Category: News

New Paper out from MS CaRE Alumni entitled “Enhancing Coral Restoration in the Philippines through Governance and Policy Integration.”

The Department of Biology is once again thrilled to share a co-authored publication by our alumna, Ms. Ethel Ruth A. Baquiran, entitled “Enhancing Coral Restoration in the Philippines through Governance and Policy Integration.” The study may be accessed through the following link: https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.70334 Ms. Ethel is an alumna of the MS Conservation and Restoration Ecology (MS CaRE) Program with a specialization in coral conservation and restoration. We extend our warmest congratulations to Ms. Ethel and her co-authors on this significant contribution to coral restoration science and policy in the Philippines. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-15 (Life on Land)

New paper out entitled “Discovery of Novel Red Algal Inhibitors Targeting African Swine Fever Virus dUTPase through Integrated Computational Screening”

The Department of Biology congratulates our alumni, Razel F. Melendez and Christelle Jane C. Muyano, together with their mentors, Dr. Mark Andrian B. Macalalad and Dr. Fredmoore L. Orosco, on the publication of their study entitled “𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘕𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘙𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘭𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘯𝘩𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘛𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘚𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘍𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘝𝘪𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘥𝘜𝘛𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨.” This work stemmed from their undergraduate thesis and was made possible through collaborations with Asst. Prof. Easter Joy Sajo, Asst Prof. Pablo Serrano, and Asst. Prof. Jeno Rey Pagaduan. Their study can be accessed through the following link: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0115701638415372251124101006 We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-3 (Good Health and Well-Being); SDG-4 (Quality Education)

Department of Biology alumnus named as a “The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM)” 2025 Honoree

The Department of Biology proudly congratulates its alumnus, Prof. Deo Florence L. Onda, PhD, for being awarded The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) 2025. Prof. Deo is currently a professor at the Marine Science Institute of UP Diliman, specializing in marine plastic pollution and microbial ecology. His continuing valuable contributions to microbial oceanography are creating ripples across the nation and leaving a lasting impact that raises environmental awareness among fellow Filipinos. From your colleagues, advisees, and mentees, congratulations! You serve as an inspiration to all of us. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘖𝘠𝘔 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥𝘴. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Call for Student Assistants for 2nd Semester AY 25-26

ANNOUNCEMENT The Department of Biology is in need of student assistants to assist in the Department of Biology Faculty Room and Biology Instruments Room. Interested applicants may submit their applications with complete requirements through this Google Form: 🔗https://forms.gle/XAzkJZP9bEcnWPTw8 See poster for more details.

Research Dissemination of MS CaRE Student at the 52nd PSBMB Annual Convention

UPB BS Biology (Ecology AoC) alumnus and current MS CaRE student, Von Eric Tagarino, participated in the 52nd Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PSBMB) Annual Convention held on December 2–5, 2025, at the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. During the conference, he presented a poster based on their undergraduate thesis entitled “Diversity Assessment and Toxicity Effects of Microplastic Contamination in Selected Earthworm Species from a Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, Benguet.” The study was co-authored with Eira Faye Bulatao and Celina Pauline Castañeda, under the advisorship of Assistant Professor Deign Soriano and Edyzza Gestadia. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-15 (Life of Land)

DB Faculty earns One UP Professorial Chair Award for 2025-2027

The Department proudly congratulates Prof Liezel M. Magtoto for being conferred the prestigious One UP Professorial Chair Award for the 2025–2027! This distinguished recognition is awarded to faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding performance across the University of the Philippines System. The One UP Professorial Chair not only honors past accomplishments but also encourages continued excellence and meaningful contributions to the academy and the nation. Congratulations and Padayon Prof Liezel! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Faculty members receive the Service and Loyalty Awards and the Gawad Tsanselor at the University of the Philippines Baguio at the Araw ng Parangal 2025

The Department congratulates and proudly shares the recognition received by our faculty during the recent UPB Community Celebration. This year’s Gawad Tsanselor para sa Pinakamahusay na Senior Fakulti was conferred upon our Department Chair, Associate Professor Liezel M. Magtoto, in recognition of her excellence and dedicated service in teaching, research, and extension. In her acceptance speech, she shared that the award serves not only as a recognition of her work, but more importantly as a reminder to continue serving the nation with purpose—as a teacher, researcher, and public servant. Additionally, Associate Professor Ronnie Calugay was recognized for his continued public service to the University. He received both the Loyalty Award and the Service Award in recognition of his 10 years of dedicated service. To our hardworking faculty, congratulations and thank you for your continued service and commitment to excellence! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

BS Biology alumna earns the 2nd Best Poster Presentation Award at the LBSP Annual Symposium and Scientific Meeting held last November 28-29, 2025

The Department of Biology congratulates our alumna, Irish Mae De Vera, for being awarded the 2nd Best Poster Presentation Award at the recent LBSP Annual Symposium and Scientific Meeting held last November 28–29, 2025. Her poster, “Life Strategies of Bryophytes in Malico, San Nicolas, Pangasinan, Philippines,” is an undergraduate thesis study co-authored with Marinelle F. Fernandez and Clarissa Mae J. Pascual, under the advisorship of Professor Liezel M. Magtoto. Congratulations to our Gen Bio Alumni! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-15 (Life on Land)

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT: “Assessment of Ethnomedicinal Plants used by Yapayao of Adams, Ilocos Norte and the Analysis of their Secondary Metabolites and Bioactivity in Mice” in celebration of the National Environmental Awareness Month

🌿💚 𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉! 💚🌿In celebration of this month, the Department is delighted to share some of our amazing student works! ✨As we wrap up our series of student research features, we present our final study. 🌏📖We invite you to read and learn from the insightful work of our student authors! Ethnobotany examines the interactions between primitive societies and the plants they use for cultural purposes, such as healing various ailments. This study focuses on Adams, Ilocos Norte, which hosts a variety of tribes, including the Yapayao. The research was conducted in three phases: focus group discussion, phytochemical analysis, and bioactivity analysis using mice as model organisms. According to the survey, the Yapayao utilize 27 ethnomedicinal plant species, with inflammation being the most commonly treated medical concern. Among these plants, “garem” (𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘺𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘢 𝘫𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴) and “pantalyon” (𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘦𝘯𝘢 𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘢) are particularly notable for their effectiveness against inflammation. Phenols (462.59 ± 19.09, 452.42 ± 35.28 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (87.32 ± 0.99, 34.91 ± 0.57 mg CE/g) are among the secondary metabolites present in both plants to which the anti-inflammatory activity may be attributed. Lastly, carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice has shown that both 𝘚. 𝘫𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴 and 𝘊. 𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘢 effectively inhibit inflammation. The student authors: Maria Victoria Taller (F),Julius Ryan Regnim (M), and Kirsten Ruth Merilles (F), are BS Biology alumni under the concentration 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 & 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 and conducted this undergraduate thesis study under the supervision of Dr. Liezel M. Magtoto (F).✍️ Julius Ryan Regnim (M), Maria Victoria Taller (F), and Kirsten Ruth Merilles (F), MT Bagangao (F)🖼 Julius Ryan Regnim (M), Maria Victoria Taller (F), and Kirsten Ruth Merilles (F) We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-03 (Good Health and Wellbeing); SDG-15 (Life on Land)

Now accepting MS CaRE applications for Second Semester AY 25-26

🎓🌿 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐒!The Department of Biology, College of Science, UP Baguio is now 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 for the 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (𝐌𝐒𝐜 𝐂𝐚𝐑𝐄) 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 and the 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐃𝐏 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 for the 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔! This is a unique opportunity to pursue advanced studies focused on ecological conservation, biodiversity management, and habitat restoration—critical areas in addressing today’s environmental challenges. Qualified applicants may also apply for the DOST-ASTHRDP Scholarship, which provides financial support and other privileges to graduate students pursuing research in priority science and technology fields. 📌 Who can apply?✔ Graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related fields✔ Those with a non-related degree but with relevant experience or specializations📑 Requirements include:✔ Accomplished application and reference forms✔ Transcript of Records✔ PSA documents✔ Capsule thesis proposal✔ Certificate of GWA✔ Other documents as specified🗓 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧:𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓(Applies to both MSc CaRE program and DOST-ASTHRDP scholarship) 🔗 For complete details on eligibility, documentary requirements, and scholarship privileges, visit:MSc CaRE Program Brochure: https://bit.ly/4iar78pDOST-ASTHRDP Scholarship Info: https://tinyurl.com/mr4yxhtn📧 For inquiries, contact:mscare.upbaguio@up.edu.ph or gpo.upbaguio@up.edu.ph📞 (074) 442-2460🌱 Advance your career in ecological science. Contribute to national development through research and conservation. Apply now! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)