The program is anchored in the rich biological diversity and high endemism of the Philippine archipelago, which is maintained by a variety of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems. A long history of deforestation has put Philippine biodiversity in the spotlight as one of the planet’s top biodiversity hotspots. Several other forms of disturbance, both natural (e.g., typhoons, earthquakes, and fires) and human-made, continue to threaten remaining healthy ecosystems and adversely affect the recovery of degraded ones. At present, the anthropogenically enhanced change in climate is predicted to alter ecosystem functions and ultimately the component organisms. Thus, it is critical to maintain a healthy avenue for research on all types of organisms, known and unknown, and their behavior and habitats, and to provide relevant data to develop appropriate, science-informed conservation actions.
The College of Science at the University of the Philippines Baguio takes the lead in advancing research in northern Luzon through its undergraduate and graduate programs. The Department of Biology has long responded to this call by conducting regular reviews and updates of its undergraduate program, now has an Ecology and Systematics track, and has developed the Master of Science in Conservation and Restoration Ecology (MS CaRE) to further its commitment to producing students with a strong foundation in ecology and the science of conservation and restoration. While we continue to take the lead in Northern Luzon, the online mode of learning in our MS CaRE has expanded our reach to include several other areas in Luzon, such as Sierra Madre and Zambales, and the Philippines, such as the Visayas and Mindanao, operationally covering the entire archipelago.
Through this Research and Mentoring Program, faculty in the Department of Biology and its students are expected to maintain a dedicated research focus that promotes the scientific study and conservation of biodiversity in island systems.