The Department of Biology Announces the Tenure of Asst. Prof. Kimberly Paglingayen
The Department of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Baguio is pleased to announce the conferment of tenure to Assistant Professor Kimberly P. Paglingayen, MSc. This well-deserved recognition marks a significant milestone in Asst. Prof. Paglingayen’s academic career, affirming her commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Her contributions to the advancement of biological sciences and dedication to shaping the next generation of young scientists embody the ideals of the University. We extend our warmest congratulations to Asst. Prof. Paglingayen and look forward to her continued contributions to the scholarly community!
Department of Biology Faculty Elected and Appointed in Microbiology Organizations in the Philippines
The Department of Biology wishes to congratulate Assoc. Prof. Ronie J. Calugay for being elected as Coordinator for Northern and Central Luzon for Microbiology Education of the Microbiology Consortium of the Philippines, and Dr. Rosemary M. Gutierrez for her appointment as Member of the Board of Examiners of the Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM). We also thank Ma’am Rose for her service as Recording Secretary of the PAM Council of Regents for FY 2024–2026, and Coordinator for Northern and Central Luzon for Microbiology Education (2023–2026) of the Microbiology Consortium of the Philippines. We warmly congratulate our faculty members for advancing the study of microbiology!
BS Biology Alumni Present Research at 1st National Patriot Research Conference
The Department of Biology congratulates our BS Biology alumni, Redcedrick Co and Gavin Wesley Rafanan, for presenting their research at the 1st National Patriot Research Conference held at Clark, Pampanga last 8–12 July 2026. Redcedrick shared their research “Assessment of Biodegradation and Metabolic Capacity of Penicillium citrinum Against Various Hydrocarbon Derivatives”—co-authored by Mia Ayla Garcia, Philip John Omaweng, and Gavin Wesley Rafanan, and advised by Asst. Prof. Ronan Baculi. Gavin shared their research “Genomic Characterization of a Mid-Pathway Petroleum-Degrading Pluralibacter gergoviae Isolate”—advised by Instr. Jodelyn Melegrito, Asst. Prof. Ronan Baculi, and Asst. Prof. Mac Michael Rubio. We warmly congratulate Redcedrick, Gavin, Mia, Philip, and their advisers for their contribution to microbiology!
MS Conservation and Restoration Ecology Students among the Top Presenters of the Young Arachnologist Forum
The Department of Biology congratulates our MS Conservation and Restoration Ecology (CaRE) students, Mark Villarubia and Von Eric Tagarino, for being recognized as among the top three presenters of the Young Arachnologist Forum in the recently concluded Arachnology Symposium 2026 and 1st Philippine Arachnological Society Inc (PASI) General Assembly, held at the University of Santo Tomas last 1–3 July 2026. They presented their research entitled “Occurrence of Lychas armillatus (Gervais, 1841) in fire-maintained pine forest in Central Cordillera, Luzon Island, Philippines”, also co-authored by Assoc. Prof. Aris Reginaldo. We warmly congratulate Mark, Von, and Sir Aris for their contribution to arachnology and conservation and restoration ecology!
BS Biology Alumnus Wins Society for the Study of Evolution (SSE) Presidents’ Award for Outstanding Dissertation Paper
The Department of Biology congratulates our BS Biology alumnus, Amor Damatac II, for winning the Society for the Study of Evolution (SSE) Presidents’ Award for Outstanding Dissertation Paper! He received this prestigious award for his paper “Evolutionary Trends in the Emergence of Skeletal Cell Types”, published in Evolution Letters. The full paper may be accessed through the following link: https://doi.org/10.1093/evlett/qraf012 We extend our warmest congratulations to Amor and his co-authors for their contribution to the study of evolution!
Department of Biology Faculty Members and MS CaRE Alumni Win Best Scientific Poster Award
The Department of Biology congratulates our faculty members Prof. Zenaida Baoanan and Assoc. Prof. Liezel Magtoto, and MS Conservation and Restoration Ecology (MS CaRE) alumni Shirley Jaene Valdez and John Paul Payopay, for receiving the Best Scientific Poster Award under the Biological Sciences Division during the 48th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology. They received this award for their research entitled “From Natives to Exotics: Implications of Changing Plant Composition in Camp John Hay Forest Reserve”. We extend our warmest congratulations to the authors for their contribution to conservation and restoration ecology. #SDGs #SDG11 #SDG13 #SDG15 #SDG17
New publication alert entitled “Status, Emerging Challenges, And Perspectives in Hills and Mountains. The Case of Northern Luzon, Philippines”
The Department of Biology proudly shares a new publication from one of our dedicated faculty members, Dr. Zenaida Baoanan! 📖 This book chapter discusses the fascinating biodiversity and indigenous cultural heritage of Northern Luzon. The abstract can be accessed here: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003688907-6/status-emerging-challenges-perspectives-hills-mountains-zenaida-gutay-baoanan We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
New paper out entitled “Youth networks as bridging actors in environmental governance: Roles, achievements and barriers”
The Department of Biology is proud to share a recent publication by our BS Bio alumnus and former faculty member, Deign Frolley Soriano. The paper is entitled “Youth networks as bridging actors in environmental governance: Roles, achievements and barriers” Congratulations! The full paper may be accessed through the following links:Full Article: https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70302Plain Language Summary: https://relationalthinkingblog.com/2026/03/20/plain-language-summary-youth-networks-are-key-but-overlooked-actors-in-environmental-governance/ We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-10 (Reduced Inequalities); SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
BS Biology Graduates pass the 2026 Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM), Inc. Certification Exam for Registered Microbiologist
The Department of Biology proudly congratulates our newly registered microbiologists! Your achievement is a testament to your dedication, perseverance, and passion for advancing the field of microbiology. As you step forward in your professional journey, may you continue to uphold excellence, contribute to scientific innovation, and make meaningful impacts in research, public health, and environmental sustainability. Passing the Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM) Certification Examination designates passers as Registered Microbiologists (RMicro). Padayon, mga Iskolar ng Bayan! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
Department of Biology Faculty elected as President of the Asian Society for Natural Products – Philippine Chapter for the 2026–2027 term
The Department of Biology proudly congratulates one of its faculty members, Asst. Prof. Racquel C. Barcelo, on her election as President of the Asian Society for Natural Products – Philippine Chapter for the 2026–2027 term. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-5 (Gender Equality); SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)