UP researchers caution against parasites in raw vegetables, seafood

Scientists from the University of the Philippines (UP) are gently reminding the public to thoroughly wash and cook their market-bought fresh produce and seafood as a precautionary measure against parasites.

Toxoplasma gondii parasites (Photo credit: CDC-DPDx; see reference below)

The parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, called Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is one of the most infectious parasites in the world: it affects almost a third of the world’s population, most especially vulnerable groups such as the pregnant and immunocompromised. While most people infected with the disease do not present any symptoms, some may suffer flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. But in severe cases, toxoplasmosis can cause inflammation of the brain and blurry vision. Infected parents’ newborn infants may suffer from excessive fluid in the brain and developmental issues. Fortunately, treatments are available for toxoplasmosis, hence symptomatic individuals are advised to seek timely medical attention.

Cielo Emar M. Paraoan, Ren Mark D. Villanueva, and Marie Christine M. Obusan of the UP Diliman College of Science’s Institute of Biology (UPD-CS IB) found that T. gondii is fairly common in vegetables and oysters that they sampled from local markets in Central Luzon. Among the vegetables tested were lettuce, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, and mung bean sprouts.

Six out of sixty (10%) collected vegetable samples contained traces of T. gondii, with leafy vegetables found to be more contaminated than root vegetables. Similarly, for oysters, 9.09% or four out of 44 samples were also contaminated. The researchers noted that the T. gondii traces found on both vegetables and oysters are of Type I genotype. The researchers aim to investigate further the genotypes of T. gondii that will be detected in the country, as Asia is reported to have a high degree of genetic diversity.

The study provides evidence that T. gondii may be transmitted through vegetables and oysters that are being sold in supermarkets and public markets. However, the researchers noted that they only tested a small sample size, and more studies with bigger sample sizes must be conducted. At present, they have an ongoing study that detects the parasite in environmental samples.

The study also underscores the importance of adequately preparing fresh produce and seafood to eliminate not just T. gondii but also other parasites that may be present. The authors also emphasized the need for better management of biological pollutants.

“The most sustainable approach for reducing the risk of T. gondii exposure through the consumption of seafood should focus on reducing T. gondii contamination at its source, as well as mitigating the flow of contaminated runoff to water bodies,” the authors said in their paper, published in the October 2023 issue of the Philippine Journal of Science.

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact [email protected].

References:

Paraoan CE et al. 2023. Molecular Detection and Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Ready-to-eat Vegetables and Oysters in Central Luzon, Philippines. Philipp J Sci 152(5): 1989–1998. https://doi.org/10.56899/152.05.36

UP Manila November 2023 Speech-Language Pathology Licensure Examination Topnotchers



The College of Allied Medical Professions is proud to announce that all 141 examinees from UP Manila passed the FIRST EVER SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY LICENSURE EXAMINATION held on November 13 and 14, 2023.

With a passing rate of 100%, UP Manila is among the top-performing schools.

Among the 59 top notchers, 35 (59%) are graduates of our BS Speech Pathology program.

Occupying the lone spot as top 1 is our faculty member, Ms. Pristine Ellise T. Chua.

This historical achievement is a reflection of the UP community’s commitment to excellence and high-quality health care for Filipinos.

Pagpupugay sa lahat ng bagong RSLPs ng bayan!

Links to results (for more info) Official results:
https://drive.google.com/…/1M…/view

List of successful examinees:
https://drive.google.com/…/164H3kavujGzM6Y0O2DVjtJ…/view

Top notchers:
https://drive.google.com/…/1WEOHavnr0BLwpiOztIJ575…/view

Performance of schools:
https://drive.google.com/…/1TtuHWAEv8dpt6vdC…/view

Source: University of the Philippines Manila Facebook

UP geologists sweep 2023 PRC Licensure Exam





All ten topnotchers of the Philippine Regulation Commission’s (PRC’s) recently-conducted annual Geologists Licensure Exam are from the UP Diliman College of Science National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS).

Jerome Garcia Formaran aced the exam with a score of 84.70%, followed by Paulo Lim Realengo and Twinkle Caubalejo Kang at 83.80% and 82.00%, respectively. The rest of the top performers in the fourth to tenth spots were Gerard Vann Vincent Tacuyan Gomez (82.80%); Venus Aquino Tagle (82.70%); Aris Paolo Afable Castro (82.50%); Paul Joshua Paclibar Villora (82.40%); Sophia Therese Leonida Pamati-an (82.20%); Rio Angela Funakoshi Castro (81.80%); and Rose Valerie Aranda Pimentel (81.60%).

UPD-CS NIGS was also the overall top-performing school, with 48 of 52 examinees having passed the licensure exam—a passing rate of 92.31% for the Institute. In comparison, the total passing rate for all 351 examinees from across the country was 47.01%.

The PRC Geologists Licensure Exam was computer-based, and held online from November 13 to 15, 2023.

Pursuant to Republic Act 10166, also known as the Geology Profession Act of 2012, the PRC Geology Licensure is a requirement for any individual who wants to practice geology as a profession in the Philippines.

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact [email protected].

UP Alumni Shine: Five Distinguished Communicators Win Glory Awards

By Angie Quadra-Balibay

Discover the inspiring stories of the 2023 Gawad Gloria Feliciano awardees from the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication. Celebrating excellence in journalism, filmmaking, public service, and cultural preservation, these UP alumni are setting new standards in their fields. (Left to Right Clockwise) Lynda Jumilla-Abalos, Martika Ramirez Escobar, Maria Lourdes B. Cabaero, Paz Verdades M. Santos, and Atty. Rowena E.V. Daroy-Morales. Photos from UPCMC FB.

The University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UPCMC) is celebrating the achievements of its alumni with the 2023 Gawad Gloria Feliciano Awards, also known as the Glory Award. Five distinguished communicators have been chosen for their exceptional contributions in various fields of mass communication.

This year’s awardees are a testament to the diverse talents nurtured at UP CMC. They include Lynda Jumilla-Abalos in multimedia journalism, Maria Lourdes B. Cabaero in community journalism, Martika Ramirez Escobar in independent filmmaking, Atty. Rowena E.V. Daroy-Morales for her work in public service, and Paz Verdades M. Santos for her dedication to cultural preservation.

These individuals join a prestigious list of alumni who have been honored for their significant influence in the field of mass communication. The honorees since the UP Glory Award was first given out in 2017, include broadcast journalist Karen Davila, the first Filipina UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador, veteran film and TV director Chito Roño, and photojournalist Fernando Sepe, Jr.

The Glory Awards, rooted in the esteemed legacy of Dr. Gloria Feliciano, the inaugural dean of UP’s mass communications program, honor her 20 years of leadership from 1965 to 1985. These awards, symbolized by a trophy crafted by UP Professor Emerita Gigi Javier Alfonso, recognize the recipients’ remarkable contributions and their profound influence on the communities they impact.

The UPCMC Glory Awardees are to be honored during the annual Alumni Homecoming at the UP Film Institute Studio in Diliman on Saturday, November 11, 2023, administered by the UPCMC Alumni Association and led by its president Malou Choa-Fagar.

The 2023 Glory Awards Winners’ Profiles

Lynda Jumilla-Abalos, a seasoned journalist, has left an indelible mark over her three-decade career in media. Her journey spans from print journalism with the Philippine Star and Philippine Daily Inquirer to digital and broadcast mediums. Recognized for her achievements, she received the prestigious Marshall McLuhan Fellowship in 2012, a first for a TV journalist since its inception. Before retiring in 2023, she played a pivotal role at ABS-CBN News Digital as the Executive Editor, shaping the editorial and strategic direction of its digital platforms.

Maria Lourdes Cabaero: Nini Cabaero is a trailblazer in digital journalism in the Philippines. Her leadership as the content director at SunStar’s integrated digital newsroom and her tenure as editor-in-chief of SunStar Cebu reflect her significant contributions to community journalism. A Sandra Burton–Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, Nini is renowned for her expertise in digital transformation in journalism. Even post-retirement, she remains active as a consultant and speaker, focusing on integrating digital and print media, audience engagement, and digital transition strategies.

Martika Ramirez Escobar: Marty Escobar is a critically acclaimed filmmaker and cinematographer, renowned for her compelling narratives and meticulous attention to detail. In 2022, she earned international acclaim as the first Filipino director to win at the Sundance Film Festival with her feature film debut, “Leonor Will Never Die.” This recognition, along with several others for her short films like “Pusong Bato” and “Quadrilaterals,” underlines her innovative contributions to independent cinema, bringing Filipino storytelling to a global audience.

Atty. Rowena ‘Rowie’ Morales: Atty. Rowie Morales has made a significant impact by merging her legal expertise with mass communication, especially in advocating for marginalized communities. Her radio program “SOS: Serbisyo On the Spot” earned her the 2022 Catholic Mass Media Award for Best Public Service Program. A professor emeritus at UP, Morales is known for her free legal assistance, particularly for abused women and children, and her efforts in legal education and judicial system reforms in the Philippines.

Paz ‘Doods’ Verdades M. Santos: Doods Santos stands out as a luminary in the Philippine literary world, celebrated for her multilingual works. Her notable achievements include the National Book Award for Bikol Fiction and the Gawad Francisco Balagtas. A Fulbright Fellow, her career as a literature and communication teacher spans over four decades across prestigious institutions. Currently, she leads an environmental volunteer group, Sumaro sa Salog, showcasing her dedication to both literary arts and social causes.

Photo from UP College of Mass Communication Facebook

The UP College of Mass Communication community has continuously been involved in nation-building, including fact-checking COVID-19 disinformation on media, collaborating with other top universities and newsrooms, and raising the standards of college radio practice.

Discover more inspiring stories of Filipino excellence and good deeds. Share this article to celebrate the achievements of our outstanding UP alumni and to spread the word about the positive impact Filipinos are making in the world of mass communication and beyond.

Source: https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/up-alumni-shine-five-distinguished-communicators-win-glory-awards/

UPV-CFOS graduates top October 2023 Fisheries Professionals Board Exams



Eight graduates of UP Visayas College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (UPV-CFOS) were among the top 10 passers of the October 2023 Licensure Exam for Fisheries Professionals.

UPV-CFOS registered a 97.67% passing rate with 42 successful examinees out of 43.

Among the highest-ranking passers from UPV-CFOS are the following:

RANK 2 (86.75%)
Allen Patrick Rodriguez Araneta
Klynne Clarise Manliguez Kuizon
Riza Mae Tagupa Guyapale

RANK 4 (85.75%)
Reyland Alilaen Aligroso

RANK 5 (85.50%)
Carl Bryle Mosura Rosal
Gylle Ann Marie Lamson Moquera

RANK 8 (84.75%)
Hannah Raiza Molina Grantoza

RANK 10 (84.25%)
Chris John Paniza Dinaga

The Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) Board of Fisheries conducted the licensure exams on October 25-26, 2023 in testing centers nationwide.

PRC announced that 33. 71% or only 716 out of 2,124 examinees passed the board exams.

Source: College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UP Visayas Facebook

UPLB claims four spots in VLE top ten

Four new veterinarians from UPLB secured top ranks in the October 2023 Veterinarians Licensure Examination (VLE).

These are Diego Antonio Gonzalez Hernandez, who with a rating of 83.42%, landed third in the top ten; Denielle Fuentes Germodo, 81.98%, secured the sixth place; Princess Jamie Aranillo Provido, at 80.78% rating, got the eighth place; and John Kenneth Lee Dudan, 80.70%, landed in the ninth place.

UPLB had an overall passing rate of 35.94%, the highest rating among all participating schools. Nationwide, 92 out of 985 takers passed the VLE that was administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

The examination was conducted in NCR, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Rosales, Tacloban and Tuguegarao by the Board of Veterinary Medicine in October 2023. (Czerah Jade P. Maycacayan)

Source: https://uplb.edu.ph/all-news/uplb-claims-four-spots-in-vle-top-ten/

UP Launches Fe Parajas Israel Benito Scholarship

Five students from College of Social Work and Community Development receives the certificates of scholarship awarded by UP official.

Last October 23, 2023, the Fe Parajas Israel Benito Scholarship Fund was launched at the Bulwagang Tandang Sora. Five deserving students from the College of Social Work and Community Development received the certificates of scholarship awarded by UP officials.

The awardees were Brandt Ivann Paul U. Aquino, Jedidiah M. Apolinario, Adeza Ann EM. Azares, Perrie A. Rejuso, and John Bryan R. Salamanca.

Dean Lenore Polotan-Dela Cruz of the College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) opened the program while Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs, Dr. Jeanette Yasol-Naval shared the inspiring story behind the endowment. Scholarship benefactor Ted I. Benito joined the launch through Zoom.

Scholarship benefactor Ted I. Benito joins the launch through Zoom.

To honor the legacy of his mother, Director/Producer Ted I. Benito generously contributed to help support CSWCD students in accomplishing their academic endeavors. Thus, the Fe Parajas Israel Benito Scholarship Fund was born. It seeks to provide financial aid for students who are taking Bachelor of Science in Community Development (BSCD) and Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW).

Fe Parajas Israel Benito (UPD, AB Major in Social Work 1954) was actively involved in various charities, which greatly contributed to the development of Filipino communities in the Philippines and abroad. She was also an active member of the Filipino American community in Los Angeles, helping enrich the Filipino culture even on foreign soil. She was also the first Filipino recipient of the prestigious Cardinal’s Award, which honors leaders of the Catholic community for their services.

Singer and songwriter Mr. Martin Nievera delivers an inspiring speech to the Fe Parajas Israel Benito scholars.

The scholarship program is a joint effort of Mr. Ted Benito and family, the College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD), the UP Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA), the Office of Scholarships and Grants (OSG), which is under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA), and the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs, UP Office of Alumni Relations (UP-OAR).

To help expand scholarship opportunities for the UP Community, you may contact the Office of Alumni Relations for donations and other project partnerships through [email protected] or visit https://alum.up.edu.ph/.

Text by: Ken Russell M. Peñaflor
Photos by: Jomari C. Valdez and Ken Russell M. Peñaflor

UP Visayas CM scores 95.24% in the CPA Licensure Exam, graduate in 7th place

Prof. Kim Rommel Panaguiton













The College of Management, University of the Philippine Visayas, has once again affirmed its commitment to excellence as it registered a 95.24% overall passing percentage in the recently concluded Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants (LECPA). The LECPA was administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on September 30, October 1 and 2, 2023, across various testing centers throughout the country.

The PRC announced that a total of 8,734 took the examination, while only 2,740 made it to the cut, recording a national passing percentage of 31.37%. The LECPA comprises six subjects: Auditing, Management Advisory Services, Taxation, Regulatory Framework for Business Transactions, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting. The results were released within four working days from the conclusion of the exam.

Ms. Kate Wenjie V. Basoy, a BS in Accountancy graduate (cum laude, Class of 2023), placed 7th in the exam with a rating of 89%. The College of Management carries a good track record in the LECPA, producing three board topnotchers over the last five years. This year, a total of 40 examinees from the College passed the examination.

Data from the PRC reveals that the LECPA remains one of the toughest licensure examinations in terms of passing percentage, with a national average of only about 22% over the past five years. (With data from the Professional Regulation Commission)

Photos from University of the Philippines Visayas Facebook

Source: https://www.upv.edu.ph/index.php/news/cm-scores-95-24-in-the-cpa-licensure-exam-graduate-in-7th-place