The National Biotechnology Week (NBW) 2024 spearheaded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and UP Los Baños (UPLB), was held last November 25-29, 2024 at the E.B. Copeland Gym in UP Los Baños in Laguna.
Carrying the theme, “#ExperienceBIOTECH: Expand the Future of Biotechnology through Education, Innovation and Commercialization”, the event highlights the pivotal role of biotechnology in addressing global challenges such as food security, health, and sustainable development.
“The developing countries today will grow old before they become rich, and that includes the Philippines. The Philippines is in the middle of what they call the demographic sweet spot, if we don’t develop in 30 years, we will never develop at all. There is a sense of existential urgency in trying to develop, particularly Science and Technology”, a thought-evoking message expressed by UPLB System President Dr. Angelo A. Jimenez, during the opening ceremonies.
CHED Commissioner Sherly C. Agrupis also left everyone a stirring message, “Let us renew our commitment to advancing biotechnology for the benefit of the Filipinos. Together, through Education, Innovation, and Commercialization, we can ensure that biotechnology will remain a powerful tool for achieving sustainable development and economic resilience in the years to come”.
One of the highlights of the kick-off ceremonies is the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Exhibit Booth participated by different private and government agencies including The Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA), showcasing their cutting-edge, sustainable, and inclusive biotechnologies through interactive and educational booths.
Plenary Sessions from Day 1 to Day 3 of the NBW were also conducted wherein lectures about Biotechnology were tackled. Inter High-School and Collegiate Events and Quiz Competitions also took place on Day 4 featuring a Research Poster Competition, Extemporaneous Speech Competition, Essay Writing, and Synapsis Individual Written Exam, which were participated by State Universities and Colleges from different regions. Winners were awarded on the last day of the NBW, concluding the week-long festivities.
Under Proclamation No. 1414, series of 2007, the National Biotechnology Week (NBW) is celebrated annually, serving as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among experts and stakeholders from academia, industry, as well as private and government agencies.