THE PHILIPPINE BIOLOGY OLYMPIAD
event primer
Message
from the University
President
Welcome to Ateneo de Manila University!
We recognize the efforts of the Department of Science and Technology-
Science Education Institution, the Department of Biology, and the Ateneo
Biological Organization for organizing the 7th Philippine Biology Olympiad
(PBO). Thanks to their leadership and vision, our 2023 International Biology
Olympiad PBO participants brought medals and merit citations home. We
hope this will inspire our students in the next international competition and
remind them how science plays a vital role in tackling some of the
challenges we face today.
And that is why we are here today: to press forward even when confronted
with difficulties and setbacks. In recent years, we have witnessed significant
global challenges, from health and political to social and environmental.
But we also saw how moving forward—taking one step after the other—
helped us regain our footing, reigniting our spirit of perseverance,
creativity, and passion for meeting the challenges, pushing the boundaries,
and uncovering discoveries that will transform the world for the better.
Driven by curiosity, scholars, scientists, and researchers take the first step
toward exploring the unknown. Growth and innovation often happen simply
because we move past the familiar. Our ability to keep moving forward will
get us out of our comfort zone, test our limits, and take us as far as we
want and beyond. Only when we move forward purposely can we shape
the lives of present and future generations.
Sulong, students and scholars!
Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ
President
Message
from the Vice President
for Higher Education
Congratulations, Ateneo Biological Organization - eXplore. eXperience.
eXcel. (Ateneo BOx) for hosting yet another Philippine Biology Olympiad!
The role of science in our world today cannot be underestimated.
Awareness of this should be rooted at an early age for our youth. Hence,
the significance of having students in Grades 7 to 12 as the participants in
this Olympiad.
This 7th Olympiad carries the theme ‘Sulong!’ It’s a way to say that we don’t
buckle in the midst of difficulties but together, with a positive force, move
forward using science as a tool for creative solutions to concerns. I hope
that this Olympiad will encourage our youth to harness their energies in a
productive way and take the lead in using science to help make our earth a
better place to live in.
May the best among the participants here represent the Philippines
successfully at the next International Biology Olympiad. At the PBO 2023
held in the United Arab Emirates, the Philippine team won three (3) bronze
medals; over the last six IBOs, the Philippine team got one (1) silver medal,
eleven (11) bronze medals, and six (6) merit citations We have a good track
record to maintain or even surpass. May this record be a great inspiration
to our youth.
Enjoy the Olympiad with a hearty camaraderie and fervor!
Maria Luz C. Vilches, Ph.D.
Vice President for Higher Education
Message
from the School of
Science and Engineering
Dean
On behalf of the School of Science and Engineering (SOSE), I welcome all
participants, organizers and guests of the 7th Philippine Biology Olympiad
(PBO). My thanks are extended to the Ateneo Biological Organization-
eXplore. eXperience. eXcel and our Department of Biology for organizing
this year’s competition. PBO 2024 promises to be another exciting
opportunity to select the Philippine representatives to the international
stage of the Olympiad. I was happy to note that last year’s delegation
brought home three medals for the country.
Biology continues to be a central area of research for SOSE, with ongoing
scientific efforts in biodiversity, molecular diagnostics, biotechnology,
aquatic resources and wildlife advocacy. As a community of educators and
learners, our School strives to develop science- and engineering-based
solutions to real-world problems related to disaster resilience,
environmental sustainability, public health and STEM education. My hope
is that participation in PBO 2024 will serve to inspire students to pursue
careers as future scientists and engineers and make the world a better place
through knowledge and technology.
Sulong is an appropriate theme for the 2024 competition, with our PBO
contestants being asked to apply their talents in contributing to the progress
of science and society. SOSE joins our students in moving forward in these
uncertain times, as we share a common mission of advancing excellence
and serving the nation. I wish all PBO participants the best of luck and a
meaningful experience at PBO 2024.
Raphael A. Guerrero, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Science and Engineering (SOSE)
Message
from the Chairperson
of the Department of
Biology and the PBO
Country CoordinatoR
From this year’s theme of Sulong, I cannot help but be reminded of a 1980s
song by Regine Velasquez called “Urong-Sulong,” a big radio hit at the
time. Regine was complaining about an indecisive man decades before
Katy Perry started doing the same with “Hot N Cold.” And we can certainly
understand both ladies’ frustration; vacillation is hardly an attractive trait,
not only in potential romantic partners but in people in general.
There’s no such indecisiveness in SULONG: Philippine Biology Olympiad
2024. Having already left behind the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic and
its lockdowns and achieved stellar results in Armenia and the United Arab
Emirates (six bronze medals in total!), the only way to go is forward: toward
greater levels of excellence. We’re aiming for nothing less than gold in our
seventh year of participation in the International Biology Olympiad, in
Kazakhstan in 2024, and our road to that begins HERE. The training and
preparations for the IBO will be more rigorous than ever.
But of course, PBO is so much more than a competition meant to select the
country’s best junior biologists. It’s meant to be an opportunity for you, our
dear student delegates, to learn more about this subject that we all love and
to meet new friends who share your interests. So even as you try your best
to become one of our official IBO 2024 delegates, enjoy the ride! Walang
urungan, puro sulong lang!
Good luck, PBO 2024 delegates!
Ronald Allan L. Cruz, Ph.D.
Chairperson, Department of Biology
PBO Country Coordinator
THE PHILIPPINE
biology olympiad
The Philippine Biology Olympiad 2024: Sulong is a
national biology convention for students in grades 7-12
that aims to enhance the participants’ interest, passion,
and awareness on issues in biology. It shall select the
four (4) student representatives of the country for the
International Biology Olympiad (IBO), which will be
held in Kazakhstan next year.
sulong
This year’s Philippine Biology Olympiad takes on the
theme embodying the Filipino word SULONG meaning
"advance," "forward," and "progress," a call in putting
our advocacies and love for the life sciences first. As
we move towards a future brimmed with uncertainty,
SULONG encourages students to ride the tide and take
on the future with courage. SULONG demonstrates
how a progressive approach to science leads us—the
students, scholars, and scientists-to-be—to difficult
challenges but also to better opportunities and learning
experiences. At its core, the theme highlights our
determination to continue pushing forward in
progressing the realm of science despite the many
setbacks and difficulties we may encounter.
IBO AWARDS
The International Biology Olympiad is a worldwide
Biology competition for high school students.
In 2018, our delegates won one silver medal and one
bronze medal in the IBO held in Tehran, Iran.
In 2019, the delegates took home a bronze medal, two
honorable mentions, and a video competition winner in
the IBO held in Szeged, Hungary.
In the IBO Online Challenge 2020, Team Philippines
was able to take home a bronze medal.
In 2021, Philippine delegates bagged two bronze
medals and two merit citations.
In 2022, three participants garnered bronze medals
each, and one received a Merit Citation.
In 2023, three participants took home bronze in the IBO
held in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
This year, we strive to maintain or even surpass this
level of success in future IBOs.
Message
from the olympiad
directors
To all participants and coaches,
Welcome to the Philippine Biology Olympiad
2024: SULONG! This year, we proudly
embrace the theme of progress deeply
rooted in the Filipino spirit. SULONG
encapsulates our collective strength to forge
ahead, even in the face of uncertainty.
Like a determined seedling breaking through
tough soil to thrive, you are here to conquer
challenges. PBO 2024: SULONG urges you
not only to confront obstacles head-on but
to transform them into stepping stones
towards excellence.
Throughout the thoughtfully designed
examinations and engaging activities,
remember that setbacks are integral to the
narratives of success. SULONG signifies
progress, motivating you to push boundaries
and catalyze scientific breakthroughs.
As organizers, we are committed to fostering
an atmosphere of curiosity and camaraderie
that knows no bounds.
Keep in mind, this event is not just a
competition but a significant juncture in your
personal scientific journey. Embrace the
spirit of SULONG, stand tall, and showcase
the prowess that makes this olympiad
exceptional.
Mia Angelica E. Agudo
Oona Ysabelle T. Barnes
Isabelle Frances P. Salazar
Message
from the ATENEO BoX
PRESIDENT
The Ateneo Biological Organization - eXplore. eXperience. eXcel. (Ateneo
BOx) warmly welcomes the young scientists and coaches to the 7th
Philippine Biology Olympiad (PBO).
For years, it has been the legacy of the Ateneo BOx to hold itself to a high
standard of planning and executing PBO. With last year’s leap of faith, PBO
2023: LUNDAG, we finally returned onsite amidst recovery from the
pandemic. This year, we are more than honored to have been granted the
opportunity to witness the momentum of the confidence built from last
year.
PBO 2024: SULONG reflects the trust and hope that our community has for
the younger generations—in having courage and bravery to charge forward
despite pessimistic systems that portray science as heartless and
disconnected. Together we hope to embody the truth that our pursuit of the
sciences would always be tied to a greater good for nation-building, and
this reason in of itself, sustains one’s will to learn and innovate for others.
As this year’s organizers, rest assured that we will finesse and improve the
tools that we provide to our participants for an overall better experience.
Furthering BOx’s core advocacy of Bioeducation, we continue to aspire in
leveling out opportunities for participants coming from various regions
through accessible masterclasses, workshops, and satellite testing centers
in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
So we hope you are as thrilled and as excited as we are for this year’s PBO!
Remember that, no matter the outcomes, your participation in one of the
biggest olympiads this year will always be a testament to your zeal and
courage—lagi’t lagi, susulong para sa agham at bayan.
Andrea Joyce Y. Peñaflor
Ateneo BOx President
important
dates
January 27, 2024
FEBRUARY 3, 2024
FEBRUARY 24, 2024
March 15-16, 2024
March 17, 2024
March 17, 2024
SATELLITE TESTING
CENTERS
LUZON
VISAYAS
MINDANAO
*Additional satellite testing centers for Visayas to be announced soon.
PROGRAM
DETAILS
This year, PBO 2024: SULONG will consist of three phases:
eliminations (February 3, 2024) and a combined semi-finals and
finals (March 15-17, 2024). The eliminations phase will be held in
satellite testing centers around the country whereas the semi-
finals and finals will be held consecutively onsite at the Ateneo
de Manila University.
theoretical
exams
The Theoretical Examination aims to test the participants’
knowledge and understanding of the concepts of Biology
through a three-round competition that promotes integrity
and academic intelligence. This category will challenge
participants' mastery of the topics, not only through
questions that will ask specific facts and concepts but also
through theoretical tasks that will require them to apply
their understanding of the topics.
The Theoretical Exams will cover the following major
topics:
1. Cellular Biology
a. Cellular and Molecular Biology
b. Genetics
c. Microbiology
d. Biochemistry
2. Organismal Biology
a. Animal and Human Biology
b. Plant Anatomy and Physiology
3. Population Biology
a. Ecology and ethology
b. Evolution
c. Biosystematics
practical
exams
The Practical Examination aims to test the laboratory
knowledge and skills of the contestants. The
competition will require the contestants to
comprehend, apply, and analyze methodologies and
research on biology, and evaluate biological problems
using the necessary laboratory skills in related fields.
This category will also test the participants’ familiarity
with concepts related to the scientific method, and
apply them in situations where multiple biological
fields intersect.
The Practical Exams will cover the following major
topics:
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics
Molecular Biology
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
MASTERCLASSES
& WORKSHOPS
Those who pass the elimination phase are invited to undergo a
series of different Masterclasses and Workshops hosted by
renowned professors of the Ateneo de Manila University.
These series of lectures and demonstrations will tackle various
subjects related to the biological sciences and will feature in-
depth application and theory so that students may gain a better
appreciation for technique and mastery of science especially in
the topics that will be covered in the semifinal and final
examinations.
Online Masterclasses and Workshops will occur succeeding the
announcement of Semi-Finalists and will be exclusive to the
Semi-Finalists only. Semi-finalists will be required to attend
these online Masterclasses and Workshops, which are
scheduled on February 10, 17, 24, and March 2 and 9, 2024.
Three additional recorded Masterclass lectures will be uploaded
to a Google Drive on February 14 and 21, and March 6, 2024,
which Semi-Finalists are highly encouraged to watch.
pbo 2024:
contact
information
facebook.com/pbolympiad
twitter.com/pbolympiad
pbolympiad@gmail.com
www.pbolympiad.org
+63 945 1345 308
