New paper out entitled “Water quality of Balili River before, during and after COVID: lessons learned and ways forwards for tropical river remediation”
Congratulations to Prof. Romeo M. Dizon, and MS CaRE graduate Fernie D. SitSit for their latest publication on the water quality of Balili River before, during, and after COVID-19! Their study, spanning from 2018 to 2023, examines how the pandemic influenced river water quality and what happened afterward. Findings reveal that while water quality improved during lockdowns, pollution levels increased again post-COVID, though not as severely as pre-pandemic levels. The research highlights the role of natural purification processes in tropical rivers and suggests ways forward for sustainable river remediation and water management. This study contributes to ongoing efforts to achieve SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and provides valuable insights for conservation initiatives. Read more here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10452-024-10151-0 We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-14 (Life Below Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
New paper out entitled “Biodiversity and conservation assessment of the non-marine mollusks of the Batanes Group of Islands, Philippines”
Congratulations to Prof. Zenaida G. Baoanan, PhD, and her co-authors on their new publication, “Biodiversity and conservation assessment of the non-marine mollusks of the Batanes Group of Islands, Philippines,” in the Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology! This study explores the unique non-marine mollusks of the Batanes Islands, identifying 41 species and highlighting the need to protect these fragile ecosystems. The research shows the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard the rich biodiversity of these islands. Read the full paper here: http://asbp.org.ph/…/PJSBv18-04_Batomalaque-et-al-2025.pdf We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-14 (Life Below Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
Elective Courses open to BS Biology students enrolled this 2nd Semester, AY 2024-2025
𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 The Department is offering elective courses open to BS Biology students enrolled this 2nd Semester, AY 2024-2025: 1. 𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟏𝟗𝟕: 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (Introduction to Medicinal Drug Development)2. 𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟏𝟗𝟕: 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (One Health)3. 𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟏𝟔𝟕: 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (Coral Reef Ecology) Please refer to the posters below for details. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-03 (Good Health and Well-being); SDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-14 (Life Below Water)
New paper out entitled “Identifying direct threats to an inland wetland and its avifauna: the case of Canarem Lake, Central Luzon, Philippines”
New Publication Alert! The Department of Biology is proud to share the latest research publication by Prof. Zenaida G. Baoanan, Prof. Wesley S. Gagarin, and MS CaRE student Emmanuel B. Lacadin. Their collaborative study, titled “Identifying direct threats to an inland wetland and its avifauna: the case of Canarem Lake, Central Luzon, Philippines,” sheds light on the challenges facing Philippine wetlands, particularly the agricultural town of Victoria, Tarlac, where Canarem Lake is located. This significant research explores how direct human pressures, such as farming, fishing, and recreational activities, threaten the biodiversity of this vital wetland and its bird populations. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines surveys, focus group discussions, and triangulated data analysis to identify and prioritize conservation actions. Read the full paper here: https://www.journalofnaturestudies.org/files/JNS23-2/22-41_Lacadin_Direct%20Threats%20Inland%20Wetland.pdf We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-14 (Life Below Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
UP Baguio BS Biology Students Win in National Genetics Quiz Contest 2024
We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our brilliant BS Biology students—Marinelle Fernandez, Trigger John Balitang, and Razel Melendez—at the National Intercollegiate Genetics Quiz Contest, held as part of the National Biotechnology Week 2024 hosted by UPLB! The team showcased their knowledge and teamwork, earning the 1st Runner-Up position in the Group Category. Their individual efforts also stood out, with both Marinelle and TJ securing the 2nd Runner-Up spot (3rd place), while Razel lands in the next spot (4th place) in the Individual Category in the said contest. These achievements were made possible through their hard work and dedication, alongside the guidance of their coach, Asst. Prof. Jeno Rey Pagaduan, and the support of other Genetics faculty at UP Baguio. Again, congratulations for this remarkable achievement! Your success brings great pride to UP Baguio and reflects the dedication and excellence of our students and faculty. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-04 (Quality Education)
Application for Area of Concentration (2nd Semester AY 2024-2025)
Attention BS Biology students Application for Area of Concentration (AoC) is now open for the 1st semester of AY 2024-2025! Please see poster for details. Google Form: https://forms.gle/iKHLJ4fXfLCzcRQu5 We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education)
Did You Know? Glass
Be aware! Did you know that glass decomposes longer than plastic? For more details, read about this trivia from the pubmat above. This is a reminder from the Biological and Chemical Waste Committee of the College of Science. #ClearChoices We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-13 (Climate Action)
Application for the Master of Science in Conservation and Restoration Ecology (MS CaRE)
Application for the Master of Science in Conservation and Restoration Ecology (MS CaRE) is now open! Please see our publication material for important dates, requirements, and relevant links. If you have inquiries, please forward them to mscare.upbaguio@up.edu.ph See you, environmental warriors! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-14 (Life Below Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
The Department of Biology, College of Science holds a public forum entitled “Baguio City’s Biodiversity Greenprint: A Policy Review on Urban Ecologies for Sustainable Conservation and Innovative Governance”
A Public Forum on Biodiversity, Sustainability, and Urban Governance The Department of Biology, College of Science hosted a public forum entitled Baguio City’s Biodiversity Greenprint: A Policy Review on Urban Ecologies for Sustainable Conservation and Innovative Governance, last October 11, 2024. This event is part of an ongoing collaborative research project led by Asst. Prof. Arvin Jet B. Marcaida, Ph.D., and funded by the Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS), University of the Philippines. The project aims to create a sustainable ecological governance blueprint through policy reviews and active community engagement. The forum featured two insightful speakers, Dr. Zenaida G. Baoanan, Ph.D., UP Scientist and professor at UP Baguio, shared her expertise on biodiversity conservation, urban planning, and how sustainable governance can shape the city’s future. She highlighted the importance of protecting Baguio’s natural spaces while adapting to urban growth. Atty. Rhenan G. Diwas, head of the Baguio City Environment and Parks Management Office, followed with a presentation with the city’s long term vision- Baguio 2043: A Livable, Inclusive, and Creative City. He outlined the city’s strategies being put in place to achieve this goal while prioritizing green and inclusive development. This open exchange of ideas was vital in helping shape Baguio’s future ecological policies, ensuring that the city’s growth is both sustainable and inclusive for everyone. Photos by University of the Philippines Baguio Facebook Page We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
The Science Research Center holds a 2-day workshop entitled “Biology of Model Organisms for Teachers and Researchers: Caenorhabditis elegans”
The Science Research Center of the College of Science recently hosted an exciting two-day workshop last October 11-12, bringing together educators and researchers from various universities to explore the fascinating world of C. elegans. Participants were immersed in hands-on training sessions that covered essential skills such as handling, maintenance, and conducting assays with this widely-used model organism. Under the expert guidance of Asst. Prof. Pablo V. Serrano, attendees learned the intricacies of working with C. elegans, gaining practical experience and valuable insights into its application in scientific research. The workshop provided a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing and networking, leaving participants inspired to incorporate this powerful tool into their own work. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)