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National ICP Meeting 2013 and Proposed ICP Constitution and By-laws

ICP General Meeting

Meeting of ICP Officers

Proposed ICP Constitution (docx / 43kb)
Minutes of the National ICP Meeting (doc / 69kb)

ICP Conducts Seminar-Workshop on Sampling and Sampling Techniques

Text by Dr. Vicky Migo and Dr. Lilibeth Coo

As part of the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP)’s Continuing Professional Education Program, a special workshop on “Sampling for Chemical Analysis” was held last April 26, 2013 at the Police Training Center, Camp Crame, Quezon City.  The seminar was conducted by Dr. Edgar F. Paski of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

Dr. Edgar Paski

Dr. Paski or Ed, as he is fondly called by his colleagues from ICP, has worked in industry and government in the areas of mining and mineral exploration, environmental chemistry, pulp and paper technology and agrology.  He teaches courses in analytical atomic spectrometry, quality assurance and the assayer certification program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).  He is one strict assessor with an eagle-eye precision to correct techniques for testing laboratories to the ISO 17025 Standard for the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA).  It is in this area of his expertise that he got acquainted with IRRI chemists and later with ICP. Dr. Paski’s professional interests include: plasma spectrochemistry, sampling for chemical analysis, chemometrics, automated chemical analysis, trace elements in geological and environmental materials, quality assurance, laser applications in analytical chemistry, multidimensional luminescence spectrometry, computer applications in analytical chemistry, assaying precious metals.

The workshop aims to give participants an understanding of the critical influence of sampling on the quality of analytical results, especially for geological, environmental, and agricultural materials. The topics covered include variability in test results, accepted terminology for the various types of sample materials, heterogeneity of solid objects, tools and techniques for sampling solids, liquids and gases, fundamental causes of sampling errors and how to estimate laboratory and field sampling uncertainties.  Most of the 60 participants came from commercial private laboratories and some are from the government (DOST, EDC and PC Crime Lab) and from the academe (Adamson University, Bicol University).

General Liza Sabong of the PNP, a member of the ICP Board of Directors (representing the government) gave the warm welcome remarks.  Her speech described the importance of maintaining the integrity of samples (specimens) in the forensic science.  She noted the critical role of analytical chemists in generating accurate results in the field of forensic chemistry.  She proudly informed the audience of the DNA laboratory of the PNP that houses the complete array of analytical instruments for DNA testing.

Dr. Paski (right),  with (from left to right) Dr. Lilibeth Coo, Dr. Vicky Migo, Dr. Toby Dayrit, General Liza Sabong, and Ms. Edna Mijares

The seminar cum workshop was a one-man show handled by the very energetic and indefatigable Dr. Paski whose lectures are very informative and enlightening.  The participants appreciated his lectures and were very thankful for a lot of materials and references on sampling techniques which Dr. Paski freely shared. The highlight of the activity is a workshop wherein participants were made to employ the different methods of sampling which they learned from the lectures, and applied them in a mixture of grains: rice, green and red mungbeans, etc. Acknowledgement is due to Shimadzu Philippines Corporation for providing two units of top loading balance that were used during the workshop.  All participants recognized the value of the training and the useful information that they got from this seminar.

Chemistry Graduate is Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2013

Text by Marie Astrid Amboy and Vicky Migo
Photographs courtesy of Dr. EJ del Rosario and Fayme Magallanes

Ariella Arida (center) with fellow winners of the Binibining Pilipinas 2013 

Our 2013 Bb. Pilipinas Universe, MS. ARIELLA H. ARIDA hails from Alaminos Laguna.  Ara, as she is fondly called by her friends, finished her high school at Laguna College (LC), San Pablo City.  She started her tertiary education in 2005 at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, initially with a degree in Veterinary Medicine, but shifted into BS Chemistry on her second year in the university, which she finished in 2010.  Her undergraduate thesis is entitled “Virtual Binding of Synthetic Nucleoside Analogues and Phyto-brassino steroids to NS5 Dengue Virus mRNA 2’-o-Methyltransferase Domain Using Dock Software”, which she presented in the 2010 Philippine Chemistry Congress held at Subic Bay, Zambales.

Her academic adviser is no other than the accomplished Professor Ernesto J. del Rosario who is known to his students as “Sir EJ”. Ara described Sir EJ as the “coolest and smartest teacher she has known”.  In the acknowledgement part of her thesis manuscript, Ara wrote “Sir, salamat sa lahat ng wisdom, mapa- Science, Philo, Psy, religion, lovelife, in short, anything under the sun, ang dami nyo pong natuturo sa akin”.  Ara’s favorite hang-outs in “elbi” are ICs and Boston Café which she acknowledged to have played a big role why she graduated because of its 24 hour-internet and cafe service.  She enjoyed eating and hanging-out with her barkadas at LB Square, Los Kababos, and Rally Point for the “comfort food” plus Baan Thai for her favourite pad thai.  Other things that she enjoyed doing in her college years during her spare time are going to the beach and bargain shopping. Being an Iglesia ni Cristo, she has also been a devoted church goer, making sure to go to church in spite of her busy schedule.

“From a different kind of life I used to have—I used to go to school wearing rubber shoes and a laboratory gown—and now here I am with the crown, wearing makeup.” It was the only thing that mattered after she was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2013  at the 50th culmination night of Binibining Pilipinas last April 14, 2013 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Overwhelmed by her victory, she says she is prepared to handle the pressure that comes with her new crown.
Ara, who also won the Best in Swimsuit Award earlier that night has also competed at Miss Philippines Earth 2012 and was a former Mutya ng Laguna titleholder.  She is a ramp model and enjoys sports including volleyball, swimming, and running.

During the most anticipated question and answer portion, she was asked by PNP Chief Allan Purisima what lesson in life women can teach men. Her answer was, “One lesson in life that we, women, can teach men is being sensitive. Because we all know that men are more logical when it comes to decision. They usually are more rational, straight forward. Unlike we, women, we use our heart and we tend to get emotional in some of our decisions. For me, sensitivity is something that we can teach men.”

She describes herself as an average person. But during this pageant she worked hard physically, mentally and emotionally which is evident in her physique and performance that Sunday night. She surely has big shoes to fill but no one can stop her from fulfilling her dreams.

Profession-wise, past beauty queens have covered a lot ranging from an Architect (Shamcey Supsup), a Pharmacist (Janine Tugonon), a Physical Therapist (Miriam Quiambao) and a Lawyer (Ana Theresa Licaros) to name a few. Will a Chemist bring home the most coveted crown this time?

ICP Conducts Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Basic Laboratory Equipment Seminar

By Dr. Linda Torres

The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP)  conducted a one-day seminar on “Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Basic Laboratory Equipment” in  Silliman University, Dumaguete City on April 8, 2013  prior to the 28th Philippine Chemistry Congress.  This  is in coordination with  the Department of  Chemistry  of  Silliman University chaired by Dr. Paulina Aspilla.

Top to bottom: Mr. Carmel Tony Vella (HPLCworks), Mr. Arturo Torres (Shimadzu), Ms. Edna Mijares (Jefcor)

Invited Speakers include Mr. Carmel  Tony Vella of HPLCworks Philippines based in California, USA;   Mr. Arturo Torres of Shimadzu Philippines Corporation and Ms. Edna Mijares, CEO, Jefcor Laboratories  and   ICP 1st Vice-President. Ms. Mijares discussed the preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of gas chromatography,  followed by   Mr. Vella’s talk on  HPLC.  Meanwhile, Mr. Torres conducted a comprehensive presentation on preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of UV-Vis spectrophometry and atomic absorption chromatography in the afternoon.

 ICP President Dr. Toby Dayrit (left) with speakers

Chemistry Department Chair of Silliman University Dr. Paulina Aspilla (left), Dr. Toby Dayrit (right) and speakersSpeakers and Participants of the seminar

Dr. Fabian Dayrit, ICP President welcomed the participants  and stressed ICP’s commitment for continuing professional education to our chemists. The seminar was participated by 67 ICP members and non-members chemists all over the country including chemistry students of the said university. ICP would like to acknowledge Mr. Bernardo Mitra Sr.  for sponsoring the foods served during  the seminar. It was a succesful activity again by the ICP despite of a short preparation and notices to our members. Let’s congratulate Ms. Mijares for spearheading this activity. Job well done.

Habemus Chimista! Pope Francis is a Chemist

The white smoke used to signal the end of papal conclave is produced from a mixture of potassium chlorate, lactose, and rosin, a natural amber resin obtained from conifers.  The white “fumata” that emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney on March 13 hailed the election of Jorge Bergoglio, Argentien cardinal, and Bishop of Buenos Aires, as new pope and leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.  He is the first pope to choose the name Francis (drawing connections to Francis of Assisi and Francis Xavier), the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1300 years, the first Latin American pope, and the first Jesuit pope.  He prefers keeping a low profile and is known for his simplicity and humility, choosing to use public transport and live in a small apartment.

The ICP Chemical Safety Program: Moving from Theory to Practice

In celebration of the Chemistry Week, the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines conducted a two-day training workshop on “Preparation of Chemical Safety Manual” at the Makati Palace Hotel last February 11-12, 2013. This workshop is part of the continuing Chemical Safety campaign of the ICP.

The objective of this workshop was to train the participants to prepare their institution’s chemical safety manual.  The 62 participants, who came from the industry, government and academe, included researchers, analysts, faculty members, safety officers, laboratory technicians and regulatory officers.

The resource speakers are Ms. Tessie B. Corpuz of TERECOR Environmental Health and Safety Consultancy Services and Dr. Glenn Alea from the Chemistry Department, De La Salle University.

There were four topics presented and discussed during the first day. The first topic was on the Safety Manual: what it is, and what its benefits and elements are. The second topic was on the Philippine Occupational Health and Safety Rules as promulgated by the Department of Labor and Employment.

The third topic discussed the use of Gap Analysis as a preparation for developing the institution’s chemical safety manual. Each participant completed the checklist for the gap analysis based on a review of their own institution’s safety programs.  The fourth topic presented the process of how to prepare and write a safety policy.

The workshop was conducted during the second day. The participants were grouped into industry, academe and government sectors, and their respective subsectors. Each group was asked to complete their gap analysis and then describe their proposed action plans and programs to fill the gaps. Finally each group was asked to develop a safety policy  and outline of safety manual and present their outputs.

The ICP plans to follow-up the progress of the participants in its effort to institutionalize chemical safety in the country.

Call for Nominations: Outstanding Chemist of 2013

Every year, the Professional Regulation Commission honors the outstanding professional from each profession during the PRC Week which is held every June. We would like to invite ICP members to nominate individuals for the honor of Outstanding Chemist for 2013.

The criteria for selection include the following:
1.    Professional Competence and Integrity in the exercise of the Chemistry profession
2.    Meaningful participation in professional activities through the professional organization
3.    Significant contributions to the advancement of the Chemistry profession
4.    Evidence of social responsibility through meaningful social activities

The Outstanding Chemist can come from government, industry or academe. The evidence for outstanding performance will depend on the sector where the nominee comes from.

Through the years, we have honored outstanding Chemistry professionals, such as the following:
Dr. Benigno Peczon, Dr. William G. Padolina, Dr. Ester A. Garcia, Dr. Modesto T. Chua, Dr. Fortunato Sevilla III, Dr. Elma C. Llaguno, Ms. Ella Deocadiz, Dr. Aida Aguinaldo, Dr. Alumanda dela Rosa, Dr. Trinidad Trinidad, Dr. Ernesto del Rosario, Gen. Lina Sarmiento, Mr. Fred Reyes, Ms. Teresita Cayton, Dr. Nemesio Montaño.

The PRC announcement and nomination form may be downloaded from the ICP website. The deadline for submission by the nomination committee to PRC is April 2, 2013. However, since the nominees have to be evaluated and endorsed by ICP, the deadline for submission to ICP is March 4, 2013 (Monday).

You may download the nomination form HERE.

Search for Outstanding Chemistry Professional for 2013

For the PRC memorandum, click HERE.

To download the nomination form, click HERE.

Call for Nominations for Member of the Board of Chemistry

The Chemistry profession is regulated by the PRC through the Board of Chemistry. The Board of Chemistry has three (3) members and nominations are being invited for members of the Board.

For the list of complete requirements, click HERE to download the file.

Deadline of submission of entries is on 2 April 2013 (Tuesday).

ICP-Bacolod Technical Seminar and Induction of 2013 Officers

The newly-reorganized ICP-Bacolod Chapter marked its re-inauguration with a Seminar on Chemical Waste Management which was held at Sugarland Hotel, Bacolod City, last December 7, 2012. ICP-Bacolod was formerly known as ICP-Negros.

The guest resource speaker for the seminar was Ms. Edna C. Mijares, Vice President of ICP-National and President and CEO of JEFCOR Laboratories.  The seminar attracted a big audience from industry (sugarmills, distilleries, bottling plants, and others), academe, research institutions, hospitals, clinical labs and government agencies.

The highlight of the event was the induction of the 2013 officers: President: Roselyn C. Usero, Negros Prawn Producers Cooperative Analytical and Diagnostic Laboratory; Vice-president: Dida V. Gatanela, Sugar Regulatory Administration; Secretary: Mildred P. Bermejo, University of Negros Occidental Recoletos; Treasurer: Glenda S. Buendia, SRA; Board of Directors: Melinda M. Montaño, UNO-R; Leilani L. Crucero and Charity Huna B. Fabon, University of St. La Salle; Russell Guacena, Distileria Bago; Grace Tantengco, Aldrzt Corp; Ma. Elisa A. Alvarez, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils., Inc.; Arlene C. Matti, SRA-Bacolod; Leo D. Pacalda, First Farmers Milling Corp.; and Mary Jonie O. Villanueva, West Negros University.

The event, which was sponsored by Molave Trading, was the perfect venue for rekindling the ties between ICP-Bacolod and ICP-National. The new set of officers expressed their commitment to give their full support and participation in the plans and programs of ICP-National.

ICP-Bacolod looks forward to more activities next year to boost the morale of not only licensed chemists but associate members as well to make ICP-Bacolod active again, productive and sustainable.
Another challenge for ICP-Bacolod is to produce more chemists in Negros and to revive hope as the organization continues to believe that the Chemistry profession will make a radical recovery back to the level where it once was.