What is PBO?
The Philippine Biology Olympiad (PBO) is a national biology convention for students in grades 7-12 that aims to enhance the participants’ interest, passion, and awareness of 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 Astan, Kazakhstan next year from July 7 to 14.
This year’s PBO takes on the theme embodying the Filipino word SULONG meaning "advance," "forward," and "progress" — a call to put 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.
Theme Overview
What is IBO?
The International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is a worldwide Biology competition for high school students bringing together the most gifted biology talents around the world. Through worldwide competition, the IBO aims to identify, inspire, empower, and support the next generation of leaders in the life sciences and to develop their international network. Currently, there are 78 member nations, including the Philippines, with over one million participants worldwide.
Year-by-year Results
In 2018, our delegates won one silver medal and one bronze medal in the IBO held in Tehran, Iran.
2018
In 2019, the delegates took home a bronze medal, two honorable mentions, and a video competition winner in the IBO held in Szeged, Hungary.
2019
In the IBO Online Challenge 2020, Team Philippines was able to take home one bronze medal.
2020
In 2021, Philippine delegates bagged two bronze medals and two merit citations.
2021
In 2022, three participants garnered bronze medals each, and one received a Merit Citation.
2022
In 2023, three participants took home bronze in the IBO held in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
2023
This year, we strive to maintain or even surpass this level of success in future IBOs.
2024
IMPORTANT DATES
January 27, 2024
Online Orientation Seminar (ORSEM)
February 3, 2024
Eliminations Round
February 24, 2024
Announcement of Semi-Finalists
March 15-16, 2024
Semi-Finals Round
March 17, 2024
Announcement
of Finalists and
Finals Round
ORIENTATION SEMINAR SCHEDULE
January 27, 2024
Time
Participants & Coaches
8:50 - 9:05 AM
Enter Zoom/Registration
9:05 - 9:15 AM
Opening Remarks
9:15 - 9:23 AM
Icebreaker I
9:23 - 9:30 AM
Walkthrough of PBO Calendar of Events
9:30 - 9:35 AM
PBO Subevents
9:35 - 9:45 AM
PBO General Mechanics
9:45 - 10:05 AM
Theoretical Skills Mechanics
10:05 - 10:25 AM
Practical Skills Mechanics
10:25 - 10:50 AM
Queries and Concerns
10:50 - 11:00 AM
Icebreaker 2
11:00 - 11:10 AM
Oathtaking of Academic Integrity & Honesty
11:10 - 11:20 AM
Closing Remarks
11:20 - 11:25 AM
Final Reminders
eliminations schedule
February 3, 2024
Time
6:00 - 8:00 AM
8:00 - 8:15 AM
8:15 - 10:20 AM
10:20 - 10:30 AM
10:30 - 12:30 PM
12:30 - 12:40 PM
Participants
Coaches
Registration
Move to the testing sites
Theoretical Exams
Break
Practical Exams
Move to the holding area
Dismissal
ACTIVITIES
This year’s competition will consist of three phases: the eliminations, which will be held in satellite testing centers around the country, and a combined semi-finals and finals which will be held in the Ateneo de Manila University.
There will be two examination types, the theoretical exams and the practical exams. Each exam comes with its own phases.
Theoretical Exam
The Theoretical Exam will test the participants' knowledge and understanding of biological concepts through a three-round competition that promotes integrity and academic intelligence, not just through conceptual questions, but also through tasks that promote the application of their knowledge.
This examination type will cover topics in:
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Cellular Biology
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Cellular and Molecular Biology
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Genetics
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Microbiology
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Biochemistry
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Organismal Biology
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Animal and Human Biology
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Plant Anatomy and Physiology
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Population Biology
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Ecology and Ethology
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Evolution
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Biosystematics
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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, as well as evaluate biological problems using the necessary laboratory skills in related fields.
This examination type will feature topics in:
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Biochemistry
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Bioinformatics
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Molecular Biology
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Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Practical
Exam
Masterclasses and Workshops
Those who pass the elimination round will be invited to undergo a series of different Masterclasses and Workshops hosted by renowned professors of the Ateneo de Manila University and other prestigious institutions.
These series of lectures and demonstrations will tackle various subjects related to the biological sciences. They 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 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. Additional recorded Masterclasses lectures will be uploaded and made available for the semi-finalists to watch.
Last, but not the least is the Amazing Race! This activity aims to evaluate the participants’ grasp of general science, trivia, and current issues in biodiversity while being able to enjoy it through various forms of games and challenges. In addition, this competition will require teamwork, time management, and critical thinking. The Amazing Race will be awarded separately and will not affect the teams’ standing in the overall competition.
The Amazing Race
TESTIMONIALS
