Lecturer. “Validation of Chemical Methods of Analysis”, UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. February 27 & 28, 2014.
Trainor. Training Course on “Analysis of Trace Metals in Feeds for Bureau of
Animal Industry (BAI)”. held at NSRI-RASL, Miranda Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
May 26-30 and June 2, 2014.
Lecturer. “Hands-on Training Workshop on Quality Measurements in the
Analytical Laboratories” The Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas and University of
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 98
•
the Philippines Institute of Chemistry / Institute of Chemistry, University of the
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. October 22-24, 2014.
Trainor-Lecturer. Training Course on “Analysis of Trace Metals in Water and Soil
for the Bureau of Soils and Water Management” held at NSRI-RASL, Miranda
Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. November 24-28 and December 1-5 & 11 2014.
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Trainee. Training Course on Uncertainty of Measurement in Chemical Analysis.
UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. April 3 & 4, 2014.
Participant. “29th Philippine Chemistry Congress: Building Stronger Bonds
towards Global Competitiveness” Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies,
Inc. and Ateneo de Naga University / Villa Caceres Hotel, Naga City. April 9-11,
2014.
Participant. “Forum on Laboratory Accreditation in Celebration of World
Accreditation Day”. Philippine Accreditation Office and PhilMSTQ, Inc., / Best
Western Plus Antel Hotel, Makati City. June 17, 2014.
Participant. “50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with the theme:
“Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”. UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Participant. “Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL): Research
Directions and Thesis Opportunities”. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. 18 July 2014.
Participant. “Post-PT Meeting on ITDI Proficiency Testing (PT) 2013 and Pre-PT
Meeting on ITDI Metrology in Chemistry PT (MiC PT) 2014” DOST-ITDI /
Conference Room of the Standards and Testing Division, ITDI, DOST Compound,
Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. September 30, 2014.
Participant. “Unique Evolution of Metabolism and Vesicular Traffic in
Entamoeba” NSRI lecture of Dr. Tomoyoshi Nozaki. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon
City. October 15, 2014.
Participant. “National Quality Infrastructure Forum and Workshop”. National
Competitiveness Council-Philippines, European Union and Department of Trade
and Industry / Aim Conference Center, Makati City. October 28, 2014.
Participant. “Precision Food Processing: The Use of Deterioration Models to
Address the Consumer Demand Paradox for Safety and Quality” NSRI lecture of
Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. November 11, 2014.
Participant. “The “Real” CSI NY: Approaching to Forensic DNA Testing in New
York City” NSRI lecture of Ms. Shiela E. Dennis. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City.
November 21, 2014.
4) CRISELDA R. AFRICA (University Researcher I)
Positions held
•
Document Control Officer, Analyst / Supervisor, RASL
Professional/Extension activities
•
•
•
Trainor-Lecturer. “Quality Assurance in Chemical Analysis”, UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. March 20 & 21, 2014.
Trainor. Training Course on “Analysis of Trace Metals in Feeds for Bureau of
Animal Industry (BAI)”. held at NSRI-RASL, Miranda Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
May 26-30 and June 2, 2014
Trainor-Lecturer. Training Course on “Analysis of Trace Metals in Water and Soil
for the Bureau of Soils and Water Management” held at NSRI-RASL, Miranda
Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. November 24-28 and December 1-5 & 11, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 99
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
•
•
Trainee. Training Course on “Uncertainty of Measurement in Chemical Analysis”.
UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. April 3 & 4, 2014.
Participant. “50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with the theme:
“Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”. UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Participant. “Anti-Sexual Harassment” conducted by UPD-Office of Anti-Sexual
Harassment. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. July 21, 2014.
5) ABEGAIL Z. RASCO (University Research Associate II)
Position held
•
•
•
Deputy Administrative Manager and Analyst/Supervisor, RASL
Member, NSRI Academic Personnel Committee (AcPC), REPS Non-Supervisory
Level Representative
Member, NSRI Seminar Committee
Professional/Extension activities
•
•
•
•
Trainor. Training Course on “Analysis of Trace Metals in Feeds for Bureau of
Animal Industry (BAI)”. held at NSRI-RASL, Miranda Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
May 26-30 and June 2, 2014.
Trainor-Lecturer. Training Course on Analysis of Trace Metals in Water and Soil for
the Bureau of Soils and Water Management” held at NSRI-RASL, Miranda Hall,
UP Diliman, Quezon City. November 24-28 and December 1-5 & 1, 2014.
Member. NSRI Seminar Committee
Member. NSRI Academic Personnel Committee (AcPC)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Moderator and Participant. “Repurposing of Anti-cancer Drug Candidate to
Treat Antibiotic-resistant Chlamydia Infections” NSRI lecture. UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. February 4, 2014.
Moderator and Participant. “Massive Contribution of Repeats and Noncoding
Elements to Primate Origins” NSRI lecture. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. March
10, 2014.
Moderator and Participant. “50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with
the theme: “Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”. UP NSRI,
Diliman, Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Moderator and Participant. “Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL):
Research Directions and Thesis Opportunities”. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City.
July 18, 2014.
Participant. “Anti-Sexual Harassment” conducted by UPD-Office of Anti-Sexual
Harassment. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. July 21, 2014.
Moderator and Participant Moderator. NSRI Lecture on “Benthic Marine
Cyanobacteria as Biofactories of Small Molecules”. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon
City. August 15, 2014.
Moderator and Participant. “Rebuilding a Legacy: The Philippine National
Museum of Natural History”. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. September 2, 2014.
Moderator and Participant. “Unique Evolution of Metabolism and Vesicular
Traffic in Entamoeba” NSRI lecture of Dr. Tomoyoshi Nozaki. UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. October 15, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 100
6) KRISTINE O. MANALANG (Analyst/University Research Associate I)
Position held
•
•
Assistant Deputy Administrative and Analyst/Supervisor, RASL
University Research Associate I
Professional/Extension activities
•
•
Involvement in PNP permit application. PNP Crame. November 12, 2014.
Member, NSRI Special Events Committee.
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Participant. “LCMSMS Analysis Session of Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) for Phase VI
of United Nations University (UNU)-Shimadzu joint Project: Monitoring and
Management of POPs in Asia”. Singapore. April 22-24 , 2014.
Participant. “50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with the theme:
“Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”. UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Participant. “Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL): Research
Directions and Thesis Opportunities”. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. 18 July 2014.
Participant. “Rebuilding a Legacy: The Philippine National Museum of Natural
History”. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. September 2, 2014.
Participant. “Highest Analytical Performance & Operational Comfort for Every
Budget” featuring the “Thermo Scientific TSQ DUO & TSQ 8000 EVO Triple-Stage
Quadruple GC-MS/MS Systems” Alpha Analytical / The Sulo Riviera Hotel,
Quezon City. September 21, 2014.
Participant. “Chemical Safety: Handling and Precaution on Chemical
Emergencies” Belman Laboratories / Belman Building, 78 Cordillera St. corner
Quezon Ave., Quezon City. September 25, 2014.
Participant. “Safe Handling of All Reagents as an Environment Support: A Safety
in the Laboratory Seminar” Merck Ins. Phils./Max’s Restaurant, Circle Food
Complex, Elliptical Rd., Diliman, Quezon City. October 16, 2014.
Poster Presentation
•
Santiago, E. C., Manalang, K. O. PFCs in Selected Rivers and Industrial Estates in
the Philippines. International Conference of Asian Environmental Chemistry
2014. Convention Center, Chulabhron Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand.
November 24-26, 2014. Organized by Japan Society for Environmental
Chemistry.
7) JENALYN V. CRUZ (Admistrative Aide VI)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
Participant. “Forum on Laboratory Accreditation in Celebration of World
Accreditation Day”. Philippine Accreditation Office and PhilMSTQ, Inc., / Best
Western Plus Antel Hotel, Makati City. June 17, 2014.
Participant. “50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with the theme:
“Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”. UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Participant. “Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL): Research
Directions and Thesis Opportunities”. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. 18 July 2014.
Participant. “Anti-Sexual Harassment” conducted by UPD-Office of Anti-Sexual
Harassment. NSRI Conference Room, UP Natural Sciences Research Institute, UP
Diliman, Quezon City. July 21, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 101
•
•
•
Participant. “Unique Evolution of Metabolism and Vesicular Traffic in
Entamoeba” NSRI lecture of Dr. Tomoyoshi Nozaki. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon
City. October 15, 2014.
Participant. “Precision Food Processing: The Use of Deterioration Models to
Address the Consumer Demand Paradox for Safety and Quality” NSRI lecture of
Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. November 11, 2014.
Participant. “The “Real” CSI NY: Approaching to Forensic DNA Testing in New
York City” NSRI lecture of Ms. Shiela E. Dennis. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City.
November 21, 2014.
8) CECILIA B. MENGUIS (Laboratory Technician I)
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
Participant. “50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with the theme:
“Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”. UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Participant, “Good Weighing Practice”. Dakila Trading Corp. / #613 Calderon
St., Mandaluyong City. July 17, 2014.
Participant. “Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL): Research
Directions and Thesis Opportunities”. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. 18 July 2014.
Participant. “Anti-Sexual Harassment” conducted by UPD-Office of Anti-Sexual
Harassment. NSRI Conference Room, UP Natural Sciences Research Institute, UP
Diliman, Quezon City. July 21, 2014.
Participant. “Precision Food Processing: The Use of Deterioration Models to
Address the Consumer Demand Paradox for Safety and Quality” NSRI lecture of
Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. November 11, 2014.
9) JONAH L. BONDOC (University Research Associate I)
Position held
•
University Research Associate I, Chemical Exchange Program of NSRI
Professional/Extension activities
•
Speaker. NSRI Laboratory Safety Seminar “Safety and Security in the Workplace:
A Primer on NSRI’s Safety and Security Rules and Guidelines”. UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. August 18, 2014.
Seminars/Symposia/Trainings attended
•
•
•
•
•
•
Participant. “50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with the theme:
“Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”. UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Participant. “Anti-Sexual Harassment” conducted by UPD-Office of Anti-Sexual
Harassment. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. July 21, 2014.
Participant. “Chemical Safety: Handling and Precaution on Chemical
Emergencies” Belman Laboratories / Belman Building, 78 Cordillera St. corner
Quezon Ave., Quezon City. September 25, 2014.
Participant. “PNP Regulatory Seminar,” Merck Inc. Bldg, Makati City. October 1,
2014.
Participant. “Unique Evolution of Metabolism and Vesicular Traffic in
Entamoeba” NSRI lecture of Dr. Tomoyoshi Nozaki. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon
City. October 15, 2014.
Participant. “Safe Handling of All Reagents as an Environment Support: A Safety
in the Laboratory Seminar” Merck Inc. Phils./Max’s Restaurant, Circle Food
Complex, Elliptical Rd., Diliman, Quezon City. October 16, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 102
•
•
•
Participant with Poster Presentation. “2nd Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding
Network National Symposium”. Camayan Beach Resort and Hotel, Subic.
October 29-30, 2014.
Participant. “Precision Food Processing: The Use of Deterioration Models to
Address the Consumer Demand Paradox for Safety and Quality” NSRI lecture of
Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. November 11, 2014.
Participant with Oral Presentation. “3rd National and 1st International
Conference and Workshop on Environmental Science. Ateneo de Manila
University Campus, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. November 24-25, 2014.
10) JANNELLE O. CRISTOBAL (Research Assistant, DA-BAR Project)
•
•
•
•
Research Assistant. Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research
funded project on “Monitoring of Chloramphenicol, Nitrofuran Metabolites and
Malachite Green in Aquaculture Feeds, Bangus and Shrimps Regulatory and
Trade Purposes” effective June 19, 2014.
Participant. “50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with the theme:
“Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”. UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Participant. “Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL): Research
Directions and Thesis Opportunities”. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. July 18,
2014.
Participant. “Anti-Sexual Harassment” conducted by UPD-Office of Anti-Sexual
Harassment. NSRI Conference Room, UP Natural Sciences Research Institute, UP
Diliman, Quezon City. July 21, 201
11) RAIAN F. LAPRESCA (Laboratory Aide)
•
•
•
•
•
Participant. “50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with the theme:
“Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”. UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Participant. “Good Weighing Practice” Dakila Trading Corp. / #613 Calderon
St., Mandaluyong City. July 17, 2014.
Participant. “Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL): Research
Directions and Thesis Opportunities”. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. 18 July 2014.
Participant. “Anti-Sexual Harassment” conducted by UPD-Office of Anti-Sexual
Harassment. NSRI Conference Room, UP Natural Sciences Research Institute, UP
Diliman, Quezon City. July 21, 2014.
Participant. “Precision Food Processing: The Use of Deterioration Models to
Address the Consumer Demand Paradox for Safety and Quality” NSRI lecture of
Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. November 11, 2014.
12) CHUCHIE D. KARINGAL (Laboratory Aide)
•
•
•
•
•
Laboratory Aide. Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research
funded project on “Monitoring of Chloramphenicol, Nitrofuran Metabolites and
Malachite Green in Aquaculture Feeds, Bangus and Shrimps Regulatory and
Trade Purposes” effective June 19, 2014.
Participant. “50th Anniversary Symposium of the UP-NSRI with the theme:
“Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”. UP NSRI, Diliman,
Quezon City. June 19, 2014.
Participant. “Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL): Research
Directions and Thesis Opportunities”. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. July 18,
2014.
Participant.f “Anti-Sexual Harassment” conducted by UPD-Office of Anti-Sexual
Harassment. NSRI Conference Room, UP Natural Sciences Research Institute, UP
Diliman, Quezon City. July 21, 2014.
Participant. “Precision Food Processing: The Use of Deterioration Models to
Address the Consumer Demand Paradox for Safety and Quality” NSRI lecture of
Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel. UP NSRI, Diliman, Quezon City. November 11, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 103
2.2 INFORMATION SERVICE
The NSRI provides information on its technical services and research activities
through the following publications (for details, please see section 1.2).
1) The NSRI Research and Extension Services
2) The NSRI Catalog of Cultures
3) The NSRI Brochure
4) Announcement of Training Courses (uploaded in the NSRI Website @
www.nsri.upd.edu.ph)
2.3 COMMUNITY SERVICE
The NSRI as a national center of excellence in the basic sciences strives to
promote consciousness and appreciation for the natural sciences by hosting visits of
students and researchers and accommodating requests for demonstration of modern
equipment for various groups.
2.4 BIOSAFETY PROGRAM
The NSRI continues to implement a Safety Program for the benefit of NSRIbased researchers. The program aims to orient NSRI-based research and laboratory
personnel in the safety procedures implemented in the NSRI. The NSRI Biosafety
Committee conducts the NSRI Biosafety Seminar twice a year. Attendance to the
seminar is a prerequisite in working in the NSRI facilities. The Biosafety Committee is
chaired by Dr. Maria Auxilia T. Siringan, who is the Biological Safety Officer of the
Institute.
The Pollution Control Officer who implements the Chemical Waste
Management Program of the Institute is Ms. Leahfe P. Gabriel.
The NSRI is the only institute in the University of the Philippines Diliman which
continuously implements laboratory biosafety and chemical waste management
programs and conducts a regular biosafety seminar including chemical safety, proper
handling and use of laboratory animals, fire safety and building security.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 104
1. O R G A N I Z A T I O N A N D P E R S O N N E L
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
The Organizational Chart of both regular and contractual personnel of NSRI is shown in
Fig. 42. The various units, their principal personnel and functions are briefly described below:
Fig.42. The NSRI Organizational Chart
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
This is the highest policy-making authority within the NSRI consisting of the NSRI
Director and the Dean of the College of Science as Co-Chairpersons and the
representatives of the disciplinal and interdisciplinary units covered by the mandate of
NSRI. The Executive Council evaluates all research proposals and progress reports as well
as other requests pertaining to research.
The Director serves for a term of three years and is the chief executive of the Institute.
He/she communicates and implements the decisions of the Executive Council to parties
concerned, represents the Institute and/or negotiates collaborations in behalf of NSRI,
initiates programs and taps external sources of funding, both national and international.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 105
The representatives are selected by their respective units for a term of two
years. They supervise the screening of research proposals within their units and act
as liaison of their units with the Executive Council.
The following were the members of the Executive Council in 2014:
Chair:
Dr. Windell L. Rivera
Director, NSRI
Co-Chair:
Dr. Jose Maria P. Balmaceda
Dean, College of Science
Members:
Dr. Jonas P. Quilang
Institute of Biology
Dr. Guillermo M. Nuesca (January 1 – July 31, 2014)
Dr. Leon M. Payawan (August 1 – December 31, 2014)
Institute of Chemistry
Dr. Jose Ernie C. Lope
Department of Mathematics
Dr. Lemnuel V. Aragones
Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology
Dr. Armando S. Somintac
Materials Science and Engineering Program
RESEARCH SECTION
This section performs the research functions of the NSRI. At present, most of the
researches undertaken through the faculty of the College of Science in the following
disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Environmental Science and
Meteorology. The research thrusts in these
areas therefore reflect those of the institutes.
The members of NSRI’s regular REPS who were initially hired to provide technical services
to researchers were recognized as a research unit in 1988 under the Research Policies
and Guidelines of NSRI. As such, the NSRI REPS have also been active in soliciting grants
from NSRI. NSRI’s REPS have also been active in obtaining external support for their
projects (see section on Externally-Funded Researches).
The research personnel of the NSRI thus consist of the following:
1. Project Leaders, Co-Project Leaders, Program Coordinators and Collaborators: faculty
researchers of the College of Science, NSRI research staff and adjunct researchers of the
College of Science.
2. Contractual Research Staff: University Research Associate I, hired on a contractual basis for
a particular project.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT SECTION
This section provides technical services for researchers and performs the extension
services described in Technical assistance and Advisory services section. The principal
units are the Biological Research and Services Laboratory (BRSL), the DNA Analysis
Laboratory (DAL), the Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory (MRSL) and the
Research and Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL).
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 106
Biological Research and Services Laboratory (BRSL)
1
1
1
University Researcher I
University Research Associate I
Admin. Aide IV
DNA Analytical Laboratory (DAL)
1
1
2
3
6
1
University Researcher III
University Researcher II
University Research Associate I
University Research Associate I (UP Contractual)
Lab Research Associate (Non-UP Contractual)
Consultant
Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory (MRSL)
1
1
2
1
3
1
University Researcher IV
University Researcher II
University Researcher I
Laboratory Technician I
Laboratory Staff (non-UP contractual)
Consultant
Research and Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL)
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
University Researcher V
University Researcher III
University Researcher II
University Researcher I
University Research Associate II
University Research Associate I (UP Contractual)
Research and Analytical Staff (Non-UP contractual)
Laboratory Technician I
Admin. Aide VI
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SECTION
This section consists of the staff of the Administrative Office, Publication Section
and the Property Office:
1. Administrative Office: handles the administration of research projects and actively
supports all activities of the in-house laboratories of the Institute. The specific functions
are: (1) to provide assistance to researchers in financial management; (2) to arrange
schedules on the use of Institute facilities; (3) to provide support to clerical and artistic
services in the preparation of research manuscripts; (4) to coordinate with the
different laboratories regarding research and extension activities such as holding of
seminars, training courses, etc.; and (5) to take charge of tour visits of students and
guests in the Institute. The staff consists of:
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Administrative Officer V
Administrative Officer IV
Administrative Officer III
Administrative Assistant II
Administrative Assistant II (Artist Illustrator II)
Admin. Aide IV
Admin. Aide III
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 107
2. Publication Section: offers printing, binding and photocopying services. It is equipped
with necessary facilities and manpower for the publication of research reports,
manuals, books, etc. The staff consists of:
1
1
Publication Circulation Officer II
Admin. Assistant V
3. Property Section: in-charge of the overall maintenance and upkeep of NSRI building
and grounds, facilities and equipment, property and supply, administration of
electrical, plumbing and carpentry work. The staff consists of:
1
1
1
1
1
Administrative Officer V
Precision Instrument Technician III
Administrative Assistant III
Laboratory Technician II
Laboratory Aide II
4. Computer Room:
provides for the computer needs of researchers, URAs and
administrative personnel, including e-mail and internet access through the DILNET.
LIST OF NSRI ROOM OCCUPANTS IN 2014
The complete list of NSRI’s room occupants in 2014 are the following:
Name of Room/Lab Occupants
Assigned Rooms
Director’s Office
-
Rm. 234
Biological Research and Services Laboratory (BRSL)
BRSL Lab Rooms
BRSL Cell & Tissue Culture Room
BRSL Microscope Room
-
Rms. 120, 121, 126
Rms. 123, 125, 127 & Ancient DNA Lab
Rm. 122
Rm. 124
DNA Analysis Laboratory (DAL)
DAL Meeting Room
DAL Lab Head Room
DAL Lab Rooms
DAL Drying Room
DAL Fume Hood
-
Rms. 209 & 211
Rm. 212
Rm. 214
Rms. 201-208, 210, 213, 215-222, 224
Rm 223
Rm. 226
Microbiological Research Services Laboratory (MRSL)
MRSL Lab Rooms
MRSL Training Room
UP-NSRI/PCAMRD Project
DDHP Team
-
Rms. 102, 107, 109, 111
Rms. 101, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112
Rms. 103, 105
Rm. 114
Rm. 115
Research and Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL)
-
Rms. 134 -135, 138 – 139 & Pesticide Laboratory
NSRI Offices:
Administration Office
Property & Maintenance Office
Chemical Safety Office
DA-BAR/UP-NSRI Project
DA-BAR/UP-NSRI Researchers Room
-
Rm. 234
Rm. 137
Rm. 234 (inside office)
Rm. 233
Rm. 237
NSRI Rooms:
Animal House
Chemical Waste Storage
Conference/ Council Room
Computer Room
General Room for Use of Fume Hood
Storage Room
-
Rm. 15
Animal House Extension
Rm. 231
Rm. 236
Rm. 247
Rms. 235, 244, 246
NSRI In-house Laboratories:
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 108
Chemistry Researchers occupying rooms in NSRI
Dr. Leni L. Quirit
-
Rm. 238
Biology Researchers occupying rooms in NSRI
Dr. Elena S. Catap
Dr. Ernelea P. Cao
Dr. Luis Maria B. Garcia
Dr. Windell L. Rivera
Dr. Janet Puzon/ Dr. G. Rivero
Dr. Joyce Ibana
Dr. Pierangeli Vital
-
Rm. 117
Rm. 118
Rm. 119
AH- 7, AH-9, SR-5, SR-7& SR-9
Rm. 116
Rm. 238
Snail Rms 1 & 3
PERSONNEL INVENTORY OF THE NSRI
The list of regular personnel of the NSRI in 2014 is presented in Table 10. The total
inventory of personnel for 2014 is provided in Table 11.
Table 10. Regular personnel of NSRI in 2014
NAME
POSITION TITLE
Windell L. Rivera
STATUS
OF
APPT.
Director (eff. April 2012)
STATUS OF SERVICE
Additional Assignment
B I O L O G I C A L R E S E A R C H A N D S E R V I C E S L A B O R A T O R Y (BRSL)
Raquel O. Rubio
University Researcher I
P
On active duty
Erna Louise L. Elias
University Research Assoc. I
P
On active duty
Rieziel Ann D. Bernal
University Research Assoc. I
C
UP Contractual (01/01/14 - 03/31/14)
Maridel B. Desamero
University Research Assoc. I
C
UP Contractual (06/20/14 - 2/31/14)
DNA ANALYSIS
L A B O R A T O R Y (DAL)
Maria Corazon A. De Ungria
University Researcher III
Gayvelline C. Calacal
University Researcher II
Frederick C. Delfin
University Research Assoc. I
Minerva S. Sagum
University Research Assoc. I
Jazelyn M. Salvador
University Research Assoc. I
Miriam Ruth M. Dalet
University Research Assoc. I
Maria Lourdes D.C. Honrado
Lab. Research Associate
Paul Ryan L. Sales
Lab. Research Associate
Nelvie Fatima Jane A. Soliven
University Research Assoc. I
Alpha Rae M. Espigar
Project Research Associate
Angelica Sagum
Lab. Research Associate
Lindsay Claire DL. Carandang
Lab. Research Associate
Dame Loveliness T. Apaga
Lab. Research Associate
Saturnina C. Halos
Consultant
P
P
P
P
C
C
C
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
On active duty
On active duty
On active duty
On active duty
UP contractual
UP Contractual
UP Contractual (until 08/31/14)
Non-UP Contractual
Non-UP ( eff. 11/05/14)
Non-UP Contractual
Non-UP Contractual
Non-UP Contractual
Non-UP Contractual
Additional assignment
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 109
Continuation of Table 10.
M I C R O B I O L O G I C A L R E S E A R C H A N D S E R V I C E S L A B O R A T O R Y (MRSL)
Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
University Researcher IV
P
On active duty
Sonia SP. Bulaong
University Researcher II
P
On active duty
Celia A. Cereno
University Researcher I
P
On active duty
Vina B. Argayosa
University Researcher I
P
On active duty
Reynaldo E. Javate, Jr.
Laboratory Technician I
P
On active duty
Rosalyn F. Diaz
Laboratory Secretary
NC
Non-UP Contractual
Ma. Adele N. Arjona
Laboratory Assistant
NC
Non-UP Contractual
Dionisio R. Villanueva
Research Aide
NC
Non-UP Contractual
Luisa S. Saniel
Consultant
Additional Assignment
R E S E A R C H A N D A N A L Y T I C A L S E R V I C E S L A B O R A T O R Y (RASL)
Evangeline C. Santiago
University Researcher V
P
On active duty (ret. 06/18/14)
Charita S. Kwan
University Researcher III
P
On active duty
Artemio E. Pascual
University Researcher II
P
On active duty
Criselda R. Africa
University Researcher I
P
On active duty
Abegail Z. Rasco
University Research Assoc. II
P
On active duty
Cecilia B. Menguis
Laboratory Technician I
P
On active duty
Jenalyn V. Cruz
Administrative Aide VI
P
On active duty
Kristine O. Manalang
University Research Assoc. I
C
UP Contractual (eff. 06/20/14)
Raian F. Lapresca
Laboratory Aide
NC
Non-UP Contractual
Chuchi Karingal
Laboratory Aide
NC
Non-UP Contractual
ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION
Leahfe P. Gabriel
Administrative Officer V
P
On active duty
Eleazar S. Del Remedio
Administrative Officer IV
P
On active duty
Edeza M. Rivera
Administrative Officer III
P
On active duty
Ernesto A. Canlas
Administrative Assistant II
P
On active duty (ret. 01/11/14)
Dimpna N. Bulaon
Administrative Assistant II
P
On active duty
Reynaldo S. Teaño
Administrative Aide IV
P
On active duty (until 04/30/14)
Romeo M. Magtibay
Administrative Aide III
P
On active duty
Luiza H. Galarion
Project Dev’t Assoc. II
NC
Non-UP Contractual
San Barney Agbayani
Chem. Safety & Waste Mgt. Assoc.
C
UP Contractual (01/30/14 – 06/17/14)
Johan L. Bondoc
Chem. Safety & Waste Mgt. Assoc.
C
UP Contractual (10/02/14 – 12/31/14)
PUBLICATION SECTION
Vilma S. Vega
Publication Circulation Officer II
P
On-active duty
Florentino P. Abundo
Administrative Assistant V
P
On-active duty
PROPERTY SECTION
Alvin DC. Mallari
Precision Instrument Technician III
P
On-active duty
Rhona Ong
Administrative Assistant III
P
On-active duty
Delfa B. Lancara
Administrative Aide V
P
On-active duty
Victoriano G. Bravo, Jr.
Laboratory Technician II
P
On-active duty (ret.01/30/14)
Edgardo C. Gayanes
Laboratory Aide II
P
On-active duty
P – permanent
C- contractual
NC – non-UP contractual
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 110
Table 11. Personnel inventory of NSRI in 2014.
CATEGORY
No. of Personnel
(Man Years)
Regular Items
Lumpsum
TOTAL
NON-REGULAR
Members, Executive Council
Research Section
7
Project Leaders
Co-Project Leaders
Program Coordinators
Collaborators
University Research Associate I
Non-UP Research Associate I
7
24
5
0
2
26
1
REGULAR
Director (Professor)
1
1
1
1
2
3
4
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
3
4
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
-----------99
Research Staff
University Researcher V
University Researcher IV
University Researcher III
University Researcher II
University Researcher I
University Research Associate II
University Research Associate I
Laboratory Technician II
Laboratory Technician I
Laboratory Aide II
Administrative Staff
Administrative Officer V
Publication Circulation Officer II
Administrative Officer IV
Administrative Officer III
Precision Instrument Technician III
Administrative Assistant V
Administrative Assistant III
Administrative Assistant II
Administrative Aide VI
Administrative Aide V
Administrative Aide IV
Administrative Aide III
TOTAL
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 111
1.1 N S R I S T A F F D E V E L O P M E N T I N 2 0 1 4
WINDELL L. RIVERA, Ph.D.
Director
Positions Held:
Professor 6, Institute of Biology
UP Scientist III, UP System
Head, Microbiology Academic Group, Institute of Biology
Head, Molecular Protozoology Laboratory, NSRI
President, Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc., 2014-2015
Secretary, Outstanding Young Scientists, Inc., 2014-2016
Auditor, Philippine Academy of Microbiology, 2014-2015
PRO, Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society, Alpha Chi Chapter
Board Member, Institute of Biology Alumni Association, 2012-2014
Awards Received:
2014
2014
2014
National Winner, CHED REPUBLICA (Outstanding Research and Publication Award),
CHED Auditorium, Diliman, Quezon City, May 20, 2014
Dr. Eusebio Y. Garcia Recognition Award in Molecular Biology and Molecular
Pathology, National Research Council of the Philippines, Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros,
Manila, December 8, 2014
UP Diliman Centennial Professorial Chair, July 2014 to June 2015
2014 Publications:
1. Dimasuay KGB, Rivera WL. 2014. First report of Trichomonas tenax infections in the
Philippines. Parasitology International. 63: 400-402.
2. Ng KCS, Rivera WL. 2014. Antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enterica isolates from tonsil
and jejunum with lymph node tissues of slaughtered swine in Metro Manila, Philippines.
ISRN Microbiology. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/364265.
3. Reyes JCB, Solon JAA, Rivera WL. 2014. Development of a loop-mediated isothermal
amplification assay for detection of Trichomonas vaginalis. Diagnostic Microbiology
and Infectious Disease. 79: 337-341.
4. Vital PG, Dimasuay KGB, Widmer KW, Rivera WL. 2014. Microbiological quality of fresh
produce from open air markets and supermarkets in the Philippines. The Scientific
World Journal. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/219534.
5. Cruz ARS, Rivera WL. 2014. Genotype analysis of Acanthamoeba isolates from human nasal
swabs in the Philippines. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 7S1: S74-S78.
6. Salvador-Membreve DMC, Jacinto SD, Rivera WL. 2014. Trichomonas vaginalis induces
cytopathic effect on human lung alveolar basal carcinoma epithelial cell line A549.
Experimental Parasitology. 147: 33-40.
LEAHFE P. GABRIEL (Administrative Officer V)
Additional assignments
• NSRI Pollution Control Officer
• Member, NSRI Administrative Personnel Committee (AdPC), Supervisory Level
Representative
• Member, UP Supervisors Association, Inc.
• Member, NSRI Special Events Committee
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 112
Seminars/Trainings attended
• Seminar on the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9184,
including Updates and Latest Issuances, conducted by OVCA in coordination of
UP-SPMO, NISMED, Diliman, Q.C. December 1-2, 2014.
• “Safety in the Laboratory” conducted by Merck Philippines, Inc., Max’s Q.C. Circle.
October 16, 2014.
• “Chemical Safety:
Handling and Precaution on Chemical Emergencies”
conducted by Belman Laboratories, 78 Cordillera cor. Quezon Ave., Q.C.
September 25, 2014.
• Seminar-Workshop on Personnel, Procurement, Financial and Business Concessions
Matters, conducted by UP-OVCA in coordination of HRDO, SOLAIR, UP Diliman,
Q.C. September 1-3, 2014.
• “Achieving Regulatory Balance:
Regulatory Requirements on Importation,
Procurement and Usage of Chemicals” conducted by Merck Philippines, Merck
Main Office, Leviste St., Makati City. August 8, 2014.
• Seminar on Anti-Sexual Harassment, OASH, NSRI Conference Room. July 21, 2014.
• “Environmetal Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL): Research Directions and Thesis
Opportunities” by Dr. Mylene G. Cayetano, NSRI Conference Room, July 18, 2014.
VILMA S. VEGA (Publication Circulation Officer II)
Additional assignment
• Member, UP Supervisors Association, Inc.
• Member, NSRI Seminar Committee
• Member, NSRI Special Events Committee
Seminars attended
•
•
“Anti-Sexual Harassment”, NSRI Conference Room, UP, Diliman. July 21, 2014.
“Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”, NSRI, Diliman, Q.C.
June 19, 2014.
EDEZA M. RIVERA (Administrative Officer III)
Additional Assignment
•
Proctor, UP College Admission Test (UPCAT), U.P. Diliman, Q.C., August 2014.
Seminars attended
•
•
•
“Precision Food Processing: The Use of Microbiological Inactivation and Quality
Deterioration Models to Address the Consumer Demand Paradox for Safety
Quality”, NSRI Conference Room, UP, Diliman. November 11, 2014.
“The Real CSI NY: Approches to Forensic DNA Testing in New York City, NSRI
Conference Room, UP, Diliman. November 21, 2014.
“Reconstruction of Phylogenetic Tree from a Set of Rooted Triplets”, NSRI
Conference Room, UP, Diliman. December 3, 2014.
ALVIN DC. MALLARI (Precision Instrument Technical III)
Additional assignment
• Member, NSRI Administrative Personnel Committee (AdPC), Supervisory Level
Representative (Appointed)
• OIC – Property and Maintenance Section
• Cluster representative, All UP Workers Union
Seminars attended
• Seminar on the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9184,
including Updates and Latest Issuances, conducted by OVCA in coordination of
UP-SPMO, NISMED, Diliman, Q.C. December 1-2, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 113
•
•
•
Standard and Protocol Based Procurement and Materials Management, YANA
Chemodities, Inc., YCI Bldg, 151 Kaliraya St., Q.C. September 25, 2014.
“Seminar-Workshop on Personnel, Procurement, Financial and Business Concessions
Matters” conducted by UP-OVCA in coordination of HRDO, SOLAIR, UP Diliman,
Q.C. September 15-17, 2014.
“Achieving Regulatory Balance” Merck Inc., Marriot Hotel, Manila. August 8, 2014.
RHONA ONG (Administrative Assistant III)
Seminars attended
•
•
•
•
•
“Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”, NSRI, Diliman, Q.C.
June 19, 2014.
“Sustaining Quality in the System: Empowering the Internal Quality Audit Team”,
YANA Chemodities, Inc. June 25, 2014.
“Anti-Sexual Harassment”, NSRI Conference Room, UP, Diliman. July 21, 2014.
“Seminar Workshops on Personnel, Procurement, Financial and Business Concessio”
Matters, Bulwagan Bonifacio Auditorium, SOLAIR, UP, Diliman. September 15-17,
2014.
“Ang Militante, Progresibo at Makabayang Unyonismo”, All-UP Workers Union, UP
Diliman. October 13, 2014.
DIMPNA N. BULAON (Administrative Assistant II)
Additional Assignment
• NSRI Special Collecting Officer. January 1 – December 31,2014.
• Member, NSRI Administrative Personnel Committee (AdPC), Rank-and-File
Representative
• Proctor, UP College Admission Test (UPCAT), U.P. Diliman, Q.C., August 2014.
Seminars attended
• “Precision Food Processing: The Use of Microbiological Inactivation and Quality
Deterioration Models to Address the Consumer Demand Paradox for Safety
Quality”, NSRI Conference Room, UP, Diliman. November 11, 2014.
• “Seminar Workshops on Personnel, Procurement, Financial and Business
Concessions Matters, Bulwagan Bonifacio Auditorium, SOLAIR, UP, Diliman.
September 15-17, 2014.
• “Rebuilding a Legacy: The Philippine National Museum of National History”, NSRI
Conference Room, UP Diliman. September 2, 2014.
• “Anti-Sexual Harassment”, NSRI Conference Room, UP, Diliman. July 21, 2014.
• “Dalawang (2) Araw na Pagsasanay sa Usaping Pangkasarian, UP Diliman Gender
Office, Benton Hall, UP Diliman. July 14-15, 2014.
• “Celebrating Research Productivity: 50 Years and Beyond”, NSRI, Diliman, Q.C.
June 19, 2014.
DELFA B. LANCARA (Administrative Aide V)
Seminars attended
• “Achieving Regulatory Balance:
Regulatory Requirements on Importation,
Procurement and Usage of Chemicals” conducted by Merck Philippines, Merck
Main Office, Leviste St., Makati City. Augusst 8, 2014.
• “Sustaining Quality in the System: Empowering the Internal Quality Audit Team”
YANA Chemodities, Inc. June 25, 2014.
• Standard and Protocol Based Procurement and Materials Management, YANA
Chemodities, Inc., YCI Bldg, 151 Kaliraya St., Q.C. September 25, 2014.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 114
1.2 L E C T U R E S E R I E S
The NSRI hosted the following series of lectures in 2014.
Date of lecture
Name of lecturer and title
January 7, 2014
Dr. Rene A. Abesamis
Networks of Marine Reserves for Fisheries Management:
Can They Really Work?
February 4, 2014
Dr. Joyce A. Ibana
Repurposing of an Anti-cancer Drug Candidate to Treat
Antibiotic-resistant Chlamydia Infections
February 13, 2014
Dr. Mark Stoneking
Into and Out of Taiwan: Genetic Evidence Concerning the
Austronesian Expansion
March 10, 2014
Dr. Ricardo C.H. Del Rosario
Massive Contribution of Repeats and Noncoding Elements
to Primate Origins
July 18, 2014
Dr. Mylene G. Cayetano
Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory (EPSL):
Research Directions and Thesis Opportunities
August 15, 2014
Dr. Lilibeth A. Salvador-Reyes
September 2, 2014
Dr. Arvin C. Diesmos
October 15, 2014
Dr. Tomoyoshi Nozaki
Unique Evolution of Metabolism and Vesicular Traffic in
Entamoeba
November 11, 2014
Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel
The Use of Microbiological Inactivation and Quality
Deterioration Models to Address the
Consumer Demand Paradox for Safety and Quality
November 21, 2014
Ms. Sheila E. Dennis
The ‘Real’ CSI NY: Approaches to Forensic DNA Testing in
New York City
December 3, 2014
Dr. Richard S. Lemence
Reconstruction of Phylogenetic Tree from a Set of Rooted
Triplets
Benthic Marine Cyanobacteria as Biofactories of
Small Molecules
Rebuilding a Legacy: The Philippine National
Museum of Natural History
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 115
January 7, 2014
February 4, 2014
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 116
February 13, 2014
March 10, 2014
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 117
July 25, 2014
August 15, 2014
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 118
September 2, 2014
October 15, 2014
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 119
November 11, 2014
November 21, 2014
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 120
December 3, 2014
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 121
1.3 P H O T O G A L L E R Y
Celebrating Research Productivity 50 Years and
Beyond
June 19, 2014
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 122
Awarding of NSRI Retirees
and
Loyalty Awardees
Retirees: Dr. Evangeline C. Santiago, Mr. Victoriano G. Bravo, Jr.
and Mr. Ernesto A. Canlas
Loyalty Awardees: Mr. Frederick C, Delfin, Mr. Alvin DC. Mallari,
Mr. Romeo M. Magtibay and Mr. Reynaldo S. Teaño (RIP)
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 123
NSRI Executive Council Review and Planning
Workshop
Timberland Heights Sports and Nature Club (April 11-12, 2014)
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 124
1.4 R E S O U R C E G E N E R A T I O N A N D A L L O C A T I O N
The NSRI’s resources are derived mainly from the U.P. Budget. Additional resources are
generated from external grants to the NSRI research staff and the funds from technical
extension services. A brief description of each source and their corresponding allocation is
given below:
NSRI Budget
The NSRI’s Internal Operating Budget for 2014 is shown in Table 12.
The NSRI budget from the U.P. revolving fund is shown in Table 13. It showed how much
allocation was given to research grants by discipline, how much went to MOE, honoraria and
URA’s salaries.
Funds from Technical Extension Services
The funds from technical extension services go to the UP Trust Account. It is used mainly
to purchase minor equipment and additional supplies for the research and service
laboratories as well as photocopying units. Also, it is used to hire non-UP contractual personnel
as needed, and to provide incentives for the regular staff. The NSRI makes available through
these services the expertise of its staff and the use of its maintained scientific equipment. The
extension services fill a strong need of outside agencies, particularly medium level business
and government laboratories with inadequate facilities and for specialized services like
analytical services, microbiological services, etc. The technical extension services provide a
great opportunity for the University of the Philippines to fulfill a critical national need and at the
same time generate funds for the Institute and the University.
Table 12. The NSRI’s Internal Operating Budget in 2014
Particulars
Allocation
Appropriation
Reserve
Withheld
Total
FOR: RESEARCH GRANTS
(Current Operating Expenditures)
I. Personnel Services
1. Permanent Positions
a. Number
b. Salary per PSI
c. Salary differences
Adjusted TOTAL
2. Lump sum for wages,
contractuals, substitute, faculty,
graduate student, assistants and
consultants
3. Lump sum for lecturers, honoraria,
allowances and hazard pay
4. PERA/ACA/Bonus/Cash Gift
5. Magna Carta
6. GSIS life & ret., Medicare, ECIP
TOTAL FOR PS
P 5,826.00
1,810,000
5,826,000.00
1,810,000.00
7,636,000.00
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 125
Continuation of Table 12.
Particulars
Appropriation
Allocation
II. Maintenance & Other Operating
Expenses (MOOE)
1. Regular
2. Utilities
3. Janitorial
4. UP Provident Fund HMO
TOTAL MOOE
4,931,000
Reserve
Withheld
Total
4,931,000
4,931,000
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR RESEARCH GRANTS
12,567,000
FOR: REGULAR GRANTS
(Current Operating Expenditures)
I. Personnel Services
1. Permanent Positions
a. Number
b. Salary per PSI
Adjusted TOTAL
2. Lump sum for wages,
contractuals, substitute, faculty,
graduate student, assistants and
consultants
3. Lump sum for lecturers, honoraria,
allowances and hazard pay
4. RATA, PERA,ACA, PIB, Clothing,
Christmas Bonus, Cash Gift
Magna Carta
6. GSIS,PhilHealth,ECIP,PAGIBIG,RLIP
TOTAL FOR PS
II. Maintenance & Other Operating
Expenses (MOOE)
1. Regular
2. Utilities
3. Janitorial/Guard
4. UP Provident Fund HMO
TOTAL MOOE
9,954.00
9,954,000
167,000
167,000
1,996,000
1,996,000
1,327,000
1,327,000
13,444,000
576,000
1,292,000
576,000
1,292,000
1,868,000
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
P 15,312,000
GRAND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
P 27,879,000
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 126
Table 13. Allocation of NSRI Research Funds by Discipline in 2014
RESEARCH GRANT FOR 2014
DISCIPLINE
No. of
PROJECTS
Granted
MOE
HONORARIA
AMOUNT
CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
RESEARCHERS
PL
CO-PL
PC
C
CO
Honoraria
URA 1
Salary
TOTAL
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 127
BIOLOGY
10
1,870,000.00
10
0
0
0
1
396,000
10
3,428,229.60
5,753,229.60
CHEMISTRY
9
1,681,000.00
9
1
0
0
2
410,400
9
3,138,506.64
5,229,906.64
MATH
4
18,000.00
4
3
0
0
1
283,200
0
0
301,200.00
ENVI. SCI. &
MET.
1
150,000.00
1
1
0
0
0
68,400
1
348,722.96
567,122.96
NSRI Research
Staff
0
0
0
0
-
-
-
-
2
697,445.92
697,445.92
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
1,394,891.84
1,394,891.84
24
5
0
0
4
P 1,158,000
26
P 9,007,796.96
P 13,943,796.96
NSRI
Commitment
TOTAL
24
P 3,719,000.00
PL=Project Leader; CO-PL=Co-Project Leader; PC=Program Coordinator; C=Consultant; CO=Collaborator
1.5 F i s c a l R e s o u r c e s
Financial Assistance from the Office of the Chancellor (2014)
- TA 9774273-499-439 (60% share from PPP Projects)
- Reprogrammed funds as per 1301ST BOR meeting
dated 9/29/14 (Capital Outlay), for Renovation of Admin.
Office and Property Office
- EC Review and Planning Workshop
P
698,030.87
2,301,969.13
49,417.32
Financial Assistance from the College of Science (2014)
- TA 1631-8884-952-005 (50th Anniversary of NSRI)
TOTAL
90,537.00
------------------P 3,139,954.32
vvvvvvvvvvvv
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 128
FUTURE PLANS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
•
For manpower development, the NSRI will continue to encourage in-house
researchers to pursue graduate degrees in their own fields. We also aim to
increase the number of our Scientists in the Scientific Career System of the
Civil Service Commission and the Department of Science and Technology.
•
We will reinforce our efforts to seek research funds from external agencies,
both local and foreign, for the progressive improvement of the quality of
our research activities.
•
We will continue to seek help from the University and from our private
partners to improve our buildings and other facilities.
N S R I Annual Report 2014 | 129
WINDELL L. RIVERA PH.D.
Executive Editor
MS. VILMA S. VEGA
Managing Editor
MS. RAQUEL O. RUBIO
MS. NICOLE R. BOLO
MR. ERNEST TROYSS B. PILAPIL
Editorial Assistants
N ATURAL S CIENCES
R ESEARCH I NSTITUTE
Miranda Hall, University of the Philippines
corner Quirino and Velasquez Streets
Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines
Telephone No.: (632) 925-2963
Fax No.: (632) 928-6868
Website: http://nsri.upd.edu.ph/nsri/