AQD advisees dominate research competitions

All winners in the three categories of the 3rd BIOTA Regional Biology Student Research Competition held last February 20 conducted their research under the supervision or assistance of AQD scientists.

The research tilt was held at the University of San Agustin and was organized by the Biology Teachers Association of the Philippines Western Visayas Chapter. First place for the college group category went to students from the University of Saint La Salle, Bacolod namely Merryjan Azucena, Jennifer Federizo, Cherry Grande, Jonel Lim, Nea Cecille Quiachon, and Myra Valencia. Along with their adviser Jessica Pacalioga, the students acknowledged Ms. Annie Franco and Dr. Evelyn Grace de Jesus-Ayson of AQD for assistance with the spirulina culture and the conduct of the crude protein analysis. Their study was entitled Effect of waste aquaculture pondwater and treated seawater on the production of spirulina Arthrospira platensis.

First prize, high school, individual oral presentation category was won by Kristelie Mae Tilla-in from Capiz National High School. Her study was on Gel strength analysis, hardiness test, and viscosity test of alginate from brown alga (Sargassum oligocystum) carageenan from red alga (Kappaphycus alvarezii) and agar from Gracilaria bailinae for the binding capacity of abalone (Haliotis asinina) diet. She worked under consultation with AQD's Ms. Maria Rovilla Luhan and Dr. Relicardo Coloso. She also acknowledged Mr. Kenneth Tibubos for assistance in processing the seaweeds. Paul Eugene Avelino, Felizardo Demayuga, Jr., and Christopher Dellota from Capiz National High School emerged first place (high school team category) with their study Immunostimulating diet additive from calamansi (Citrus microcarpa Bunge) rind crude extract for tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon Fabricius). Their adviser is Dr. Edgar Amar of AQD.

National Intel Philippine Science Fair

AQD's advisees also made a mark in the National Intel Philippine Science Fair last February 13-17 2008 in Tagaytay City. Mae Anne Tabasin (Team Leader), Tranquilino Tono, and JohnVincent Gabiano of Maasin National High School emerged 1st place with their study The effects of levamisole on the non-specific cellular immune response in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Their adviser is also Dr. Amar.

Congratulations to all the winning students and to their mentors!