UPD-CS Launches Awareness Campaign on Genetic Modification and Gene Editing Research

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

#GeneTalks aims to enhance understanding of genetic research while also addressing common misconceptions in the field. (Photo credit: UPD-CS Science Communication Team)

The University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) recently organized a campaign focused on Genetic Modification (GM) and Gene Editing (GE) research in the country, as well as on the challenges faced by its researchers.

Titled “#GeneTalks,” the two-part, multi-stakeholder awareness campaign, spearheaded by the UPD-CS Office of the Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, Development, and Enterprise (OADRIDE), aims to foster understanding and elevate the level of public discourse on genetic research by discussing the challenges, opportunities, and potentials of research in GE and GM, while also addressing common misconceptions related to the field. This event series emerged in response to the Court of Appeals' ruling, case no. CA-G.R. SP No. 00038, which restricts the use, testing, and importation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), and its potential impact on the academe’s role as a research institution.

The first forum held on November 4 and titled “Lab to Field,” explores GM research, its regulatory processes in the Philippines, and its importance in agriculture. The panel of esteemed speakers includes Dr. Ernelea Cao, Professor Emeritus at the UPD-CS Institute of Biology on regulatory processes for GM research and its significance; Atty. Edmund Jason Baranda, Managing Partner of Baranda and Associates, on the Court of Appeal’s ruling on GMOs; and Dr. Lourdes Taylo, Bt Eggplant Project Leader, on Bt eggplant and the role of GMOs in food security and nutrition.

“Understanding these dynamics is crucial for ensuring the ethical and responsible conduct of research, and for expanding our insights into GM research for the benefit of scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders,” said UPD-CS National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPD-CS NIMBB) Director Dr. Pia Bagamasbad during the forum, who observed that scientists may not be aware of the broader implications of GM research and products.

On the other hand, the second forum, held on November 11 and titled “Edit to Innovation,” covers GE technologies, their potential across various fields, and their broader implications. The panel of esteemed speakers includes Dr. Reynante Ordonio, Senior Science Specialist at the Philippine Rice Research Institute, on the current status of biotechnology in the Philippines and GE applications; and Dr. Ron Leonard Dy, Associate Professor at the NIMBB, on the use of GE in molecular diagnostics.

“Communicating genetic research through talks such as #GeneTalks provides transparency, allowing the public to ask questions and check the validity of the scientists’ claims. It is a way to bring about societal trust and acceptance.” shared Dr. Ma. Anita Bautista, NIMBB Deputy Director for Research and Extension and Member of the UPD-CS Technical Working Group for GMO-related concerns. “When scientists share information about genetic research and their outcomes, they implicate their authenticity, accountability, and moral and social values.”





By: Eunice Jean Patron

Brace for Impact: Super Typhoon PepitoPH Threatens Metro Manila with Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Metro Manila, including Pasig City, braces for potential impacts as Super Typhoon PepitoPH barrels closer to Luzon. PAGASA, the Philippines' national weather bureau, has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 over the region, with the possibility of intensifying to Signal No. 4 depending on the storm’s movements.

As of 5:00 AM today, PepitoPH is located 85 km northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte, and is forecast to bring moderate to heavy rainfall across Metro Manila throughout the day. The storm may weaken slightly to a typhoon before making landfall over Aurora or Quezon provinces but will still unleash powerful winds, torrential rains, and possible flooding.

Pasig City at the Center of the Storm

Pasig City is expected to feel the brunt of PepitoPH by midday or afternoon, when the storm reaches its peak strength in the area. Residents should prepare for:

Strong Winds: 

Capable of uprooting trees and damaging infrastructure.

Heavy Rainfall: 

Flooding in low-lying areas and possible landslides in hilly areas.

With the storm tracking closer, now is the time to act. While forecasts may change, preparation remains crucial to ensuring everyone’s safety.

Key Safety Reminders:

Follow Barangay Advisories: 

Stay updated on evacuation orders and other critical information from local officials.

Prepare Your Emergency Go Bag: 

Essential items like food, water, flashlights, power banks, and important documents should be ready to go.

Secure Your Home: 

Reinforce windows, doors, and roofs to minimize potential damage from the strong winds.

Stay Informed: 

Monitor weather updates from trusted sources like PAGASA. The next official bulletin will be issued at 8:00 AM.

Emergency Assistance: 

For urgent needs, call the Pasig City Hotline at 8643 0000.

Weather Update Summary:

Current Location: 

85 km northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte

Forecasted Landfall: 

Aurora or Quezon

Impacts: 

Strong winds, heavy rains, possible flooding

Metro Manila Signal: 

Currently at Signal No. 2, with potential escalation

Call to Action:

Super Typhoon PepitoPH reminds us of the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters. As Metro Manila braces for the storm, unity and vigilance are key to ensuring safety for everyone. Take the time now to safeguard your home, communicate with loved ones, and stay informed.

Stay tuned to Wazzup Pilipinas and PAGASA for real-time updates and helpful tips. Mag-ingat po ang lahat!

Gen Z workers: values matter, and so does financial security

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Despite their portrayal in popular media as vapid, attention-seeking brats, Gen Z employees are actually very hard workers, driven towards financial security and anchored by a strong sense of family values, according to new research from the Ateneo de Manila University.


Here's what employers and the public should know about this youngest cohort of the workforce.


Despite appearances and tongue-wagging from older observers, it turns out that Gen Z is much more eager to work hard for both social good and long-term financial security than some might think, according to new research from the Ateneo de Manila University.


Gen Z employees are idealistic yet pragmatic, seeking meaningful and fulfilling work that benefits society even while working towards their and their family’s own long-term financial security. PHOTO: Thirdman / Pexels.com


Steeled by economic uncertainty leading up to—and most especially in the wake of—the COVID-19 pandemic, the youngest Filipinos now entering the workforce greatly value both a stable income and personal achievement. These idealistic yet pragmatic members of Gen Z (born between 1995 and 2012) tend to look for meaningful and fulfilling work environments but also willingly forego creature comforts in favor of long-term financial stability.


In their seminal study of Filipino Gen Z employees, the Ateneo researchers uncovered clear distinctions in workplace motivation versus previous generations, particularly Millennials (or Gen Y, born between 1980 and 1994); Gen X (depending on the research agency, born in either 1961 or 1965, up to 1979); and Baby Boomers (born after World War II, in 1946 to 1960/1964). These differences reflect how the unique socioeconomic context of each generation influences their motivations and overall outlook.


Family matters

Filipino cultural expectations concerning familial responsibility play a unique role in Pinoy Gen Z employees' work decisions. Many in this cohort are motivated by the need to support their families financially—an intrinsic motivator in Filipino culture. For Gen Z Pinoys, contributing to family well-being is a main reason for why they seek competitive salaries and benefits that can support both themselves and their loved ones.


“Family is a significant motivator for their work, as they strive to provide a good life for their loved ones. Some participants (of the study) who are the eldest child also reported feeling a greater sense of responsibility to provide for their family,” the researchers noted.


Personal achievement and career growth

Moreover, Gen Z puts a premium on personal achievement in the form of career growth and skill development. This focus is reflected in their desire for rapid advancement and fulfillment in their roles. Meanwhile, Gen X, who typically value job security and stability over rapid career growth, are less likely to switch jobs for career advancement alone. Baby Boomers also have a strong sense of organizational loyalty—they often stay with one employer for extended periods—but are less driven by the desire for rapid career advancement.


Also, while Gen Z and Millennials are both technologically savvy and open to flexible work arrangements, Gen Z has a preference for hybrid or flexible remote work as they value autonomy and balance. In contrast, Millennials, who largely came of age during the rapid expansion of digital workplaces, are more accustomed to structured team-based settings and in-person collaboration.


“Compared to Millennials, who put more value on interesting work and collegial work environments, Gen Zs tend to focus on securing their future through savings and investments,” the researchers said.


On a personal level, Gen Z’s emphasis on meaningful work also differs from other generations. Many Gen Z employees are motivated by work that aligns with their passions and allows them to make a positive impact on others and on society at large. This is partly driven by their experience of growing up in a digitally-connected world, where social issues and values-driven missions are increasingly visible and influential. Millennials, who came of age just as the digital world was emerging, also share some of this values-driven focus and likewise seek out work environments that foster a sense of community and purpose. However, Baby Boomers and Gen X tend to prioritize job security and are generally less motivated by the need for their work to align with personal or social values.


What employers should know

All of these generational differences suggest that companies aiming to retain Gen Z employees should focus on fostering career growth; aligning organizational values with broader social impact; and providing robust financial benefits that cater both to immediate needs and long-term security. Otherwise, companies that rely solely on traditional job security and loyalty strategies might find themselves less effective in engaging and retaining this youngest cohort of employees.


Overall, Gen Z’s workplace motivations combine financial pragmatism, personal achievement, and values-driven work in a way that distinctly sets them apart from older generations.


“Financial security is one of Gen Z’s motivating factors, as they view work as an avenue for them to earn and save money for their future. Even though Millennials

put a premium on compensation, the Gen Z respondents are more specific as to how they want to use their salary,” the Ateneo researchers explained.


“They also want their work to have an impact on others and society. They want to see how their work contributes to the organization’s mission in general,” they added.


Mikee C. Talamayan, Dr. Mendiola Teng-Calleja, and Dr. Jaimee Felice Caringal-Go of the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Psychology and the Ateneo Center for Organization Research and Development published their paper, “Motivating Filipino Generation Z employees at work: enablers and outcomes,” in the journal Evidence-based HRM in October 2024.