New paper out entitled “Identifying direct threats to an inland wetland and its avifauna: the case of Canarem Lake, Central Luzon, Philippines”
New Publication Alert! The Department of Biology is proud to share the latest research publication by Prof. Zenaida G. Baoanan, Prof. Wesley S. Gagarin, and MS CaRE student Emmanuel B. Lacadin. Their collaborative study, titled “Identifying direct threats to an inland wetland and its avifauna: the case of Canarem Lake, Central Luzon, Philippines,” sheds light on the challenges facing Philippine wetlands, particularly the agricultural town of Victoria, Tarlac, where Canarem Lake is located. This significant research explores how direct human pressures, such as farming, fishing, and recreational activities, threaten the biodiversity of this vital wetland and its bird populations. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines surveys, focus group discussions, and triangulated data analysis to identify and prioritize conservation actions. Read the full paper here: https://www.journalofnaturestudies.org/files/JNS23-2/22-41_Lacadin_Direct%20Threats%20Inland%20Wetland.pdf We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-14 (Life Below Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
Application for the Master of Science in Conservation and Restoration Ecology (MS CaRE)
Application for the Master of Science in Conservation and Restoration Ecology (MS CaRE) is now open! Please see our publication material for important dates, requirements, and relevant links. If you have inquiries, please forward them to mscare.upbaguio@up.edu.ph See you, environmental warriors! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-14 (Life Below Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
The Department of Biology, College of Science holds a public forum entitled “Baguio City’s Biodiversity Greenprint: A Policy Review on Urban Ecologies for Sustainable Conservation and Innovative Governance”
A Public Forum on Biodiversity, Sustainability, and Urban Governance The Department of Biology, College of Science hosted a public forum entitled Baguio City’s Biodiversity Greenprint: A Policy Review on Urban Ecologies for Sustainable Conservation and Innovative Governance, last October 11, 2024. This event is part of an ongoing collaborative research project led by Asst. Prof. Arvin Jet B. Marcaida, Ph.D., and funded by the Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS), University of the Philippines. The project aims to create a sustainable ecological governance blueprint through policy reviews and active community engagement. The forum featured two insightful speakers, Dr. Zenaida G. Baoanan, Ph.D., UP Scientist and professor at UP Baguio, shared her expertise on biodiversity conservation, urban planning, and how sustainable governance can shape the city’s future. She highlighted the importance of protecting Baguio’s natural spaces while adapting to urban growth. Atty. Rhenan G. Diwas, head of the Baguio City Environment and Parks Management Office, followed with a presentation with the city’s long term vision- Baguio 2043: A Livable, Inclusive, and Creative City. He outlined the city’s strategies being put in place to achieve this goal while prioritizing green and inclusive development. This open exchange of ideas was vital in helping shape Baguio’s future ecological policies, ensuring that the city’s growth is both sustainable and inclusive for everyone. Photos by University of the Philippines Baguio Facebook Page We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
BS Biology students venture into Mt. Pulag Protected Landscape for their Terrestrial Communities course
LOOK: BS Biology students venture into the breathtaking Mt. Pulag Protected Landscape for their Terrestrial Communities (Bio 162) course last September 28, 2024. Mt. Pulag is the highest peak in Luzon with an elevation of ~2,922 masl and is considered to be a biodiversity hotspot. Exploring the unique ecological zones—from the dense pine forest to the lush lower and upper montane forests, and the vast grasslands at the summit—students dive into hands-on learning about the rich biodiversity and complex interactions within these ecosystems. This fieldwork experience brings textbook concepts to life as they observe flora and fauna in their natural habitats and reflect on the importance of conserving these unique landscapes. Photos taken by Assoc. Prof. Liezel Magtoto We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
Student secures 2nd Place in the 2024 PNHRS Research Poster Contest!
🎉 Congratulations to Mr. Adrian Raizen Tolentino for securing 2nd Place in the 2024 PNHRS Research Poster Contest! 🏆 His undergraduate thesis, together with Ms. Princess Rudelle Fajardo and Ms. Abe Gayle Santos, entitled: “Neuroprotective Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum against Acute Bisphenol A (BPA) Toxicity Affecting Dopamine and Serotonin-Regulated Locomotion of Caenorhabditis elegans,” earned them a certificate of recognition and a cash prize of 15,000 PhP. Immense gratitude is extended to Asst. Prof. Pablo V. Serrano from UP Baguio’s Department of Biology for his mentorship. 🧬💯 We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
New paper out entitled “Bulbophyllum bokodense (section Polymeres, Orchidaceae), a new species from Benguet Province, Luzon Island, Philippines”
New Paper Out! Congratulations, Assoc. Prof. Liezel Magtoto, PhD and former faculty members of the department for their new paper entitled: Bulbophyllum bokodense (section Polymeres, Orchidaceae), a new species from Benguet Province, Luzon Island, Philippines. The newly discovered and characterized species of orchid is named after the Municipality of Bokod, Benguet Province, Philippines, where it was discovered. This paper was a collaboration among scientists from the Department of Biology, UP Baguio, Texas Christian University, and the Philippine Taxonomic Initiative, Inc. Access the paper here: 10.11646/phytotaxa.662.2.7 We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-15 (Life on Land)
Students’ undergraduate research work chosen as a Finalist for the 2024 PNHRS Research Poster Contest
The Department of Biology is proud to announce that the undergraduate research work of Ms. Princess Rudelle Fajardo, Ms. Abe Gayle Santos, and Mr. Adrian Raizen Tolentino has been chosen as a Finalist for the 2024 PNHRS Research Poster Contest organized by the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) and Caraga Health Research and Development Consortium (CHRDC). Mr. Tolentino will be presenting their undergraduate thesis entitled “Neuroprotective Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum against Acute Bisphenol A (BPA) Toxicity Affecting Dopamine and Serotonin-regulated Locomotion of Caenorhabditis elegans,” under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Pablo V. Serrano from the Department of Biology, UP Baguio. Congratulations and best of talent! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
Students present their poster at International Symposium & 41st Annual Meeting of the ASBP
A heartfelt recognition to the dedicated team from the Department of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Baguio for their exceptional contributions to the International Symposium & 41st Annual Meeting of the Association of Systematic Biologists of the Philippines (ASBP), held last May 29-31, 2024, at Northwestern University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. Congratulations to Mark P. Villarubia (presenter and graduating student of the BS Biology program (Area of Concentration: Ecology and Systematics), Sophia Reign M. Guerrero, Bianca Gail Y. Cura, and Arvin Jet B. Marcaida, PhD (Thesis Adviser and Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Science, UP Baguio) for their insightful poster presentation titled “A Preliminary Assessment of Species Account, Conservation Status, and Microhabitat Association of Anurans with New Locality Descriptions in Baguio City.” Congratulations as well to student presenters Chantal Margaret Liporada, Dominique Opel Orgas, Sofia Ysabel Dang-aoen, and Frances Randolf Logan, and their thesis adviser Assoc. Prof. Liezel M. Magtoto, PhD, for their poster presentation entitled “Macrofungi in Montane Pine Forests in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet.” In addition, we are thrilled to recognize Ms. Chantal Margaret Liporada for being awarded the Best Illustration in the Botanical Illustration Workshop with Amorphophallus adamsensis (which is a species endemic to the Philippines and discovered and characterized by Assoc. Prof. Magtoto and department colleagues) as model specimen for the workshop. We are proud of your achievements and the significant impact of your research on the scientific community. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
BS Biology student wins 1st place at the 12th CRHRDC Regional Health Conference!
Congratulations to Adrian Raizen S. Tolentino, graduating student of the BS Biology program (Area of Concentration: Microbiology) from the Department of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Baguio, for his achievement at the 12th CRHRDC (Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium) Regional Health Conference! Adrian’s poster presentation in the Student Category, titled “Neuroprotective Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum against Acute Bisphenol A (BPA) Toxicity Affecting Dopamine and Serotonin-regulated Locomotion of Caenorhabditis elegans,” was awarded 1st place! We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and your significant contribution to the field, Adrian! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
Assistant Professor wins 1st place during the 12th CRHRDC Regional Health Conference
Congratulations to Asst. Prof. Pablo V. Serrano, MSc, from the Department of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Baguio for his achievement at the 12th CRHRDC (Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium) Regional Health Conference! 🌟 Asst. Prof. Serrano’s podium presentation in the Professional Category on “Serotonin Mediates the Effects of Areca Catechu (Betelnut) Extract on Caenorhabditis elegans‘ General Movement” earned 1st place. 🧬📚 We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and your valuable contributions to the field, Asst. Prof. Serrano! 🎓✨ We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-3 (Health and Well-being); SDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-15 (Life on Land)