The SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center (BIC) linked up with the University of the Philippines Cell Biological Society (UP Cells) in celebration of the ‘SIHAY 2009: A Month-long Appreciation of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology through Intellectual Competitiveness, Youth Empowerment and Community Service’ held last February 2009. The SIHAY 2009 was encompassed with biology seminars, gift-giving activity, exhibit, course orientation, and CELLpukan ng Talino at Galing, a quiz contest participated by biology students.

As a culminating activity, the 8th SIHAY Biology Quiz and Research Competition was held at Umali Auditorium, SEARCA, College, Laguna on 21 February 2009. A total of 43 high school students from 14 schools in Laguna and nearby provinces, participated in the quiz contest. The team from St. Stephen’s High School of Manila emerged as the champion, followed by St. Bridget College of Batangas and St. Jude Catholic School of Manila, as 2nd and 3rd runners up, respectively.

The SEARCA BIC also took the opportunity of educating the academic community, particularly the science teachers and students, about the concepts, principles, global adoption and current trends and initiatives on biotechnology during a seminar on the week-long activity.

“The activity adhered to promote biology to the community and specifically provide awareness on recent advances in molecular biology and biotechnology”, cited by Rachelle Ann Sy, UP Cells president.

(Rochella B. Lapitan, SEARCA BIC).