Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University, through the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Jose M. Obedencio Jr., recently participated in the 67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference and the FY25 Global Biorisk Management (GBRM) Trainers’ Forum in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
The event, organized by ABSA International, is the largest biosafety and biosecurity conference globally, bringing together experts worldwide from November 1-6, 2024, for intensive professional development and networking.
The program featured three full days of keynotes, papers, and panels on best practices and critical skills for biosafety professionals; hands-on courses and exhibits showcasing cutting-edge biosafety technologies and products; and networking opportunities for professionals to share insights and solutions.
Dr. Obedencio attended the Pre-Conference Professional Development Courses, focusing on practical skills essential to effective biosafety. He attended courses on Medical Emergencies in the Laboratory, Risk Assessment Course on Integrating AI in Synthetic Biology, and Intersection Between Biosafety and Infection Control.
During the conference, Dr. Obedencio presented a poster titled “Elevating Proficiencies: The Impact of IFBA Certification for Biorisk Management on Biosafety Professionals and Organizational Practices,” highlighting collaborations with local and international organizations to advance biosafety education and certification.
Following the conference, Dr. Obedencio joined the GBRM Trainers’ Forum on November 7-9, hosted by Sandia National Laboratories. The forum provided a platform to refine training curricula, share experiences, and enhance biological risk management education.
Moreover, Dr. Obedencio shared that he acquired valuable reference materials, including resources on worker welfare, public health, and biosafety protocols, which will support CMU’s faculty, staff, and student training programs.
This event reinforces CMU’s commitment to global standards in education and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Dr. Obedencio thanked CMU and Sandia National Laboratories for enabling his participation in this global forum.
Through this international engagement, CMU positions itself as a key player in biosafety and biosecurity education in the Philippines. [Information from Dr. Jose Obedencio Jr., Dean, CVM]
