Mapúa MCM Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology students pose for a group photo during their educational visit to the Philippine Genome Center Mindanao.
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) Bachelor of Science in Biology students major in Medical Biology visited the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) Mindanao on October 6, 2026, for an educational laboratory tour that provided firsthand exposure to genomic technologies, laboratory workflows, and research applications.
Organized by the Student Institute of Mapúa Medical Biology in collaboration with the BS Biology Program under the College of Health Sciences, the tour was attended by 22 students, including five second-year, 10 third-year, and seven fourth-year students. Held from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the activity took place at PGC Mindanao, located at the College of Science and Mathematics of the University of the Philippines Mindanao in Mintal, Tugbok, Davao City.
A representative from the Philippine Genome Center Mindanao introduces bioinformatics services to Mapúa MCM students.
The educational tour aimed to connect classroom learning with actual laboratory and research practices. Through their visit, students had the opportunity to observe the center’s facilities, equipment, laboratory workflows, and research operations while gaining a better understanding of how genomic technologies contribute to scientific discovery and innovation.
Present during the educational tour is Mr. Raymond Jay Manangkila (Omics Laboratory), Ms. Rozel Gallega (Omics Laboratory), Mr. Joshua M. Cambronero (Bioinformatics Laboratory), Ms. May Pasilan (Omics Laboratory), and Mr. Gerry Jr. Ramos (Bioinformatics Laboratory). The activity also introduced students to the applications of genomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics in healthcare, public health, agriculture, biodiversity, and other research fields. These applications allowed students to relate concepts from genetics, cellular and molecular biology, bioinformatics, and medical microbiology to their potential use in real-world scientific investigations.
Students learn about laboratory operations and research facilities from a PGC Mindanao representative.
In addition, the visit highlighted the importance of laboratory safety, quality assurance, and research ethics in genomic research. Learning about these practices helped students recognize the standards and responsibilities involved in conducting reliable scientific research, as well as the role of genomics in addressing health and environmental challenges.
Researchers and experts from PGC Mindanao served as resource persons during the educational tour, providing students with an opportunity to gain insights into the work carried out at the research center and the growing relevance of genomic science in the Philippines.
Mapúa MCM students listen attentively during the laboratory visit and research orientation.
Through this initiative, Mapúa MCM continues to provide experiential learning opportunities that strengthen students’ scientific knowledge and prepare them for future academic and professional pursuits in biology and related fields. The activity supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through practical, research-oriented learning; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by exposing students to professional laboratory environments and potential career pathways; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through academic engagement and knowledge exchange between Mapúa MCM and PGC Mindanao.