Highlights from the Department of Biology’s participation in the 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 (𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐌) held on April 3–5, 2025 at UP Baguio

In line with the main theme, “𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐬” the Department of Biology adopted its own focused subtheme: “𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬.” Participants took part in two specialized tracks: 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐀: 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐁: 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 Through a mix of lectures and hands-on workshops, educators explored innovative approaches to teaching biology and strengthening lab instruction across various educational levels. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-03 (Good Health and Well-Being); SDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-08 (Decent Work and Economic Growth); SDG-15 (Life on Land); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
Department of Biology faculty represented the University of the Philippines Baguio in the recent update of terrestrial and integrated Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the Philippines

Assoc. Prof. Aris Reginaldo, Assoc. Prof. Liezel Magtoto, and Asst. Prof. Arvin Jet Marcaida of the Department of Biology, UP Baguio, represented the university in the recent update of terrestrial and integrated Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the Philippines, reinforcing their commitment to biodiversity conservation. The updating of terrestrial and integrated KBAs of the Philippines is being led by the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines, Haribon Foundation, UP Institute of Biology’s Biodiversity Research Laboratory, and the Institute of Biology Alumni of UP Diliman, through the generous support of Forest Foundation Philippines, Foundation for the Philippine Environment, and Wildlife Conservation Society Philippines. photos (c) Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-14 (Life Below Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
Department of Biology faculty were Scientists Speakers at the Research Festival (RESFEST) 2025 at the Philippine Science High School – CAR Campus last March 24, 2025 with the theme “Relevant Innovations for Emerging Issues.”

Asst. Prof. Deign Frolley Soriano, Chairperson and Dr. Ailyn F. Fadriquela, Senior Lecturer and Balik Scientist of Department of Biology, UP Baguio were one of the Research Festival (RESFEST) 2025 Scientists Speakers at the Philippine Science High School – CAR Campus last March 24, 2025, with the theme “Relevant Innovations for Emerging Issues.” Asst. Prof. Soriano shared his journey as an early-career scientist in the field of ecology, environmental studies, and science communication and how these fields inform and inspire his scholarly work to make the world a livable planet for all. Dr. Fadriquela talked about her journey as a scientist in the field of medical science, biology, and how to publish your results. Visit the PSHS-CAR Campus page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/pisaycarc We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-08 (Decent Work and Economic Growth); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
The 5-day World Lecture Series during March 19-25 organized by the Department of Biology, College of Science, UP Baguio, concludes

The 5-day World Expert Lecture Series with Dr. Tim Downing, organized by the Department of Biology at UP Baguio, has come to a close. From March 19-25, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to dive into groundbreaking research and discussions, exploring a wide range of topics that are shaping the future of biology. Dr. Downing’s expert insights and thought-provoking lectures have sparked meaningful conversations and have inspired all of us to think critically about the challenges and innovations in the field. A huge thank you to Dr. Downing for generously sharing his vast knowledge and expertise with us. Your dedication and passion for biology have left an indelible mark on our academic community. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to all the participants for your active involvement, thoughtful questions, and enthusiasm throughout the series. Your engagement truly made this event a success. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ma. Easter Joy Sajo and the UP Office of International Linkages for making this remarkable event possible. Your hard work and commitment to fostering international collaboration have played a crucial role in bringing this lecture series to life. As we wrap up, we look forward to the next opportunity to come together and continue learning. Until then, thank you once again to everyone who made this event a memorable one! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-03 (Good Health and Well-being) SDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
World Expert Lecture Series – Talk “Advances in virus genome assembly, analysis, and mutation detection”

What an incredible session with Dr. Tim Downing! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the exclusive lecture on Advances in Virus Genome Assembly, Analysis, and Mutation Detection. From cutting-edge genomic research to groundbreaking insights in virus genomics, Dr. Downing truly delivered an unforgettable experience. A huge shoutout to our amazing attendees and those who tuned in online for making this event a success! Here’s a glimpse of the lecture in action! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-03 (Good Health and Well-being) SDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUNQA) Certification for the BS Biology Program of UP Baguio

LOOK: The BS Biology Program of UP Baguio has proudly received the certification from the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUNQA) for successfully passing the 378th On-site Programme Assessment held last March 12-14, 2024. This achievement highlights the program’s commitment to upholding honor and excellence in education and meeting international standards. AUNQA is a prestigious organization that ensures academic programs across Southeast Asia meet quality benchmarks. The rigorous three-day evaluation assessed the program on curriculum quality, teaching practices, and student support services, reinforcing UP Baguio’s dedication to providing top-tier education in the North. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
The Science Research Center holds a 2-day workshop entitled “Biology of Model Organisms for Teachers and Researchers: Caenorhabditis elegans”

The Science Research Center of the College of Science recently hosted an exciting two-day workshop last October 11-12, bringing together educators and researchers from various universities to explore the fascinating world of C. elegans. Participants were immersed in hands-on training sessions that covered essential skills such as handling, maintenance, and conducting assays with this widely-used model organism. Under the expert guidance of Asst. Prof. Pablo V. Serrano, attendees learned the intricacies of working with C. elegans, gaining practical experience and valuable insights into its application in scientific research. The workshop provided a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing and networking, leaving participants inspired to incorporate this powerful tool into their own work. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
The BS Biology Program is now AUN-QA Certified!

The Department of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Baguio is proud to announce that the BS Biology program has recently received its ASEAN University Network- Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) certification. BS Biology is the 3rd undergraduate degree program of the University of the Philippines Baguio certified by the AUN-QA. This milestone is the result of the evaluation conducted last 12th-14th of March 2024 at UP Baguio, during the 378th AUN-QA On-site Program Assessment. The Department of Biology expresses our sincere appreciation to all the UP Baguio support and academic staff, students, alumni, and employers, whose contributions were instrumental in the success of the assessment process. Learn more about the ASEAN University Network (AUN) here: https://www.aunsec.org Padayon! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
The University of the Philippines Baguio holds a discussion entitled “Conversations on Wildlife and Conservation”

The University of the Philippines Baguio in partnership with UP Baguio College of Science (CS), the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), and the San Roque Power Corporation holds a discussion entitled “Conversations on Wildlife and Conservation” at the CS AVR on March 15, 8:30 AM – 12:00 NN. Dr. Hector Miranda, Jr., the former Science Director of the Philippine Eagle foundation and currently the interim Dean of Thomas F. Freeman Honors College in Texas Southern University is one of the keynote speakers in the discussion. He was also joined by key experts on wildlife and conservation: Dr. Jayson Ibañez, PEF Director for Operations; and our very own Dr. Aris Reginaldo, Assoc. Professor, UP Baguio; and Dr. Zenaida Baoanan, Professor, UP Baguio. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-15 (Life on Land); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
The three-day 378th on-site AUN-QA Program Assessment of the BS Biology Program of the College of Science concludes

To cap off the three-day 378th on-site ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Program Assessment of the BS Biology Program of the College of Science, AUN-QA assessors Dr. Nguyen Quoc Chin and Dr. Tan Chin Hon presented their preliminary assessment findings earlier today at the Chancellor’s Board Room. Afterwards, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Chin and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Rosemary Gutierrez delivered their closing remarks. Tokens of appreciation were also given to the AUN-QA assessors. The Department of Biology would like to sincerely thank everyone who has worked tirelessly during our preparations for this event, as well as all our dear students, academic staff, support staff, alumni, and employers who participated as interviewees during this assessment. We appreciate your continued support for our esteemed University and again, thank you all very much! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)