The Department of Biology, together with the University of the Philippines Baguio community, proudly pays tribute to Dr. Teodora D. Balangcod, who is retiring after more than four decades of exemplary service to the university.
Dr. Balangcod’s career began at UP Baguio in 1982, and since then she has worn many hats with distinction—as a dedicated educator, an active researcher, and a trusted administrator. She completed her BS in Biology at UP Baguio in 1979, pursued her MS in Botany at Saint Louis University, and later earned her PhD in Botany at the University of Philippines Los Banos. With her solid academic foundation, she returned to UP Baguio where she would devote years of her life to shaping the minds and futures of students.
As an educator, Dr. Balangcod inspired generations of biology students through her expertise in plant taxonomy, ecology, and ethnobotany. Many of her students fondly remember her patience, rigor, and generosity in sharing knowledge—values that continue to influence young scientists today.
She established a significant research niche in the Cordillera region’s ethnobotany and biodiversity studies. In addition to enriching the scientific community, her many publications and research endeavors have illuminated the importance of traditional ecological knowledge and meaningfully connected science and culture. Her research has been crucial in understanding how plants are used in indigenous practices, connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific viewpoints.
Dr. Balangcod was an administrator who served the university with integrity and humility. By assuming leadership positions that improved academic programs and promoted a culture of research at UP Baguio, she made a substantial contribution to the expansion of the College of Science. She actively participated in national and international conferences as part of her service outside of the university.
We honor Dr. Balangcod as she retires, not only for her achievements in academia and the workplace, but also for her generosity, commitment, and motivation toward everyone who had the honor of working with her. Her path is a tale of dedication, fortitude, and love for learning and science.
The UP Baguio community and the Department of Biology wish her health, happiness, and more time spent with her loved ones as she embarks on this new chapter. Her legacy will endure in the lives she has impacted and the knowledge she has imparted, even though her retirement signifies the end of one chapter.
Thank you, Dr. Balangcod, for the 43 fruitful years you have given to UP Baguio. You will always remain a treasured part of our family.