Tag: SDG 15

Graduate Thesis Examination Announcement of Thesis entitled “Comparative Analysis of the Carbon Stock Potential of Native– and Exotic–dominated stands in Camp John Hay Forest Reserve, Baguio City, Philippines.”

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 The MS CaRE Program of the Department of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Baguio, invites the public to the graduate thesis examination of Mr. Emmanuel B. Lacadin for the degree Master of Science in Conservation and Restoration Ecology. He will be presenting his study entitled “Comparative Analysis of the Carbon Stock Potential of Native– and Exotic–dominated stands in Camp John Hay Forest Reserve, Baguio City, Philippines.” Date: May 19, 2026 (Tuesday) Time: 3:00 PM F2F at CS AVR and Via ZOOM Virtual Conference. All faculty, students, and interested individuals are invited to attend.

New publication alert entitled “Status, Emerging Challenges, And Perspectives in Hills and Mountains. The Case of Northern Luzon, Philippines”

The Department of Biology proudly shares a new publication from one of our dedicated faculty members, Dr. Zenaida Baoanan! 📖 This book chapter discusses the fascinating biodiversity and indigenous cultural heritage of Northern Luzon. The abstract can be accessed here: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003688907-6/status-emerging-challenges-perspectives-hills-mountains-zenaida-gutay-baoanan We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); SDG-15 (Life on Land)

HIGHLIGHTS: 31st Summer Institute in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics

It’s a wrap! The Department of Biology extends its sincere gratitude to all participants, organizers, and personnel whose efforts contributed to the success of the 31st Summer Institute in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics (SINSM), held on April 16–18, 2026, at the University of the Philippines Baguio. We especially celebrate the 33 participants who joined us in exploring new concepts and techniques in microbial and fungal DNA isolation, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and basic bioinformatics. Your enthusiasm and engagement made this year’s SINSM both insightful and productive. The photos below capture some of the highlights of this enriching experience. We look forward to welcoming you again in next year’s SINSM! 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)

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)