Department of Biology, UP Baguio

15/05/2026

CS, MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 🗓

UPB COMELEC presents the calendar of activities for the Student Council Special Elections 2026.

Please be guided accordingly. Let’s aim for maximum participation and !

13/05/2026

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 Ms. Bhegie May G. Buay for the degree Master of Science in Conservation and Restoration Ecology.

Thesis Title:
Moraceae Tree Diversity, Assemblage, and Density in Disturbed and Less Disturbed Lowland Forests in Mt. Busa-MaKiMa, Sarangani Province, Mindanao
Date: May 21, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 10:00 AM
F2F at IB 204 and Via ZOOM Virtual Conference.

All faculty, students, and interested individuals are invited to attend.

13/05/2026

🌿💧🔬 𝐔𝐏𝐁 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍 🔬💧🌿

Learning extended far beyond the classroom as Biology students from the University of the Philippines Baguio immersed themselves in the natural beauty, culture, and local heritage of Naguilian, La Union during their recent educational visit on May 10, 2026.

Together with their professors, the students conducted a Freshwater Ecology field activity along a section of the Balili River as part of their academic training in environmental assessment, biodiversity documentation, and ecological studies. Surrounded by the serene landscapes of Naguilian, the students gained valuable hands-on experience while deepening their understanding of the importance of protecting freshwater ecosystems and preserving the environment.
But beyond scientific exploration, the visit also became an opportunity for the students to discover the vibrant identity of Naguilian — proudly known as the “Home of the Original Basi” and the “Heart of La Union.”
During their stay, the group experienced the municipality’s unique local flavors and proudly homegrown products, offering them a taste of Naguilian’s rich agricultural heritage and growing experiential tourism initiatives. From cultural pride to community hospitality, the students were able to witness how nature, tradition, and local livelihood come together in shaping the municipality’s character.

More than just a field activity, the experience became a meaningful journey of learning and connection — where science met culture, and education blended with appreciation for local communities and sustainable tourism.

The Office of the Municipal Tourism Officer expresses its gratitude to the students and faculty members of the University of the Philippines Baguio for choosing Naguilian as part of their academic journey. May this memorable experience inspire them to return and further explore the beauty, culture, and warm hospitality that the Heart of La Union has to offer. 💚

12/05/2026

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.

12/05/2026

The Department of Biology warmly welcomes our alumni and distinguished DOST Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Awardee, Dr. Arun Decano.

Dr. Decano is currently a Senior Research Fellow and Postdoctoral Bioinformatician at City St George’s, University of London. She holds a PhD in Genetics and specializes in infection genomics, genome sequencing, phylodynamics, and antimicrobial resistance research. Her work integrates genomics and machine learning to strengthen antimicrobial resistance surveillance and improve evidence-based public health strategies. She previously held senior bioinformatics roles at the University of Oxford and the University of St. Andrews and has actively contributed to global capacity-building initiatives through Wellcome Connecting Science.

Under the Balik Scientist Program, Dr. Decano will be on a short-term engagement hosted by the Department of Biology and the Science Research Center, University of the Philippines Baguio. During her stay, she aims to strengthen genomics and bioinformatics capacity in the Philippines, particularly in the Cordillera region.

As part of her engagement with UP Baguio, the community can look forward to a series of seminar lectures, workshops, mentoring activities, curriculum enhancement initiatives, and
collaborative research opportunities focused on genomics, bioinformatics, microbial ecology,
and antimicrobial resistance surveillance. Collaborative networks and linkages are also
expected to further strengthen regional research and training capacities.

This engagement was made possible through the efforts of Dr. Roland Hipol, current coordinator of the Science Research Center (SRC), who initiated the request during his previous term as Chair of the Department of Biology.

11/05/2026

Wide eyes, tiny hands, and a massive role in our ecosystem! 👀 The Philippine Tarsier is a marvel of evolution, but it is also incredibly sensitive. As a biodiversity hotspot, the Philippines loses 47,000 hectares of forest every year. This Science 11 output highlights how habitat destruction and human disturbance threaten these nocturnal insect-hunters.

Conservation is not just for the big animals. It is for the tiny ones, too!

11/05/2026

A bird that looks like it is wearing its heart on its chest, but its real heartbreak is the loss of its home. 🕊️💔Meet the Luzon Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba luzonica). In this Science 11 output, we explore a staggering reality: this beautiful pigeon is now classified as “Near Threatened,” with only 5,000 to 25,000 mature individuals left in the wild.
As forests are cleared for roads and agriculture, the “blood” on its feathers becomes a symbol of the pressure our local ecosystems are under. It is time to act before these unique colors fade from our forests forever.

11/05/2026

We call it our National Tree, but could you recognize a Narra if you saw one? 🌳🇵🇭 Despite being a symbol of Filipino resilience, Pterocarpus indicus is now critically endangered in the wild. This Science 11 output dives into why this giant is disappearing: illegal logging.

Conservation starts with identification! Let us protect the trees that protect us. 🍃💪

11/05/2026

What happens when the "Green Water" disappears? 🌲💧 In Benguet, only 3% of our forests remain dense and intact. These forests act as a giant sponge, maintaining the moisture our region needs to survive. This Science 11 report explores how the degradation of "closed forests" threatens our watersheds and the very air we breathe in the highlands. ⛰️☁️

It is time to support forest restoration. Our mountains are calling!

11/05/2026

Did you know we have wild cattle that exists nowhere else on Earth? 🐃

✨Meet the Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis). While it may look like a small carabao, it is a completely different species, and it is in trouble. With fewer than 580 left in the wild, this Mindoro icon is at extremely high risk of extinction.

Check out this Science 11 output to see how habitat loss is pushing these majestic creatures to the edge. Let us keep the Tamaraw wild!

08/05/2026

📢 Invitation from the UP Cebu-Department of BIology and Environmental Science!

Join us for the World Expert Lecture Series (WELS)!
The Department of Biology and Environmental Science of UP Cebu invites everyone to the World Expert Lecture Series (WELS) featuring Dr. Stewart Lockie for a timely discussion on “Just Transition and Climate Adaptation.”
Let’s talk about building a fairer, climate-ready future as we explore how communities, environments, and societies can adapt to climate challenges while ensuring no one gets left behind.
📅 11 May 2026
🕜 1:30 PM
📍 Performing Arts Hall
💻 Hybrid via Zoom
Register here: https://forms.gle/m2f1eXLo819wyGrW8
See you! 🌱✨

📢 Join us for the World Expert Lecture Series (WELS)!

The Department of Biology and Environmental Science of UP Cebu invites everyone to the World Expert Lecture Series (WELS) featuring Dr. Stewart Lockie for a timely discussion on “Just Transition and Climate Adaptation.”

Let’s talk about building a fairer, climate-ready future as we explore how communities, environments, and societies can adapt to climate challenges while ensuring no one gets left behind.

📅 11 May 2026
🕜 1:30 PM
📍 Performing Arts Hall
💻 Hybrid via Zoom

Register here: https://forms.gle/m2f1eXLo819wyGrW8

See you! 🌱✨