Genetics Camp

It was in 2005 when the idea of a convention for high school students and science teachers focusing on Genetics was conceived by then Education Committee Head Audrie Ann Lazaga, Batch Gyrase. The following year, the idea materialized as the first Genetics Camp headed by GeneSoc Vice-President Ms. Lorelie Ramos, Batch Gyrase was held at Collegio de San Juan de Letran in Calamba, Laguna. And until now, the Genetics Camp is an annual activity hosted by The UPLB Genetics Society with the aim of promoting the knowledge and share the advancements in the science of Genetics to high school students. Since its humble beginnings in 2005, the Genetics Camp covered vital and important issues that concern most importantly the society.

Rationale

In this century, the field of Genetics has greatly been redefining the way people live their lives. It has been an essential part of society that it has seamlessly intertwined and related so many different fields and produced various products for the benefit of mankind. With state-of-the-art technologies and revolutionizing techniques, the science of Genetics has continuously been recognizing the many possibilities and slowly making those possibilities into a definite reality.

Although, Genetics is indeed making itself heard loud and clear in the world of science, not everyone is paying attention to it. In the Philippines, not everyone is aware of its contributions and role in the community. However, this became an impetus for us at The UPLB Genetics Society. Our organization has been constantly at the forefront of encouraging the creative appreciation and understanding of the science to the constituents of UPLB.

The secondary level of education has long been identified as one of the sectors that are shorthanded in the field of Genetics. With the fast track of development in the field, problems arise in informing the students and the method of teaching. The change in the basic education curriculum to K to 12 has also made genetic concepts present throughout the Junior High School Science Curriculum.

High school students are also in their formative years wherein higher education and career choices are made. At this point, the fields of which they will participate in the next years are chosen. The organization belives that this as a great avenue to encourage students to the STEM track, and introduce to them the promising discipline of Genetics.

Pursuant of our objectives to promote and create awareness about the science of Genetics in the Philippines, as well as to provide an opportunity for the discussion of trends, activities and ideas in Genetics, The UPLB Genetics Society has organized the annual Genetic Camp which highlights the latest advancements in the field of Genetics.

Objectives

2014 GENEovation: Paving the way for Medical Improvement through Pharmacogenomics

The Over-all Champion of the Genetics Camp is given to the school which has accumulated the highest number of points based from their respective rankings among the inter-high school contests of the camp. The weight or points equivalent of the rank obtained in each event and the weight of each event are presented in the mechanics of the camp. The title was first awarded during the 2013 edition of the camp. A sculptured wooden trophy will be given to the over-all champion (for one year). The name of the participating school will be engraved in the metal plate at the base of the trophy.

2013 Laguna College

2014 Philippine Science High School Western Visayas (Iloilo)

2015 Philippine Science High School Western Visayas (Iloilo)

2016

2017 Philippine Science High School Western Visayas (Iloilo)

2018 Philippine Science High School Central Luzon