By Jesslyn Keith Valite

The Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PSBMB) North Luzon Chapter, in partnership with the MMSU Graduate School (GS), held a virtual conference on October 29 as part of the 3rd Regional Convention and Scientific Meeting. It focused on Metabolic Signatures in Health and Disease featuring innovative techniques and biological activities.

The conference co-organized by the Department of Biological Sciences, BioComputing Laboratory and Center for Molecular Medical Research, with DKSH and CAS Color as sponsors, brought together 410 participants from 91 institutions, agencies from region, national, and international. Participants explored the latest advancements in metabolic signatures and their implications for diagnostics and treatment strategies.

MMSU OIC President Prima Fe R. Franco, who also specializes as a microbiologist and molecular biologist, emphasized the importance of understanding the molecular basis of life, describing DNA as the “blueprint of life” and genetics as the “ultimate identity.” She expressed hope that more molecular biology research would benefit society at large.

Assistant Professor Ian Kim Tabios of the University of the Philippines Diliman Institute Biology College of Science, one of the speakers, discussed circulating biomarkers for the early detection and prognosis of diseases. His presentation covered metabolic alterations in conditions such as human papillomavirus (HPV), presenting the potential of biomarkers in preventive healthcare.

Meanwhile, Professor Don Carlo Batara, a faculty member of MMSU College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology and current PhD student in Animal Engineering at Chonnam National University, focused on cancer gene signatures and pathways toward targeted gene therapy. He highlighted the role of metabolic signatures in diagnosing and treating diseases at the molecular level.

MMSU-GS Dean and outgoing PSBMB North Luzon Chapter President Doreen Domingo praised the event as “a proactive step toward expanding knowledge, strengthening networks, and keeping pace with emerging innovations,” emphasizing the importance of molecular signatures in advancing health and disease research.

PSBMB representative Dr. Ian Kendrich Fontanilla expressed appreciation of the scientific community for sustaining initiatives that promote generating and sharing knowledge in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Additionally, PSBMB North Luzon Chapter members presented their research accomplishments, and new chapter officers were elected. Incoming President, MMSU Biology Professor Henedine Aguinaldo encouraged participants to stay engaged in the molecular sciences and continue advancing in the field.

The conference reaffirmed a renewed motivation to advance academic collaboration, scientific research, and innovation applications to further create more health impact in the community.