National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
University of the Philippines, Diliman

NIMBB Website

NIMBB extends training to Tertiary-Level Faculty and Industry Professionals in Basic Molecular Biology Techniques Workshop

Participants of the molecular biology laboratory techniques training donned in personal protective equipment as they attend a preliminary laboratory lecture on polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at UP Diliman (NIMBB-UPD) conducted a three-day training on basic molecular biology techniques from July 20-22, 2024. Aimed at empowering researchers from various state universities and colleges (SUCs) and private institutions, the workshop targeted faculty members and industry researchers with minimal to no experience in molecular biology laboratory techniques. The primary goal of the training program was to equip these participants with the necessary skills to establish and elevate molecular biology programs and laboratories at their respective institutions.

A diverse cohort of fifteen participants attended the training, representing institutions such as Carlos Hilado State University, Tarlac Agricultural University, Romblon State University, Northwest Samar State University, Rizal Technological University, University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi, Our Lady of Fatima University, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Qualimed Diagnostics Laboratory, and Angeles University Foundation-School of Medicine.

NIMBB Director Dr. Pia D. Bagamasbad welcomed the participants with opening remarks on the first day. The training comprised a series of lectures and hands-on laboratory activities curated by NIMBB faculty and researchers. The program began with lectures on biosafety and biosecurity by Mark Anthony Fran (NIMBB Laboratory Manager) and an introduction to a molecular biology laboratory by Dr. Ma. Anita M. Bautista (Deputy Director for Research and Extension).

Participants then donned personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by NIMBB to perform their initial hands-on activities, which included aseptic techniques, solution preparation, and micropipetting. Aaron James Feliciano gave a lecture on nucleic acid extraction, after which trainees were divided into groups for supervised laboratory experiments. The instructors, Carlos Luis Buenafe, Jessant Louie Garferio, Adria Lao, Robbie Paul Malaluan, Alessa Jane Sumera, and Alessandria Maeve Ocampo, guided the trainees throughout their hands-on sessions.

A group of trainees performs cell lysis of insect samples in preparation for DNA extraction (left). Dr. Baustista gives a lecture on the downstream analysis of nucleic acid (right).

On the first day, trainees extracted DNA from bacteria and insect samples, followed by DNA extraction from plants and mammalian cells on the second day. The final day featured experiments in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of barcoding genes and a lecture on the downstream analysis of nucleic acids. Participants also engaged in basic bioinformatics work and troubleshooting, further honing their skills.

The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony where participants received certificates of completion, recognizing their newfound skills in molecular biology.

The NIMBB remains committed to bolstering the country’s capacity in molecular biology, aspiring to scale up these training efforts to advance the frontiers of science in the Philippines.