Academician and Professor Emeritus Fortunato Sevilla, III: Sketches from ‘España’

by Carlos P. Garcia

Miles Davis’ 1960 landmark album Sketches from Spain, one of his most enduring composition, evoked an aspiration of music in vibrant flamenco colors that conceptually, one’s prospect of painting that music narrative, would not seemed possible. Fortunato Sevilla’s forty five-year tenure at Santo Tomas was widely recognized for his scholarship and commitment to the advancement of chemistry. Several dispatch carried the news of his conferment. But all of these is a matter of unrestricted communal knowledge. Since then, I have not read a more personal sketch in the many public tribute to him for, as with the complexity of Davis’ music narrative, I am not sure it is possible.

Without doubt Sevilla deserves tributes from those who had the privilege of either having been his students or his colleagues in the chemistry profession. Perhaps never been made, I will disclose a more thoughtful narrative of how the teacher and the mentor evolved against the backdrop of this University from this end of España Boulevard.

Almost fifty summers ago, when a young Fortunato Sevilla, III decided to enter Santo Tomas to take up chemistry, nobody expected, Sevilla least of all, that someday the University will acknowledge his leading role and contribution to the development of research and education at Santo Tomas. Yet, Professor Sevilla was for many decades one of the most celebrated teaching figures here at Santo Tomas. This recognition of his distinguished career, not only in this university which regards him to be among its most valued assets, but in the chemistry profession as a whole. Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., Rector of the University of Santo Tomas declared no one is more deserving of today’s recognition than Professor Sevilla. “His selfless dedication to the University is nothing short of legendary,” A litany of achievement follows:

Fortunato Sevilla, III

“Whereas, he has displayed sustained excellence in teaching, rendered distinguished administrative service and played an active role in promoting the growth of research in the University;
Whereas, he has made significant contributions as a researcher in the field of chemical sensors and biosensors,
Whereas, he has maintained a productive interest in the improvement of chemistry education in the country and
Whereas, he has rendered exemplary service contributing his expertise to the development of higher education and research in the field of chemistry in the country.”

Sevilla, the Restrained Teacher

Just as Sevilla’s students did more than forty years ago, Cynthia Uriquia-Talens and Corazon Sacdalan (Chemistry, 1981) also praised his boundless charm. Sacdalan quips, “(Sevilla) inspires all who come into his presence to stand taller—that is, to be their very best.” Talens who is presently in the doctoral program, added that even a short conversation with him consulting about the feasibility of a dissertation topic would snow balled into a full blown collaboration; a testament to his perpetual curiosity on matters of research inquiry.

Professor Rosalito De Guzman’s (BS Gen, 1970; Psychology, 1971) first encounter with Sevilla was when he joined the College of Science as a junior teaching staff in 1971. “Many professors I recall fondly come from the chemistry department who taught us to think well, were themselves unforgettable personalities.” De Guzman was appointed administrative Secretary of the College of Science (1978-1984) upon the recommendation of then Psychology department chair Prof. Angelina Ramirez and Assistant Dean Trinidad Ames. At the time of his appointment, there was a full blown rift between the Dean’s administration and the chemistry professors, who felt stung by what they viewed as unfair College policies. De Guzman recalled that Sevilla was anything but restrained in those days, he was quite vocal on the issue. De Guzman saw this as an opportunity to take time to know more the chemistry staff some of whom became close colleagues; Lilian De Jesus-Sison (Chemistry, 1968), Miroan Sy (Chemistry, 1966), Lourdes Eustaquio, Lourdes Chavez, and Susan Jardiolin (Chemistry, 1969) to name a few.

Sevilla, the Analytical Chemist

Sevilla taught mainly Analytical chemistry at the UST Graduate School. However, his teaching repertoire is deeply entrenched in Physical and Organic chemistry. Teaching undergraduate physical chemistry can be traced from Dean Mariano Pangan and Professor Estrella Rivera who taught the course before him. De Guzman’s recollection of Rivera’s teaching style, was her competence to derive formulas and the absence to inject humor in her lectures. “The class was quite insipid.” De Guzman recalled.

Rivera’s sudden demise mid-semester of 1974, during Alice Aguinaldo’s physical chemistry lecture class, left a gaping hole in the teaching roster of the department. Sevilla picked up from where Rivera left and continued to teach the course until 1983 before he left for Manchester. The early eighties was a period when physical chem became one of the most dreaded courses to chemistry majors. The number of failing students at the end of each semester is short of horrific. But it was also an era in Sevilla’s teaching career that became one of his best, turning out many bright students, many of whom went into either teaching or research. This was no doubt due to the diligence of Sevilla as a teacher.

“Sevilla was one of two who represented Santo Tomas to attend the 1969 seminar on a Molecular Approach in the Teaching of Organic Chemistry organized by Prof. Clara Y. Lim-Sylianco.” Lilian Sison (Chemistry, 1968) recollected. The seminar was intended to assist organic chemistry teachers who are in transition of teaching the course from pure memory work to a molecular orbital approach in explaining reaction mechanisms -and thus began affection to teach Organic chemistry. This incursion with organic chemistry similarly took Sevilla to teach Organic Analysis to chemistry majors. The design of the laboratory component for this coursework is purely his own. It was at this stage when organic spectroscopy, then a sprouting new field, was assimilated in the curriculum.

The Organic Chemistry Teacher’s Association (OCTA) sprout out of this 1969 seminar. Sevilla was one of the original co-founders of the organization and his contributions to OCTA, then a fledging organization have been wide and deep. From assisting in the founding of an organization that afforded teachers a venue to regularly update themselves in organic chemistry, to building a network component of chemistry educators to include Professors Lillian Sison, University of the Philippines’ Angelita Reyes and Far Eastern University’s Consorcia Mendoza-Empaynado (Chemistry, 1954), to name a few. These personalities will become key administrators in their respective universities in the years to come.

Sevilla, the Thomasian

Fortunato Sevilla, III (b. 1947) had his primary school to collegiate education at Santo Tomas, culminating with a degree in chemistry in 1968, Summa cum Laude.
A British Council scholarship afforded him to pursue graduate studies in the United Kingdom. Masters and doctoral degrees in Instrumentation and Analytical Science from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) was completed 1984 and 1987, respectively.

Unknown to most people, there is a tinge of Blue Eagle blood running in his veins. Shortly after graduation, in a chance visit at Ateneo, Sevilla was asked if he was interested to take the graduate entrance examinations, scheduled on that same day. He took the bait, and passed it, without fanfare.

In Ateneo, he established himself as one of the best students, completing all course requirements with high distinction. He did a semester of coursework before he decided to apply for a teaching stint back at Santo Tomas. He reminisced it was such a physically demanding effort considering the daily grind of traveling from Espana to Loyola Heights, whilst maintaining a regular teaching load at Santo Tomas. But all these was quite worth it, for he has high regards to the professors he was fortunate to meet: Modesto Chua, Amando Kapauan and Fr. William J. Schmidt, S.J., to namedrop a few. Short of completing the degree because of thesis research, he was particularly amused to recall his oral comprehensive examinations when his examiners ran out of questions for him and had to teasingly shoo him away.

Sevilla, the Administrator

To Sevilla’s colleagues, he had already established for himself a formidable reputation for being an effectual administrator (Assistant to the Rector for Research and Development, 2000-2002; Dean, College of Science, 2002-2008). His absolute commitment and competence with which he has unceasingly conducted every aspect of his administration, and his unflagging advocacy on behalf of the development of faculty members are hallmarks of his tenure.

“Failure to sketch him as a private persona is certainly due to the fact that he is quite reserved, even to his closest colleagues,” quips Alice Aguinaldo (Chemistry, 1976) to whom I pointed out this observation. Aguinaldo knew nothing personal about him even after six years of working side by side with him as his assistant dean in the College of Science. She added, “…it appears it is always strictly business when you’re dealing with him (Sevilla), but I think, that is just his style. In the many years that I worked with him, I never, not even once, saw him lost his cool, or raised his voice to someone.” Aguinaldo was right.

“The only opportunity we (sort of) had a peek into his personal life was when he invited me and Prof. Alice Maranon, who was then the department Chair, to drive by his home in Quezon City.” It was the night right after they visited the wake of the son of Asst. Prof. Carmen Gaerlan-Morales (Chemistry, 1962). “It was so unexpected. He appeared to be very accommodating and even showed us his bedroom…the inner Sanctum. I guess, everyone in the department was in a reflective mood, if not dazed with the unexpected demise of Morales’ son, and that could be his way to vent out his sentiments.” Aguinaldo remembered.

Sevilla, the Researcher

Sevilla’s early roots in research is attributed to his high regards for his mentors. His undergraduate research advisor, Dr. Estella Zamora (Chemistry, 1954) came to mind as he fondly remembers her. “She returned to UST with a doctoral degree from Germany. She was immensely confident and did her thing very competently”. Nevertheless, he lamented that in those days, there is scarcity of role model teachers to lure students to pursue graduate degrees. Perhaps this is the same rabbit hole he fell into and that is why it took him sixteen years to seriously take a study leave to pursue doctoral degree.

His early foray as an undergraduate thesis advisor dealt with topics that sprung out of serendipitous observations in the laboratory. Leah Tolosa (Chemistry, 1981), presently the Assistant Director for the Center for Advanced Sensor Technology Research (CAST) of the University of Maryland (Baltimore), did her undergraduate thesis with Sevilla. They examined the kinetic solvent effects on the reaction of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene with N-methylaniline, revealing Sevilla’s initial interest in organic chemistry. “Fortune (Sevilla) has been one of the most influential mentors in my life. The topic of my undergrad thesis still reflects on my current projects, 35 years later! It’s simply amazing.” Tolosa added. Deeply engaged, at times critical, Sevilla influenced many students which to date, amounted to roughly close to a hundred research articles collaborations.

He returned to Santo Tomas in 1986 to begin a then-unconventional life as a teacher, researcher and administrator—and in a scientific realm when Santo Tomas was hardly being treated seriously by the three rival universities. As Director of the Research Center for the Natural Sciences (1987-2000), he distinguished himself to having an eyeball on a single prize, make UST known in the national research circle. This poised to be a difficult exploit as, in those days, Santo Tomas is a bit reserved in joining national research conferences, even though there exist a confident research practice particularly in Natural Products within the campus.

Then commence a period of full participation in oral and poster presentation in national professional conferences together with a stream of co-sponsored international seminars. It was a decision that was unprecedented, which opened up university research to be known elsewhere. He delivered his promise and did not disappoint his researchers.

Much is owed to this Academician, mentor and gracious colleague who has made myriad contributions to the conservancy of our university’s great heritage in teaching and research. Professor Sevilla’s distinguished contributions to the institution he has loved and served and his “perpetual curiosity and engagement” with the world around him is forever etched in our collective imagination.

The Hague Ethical Guidelines

Applying the Norms of the Practice of Chemistry to Support the Chemical Weapons Convention

The responsible practice of chemistry improves the quality of life of humankind and the environment. Through their many peaceful uses, such as in research and industry, chemicals play an essential role in this improvement. However, some chemicals can also be used as chemical weapons or to create them, and these weapons are among the most horrific in the world.

The 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) embodies the powerful international norm against chemical weapons, requiring its States Parties “never under any circumstances: (a) To develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile or retain chemical weapons, or transfer, directly or indirectly, chemical weapons to anyone; (b) To use chemical weapons; (c) To engage in any military preparations to use chemical weapons; (d) To assist, encourage or induce, in any way, anyone to engage in any activity prohibited to a State Party under this Convention.” The task of destroying the world’s declared stockpiles of chemical weapons is close to completion, but the threats that the use of chemicals as weapons pose to global security have not yet been eliminated.

As destruction of the remaining chemical weapons continues, a concerted effort is needed to prevent their re-emergence. This includes training and raising awareness among chemistry practitioners, defined as anyone trained in chemistry as well as others dealing with or handling chemicals. Their support is needed so that production and use of chemicals is accompanied by recognition of the responsibility to ensure that they are applied solely for peaceful and beneficial purposes. Fortunately, ethical standards established by the global chemistry community already provide a foundation. Building on that foundation, a group of experts from 24 countries from all regions of the world convened to define and harmonize key elements of ethical guidelines as they relate to chemical weapons based on existing codes.*

Such codes are primary ways through which the community’s ethical standards are addressed. The key elements presented in this text should be incorporated into new and existing codes in order to align with the provisions of the CWC. A code need not mention chemical weapons or the CWC to support its basic goals, and provisions may need to be tailored for particular sectors or circumstances, while still reflecting the fundamental values. Taken together, “The Hague Ethical Guidelines” provide the key elements that should be applied universally.

The Key Elements

Core element. Achievements in the field of chemistry should be used to benefit humankind and protect the environment.

Sustainability. Chemistry practitioners have a special responsibility for promoting and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Education. Formal and informal educational providers, enterprise, industry and civil society should cooperate to equip anybody working in chemistry and others with the necessary knowledge and tools to take responsibility for the benefit of humankind, the protection of the environment and to ensure relevant and meaningful engagement with the general public.

Awareness and engagement. Teachers, chemistry practitioners, and policymakers should be aware of the multiple uses of chemicals, specifically their use as chemical weapons or their precursors. They should promote the peaceful applications of chemicals and work to prevent any misuse of chemicals, scientific knowledge, tools and technologies, and any harmful or unethical developments in research and innovation. They should disseminate relevant information about national and international laws, regulations, policies and practices.

Ethics. To adequately respond to societal challenges, education, research and innovation must respect fundamental rights and apply the highest ethical standards. Ethics should be perceived as a way of ensuring high quality results in science.

Safety and Security. Chemistry practitioners should promote the beneficial applications, uses, and development of science and technology while encouraging and maintaining a strong culture of safety, health, and security.

Accountability. Chemistry practitioners have a responsibility to ensure that chemicals, equipment and facilities are protected against theft and diversion and are not used for illegal, harmful or destructive purposes. These persons should be aware of applicable laws and regulations governing the manufacture and use of chemicals, and they should report any misuse of chemicals, scientific knowledge, equipment and facilities to the relevant authorities.

Oversight. Chemistry practitioners who supervise others have the additional responsibility to ensure that chemicals, equipment and facilities are not used by those persons for illegal, harmful or destructive purposes.

Exchange of information. Chemistry practitioners should promote the exchange of scientific and technical information relating to the development and application of chemistry for peaceful purposes.

Endorsed by

Professor Muhamad Abdulkadir (Indonesia) Professor Jasim Uddin Ahmad (Bangladesh) Professor Abeer Al-Bawab (Jordan)
Professor Fernando Albericio Palomera (Spain) Professor Jan Apotheker (The Netherlands)
Professor Mahdi Balali-Mood (Islamic Republic of Iran) Professor Djafer Benachour (Algeria)
Dr Mark Cesa (United States of America) Professor Al-Nakib Chowdhury (Bangladesh) Dr Philip Coleman (South Africa)
Professor Dr Hartmut Frank (Germany) Professor David Gonzalez (Uruguay)
Professor Alastair Hay (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Mr Steven Hill (United States of America)
Professor Dr Henning Hopf (Germany)
Dr Jo Husbands (United States of America) Professor Jorge Guillermo Ibañez Cornejo (Mexico) Mr Amirhossein Imani (Islamic Republic of Iran)
Dr Nancy Jackson (United States of America) Dr Patrick John Lim (Philippines)
Professor Mohd Jamil Maah (Malaysia) Dr Detlef Maennig (Germany)
Professor Peter Mahaffy (Canada) Dr Robert Mathews (Australia)
Professor Temechegn Engida (Ethiopia)
Dr Kabrena Rodda (United States of America) Dr Ting Kueh Soon (Malaysia)
Professor Alejandra Graciela Suarez (Argentina) Professor Leiv K. Sydnes (Norway)
Mr Cheng Tang (China)
Professor Natalia P. Tarasova (Russian Federation)
Dr Christopher Timperley (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Dr Hans-Georg Weinig (Germany)
Dr Prashant Yajnik (India)
Dr Muhammad Zafar-Uz-Zaman (Pakistan) Professor Zuriati Binti Zakaria (Malaysia)
Mr Muhammad Setyabudhi Zuber (Indonesia)

*“Code” is used as a general term and includes the full range of such documents, from aspirational statements such as the Hippocratic Oath to codes that are enforceable, for example as part of a practitioner’s terms of employment.

A Forum on the Proposed Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Chemistry Profession Act (RA 10657)

DATE: 31 July 2015 (Friday)
TIME: 8AM to 12PM: Forum for Industry and Government
1PM to 5PM: Forum for Academe
VENUE: Multi-purpose Hall, PNP Camp Crame, EDSA, Quezon City

The Chemistry Profession Act (RA 10657) was signed into law on March 27, 2015. The Board of Chemistry, in cooperation with the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines, is inviting chemistry-related institutions, such as chemical laboratories, universities, and commercial entities, to attend this Forum on the proposed IRR for RA 10657.

Registration, comments and suggestions should be emailed by July 28 to: integratedchemists@gmail.com.
Registration fee for each half-day session: PHP 300 (to be paid on-site)
(Note: snacks and handouts are included; lunch is not included)

Attachments
IRR (Draft 8)
Code of Ethics (Version 6)
Comment Form

In Pursuit of Knowledge: The Life of Dr. Gilbert Yu

By Charlene Tiausas

Professor Yu speaks in analogies. This is one of the more frequent observations discussed among his students. For the past few months, his lectures often included examples like noodles, door knobs, clays, among other things, to complement a complex concept. He immediately jumps to examples rather than dwell on generic definition. He emphasizes—more than anything—the need for the students to recognize the step-by-step story behind a certain phenomenon and not simply “settle” for the robotic motions of a plug-in-and-play formula. These certain quirks make even the simplest lectures effective. In an interview, Professor Yu implicitly reveals that this style of teaching has been a product of the many experiences he had with teaching, and also by being a student for the majority of his life.

Gilbert Yu

Born in 1978, Yu spent the majority of his pre-college years studying in Uno High School, a famous Filipino-Chinese school based in Manila.

Part of the pioneering batch, he took up BS Management of Applied Chemistry in Ateneo de Manila University. He particularly notes that the rest of his time not spent studying was dedicated to tutoring students as a part-time job. He remembers tutoring students in Chemistry and in Mathematics. While that took most of his time, he grew grateful for these experiences as these very much helped him gain the skills that would later on persuade him to teach after college.

Upon reaching the end of his undergraduate studies in 2000, Yu, while having taken up Management, decided to focus more on studying the sciences. His want of knowledge later on paved way for more years spent on education.

Needing more units to qualify in taking the board examinations, Yu had to take up a Master’s degree in Chemistry. Yu took his Master’s degree in Ateneo while taking a part-time job teaching Chemistry undergraduate students. This led him to graduate later than expected as he tried to juggle his teaching job, laboratory and thesis revision work. He conducted a research involving a more industrial take on Chemistry about a pigment additive in paints. He received his Master’s degree from Ateneo in 2005.

Deeming his Master’s degree still not enough yet to satiate his “raw” attitude towards chemistry, he travelled to Ontario, Canada and took another graduate study in McMaster University. This time, he studied chemistry in a more medically-focused context. His research focused on a possibility of making cross-linked silicone gels using a click chemistry reaction. He finished his Master’s degree in 2008, then eventually returned to the Philippines for a short time to teach in Ateneo once again.

By this time, Yu decided that “there was no going back.” Having practiced Chemistry for so long, he finally felt ready to take his PhD. With the help of people who believed in his capability to pursue a Doctorate degree and his determined mindset, Yu went off to Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan in 2009. There, he explored in his research the role of Intermolecular Forces or Physical bonds in reactions of chemical compounds.

Yu finished his studies within the span of three years. He decided to stay in Japan to continue his laboratory work and accomplish some post-doctorate studies. On March 2014, Yu returned to the Philippines, arriving just in time to teach Chemistry undergraduate students for summer classes.

With most of his life dedicated to studying Chemistry, Yu expects that he would most likely stay in the Philippines for quite some time after experiencing “travel fatigue.” He tells that he had studied so much that he thought that it was time to focus on other parts of life. While he is still foreseeing possible research collaborations in the future, Yu is currently enjoying teaching and spending time re-acquainting himself with hobbies he lost track of during his studies. He plans on putting his Management degree skills to use once again and dreams of starting up a business. While plans of the future are at hand, he says that he has found solace in teaching as it seemed almost innate in him after taking part in it for so long. He liked getting ideas across to his students as much as they give him possible ideas for research and new takes on Chemistry concepts.

It is true, he imparts, that science encounters failure 99% of the time as many factors come into play. He cites his experiences in Chemistry as a continuous strife for that 1% chance of success, which can only be achieved if one learns from their own failures. His persistence over gaining appreciation of Chemistry gave him insights about life that can never be unlearned. In teaching students, he hopes to spark a similar reaction—one that will encourage further recognition and interest in Chemistry in the younger generations.

5th National Children’s On-the-Spot Chemistry Poster Making Competition Winners

By Edward Santos

In line with the objective of raising awareness in chemistry at a young age, the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies recently concluded its 5th National Children’s On-the-Spot Chemistry Poster Making Competition. This year, 12 universities from around the country hosted the elimination round of the contest. The following universities functioned as host schools:

  1. Ateneo de Davao University
  2. Ateneo de Manila University
  3. Central Luzon State University
  4. Central Philippine University
  5. De La Salle University
  6. Mindanao State University- IIT
  7. Silliman University
  8. University of the Philippines- Diliman
  9. University of the Philippines- Los Baños
  10. University of San Carlos
  11. University of Santo Tomas
  12. Xavier University

The contest is open to students from Grade 4-7 from public and private schools. They were given 2 hours and 30 minutes to create a poster having the theme “Chemistry and the ASEAN.” Every host school selected three (3) local winners, each winning PHP 2,000.00 and these winners automatically qualified for the national award. The board of judges for the national award consisted of Armand Guidote, Ph.D. (President, PFCS), Nick Tan (ICP, St. Scholastica’s College), Karen Santiago, Ph.D. (UST), and Danne Halzey Mantilla (DLS-College of St. Benilde). Vince Andrei Reyes (Holy Cross College) won first place, Angelica Torniado (M. Agoncillo Elementary School) won second place, while Gyla Jane Nismal (Sto. Domingo Elementary School) won third place.

Vince Andrei Reyes (Holy Cross College) FIRST PLACE

Vince Andrei Reyes
(Holy Cross College)
FIRST PLACE

Angelica Torniado (M. Agoncillo Elementary School) SECOND PLACE

Angelica Torniado
(M. Agoncillo Elementary School)
SECOND PLACE

Gyla Jane Nismal (Sto. Domingo Elementary School) THIRD PLACE

Gyla Jane Nismal
(Sto. Domingo Elementary School)
THIRD PLACE

The awarding of the national winners will take place on April 15-17, 2015 at Ateneo de Davao University, during the 30th Philippine Chemistry Congress. Vince Andrei will be receiving PHP 7,000.00 cash prize, and round trip airfare for him and his coach to Davao together with accommodation. The 2nd and 3rd place winners will be receiving PHP 5,000.00 and PHP 3,000.00, respectively.

The 5th installment of the poster making competition was headed by Glenn Alea (DLSU), in partnership with C&E Publishing, Inc., CHEMREZ Technologies, Shell, and Boysen.

PACT Chemistry Week Celebration

By Jose M. Andaya

The Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers, Inc. or PACT, in cooperation with the Adamson University, celebrated Chemistry Week through a Seminar-Workshop entitled “Brightening-Up the Future of Chemistry Education” on February 21, 2015 at the Adamson University. The celebration was attended by 53 participants from Luzon to Visayas.

PACT Chemistry Week Seminar-Workshop: Brightening-Up the Future of Chemistry Education

During the morning session, Dr. Marilou G. Nicolas of UP Manila, talked about “Global Education and ASEAN Integration 2015;” Dr. Ernesto J. Del Rosario of UPLB discussed the “Applications of Digital Image Analysis in Chemistry, “ and Dr. Fortunato Sevilla III of UST discussed “Light and Chemical Information” .

In the afternoon, the participants were made to choose to attend any of the following workshops:

  1. Creative Chemistry: Light and Heat
  2. Creative Chemistry: Light Emission (both workshops (1) and (2) were given by teachers from the University of Santo Tomas)
  3. Different Shades of Chemistry by the Philippine Science High School Main Campus
  4. Colorful Electrolysis by the University of the Philippines Manila.

Most participants were able to attend two of the four workshops, with all enjoying and learning as indicated in the evaluation forms they submitted afterwards. They agreed that this year’s Chemistry Week celebration surpassed their expectations.

Before the day ended, the new set of PACT officers for the school year 2014 – 2015 took their oath of office. The oath-taking was administered by Dr. Armando M. Guidote Jr., Pressident of the PFCS or the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies. These are the new PACT officers:

Dr. Myrna S. Rodriguez of UPLB – President
Dr. Jose M. Andaya of PSHSMC – Executive Vice President
Dr. Fideliz S. Tuy of SBCM – Vice President for External Affairs
Ma. Theresa B. Bonus of JRU – Vice President for Internal Affairs
Jasper Perez of OLFU – Asst. VP Internal
Digna T. Bal of MSHS – Executive Secretary
Mary Jane Apuada of PLM and Lorna D. Tamboong of MTC – Asst. Secretaries
Annabelle J. Monzon of SBCA – Treasurer
Florencia N. Male of RIS – Asst. Treasurer
Aleli V. Lozano of CEU – Auditor
Garry Galvez of THS – PRO
Jonathan P. Derez of AVVHS and Emil L. Escalante of LPUC – Junior PROs
Emmanuel V. Garcia of DLSU, Dr. Voltaire G. Organo of UPM, Rebecca S. De Borja of MC, Ruel Avila of PNU – Directors
Dr. Luciana V. Ilao of UPM, Ma. Cristina D. Padolina, Dr. Betty Lontoc of CEU and Nora Cordero – Consultants.

Young Scientists’ Forum 2015

Young Scientists’ Forum
Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas – Division of Inorganic Chemistry and Allied Fields (KKP DICAF) and UP Institute of Chemistry (UPIC)

Dr. Hiyas Junio
Dr. Hiyas Junio has a PhD in Medicinal Biochemistry from the University of North Carolina. Her work involves metabolite profiling using LCMS,and synergy activity of secondary plant metabolites. While in graduate school, she joined the UNCG Photography Club and made a collection of photos of all the flowers growing on campus. She considers Dr. Mansukh Wani,discoverer of taxol, and Henri Cartier Bresson, a world renowned photographer, as her inspiration for doing research and photography, respectively. After a brief postdoc stint at Indiana University, she returned to UP in 2014.

Dr. Eiza Yu Roberto
Dr. Eizadora Yu Roberto obtained her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree in 2006, from the University of Maryland, at BC. Her research interests include proteomics and bioprospecting microorganisms for enzymes relevant to health and industry. She worked as a postdoc fellow at the Sandia National Labs, California, tailoring fungi based biofuels to meet the needs of current, advanced combustion engines.

Marlon Conato
Dr. Marlon Conato received his PhD in Chemistry,in 2012 from the University of Houston. He specializes in solid state chemistry and materials science, currently manages the Polymer Lab that provides services such as thermal!analysis (TGA, DSC, TMA), and materials property testing (UTM, ellipsometer, rheometer) to academic research and industrial samples. His research interests include preparation and characterization of crystalline microporous materials such as coordination polymers and zeolites and their applications in catalysis, gas storage, and separation.

Dr. Allan Yago
Dr. Allan C. Yago has a PhD in Chemistry obtained in 2014, from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. His research interests include preparation of chemical sensors for specific target molecules (pesticides, food contaminants, pollutants), electroactive conducting polymers (nanoparticle stabilizers, anticorrosion coating), as well as polymer composites for specific applications. He leads several government funded research projects such as pesticide sensor development for DOST/PCIEERD,conducting polymer composites for UPNSRI, and anticorrosion coatings for UPOVCRD.

Brightening the Future of Chemistry Education

Brightening the Future of Chemistry Education

Ozanam Bldg, Adamson University, Manila
21 February 2015

The Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers, Inc. (PACT) cordially invites you to participate in the celebration of 2015 Chemistry Week to be held on 21 February 2015 at the Physics Hall, 3F Ozanam Building, Adamson University, San Marcelino Manila. The seminar theme is “Brightening the Future of Chemistry Education”, in keeping with the themes of the International Year of Light (IYL), which is also celebrated this year. This seminar will feature discussions on light and chemistry.

For registration and more information, click here.

National Chemistry Students’ Congress (NCSC) 2015

National Students’ Chemistry Congress 2015

Henry Sy Bldg, De La Salle University Manila
College of Home Economics Bldg, University of the Philippines Diliman
21-22 February 2015

PACSiklaban (UPD, 22 Feb)

PACSiklaban is an annual inter-collegiate chemistry quiz bee. It is designed to test the skills and knowledge of all participants in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry.

Symposium (DLSU, 21 Feb)

The Symposium consists of talks about the role of chemistry in different fields. There would be four speakers from different affiliations. Each speaker will talk about chemistry and the life of chemists in their respective field. After each talk, a 15-minute open forum will follow wherein students are allowed to discuss and interact with the speakers and their fellow students.

Poster Presentation (DLSU, 21 Feb)

The poster presentation will be a venue for students to present the abstract and overview of their respective unpublished undergrad studies. The top five posters will then be orally presented to the audience on the second day.

For registration, registration fees and more information, click here.