Category: News

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)

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT: “Taxonomic Diversity and Ecological Assessment of Freycinetia (Sarakat) Species in Eva Garden, Calanasan, Apayao” 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! ✨💫 Take a moment to read, learn, and be inspired by our students’ creativity and passion for the environment. Here’s our second featured entry! 🌏📖 Conservation efforts in forest ecosystems must consider both ecological and taxonomic perspectives to understand the diversity patterns of understudied plant groups such as 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘺𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘢. As a part of this, a field-based study was carried out to find out the taxonomic diversity and ecological assessment of 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘺𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘢 species in Eva Garden, Calanasan, Apayao, Philippines. The purpose of the study was to record the species’ richness and abundance and their correlation with environmental factors such as altitude, soil pH, moisture, and light intensity. The research was conducted in two sites: Site A, which was an upland ridge about 1,039 meters above sea level, and Site B, which was a lowland region close to a river at around 727 meters above sea level. A total of eight (😎 Freycinetia species were found, among which five (5) were new records for Apayao. It was also found out that altitude favors the diversity of the species. The results highlight the ecological position of the forests in Apayao for 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘺𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘢 species and indicate the area’s potential for biodiversity assessments and conservation planning in Northern Luzon. The student authors: Queenie Mae L. Marquez (F), Alyka M. Fangon (F), and Meojanlee B. Agulla (M) are BS Biology alumni under the concentration 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 & 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 and conducted this undergraduate thesis study under the supervision of Dr. Liezel M. Magtoto (F).✍️ Queenie Mae L. Marquez (F), Alyka M. Fangon (F), and Meojanlee B. Agulla (M) MT Bagangao (F)🖼JQueenie Mae L. Marquez (F), Alyka M. Fangon (F), and Meojanlee B. Agulla (M), JA Alviar (F) We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); SDG-15 (Life on Land)

The 5-day World Lecture Series during November 13-17 organized by the Department of Biology, College of Science, UP Baguio, concludes

The 5-day World Expert Lecture Series (WELS) with Dr. Raelene Crandall and Dr. Jennifer Fill, organized by the Department of Biology, with the Lecture Series Committee, College of Science, UP Baguio has come to a close. The World Expert Lecture Series was celebrated along with the National Science Technology Week, ran from November 13 to 17. Explored topics included the initiatives to safeguard the Camp John Hay Forest Reserve, which were shared by distinguished speakers, Engr. Editha M Mejia and Professor Zenaida Baoanan. WELS speakers Dr. Crandall and Dr Fill also shared the ecology of pine savannas and Florida’s experience with the use of fire to harness and promote diversity in forest and savanna ecosystems, emphasizing the role of fire and fire regimes as important ecological processes. A two-day field trip and workshop at Camp John Hay was conducted on November 15–16 with MS CaRE and undergraduate students. The activity focused on analyzing tree size structure to understand the effects of fire on population dynamics. The event concluded with a discussion of possible collaboration with the faculty of the Department of Biology, Dr. Crandall, Dr. Fill, and other members of government agencies. A huge and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Crandall and Dr. Fill for generously sharing their vast knowledge, expertise, and insights with us. We appreciate the time and effort dedicated to preparing the presentations and the courage to present a new perception about fire in a community where fires carry a negative connotation. We hope that you have enjoyed your short stay in the Philippines. We would also like to extend our appreciation to all participants who have joined us throughout this lecture series. This event wouldn’t be successful without your active involvement and enthusiasm throughout the event. We would also like to extend our thanks to Assoc. Prof. Aris Reginaldo and the UP Office of International Linkages for making this event possible. Your hard work and commitment to fostering international collaboration have played a crucial role in bringing this lecture series to life. We wish to also recognize the CLAN Office, CPDMO, and the OPA for providing us with much-needed technical support. See you at our next WELS! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-15 (Life on Land); SDG-17 (Partnership for the Goals)

The World Expert Lecture Series (WELS) with Dr. Raelene Crandall and Dr. Fill officially commences

Today, the Department of Biology and the Lecture Series Committee of the College of Science officially opened the 2nd 2025 World Expert Lecture Series (WELS) in celebration with the National Science Technology Week (NSTW)! We were honored to have Vice Chancellor Leah Abayao deliver the opening remarks who inspired the participants to maximize the activity for program improvement by extending the laboratory to the communities. Prof. Aris Reginaldo followed by sharing the significance and the upcoming activities of WELS. Dean Gilbert Peralta capped the event with closing remarks that fanned the flames of curiosity, scientific inquiry, and more meaningful collaboration. A warm welcome to Dr. Fill and Dr. Crandall—we look forward to engaging and insightful discussions in the coming days! This event would not have been possible without the collective efforts of the Lecture Series Committee (College of Science), Office of International Linkages (OIL-OVPAA), Campus Planning and Development Office, and the Computer/LAN Office. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-15 (Life on Land); SDG-17 (Partnership for the Goals)