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)
Department of Biology Faculty elected as President of the Asian Society for Natural Products – Philippine Chapter for the 2026–2027 term
The Department of Biology proudly congratulates one of its faculty members, Asst. Prof. Racquel C. Barcelo, on her election as President of the Asian Society for Natural Products – Philippine Chapter for the 2026–2027 term. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-5 (Gender Equality); SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
Department of Biology celebrates International Women’s Day
🅓.🅑.: 𝘿𝙞𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 extends warm greetings to every woman on this International Women’s Day! We invite everyone to take this occasion to celebrate the hardworking women who inspire and uplift our lives. Today, we also offer special appreciation to the Diwatas of Biology, whose dedication and leadership guide our advocacies for environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and an integrative One Health approach—true modern-day 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘴 in the pursuit of knowledge and stewardship. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-5 (Gender Equality)
Congratulations to a BS Biology Student for becoming a SHEStems Scholarship Awardee
The Department of Biology congratulates another SHESTEMS Scholarship Awardee, Precious Shynne D. Leonoras. Precious is a senior BS Biology student with an AoC in Microbiology. Scholar Leonoras also wishes to express her heartfelt gratitude to the Her Legacy Project where she shares, “Thank you to Her Legacy Project for the opportunity to be among the SHEStems scholars, and to UPB’s Department of Biology for the support — and for recognizing that there is always progress where there is solidarity among women, even in male-dominated spaces such as STEM.” Congratulations, Precious Shynne D. Leonoras! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-5 (Gender Equality)
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 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 celebrates International Women’s Day
𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏, 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆! International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. It also serves as a call to action for gender equality and women’s rights. The Department of Biology proudly honors the resilience, leadership, and limitless potential of women everywhere. Women continue to break barriers, inspire change, and shape a better future for all. Today, we celebrate their achievements, amplify their voices, and stand in unwavering solidarity in the fight for equality and empowerment. Let’s continue to uplift, support, and champion the power of women—not just today, but every day. Happy International Women’s Day! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-05 (Gender Equality)
The Department of Biology celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Celebrating the remarkable women shaping the future of science! Did you know that the Department of Biology, UP Baguio is home to 18 outstanding women—comprising full-time faculty, lecturers, teaching associates and junior office associates—who are actively involved in research and extension work across various scientific fields, including ecology, microbiology, and medical biology? Many of them also serve in key administrative positions within the university. These women are at the forefront of change, making a lasting impact on communities, the nation, and the world—one scientific breakthrough at a time! The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated every February 11, is recognized by the United Nations and UNESCO to advocate for equal opportunities and representation of women in STEM fields. Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science from the Department of Biology, UP Baguio! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-05 (Gender Equality)
UP Baguio SHEStem Scholarship Awardee featured in VOGUE Philippines
Our very own Ms. Sophia Rhys Q. Bañados, a 3rd-year BS Biology student, has been featured in Vogue Philippines! In the article, Ms. Bañados shares her passion for neuroscience, as she forges her path in a field traditionally dominated by men. As she puts it, “Following her heart, she chose to pursue the path of a neuroscientist, working to understand the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerve cells. She dreams of pioneering a breakthrough in brain function.” Ms. Bañados is the first UP Baguio student to receive the SHEStems Scholarship Award as part of the inaugural cohort for SY 2024-2025. Additionally, Ms. Bañados is among the 10 scholars selected for this prestigious program nationwide. The SHEStems Scholarship Awards is a project of UN Women Philippines National Goodwill Ambassador Karen Davila. UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to pushing for gender equality and the empowerment of women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in the country. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide. Sophia’s vision to push the boundaries of science makes her an inspiration for aspiring young scientists everywhere. Check the article here: https://vogue.ph/lifestyle/advocacy/10-filipina-shestems-scholarship-awardees/ We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-5 (Gender Equality); SDG-10 (Reduced Inequalities)