Saint Louis University’s (SLU) School of Medicine (SOM) proudly hosted the Philippine Association of Academic Biochemists (PAAB) 33rd Annual Convention at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, Diego Silang Building, SLU Main Campus on 21 until 22 June 2024.
A decade after successfully hosting the PAAB Annual Convention in 2014, the University’s SOM, headed by Dean, Dr. John Anthony A. Domantay, once again welcomed delegates from Colleges of Medicine from all throughout the country for the 33rd PAAB Annual Convention, spearheaded by PAAB and the Philippine Medical Association (PMA).
This year’s two-day convention, anchored on the theme “Harmony in Health: a Holistic Exploration of Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Health,” brought together delegates, teachers, physicians, and health professionals from different medical colleges in a culmination of learning and health expertise.
In her opening remarks, PAAB President, Dr. Ma. Lorena D. Lorenzo, thanked the delegates and the University for the generous hosting and support of the convention. This was followed by welcoming remarks from University President, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, where he expressed gratitude to the health professionals and educators in our country.
“We are truly thankful for the passion and expertise that you bring to your field and for the positive impact you continue to share in our society. I pray that God blesses you and all your endeavors,” Fr. Sales stated.
For his part, PMA President, Dr. Hector M. Santos Jr., shared his warm regards, congratulating the institutions present and responsible for the significant convention for another step towards better national healthcare.
For the first day’s set of discussions, Dr. Melvin Marzan delivered his presentation titled “The Exposome: Unveiling the Environmental Equation for Lifelong Health”. The Ribbon Cutting ceremony to formally open the Poster exhibit then followed.
Dietician Wilmar Jun O. Elopre resumed the program with his talk on “Culinary Medicine: Where Nutritional Biochemistry Meets Primary Care.”
Thereafter, the induction ceremony to formally welcome the new members, diplomates, and fellows commenced. The first day concluded with the PAAB fellowship night, bringing the delegates together for a dinner of celebration.
On the second day, the convention proceeded with the next set of discussions, starting with the presentation on “Integration of UHC into the Medical Curriculum” by Dr. Rosemarie J. Dominguez. This was followed by a discussion on the “Effect of Microbiome/Gut Health on Aging” by Dr. Nicole Ann Buena Vista.
Proceeding with the last set of discussions, Dr. Jessa Maine T. Tomboc and Dr. Dionise Ysabelle V. Bawal presented their talks titled “Nutrigenomics: Eating the Right Food for Your Genes” and “Biochemical Understanding of Endocrine Disruptors,” respectively.
The 25 participating universities/institutions are as follows:
- AMA School of Medicine – Makati City
- Angeles University Foundation School of Medicine – Angeles City
- Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health – Metro Manila
- Batangas State University College of Medicine – Batangas City
- Cavite State University – Cavite
- Cebu Doctors’ University College of Medicine – Cebu City
- Cebu Normal University Vicente Sotto Memorial Center College of Medicine – Cebu City
- Central Philippine University College of Medicine – Ilo-Ilo City
- Davao Medical School Foundation – Davao City
- De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute College of Medicine – Dasmarinas, Cavite
- Far Eastern University Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation – Quezon City
- Ilo-Ilo Doctors’ College College of Medicine – Ilo-Ilo City
- Jose Maria College College of Medicine – Davao City
- Lyceum-Northwestern University FQDMF College of Medicine – Dagupan, Pangasinan
- Manila Central University Filemon D. Tanchoco Medical Foundation College of Medicine – Caloocan City
- Matias H. Azhar Memorial College of Medicine – Cebu City
- Metropolitan Medical Center College of Arts, Science and Technology – Sta Cruz, Manila
- Our Lady of Fatima University College of Medicine – Valenzuela City
- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa College of Medicine – Muntinlupa City
- Pines City Colleges School of Medicine – Baguio City
- San Beda University College of Medicine – Mendiola St., Manila
- St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine William H. Quasha Memorial – Quezon City
- University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine – Quezon City
- University of Sto. Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery – España, Manila
- Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation College Of Medicine – San Carlos, Pangasinan
In addition, the convention also included the “Tagisan ng Galing” Biochemistry quiz contest, where the team of medical students from Saint Louis University was among the top five finalists, out of 23 participating medical schools. The Fellowship Night on Day 1 of the convention was highlighted by a cultural performance, that showcased the remarkable talents of the SLU Center for Culture and the Arts Glee Club andDance Troupe.
This event is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). It is also aligned with the CICM advocacy of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC).
Article by Antonio Lim Jr. (UIO Volunteer)
Photos by Emmanuel Gregorio (UIO Volunteer)
