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)
New paper out entitled “Water quality of Balili River before, during and after COVID: lessons learned and ways forwards for tropical river remediation”

Congratulations to Prof. Romeo M. Dizon, and MS CaRE graduate Fernie D. SitSit for their latest publication on the water quality of Balili River before, during, and after COVID-19! Their study, spanning from 2018 to 2023, examines how the pandemic influenced river water quality and what happened afterward. Findings reveal that while water quality improved during lockdowns, pollution levels increased again post-COVID, though not as severely as pre-pandemic levels. The research highlights the role of natural purification processes in tropical rivers and suggests ways forward for sustainable river remediation and water management. This study contributes to ongoing efforts to achieve SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and provides valuable insights for conservation initiatives. Read more here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10452-024-10151-0 We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-14 (Life Below Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
New paper out entitled “Biodiversity and conservation assessment of the non-marine mollusks of the Batanes Group of Islands, Philippines”

Congratulations to Prof. Zenaida G. Baoanan, PhD, and her co-authors on their new publication, “Biodiversity and conservation assessment of the non-marine mollusks of the Batanes Group of Islands, Philippines,” in the Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology! This study explores the unique non-marine mollusks of the Batanes Islands, identifying 41 species and highlighting the need to protect these fragile ecosystems. The research shows the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard the rich biodiversity of these islands. Read the full paper here: http://asbp.org.ph/…/PJSBv18-04_Batomalaque-et-al-2025.pdf We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-14 (Life Below Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land)
Elective Courses open to BS Biology students enrolled this 2nd Semester, AY 2024-2025

𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 The Department is offering elective courses open to BS Biology students enrolled this 2nd Semester, AY 2024-2025: 1. 𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟏𝟗𝟕: 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (Introduction to Medicinal Drug Development)2. 𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟏𝟗𝟕: 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (One Health)3. 𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟏𝟔𝟕: 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (Coral Reef Ecology) Please refer to the posters below for details. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-03 (Good Health and Well-being); SDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-14 (Life Below Water)
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)
Faculty members receive the Service and Loyalty Award in recognition of their 15 years of dedicated service to the University of the Philippines Baguio at the Araw ng Parangal 2024

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Romeo Dizon and Assoc. Prof. Liezel Magtoto for being honored with the Service and Loyalty Award in recognition of their 15 years of dedicated service to the Department of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Baguio. Their unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and leadership has played a significant role in shaping the success of the department. This milestone is a testament to their passion for education, their loyalty to the university, and their continuous contributions to the academic community. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for their many years of service. Congratulations, Prof. Dizon and Assoc. Prof. Magtoto—here’s to many more years of inspiring future generations! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education)
Celebrating Prof. Zenaida G. Baoanan for receiving the “Gawad Tsanselor para sa Pinakamahusay na Senior Faculty” Award at the Araw ng Parangal 2024

We are pleased to announce and celebrate the remarkable achievement of our distinguished faculty member from the Department of Biology, College of Science. Professor and UP Scientist Zenaida Baoanan has been honored with the Gawad Tsanselor para sa Pinakamahusay na Senior Faculty, a recognition for her exceptional performance as a senior faculty member. Her commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and leadership has significantly enriched the academic landscape of our department. This award highlight her unwavering commitment to education, research, and service, and we take great pride in her accomplishments. Congratulations Prof. Baoanan for this well-deserved honor! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education)
Celebrating Asst. Prof Deign Frolley Soriano for receiving the “Bukod na Parangal Pinakamahusay sa Paglilingkod sa Bayan at Unibersidad” Award at the Araw ng Parangal 2024

We are pleased to announce and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our distinguished faculty member from the Department of Biology, College of Science. Assistant Professor Deign Frolley Soriano has been recognized with the Bukod na Parangal para sa Pinakamahusay sa Paglilingkod sa Bayan at Unibersidad, a prestigious award acknowledging his outstanding service to both the university and the community. His dedication to advancing the values of public service and academic excellence has greatly contributed to the mission of our institution. This award highlight his unwavering commitment to education, research, and service, and we take great pride in his accomplishments. Congratulations Assistant Prof. Soriano for this well-deserved honor! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education)
UP Baguio BS Biology Students Win in National Genetics Quiz Contest 2024

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our brilliant BS Biology students—Marinelle Fernandez, Trigger John Balitang, and Razel Melendez—at the National Intercollegiate Genetics Quiz Contest, held as part of the National Biotechnology Week 2024 hosted by UPLB! The team showcased their knowledge and teamwork, earning the 1st Runner-Up position in the Group Category. Their individual efforts also stood out, with both Marinelle and TJ securing the 2nd Runner-Up spot (3rd place), while Razel lands in the next spot (4th place) in the Individual Category in the said contest. These achievements were made possible through their hard work and dedication, alongside the guidance of their coach, Asst. Prof. Jeno Rey Pagaduan, and the support of other Genetics faculty at UP Baguio. Again, congratulations for this remarkable achievement! Your success brings great pride to UP Baguio and reflects the dedication and excellence of our students and faculty. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-04 (Quality Education)
Application for Area of Concentration (2nd Semester AY 2024-2025)

Attention BS Biology students Application for Area of Concentration (AoC) is now open for the 1st semester of AY 2024-2025! Please see poster for details. Google Form: https://forms.gle/iKHLJ4fXfLCzcRQu5 We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education)