UPB Faculty receive the 3rd Best Paper Award during the 2025 Agency In-House Review held at Benguet State University (BSU) last August 27-28, 2025
UPB faculty Professor Zenaida G Baoanan, former faculty Asst. Prof. Deign Frolley C. Soriano and current MS CaRE Lecturer Prof. Roscinto Lumbres, along with other co-authors, Prof. Nova D. Doyog and Prof. Lynn J. Talkasen received the 3rd Best Paper Award for the paper entitled “Land Use and Land Cover Assessment Within the Batanes Protected Landscapes and Seascapes” during the 2025 Agency In- House Review held at the Research & Extension Building, BSU, La Trinidad, last August 27-28, 2025. The results of the paper provides a more reliable LULC for monitoring and planning for the six islands covered by the Batanes Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (BPLS). Furthermore, the technique used in the LULC assessment is shared as a reference for future studies. The research article is published and is accessible at the Philippine Journal of Science. It is an output of the research project entitled “Popularizing Access to Biodiversity Information Data and Conservation Opportunities (PABIDACO)” spearheaded by Professor Zenaida G. Baoanan through the funding of the Commission on Higher Education-Discovery-Applied Research and Extension Trans/Inter-disciplinary Opportunities (CHED-DARE TO). This publication supports the Sustainable Development Goals: SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG-13 (Climate Action), SDG-14 (Life Below Water), SDG-15 (Life on Land)
New published short article out titled “An incidental observation on the facultative terrestriality of a Philippine Flying Dragon, Draco spilopterus (Wiegmann, 1834), in a post-fire regenerating pine forest in Baguio City, Luzon Island, Philippines”
The Department of Biology is pleased to highlight an important contribution to Cordillera biodiversity research through the recent observation documented by MS CaRE student Mark P. Villarubia, in collaboration with DB faculty member Arvin Jet Marcaida. In their paper, they shared the first documented incidence of facultative terrestriality in 𝘋𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘶𝘴 in the pine-dominated forests of the Central Cordillera. The flying lizard has been observed in secondary lowland forests of Luzon, but their paper is the first to showcase its distribution in pine-dominated forests of Baguio, expanding the records on its distribution. Furthermore, the paper provides ecological notes on the flying lizard. Their full paper may be accessed through the following link: https://www.biotaxa.org/hn/article/view/86007 𝑪𝙝𝒆𝙚𝒓𝙨 𝙩𝒐 𝒅𝙞𝒔𝙘𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙧𝒊𝙚𝒔 𝒂𝙣𝒅 𝒆𝙣𝒓𝙞𝒄𝙝𝒊𝙣𝒈 𝒐𝙪𝒓 𝒌𝙣𝒐𝙬𝒍𝙚𝒅𝙜𝒆 𝒐𝙛 𝙋𝒉𝙞𝒍𝙞𝒑𝙥𝒊𝙣𝒆 𝑩𝙞𝒐𝙙𝒊𝙫𝒆𝙧𝒔𝙞𝒕𝙮!
Call for Student Assistant for the 1st Semester AY 2025-2026
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/jRTYZFe1ZjVYmnjz6 See poster for more details. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education)
Biology Department Holds ENVI Workshop for MS CaRE Students
Fourteen graduate students from the MS Conservation and Restoration Ecology (MS CaRE) program participated in a specialized workshop on the use of Environment for Visualizing Images (ENVI), a geospatial software recently acquired by the Department of Biology through MS CaRE GTFI funds. The workshop, held last August 21. 2025 at the IB Building, University of the Philippines Baguio, aimed to provide students with essential tools and skills to support their graduate research endeavors. It opened with welcoming remarks from Asst. Prof. Jeno Rey Pagaduan, the newly appointed MS CaRE Graduate Program Coordinator. This was followed by a lecture and hands-on session led by Asst. Prof. Deign Frolley Soriano, former faculty member and one of the Department’s GIS experts. Through this training, the Department continues its commitment to equipping graduate students with advanced methodologies and resources for ecological research and conservation studies. This event supports the Sustainable Development Goals: SDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-14 (Life Below Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
UPB students and alumni participate in research dissemination of biodiversity and ecological studies through scientific conferences
Fifteen (15) students and alumni from the Department of Biology joined the call to disseminate their respective research outputs through the recently concluded 32nd Philippine Biodiversity Symposium held at the Central Philippine University, Iloilo City, last August 12-15, 2025. Presenting his thesis outputs, MS CaRE alumnus Mr. Joseph Lemuel Asinas shared the findings of his graduate research, “Interfacing Bat Conservation and Indigenous Cultural Community Perspectives in Aran Cave System, Tuba, Benguet.” Another graduate thesis study entitled “Implications of Land Use and Land Cover Changes to Avifaunal and Malacofaunal Assemblage in Canarem Lake, Victoria, Tarlac” was presented by MS CaRE alumna Jairah T. Balisi. A current MS CaRE student, Ms. Emmeline Jirah P. Fetesio, also delivered an oral presentation on the findings of her study, “Bark Beetle Assessment of Pinus kesiya in Barangay Bakakeng Norte-Sur, Baguio City,” which was a result of her case study in CRE 261: Disturbance Ecology. Furthermore, under the oral presentation category, BS Biology alumnus and current MS CaRE student Hendrix Abenoja shared their undergraduate study entitled “Assemblage and occurrence of small, non-volant mammals along a disturbance gradient in a lowland tropical forest of La Union, Northern Luzon.” This paper is co-authored with his thesis groupmates – Hem C. Castillo and Franchesca B. Ortega, and thesis adviser Aris A. Reginaldo. A robust number of poster presentations from BS Biology alumni and MS CaRE students were also shared during the event (details below). The posters were also highlighted on stage through a one-minute PechaKucha oral presentation. Most of these poster presentations were outputs from undergraduate thesis studies under the Ecology and Systematics and General Biology areas of concentration. The posters — covering topics on plant ecology, reef biodiversity, insect ecology, freshwater ecosystems, and disturbance ecology — showcased these young minds’ earnest commitment to contribute to ecological and biodiversity conservation. Through your research dissemination efforts, we are one with you in rallying for the conservation and proper management of our natural resources. More importantly, we hope the examples you have set will inspire more students to take on biodiversity and ecological studies. The Department of Biology takes pride in your hard work! Poster Presenters Title of Presentation Carissa Collado & Eloise Myra Uyao* (MS CaRE Students, CRE 261 Output) Impact of Campsite Development on Vegetation: Assessing Environmental Disturbance in a Transformed Landscape Noel Carl L. De Los Reyes(MS CaRE Student, CRE 261 Output) Sisid Sibuyanon: Working with Local Communities to Assess Reef Biodiversity on Sibuyan Island, Romblon Province Maria Colline Angeli R. Viernes*, Carmela Isabela Beltran, Kryssy Alfonia Simon(Undergraduate study) Insect (Hexapoda) assemblage under LED Streetlights in Loakan Road, Baguio City Queenie Mae L. Marquez*, Meojanlee B. Agulla, Alyka M. Fangon*(Undergraduate study) Taxonomic Diversity and Ecological Assessment of Freycinitia (Sarakat) Species in Eva Garden, Calanasan, Apayao Stephanie Lueia*, Yvonney Freya Angeles and Shorin Grimaldo Analysis of the effects of selected environmental factors on the nesting behavior of the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtle at three sites in La Union” Anna Lorraine Bie*, Julius Canlas*, Chinee Dela Cruz* Microplastic Characterization in Selected Bivalves of Agno River, Philippines Maria Victoria B. Taller*, Kirsten Ruth G. Merilles, and Julius Ryan C. Regnim Assessment of Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by Yapayao of Adams, Ilocos Norte and the Analysis of Their Secondary Metabolites and Bioactivity in Mice Joanna Marie Reyes (MS CaRE Student) Biomass and Carbon Stock Assessment on Four (4) Sites at the Subic Bay Freeport Forest *Attending author The presentations support the Sustainable Development Goals: SDG-4 (Quality Education), SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG-14 (Life Below Water), SDG-15 (Life on Land)
Honoring the Remarkable Career of Dr. Teodora D. Balangcod
The Department of Biology, together with the University of the Philippines Baguio community, proudly pays tribute to Dr. Teodora D. Balangcod, who is retiring after more than four decades of exemplary service to the university. Dr. Balangcod’s career began at UP Baguio in 1982, and since then she has worn many hats with distinction—as a dedicated educator, an active researcher, and a trusted administrator. She completed her BS in Biology at UP Baguio in 1979, pursued her MS in Botany at Saint Louis University, and later earned her PhD in Botany at the University of Philippines Los Banos. With her solid academic foundation, she returned to UP Baguio where she would devote years of her life to shaping the minds and futures of students. As an educator, Dr. Balangcod inspired generations of biology students through her expertise in plant taxonomy, ecology, and ethnobotany. Many of her students fondly remember her patience, rigor, and generosity in sharing knowledge—values that continue to influence young scientists today. She established a significant research niche in the Cordillera region’s ethnobotany and biodiversity studies. In addition to enriching the scientific community, her many publications and research endeavors have illuminated the importance of traditional ecological knowledge and meaningfully connected science and culture. Her research has been crucial in understanding how plants are used in indigenous practices, connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific viewpoints. Dr. Balangcod was an administrator who served the university with integrity and humility. By assuming leadership positions that improved academic programs and promoted a culture of research at UP Baguio, she made a substantial contribution to the expansion of the College of Science. She actively participated in national and international conferences as part of her service outside of the university. We honor Dr. Balangcod as she retires, not only for her achievements in academia and the workplace, but also for her generosity, commitment, and motivation toward everyone who had the honor of working with her. Her path is a tale of dedication, fortitude, and love for learning and science. The UP Baguio community and the Department of Biology wish her health, happiness, and more time spent with her loved ones as she embarks on this new chapter. Her legacy will endure in the lives she has impacted and the knowledge she has imparted, even though her retirement signifies the end of one chapter. Thank you, Dr. Balangcod, for the 43 fruitful years you have given to UP Baguio. You will always remain a treasured part of our family. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-5 (Gender Equality); SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
The BS Biology Program welcomes the incoming freshies for academic year 25-26
Last August 11, 2025, the BS Biology department welcomed the newly enrolled freshie students, shiftees and transferees to the BS Biology program. The program began with the Department Chair, Associate Professor Liezel Magtoto, delivering the welcome remarks. She shared about what would be expected of the students during their four-year stint in the university. Additionally, she summarized what would be discussed during the rest of the program, subsequently introducing Assistant Professor Jeno Rey Pagaduan who gave an introduction about the BS Biology Program. Asst. Prof. Pagaduan briefly talked about the Vision and Mission of the department, highlighting it is a BS Biology student’s responsibility to give back to the community. Additionally, he talked about the program objectives, and the program learning outcomes (PLOs) of the BS Biology program. Following Asst. Prof. Pagaduan, was Assistant Professor Kimberly Paglingayen who highlighted the expectations from a BS Biology Graduate. She then discussed details of the BS Biology Curriculum to familiarize the students of the courses they will be taking. This included different electives and concentration courses for each area of concentration (AoC). As early as their first year, they were also introduced to the requirements for the AoC application so they may prepare accordingly. To further guide the students, Assistant Professor Julienne Alviar shared the program’s retention policy. To stay in good standing under the program, a student must have a Cumulative Weighted Average Grade (CWAG) of at least 2.75 at the end of their first year in their Biology, Zoology, Botany and Chemistry courses taken. . A grade below the retention grade will place the student under probation during the first semester of their second year. She also shared a sample of a grading sheet and how to compute for their own CWAG. Assistant Professor Meijei Bagangao then talked about the guidelines on fieldwork activities . She highlighted that fieldworks are an essential part of the BS Biology program, listing courses where fieldworks are a major requirement.Different fieldwork documentary requirements, including the “Student Participation Agreement for Off-Campus Field Activities”form, the medical certificate, and insurance were presented. Throughout the talks, Asst Prof Ailyn Fadriquela facilitated ice-breaker games to keep the students active and engaged. Lastly, Professor Romeo Dizon introduced the faculty and staff members of the department. The program ended with a photo-op including all the freshies and the faculty members of the department. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education)
Elective Courses open to BS Biology students enrolled this 1st Semester, AY 2025-2026
𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 The Department is offering elective courses open to BS Biology students enrolled this 1st Semester, AY 2025-2026: 1. 𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟏𝟗𝟕: 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (Elementary Entomology) 2. 𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟏𝟗𝟕: 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (Bioinformatics) 3. 𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟏𝟔𝟕: 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (Restoration Ecology of Aquatic Habitats) Please refer to the posters for details. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education)
The Department of Biology, College of Science, UP Baguio warmly welcomes our new Department Chairperson, Assoc. Prof. Liezel M. Magtoto, PhD!
ANNOUNCEMENT The Department of Biology, College of Science, UP Baguio warmly welcomes our new Department Chairperson, Assoc. Prof. Liezel M. Magtoto, PhD! Assoc. Prof. Magtoto earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from UP Baguio, an MS Biological Sciences, 𝑐𝑢𝑚 𝑙𝑎𝑢𝑑𝑒, from Saint Louis University, and a PhD Botany from UP Los Baños, where her dissertation examined the taxonomy of Philippine 𝐴𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑎 species. Over two decades of dedicated service at UP Baguio, she has risen through the ranks to Associate Professor and since 2022, has been the Director of the Office of Student Affairs in charge of student welfare, scholarships and financial assistantce, and student-related programs across campus. As a field botanist and plant taxonomist, Assoc. Prof. Magtoto leads projects on urban biodiversity, invasive species, and native‑plant conservation. Her work includes the discovery of several new Philippine plant species, such as 𝐴𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑎 𝑘𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑏𝑎ℎ𝑖𝑛 and 𝐵𝑒𝑔𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑎 𝑛𝑎𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑎. She is also a member of several academic and professional organizations such as Philippine Taxonomic Initiative, Inc., Lichenological and Bryological Society of the Philippines, Association of Systematic Biologists of the Philippines, Philippine Society for the Study of Nature, and the National Research Council of the Philippines. Join us in congratulating Chair Liezel on this well‑deserved appointment. We look forward to her rooted leadership as she helps our department flourish! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-5 (Gender Equality); SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
The Department of Biology, UP Baguio, extends its gratitude to outgoing chair, Asst. Prof. Deign Frolley C. Soriano
The Department of Biology, UP Baguio extends its gratitude to Asst. Prof. Deign Frolley C. Soriano, outgoing Department Chairperson, for his dedication and exemplary service to the department. Asst. Prof. Soriano’s strong and grounded leadership, empathy, and limitless passion to serve the faculty and students, have significantly driven the department’s many achievements. 💯📝🌱🌏 Thank you very much, Sir Deign! ✨ Asst. Prof. Soriano together with the Department of Biology staff compiled a report of achievements, accomplishments, and endeavors of the department in an accessible document. Access the report here: https://bit.ly/DBAccomplishments20-25 Asst. Prof. Deign Frolley C. Soriano is an Assistant Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology at UP Baguio, known for his research contributions in the field of river and watershed management, environmental change, ecosystem services, and citizen science. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of the Philippines Baguio and earned his Master’s in Environmental Management from the University of Reading, United Kingdom. Asst. Prof. Soriano is set to pursue his doctoral studies (PhD in Biological and Environmental Sciences), under the Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Networks Program at the University College Dublin, Ireland. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)