Call for Nominations: 2022 IUPAC-Richter Prize in Medicinal Chemistry

International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and Gedeon Richter, Plc. announce the 2022 IUPAC-Richter Prize in Medicinal Chemistry

Nominate a Colleague or Mentor for an Award!

The 2022 IUPAC-Richter Prize is to be awarded to an internationally recognized scientist, preferably a medicinal chemist, whose activities or published accounts have made an outstanding contribution to the practice of medicinal chemistry or to an outstanding example of new drug discovery. The prize is $10,000.

The award will be presented during the 37th ACS National Medicinal Chemistry Symposium (June 26-29, 2022) in New York, and at the XXVII EFMC International Symposium on Medicinal Chemistry (September 4-8, 2022) in Nice (France), where the recipient will also give a plenary lecture on the subject of his/her research.

The nomination should be uploaded by December 15, 2021 with the following form of the IUPAC Secretariat : https://www.cognitoforms.com/IUPAC1/IUPACRichterPrize2022NominationForm

PFCS Photo Contest 2021

The Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies, Inc., with the hope of contributing to a greater public interest and appreciation of chemistry, particularly among the youth, organised the inaugural PFCS Photo Contest with the theme, “Chemistry in the Eyes of the Youth.”

The contest was open to Grades 7-12 students from both public and private schools nationwide. We received entries from students of different grade levels coming from all over the Philippines. They were judged based on creative expression and originality (30%), composition and technique (30%), and relevance to the theme (40%). 

This year’s winning entries are as follows:

Innocent Chemist
We are chemists, we extracted flowers and leaves that we picked every time we play “bahay-bahayan” to make different colors, we are, unknowingly, engaging ourselves in chemistry. We have learned to make our own experiments and discover reactions in the nature because of our childhood.

Reuben S. Palma
Pavia National High School
Teacher-Chaperone: Vicente P. Celestial

Burn it Up
Patterns of fire created by the combustion reaction of gas from a gas stove burner.

Rophi Denish B. Condor
Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus
Teacher-Chaperone: Mary Joy Villamora

Unbelievabubble
A soap bubble consists of a thin sheet of water between two layers of soap molecules, encapsulating a gas. The hydrophilic head of each soap molecule faces the water, while the hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail extends away from water. The increased distance between water molecules causes a decrease in surface tension.

Xyza Gaeia R. Cantallopez
Philippine Science High School – Central Mindanao Campus
Teacher-Chaperone: Jay Carl M. Agbay

The other participants in the PFCS Photo Contest 2021 are as follows:

Hart Drew T. Baking
Xavier School-San Juan
Teacher-Chaperone: Alicia Jane F. Peras

Karlsen Gerard A. Sagun
Santa Rosa Educational Institution
Teacher-Chaperone: Denmark I. Redimano

Kiev Franzel M. Adaza
MSU-IIT Integrated Developmental School
Teacher-Chaperone: Angel Jane A. Roullo

Jade V. Esclamado
Lyceum of Alabang
Teacher-Chaperone: Samantha Roe M. Auza

The winners received a Certificate of Recognition and a cash prize while other participants received a Certificate of Appreciation and a consolation prize. Their teacher-chaperones, on the other hand, received a Certificate of Appreciation. They were all invited to the recognition ceremony held during the 35th Philippine Chemistry Congress on 20 September 2021.

This year’s PFCS Photo Contest 2021 Committee is composed of Dr Voltaire G. Organo of the Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers, Inc. as the chair, together with Mr Elliard Roswell S. Yanza of the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies, Inc., Dr Fabian M. Dayrit of the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines, Inc., Dr Edwehna Elinore S. Paderna of the Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers, Inc., and Ms Mary Michelle T. Delas Alas of the Philippine Association of Chemistry Students, Inc.

PHILIPPINES BRINGS HOME SILVER AND BRONZE MEDALS IN THE 53rd International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)

Written By Mr Nick Tan
Edited by Dr Faith Lagua and Dr Jojo Andaya

The Philippines bagged two silver and one bronze medals from the recently concluded 53rd International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), held last 25 July to 2 August 2021 hosted by Japan. This edition of the IChO, the second one to be organized remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, gathered more than 300 participants from a record 85 countries and regions.

Comprising this year’s Team Philippines to the 53rd IChO were:

  • Nathan Wayne F. Ariston (Philippine Science High School [PSHS] – Central Mindanao Campus)
  • Ron Angelo A. Gelacio (PSHS – Main Campus)
  • Aames Juriel B. Morales (De La Salle University [DLSU] Integrated School – Senior High School, Manila Campus)
  • Kristoff John F. Padilla (PSHS – Central Mindanao Campus)

The other members of the 2021 delegation are: Dr. Jose Andaya -PSHS-CALABARZON Campus (Country Coordinator and Head Mentor); Dr. Faith Marie Lagua – De La Salle University (Mentor and Head Coach).

The team was passionately trained for two weeks by a coaching staff composed of highly-skilled chemistry professors. The coaching team are comprised of the following:

  1. Analytical Chemistry Cluster: Dr. Ian Ken Dimzon, (Head of Cluster) (ADMU) and Dr. Raymond Malabed (DLSU)
  2. Biochemistry Cluster: Dr. Hilbert Magpantay, (Head of Cluster) (DLSU) and Dr. Maria Karmella Apaya (UPD)
  3. Inorganic Chemistry Cluster: Dr. Nestor Valera, (Head of Cluster) (ADMU) and Mr. Rob Jeremiah Nuguid (Paul Scherrer Institute)
  4. Organic Chemistry Cluster: Ms. Valerie Christie Miclat, (Head of Cluster) (ADMU); Dr. Virgilio Ebajo, (Head of Cluster) (DLSU); Dr. Irene Villasenor (UPD), Dr. Eric Punzalan (DLSU), Dr. Jose Paolo Bantang (DLSU) and Dr. Faith Lagua (DLSU)
  5. Physical Chemistry Cluster: Dr. Christopher Jay Robidillo, (Head of Cluster) (UPM) and Dr. Gil Claudio (UPD)

Guest coach: Mr. Michael Tantoco – last year’s Silver medalist also spent a few sessions with the delegates to give them problem solving strategies for the exam.

In its interactive virtual opening ceremony last July 25, participants transformed into their online avatar counterparts which was much appreciated given the current circumstances. They were all warmly welcomed by Dr. Kohei Tamao, president and chairman of the 53rd IChO Organizing Committee.

The examination proper of the competition was held last July 28. Contestants from around the world answered nine challenging problems for five hours in the comfort of their own homes with their respective parents or guardians serving as invigilators that monitored their conduct. Of course, it was not all serious work for the delegates. The organizers made sure that despite being a purely virtual event, videos and virtual tours promoting Japan’s Kansai region, where the in-person competition should have been held, were shared much to the delight of the participants.

In its virtual closing ceremony held last August 2, the 53rd IChO organizing committee awarded medals and citations to the winners. Mr. Ariston and Mr. Gelacio each obtained a silver medal, while Mr. Morales clinched a bronze; this is the Philippines’s best medal haul yet from the IChO. At the conclusion of the closing ceremony, Japan handed over the IChO flag to China, the host country of the next IChO in 2022.

First held in 1968, the IChO is the most prestigious annual competition in chemistry for high school students. It aims to generate student interest in chemistry through solving of creative yet challenging problems and to promote international friendship, scientific cooperation, and pedagogical exchange among delegates. Team Philippines’ participation was made possible by the sponsorship of ICP UNILAB chapter in partnership with the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies (PFCS) through the efforts of Mr. Arjay C. Cubos, President of the ICP-UNILAB Cluster. The Philippines first sent competing delegates to the IChO in 2017; to date, it has proudly amassed four silver and nine bronze medals, and one honorable mention citation.

Postponement of the October 2020 Licensure Examinations for Chemists, Chemical Technicians

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), through a resolution, has announced that the 2020 Chemist and Chemical Technician Licensure Examinations are among those board examinations in October that will NOT push through.

Click here to view/download the said resolution.

For inquiries and concerns, please email the PRC’s Licensure Division at licensure.office@prc.gov.ph and licensure.division@prc.gov.ph.

Please be guided accordingly. Thank you.

PHILIPPINES WINS SILVER AND BRONZE MEDALS IN THE 52nd International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)

By Mr Nick Tan, Dr Faith Lagua, Dr Nestor Valera and Dr Jojo Andaya

Team Philippines 2020 took home one silver and three bronze medals in this year’s 52nd International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO). This is the Philippines’s best performance in the IChO since the country’s initial participation in 2017.

The 2020 IChO was hosted and organized by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey and was held on July 23-29, 2020. Originally planned to be held in Istanbul and attended by 235 students from 60 countries, this edition of the IChO was conducted online instead, for the first time because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The victorious Philippine team is composed of silver medalist Michael Cole Tantoco (Philippine Science High School [PSHS] Main Campus), bronze medalist Nathan Wayne Ariston (PSHS Central Mindanao Campus), bronze medalist Ron Angelo Gelacio (PSHS Main Campus), and bronze medalist Stefan Marcus Ong (Saint Jude Catholic School). The four contestants answered nine challenging problems for ca. 5 hours on the evening of July 25 2020 in their own homes proctored (or “invigilated”) by their parents while being supervised by the Turkish IChO organizers via real-time video.

The other members of the 2020 delegation are: Dr Jose Andaya -PSHS-CALABARZON Campus (Country Coordinator and Mentor); Dr Faith Marie Lagua – De La Salle University (Head Mentor and Coach); Dr. Nestor Valera – Ateneo de Manila University (Mentor) and Dr. Hilbert Magpantay -De La Salle University (Mentor)

The success of this year’s team Philippines is also attributed to the shared expertise of its coaching pool. In the Organic and Biochemistry Coaching Cluster headed by Dr. Hilbert Magpantay, the members are: Dr. Irene Villasenor (UP – Diliman), Dr. Virgilio Ebajo (DLSU), Dr. Faith Marie Lagua (DLSU) and Mr. Laurenzo Alba (DLSU). The Inorganic, Analytical and Physical Chemistry Coaching Cluster is composed of Dr. Ian Ken Dimzon (ADMU), Dr. Raymond Malabed (DLSU), and Ms. Valerie Miclat (ADMU), and headed by Dr. Nestor Valera (ADMU).

The parents of the four students also played a major role in the competition by serving as the invigilators while the students are taking the examination inside their homes. This was the first time that this has happened in the 52 year history of IChO.

The competing team was assembled from the contestants who got the highest scores at the Philippine National Chemistry Olympiad (PNCO) held last February 1, 2020. The 2020 PNCO was hosted by the College of Science of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) under the leadership of Prof. Jennifer Sy (PLM) and PNCO convenor Dr. Eric Punzalan (DLSU).

First held in 1968, the IChO is most prestigious annual competition in chemistry for high school students. The IChO aims to stimulate student interest in chemistry through the solving of creative yet challenging chemical problems, promote international contacts in chemistry, friendships among young scientists of different nationalities, cooperation among students, and exchange of pedagogical and scientific experience in chemistry. Team Philippines’ participation was made possible by the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies (PFCS). The Philippines first sent its competing delegation to join the competition in 2017 where it initially took home two bronze medals.

IChO Team Philippines Returns Home with Three Awards

By Dr Eric Punzalan

The Philippine team which competed in the 51st International Chemistry Olympiad held in Paris last July 21 to 30 returns with a Silver, a Bronze and an Honorable Mention Certificate.

The Philippine Delegation to the 51st International Chemistry Olympiad: Dr. Rochelle Papasin, Israel Augba, Michael Tantoco, Arthur De Belen, Julius Macling, Mr Julius Victorius Saluria and Dr Jose Andaya (left to right). Photo courtesy of Dr Andaya.

The team consists of Michael Tantoco, Julius Macling, Israel Aguba, and Arthur De Belen. De Belen captured a Silver, Aguba received a Bronze while Macling came out with an Honorable Mention Certificate. The four students came from the Philippine Science High School Main Campus. They were accompanied by three adult mentors: Mr. Julius Saluria (PSHS Main Campus), Dr. Jose Andaya (PSHS-Calabarzon), and Dr. Rochelle Papasin (PSHS-Southern Mindanao Campus).

The four students earned the privilege to represent the Philippines after emerging as the top four competitors in the 2019 Philippine National Chemistry Olympiad(PNCO) National Finals held last January 2019. The PNCO is conducted annually under the auspices of the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Socities, Inc., particularly by the Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas, Inc. (KKP) and the Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers, Inc. (PACT).
First held in Czechoslovakia in 1968, the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is an annual competition where a team of up to four high school students per nation may compete in various topics including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and spectroscopy.
The 51st IChO featured 390 students from 80 countries.

PH Wins Silver and Bronze during the 51st International Chemistry Olympiad in Paris

29 July 2019 – The Philippines won the silver and bronze medals in the 51st International Chemistry Olympiad (ICHO) on 21-30 July 2019 in Paris, France.

ICHO 2
H.E. Ambassador Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro (third from right) together with the Philippine Delegation to the 51st International Chemistry Olympiad headed by Dr. Jose M. Andaya, Philippine Science High School Cabarzon Campus Director (first from right). Image Source: Philippine Embassy (Paris).

Represented by Philippine Science High School (PSHS) students, Israel Aguba, Arthur Rainer de Belen, Julius Macling and Michael Cole Tantoco, the Philippines competed with over 300 students from 79 countries and displayed its prowess in chemistry both in the theoretical and practical examinations. This year, de Belen and Aguba successfully collected the silver and bronze medals, respectively.

According to Dr. Jose Andaya, PSHS Cabarzon Campus Director, and Mr. Julius Victorius Saluria, Teacher Coach from the PSHS Main Campus Chemistry Department, this is the highest performance the Philippines ever had in the competition. It may be noted that the Philippines won the bronze medals in the 49th and 50th ICHO in 2017 and 2018.

ICHO is an annual competition for the world’s most talented chemistry students at the secondary school level. It aims to stimulate student interest in chemistry through solving of independent and creative chemical problems and promote international contacts in chemistry, friendships between young scientific workers of different nationalities, cooperation among pupils, and exchange of pedagogical and scientific experience in chemistry.

This article appeared originally at the Embassy of the Philippines – Paris, France.

Guidelines & Criteria for the PFCS Awards 2019

OBJECTIVES

The Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies recognizes outstanding contributions to Chemistry through the PFCS Awards. The awards aim to:

  1. Inspire the youth to take up chemistry
  2. Recognize outstanding contribution of chemists to development of discipline
  3. Recognize outstanding and exemplary contributions to society through chemistry

The PFCS AWARDS will be given under four categories:

  1. Chemistry Education
  2. Chemical Research
  3. Chemical Industry
  4. Service to the Chemistry Profession

AWARDS CRITERIA

I. Chemistry Education

Separate awards will be given for chemistry educators at the secondary and tertiary levels. Thus, nominations are invited from high school and college level chemistry teachers. The criteria for the nominee in each level are:

  1. Nominees must have at least three years of teaching experience at the institution.
  2. Nominees must have made an outstanding contribution to the teaching of chemistry such as the development of innovative approaches/tools to the teaching of chemistry researches in chemistry education and development of teaching materials. Please attach supporting documents.
  3. Nominations may be made by a school/university official or by a regular member of any of the chemical societies under the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies (PFCS).
  4. Nominations must be endorsed by the school/principal department chair or by an officer of the regional chapter of one of the chemistry societies under the PFCS.

II. Chemical Research

  1. The nominee must be a chemist who has conducted chemical research in the Philippines or must have contributed to chemical research through linkages with a Philippine researcher.
  2. The nominees must have made significant contributions to his/her field as evidenced by any of the following: 1) papers published in the last five years, 2) research mentorship as measured by the number of theses advisees (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.) and trainees supervised in the last five years. Please attach supporting documents including proof of completion of the project supervised.
  3. Nominations must be made by the department chair/head of institution/ or by a regular member of any of the chemical societies under the PFCS. The nomination must make a statement of the significance of the work done.

III. Chemical Industry

  1. The nominee must be a chemist who has made a contribution to the chemistry related aspects of an industry in the Philippines through leadership, entrepreneurship, R&D management, process development and other means. Please attach supporting documents.
  2. Nominations must be made by the head of institution or by a regular member of one of the chemistry societies under the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies. The nomination must state the significance and impact of the nominee’s contributions to the industry.

IV. Service to the Chemistry Profession This is a special award to recognize individuals (not necessarily chemists) who have made outstanding contributions to the upliftment of chemistry in the Philippines through leadership advocacy and exemplary work.

AWARD GUIDELINES

  1. The following are excluded from the nominations: members of the PFCS board, members of the PFCS Awards Committee and the members of the National Organizing Committee and the Steering Committee for the 34th Philippine Chemistry Congress (PCC).
  2. The nomination will be evaluated by the PFCS Awards Committee which may consult experts as needed.
  3. Submit three (3) copies of all documents including recent passport size picture of the nominee.
    1. Comprehensive Resume
    2. List of Publications
    3. List of Awards, Dates of Awards and Award-Giving body
  4. The deadline for submission is on or before 30 March 2019
  5. Kindly submit the requirements to: Dr. Glenn V. Alea
    President
    Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies Inc. (PFCS)
    Unit 233 Cityland Pioneer Condominium
    Pioneer St., Barangay Highway Hills
    Manadaluyong City 1550

2018 PFCS Awards


GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA
PHILIPPINE FEDERATION OF CHEMISTRY SOCIETIES AWARDS 2018

OBJECTIVES

The Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies recognizes outstanding contributions to Chemistry through the PFCS Awards. The awards aim to:

  1. Inspire the youth to take up chemistry
  2. Recognize outstanding contribution of chemists to development of discipline
  3. Recognize outstanding and exemplary contributions to society through chemistry

The PFCS AWARDS will be given under four categories:

  1. Chemistry Education
  2. Chemical Research
  3. Chemical Industry
  4. Service to the Chemistry Profession

AWARDS CRITIERIA

Chemistry Education
Separate awards will be given for chemistry educators at the secondary and tertiary levels. Thus, nominations are invited from high school and college level chemistry teachers. The criteria for the nominee in each level are:

  1. Nominees must have at least three years of teaching experience at the institution.
  2. Nominees must have made an outstanding contribution to the teaching of chemistry such as the development of innovative approaches/tools to the teaching of chemistry researches in chemistry education and development of teaching materials. Please attach supporting documents.
  3. Nominations may be made by a school/university official or by a regular member of any of the chemical societies under the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies (PFCS).
  4. Nominations must be endorsed by the school/principal department chair or by an officer of the regional chapter of one of the chemistry societies under the PFCS.

Chemical Research

  1. The nominee must be a chemist who has conducted chemical research in the Philippines or must have contributed to chemical research through linkages with a Philippine researcher.
  2. The nominees must have made significant contributions to his/her field as evidenced by any of the following: 1) papers published in the last five years, 2) research mentorship as measured by the number of theses advisees (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.) and trainees supervised in the last five years. Please attach supporting documents including proof of completion of the project supervised.
  3. Nominations must be made by the department chair/head of institution/ or by a regular member of any of the chemical societies under the PFCS. The nomination must make a statement of the significance of the work done.

Chemical Industry

  1. The nominee must be a chemist who has made a contribution to the chemistry-related aspects of an industry in the Philippines through leadership, entrepreneurship, R&D management, process development and other means. Please attach supporting documents.
  2. Nominations must be made by the head of the institution or by a regular member of one of the chemistry societies under the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies. The nomination must state the significance and impact of the nominee’s contributions to the industry.

Service to the Chemistry Profession
This is a special award to recognize individuals (not necessarily chemists) who have made outstanding contributions to the upliftment of chemistry in the Philippines through leadership advocacy and exemplary work.

AWARD GUIDELINES

  1. The following are excluded from the nominations: members of the PFCS board, members of the PFCS Awards Committee and the members of the National Organizing Committee and the Steering Committee for the 33rd Philippine Chemistry Congress (PCC).
  2. The nomination will be evaluated by the PFCS Awards Committee which may consult experts as needed.
  3. Submit three (3) copies of all documents including recent passport size picture of the nominee.
    1. Comprehensive Resume
    2. List of Publications
    3. List of Awards, Dates of Awards and Award-Giving body
  4. The deadline for submission is on or before 28 February 2018.
  5. Kindly submit the requirements to:
    Glenn V. Alea, PhD
    President
    Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies, Inc. (PFCS)
    Unit 233 Cityland Pioneer Condominium
    #128 Pioneer St., Barangay Highway Hill
    Mandaluyong City 1552