Tag: SDG 15

The Department of Biology, with the College of Science, kicks off the 31st SINSM

The Department of Biology, along with other departments in the College of Science, kicks off the 31st Summer Institute in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics (SINSM). This year, the Department of Biology warmly welcomes our 33 participants from various educational institutions. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being); SDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-5 (Gender Equality); SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation); SDG-9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure); SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-14 (Life on Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)

New paper out entitled “Antagonistic Endophytic Fungi against Blue Stain-associated Fungus from Benguet Pine (Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon) in Benguet, Philippines”

The Department of Biology is proud to share a recent publication by our MS CaRE alumna, Ms. Shirley Jaene S. Valdez, co-authored with Prof. Rosemary M. Gutierrez, a retired faculty member of the Department. The paper entitled “𝘈𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘌𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘍𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘪 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯-𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘍𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘵 𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘦 (𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘴 𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘺𝘢 𝘙𝘰𝘺𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘹 𝘎𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘰𝘯) 𝘪𝘯 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘵, 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴” is an output of Ms. Valdez’s MS thesis, completed under the guidance of her adviser, Prof. Rosemary M. Gutierrez. Congratulations to the authors! The full paper may be accessed through the following link: https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/antagonistic-endophytic-fungi-against-blue-stain-associated-fungus-from-benguet-pine-pinus-kesiya-royle-ex-gordon-in-benguet-the-philippines/ We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-15 (Life on Land)

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)

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)

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)

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)

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT: “Interfacing Bat Conservation and Indigenous Cultural Community Perspective in Aran Cave System, Tuba, Benguet” in celebration of the National Environmental Awareness Month

🌿💚 𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉! 💚🌿 In celebration of this month — and in honor of the recently concluded 𝘽𝙖𝙩 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝 and 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 last October — the Department is thrilled to share some of our amazing student works! 🦇✨ 💫 Take a moment to read, reflect, and be inspired by our students’ creativity and passion for the environment. Here’s our first featured entry! 🌏📖 Bat conservation initiatives must consider both the ecological and social aspects to address the specific needs of local bat populations and human communities. To contribute to this, graduate student Joseph Lemuel Asinas documented bat species diversity and indigenous community perspectives in Tuba, Benguet, Cordillera Administrative Region. This was primarily aimed at providing scientific information and developing recommendations for localized bat conservation. Their study recorded eight, 8, bat species, including a first record of 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘴, 𝘙𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘴, and a roost of 𝘙𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 for the province of Benguet, at an elevation of about 435–690 masl. The cave bat colony, estimated to exceed a thousand individuals, is the largest documented in the province. This bat population, though large, is determined to cause a low extent of human-bat conflict within the community, with developed wildlife tolerance and low disease risk perception. Furthermore, locals demonstrated practical knowledge and positive attitudes toward bats that are not rooted in superstition. The thriving bat population in Tuba underscores how the integration of practical knowledge and positive attitudes of the indigenous community toward wildlife can foster harmonious and sustainable coexistence between people and nature. Mr Joseph Lemuel Asinas recently graduated from the MS Conservation and Restoration Ecology (MS CaRE) program of the Dept. ✍️ JLA Asinas, YS Picpican, MT Bagangao🖼JLA Asinas, YS Picpican, JA Alviar We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); SDG-15 (Life on Land)