Layag: DBS’ Long Awaited Assembly with Inspiring Talks, Fun Games and Activities
Words by: Katrina Royong and Steffi Lee
On November 7, the UST Biology Society (BioSoc) and Microbiology Society (MicroSoc) held its first onsite general assembly in 2 years since the pandemic, with the theme "Layag: Bagong Yugto Tungo sa Nagkakaisang Agham'' aimed to promote the unity of the two academic organizations. The program started with the annual Symbiosis event at 7 AM, followed by either morning or afternoon sessions.
Kickstarting the event with opening remarks, Dean Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, Ph.D., stated that the strength of the Biology Department is outside its numbers. As the college produces the highest number of biology majors in the country, Dean Papa said that "... its strength is in its potential to contribute to national building…" with the hopes that students and faculty will contribute their knowledge to society.
Department of Biological Sciences (DBS) Chair Mr. Reuel M. Bennett, Dr. rer. nat. shared about the department’s successes. One is the collaboration with Jeremake spearheaded by BioSoc and MicroSoc, wherein the “make-roscopes” were distributed to elementary students without access to microscopes. Dr. Bennett noted the department's contributions to the University's top ten leading research themes, along with holding training seminars.
Mr. Justine Paolo B. Abengana, MSc., then talked about his relatable undergraduate experiences. He said that understanding the self, managing time, forming study groups, taking notes, challenging oneself, and having fun all improve the learning process. Meanwhile, during the PM session, Gabriel Alfonso D. Robeniol, MD discussed the pathway towards becoming a doctor. He also emphasized that the path to achieving this goal would be different for every person, proof of the diversity of medical professionals.
Mr. Niño Andree Louis E. Caguimbal, MSc, American Society of Microbiologists (ASM) Young Ambassador to the Philippines, briefed the audience on ASM's vision and encouraged Thomasian Biologists to register as a member.
The highly anticipated lip-sync battle reached its peak in the finals, with both Janna Bocaling and Ken Mangaliag delivering outstanding lip-sync performances to the song “I Am The Best” by 2NE1, finally sharing the victory.
A trivia game featuring UST trivia and biology topics was held, with the finalist winning P250.
In the PM session, there were six contestants who fought for the P300 prize in the dance battle. Mark Rivera from 4MBIO5 was the sole performer in the lip-sync contest.
The Amazing Race results have yet to be finalized by the organizers.
