Dr. Stella G. Fernandez and Dr. Nicolas G. Guanzon, Jr. at the 47th PSM convention.

Dr. Nicolas G. Guanzon Jr., Acting Chairperson of the Life Sciences Department, and Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Acting Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, attended the 47^th Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting of the Philippine Society for Microbiology (PSM) with the theme, “Globalization of Philippine Microbiology: Building Quality Infrastracture” last July 19-20, 2018 at The Oriental, Taysan Hill, Sto. Niño Village, Legazpi City , Albay.

One of the highlights during the convention was the continued efforts of Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM) and Philippine Society for Microbiology (PSM) to develop microbiology consortia in the different regions of the country. During the convention, the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, was formally handed to Dr. Asuncion K. Raymundo, who spearheaded the Microbiology Consortium.

Dr. Raymundo+s report during the 47th PSM Convention.

Central Philippine University offers a BS Biology program with two specializations: Microbiology and Medical Biology. CPU is also now a recognized member of the consortium. The immediate benefit of consortium members will be a free training of HEI’s faculty members on basic microbiology, microbial ecology, microbial genetics, and food microbiology. The training includes training fees, plane and bus fares, board and lodging. The training will be conducted by the Microbiology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, UP Los Baños, Laguna on January 7-February 1, 2019 through a CHED grant titled “Capacity Building of Tertiary Educators in the Teaching of Selected Microbiology.” BS Bio-Microbiology prepares the student to become a registered microbiologist who must first pass the examination given by the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC).

The Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM), the certifying arm of PSM, sponsors the microbiology bill (House Bill No. 2320; Senate Bill: No. 1630), “An Act regulating the practice of Microbiology in the Philippines and other purposes.” The bill, when enacted into law, will regulate the microbiology profession through a credible and relevant licensure examination and a system of continuing professional development program under the auspices of Professional Regulation Commission.