The 14th Regional Chemistry Congress was conducted on October 28-30 at Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro City.

Bearing the theme “Synergizing Multi-Sectoral Efforts: Attaining Developmental Goals through Chemistry,” the 3-day event was hosted by the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines – Kapisanang Kemika ng Pilipinas (ICP-KKP) Cagayan de Oro Chapter and was well attended by 204 participants composed of chemistry students, chemistry teachers, professionals and chemistry enthusiasts.

Bren Mark Felisilda, a faculty of the XU Chemistry Department and member of the working committee, said that the congress sought to update the Chemistry community of the recent developments and advances in all the different fields of Chemistry, and to promote unity among all chemical enthusiasts.

ICP National President Fabian M. Dayrit keynoted the event. His lecture on “Exploring New Paradigms in Coconut Oil R&D” opened the plenary discussions.

Xavier University President Fr Jose Ramon T Villarin SJ also addressed the Chemistry community emphasizing on three main points: synergy, development and chemistry.

Technical sessions and plenary lectures on the “Evolution of MRMs: Survival of the ‘Fittest-for-Purpose’” by William Mugot, “Safety and Security in Chemical Laboratories” by Mylene M. Uy, and “Lifestyle Change and Metformin: Critical in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus” by Raymond G. De La Cruz, MD completed the affair.

The Regional Chemistry Congress usually happens in every two years. The 15th Regional Chemistry Congress is expected to be held in 2012. The host city is yet to be decided.

Next year will also be a busy year for the Chemistry community as it has been dubbed as the International Year of Chemistry. Many activities are in the offing as planning for next year’s big event has begun.