UPLB CAS Institute of Biological Sciences

Welcome to Muhamuha du Batanes (Plants of Batanes), the official public awareness campaign of the DOST-PCAARRD-funded project “𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐨”. We’re bringing science closer to you through stories, research, and educational updates.

Follow the page towards floral conservation and discovery!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐡𝐚 𝐝𝐮 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬?

Muhamuha is an Ivatan word that means "plants," making Muhamuha du Batanes literally translate to "Plants of Batanes." It is the official information dissemination and public awareness campaign of the DOST-PCAARRD-funded project, “𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐨.”

The campaign highlights the unique and diverse plant life of Batanes, bringing science closer to the public through accessible stories, research updates, and educational content. By showcasing the rich floral heritage of the islands, Muhamuha du Batanes aims to foster greater appreciation, conservation, and stewardship of one of the Philippines’ most remarkable ecosystems.

Join us as we discover the beauty of Batanes, one plant at a time, and celebrate and protect its natural heritage!

Big congratulations to Assoc. Prof. Ronilo Jose D. Flores on being named the Founding Director of the Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) at UPLB.

The Institute of Biological Sciences proudly congratulates Prof. Rina B. Opulencia, Prof. Vachel Gay V. Paller, and Asst. Prof. John Vincent R. Pleto for their recognition at the 2026 National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines Awards.

The awards will be formally conferred during the NAST Annual Scientific Meeting on 8-9 July 2026.

These recognitions underscore the dedication and excellence of our faculty in research and scientific innovation.

The University of the Philippines Los Baños was recognized as the 2nd Top Performing School (82.26%) in the 2026 Certification Exam for Microbiologists administered by the Philippine Academy of Microbiology, Inc. during the oathtaking ceremony held on 30 May 2026 at SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig City.

The award was received on behalf of the university by Prof. Chrysline Margus N. Piñol, Dean of College of Arts and Sciences, together with Prof. Maria Genaleen Q. Diaz, Institute of Biological Sciences Director, and Prof. Noel G. Sabino, Head of the Microbiology Division.

This recognition reflects the university's commitment to academic excellence and the collective efforts of its students, faculty, and staff.

Photo credits: Mr. Pol Veluz

WE'RE HIRING!

Be one of our Teaching Associates (TA) this coming First Semester AY 2026-2027!
TAs will be given a teaching load of six units with a stipend equivalent to the salary of Instructor 5.
Be part of our growing gene pool! APPLY NOW!

The University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Arts and Sciences will gather its teaching staff for the 𝐂𝐀𝐒 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 with the theme 𝐀𝐦𝐮𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧: 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.

Derived from the Filipino value of collective care and mutual support, amugisan embodies the spirit of collaboration, solidarity, and shared responsibility among members of the College. The theme underscores the importance of fostering stronger institutional connections and cultivating a unified direction in addressing the evolving demands of higher education.

Anchored on this shared commitment, the Conference serves as a platform for meaningful dialogue on instruction, research and extension, public service, and administrative practices. It likewise seeks to examine emerging educational trends, review institutional policies, and formulate strategic directions that will guide CAS toward a more responsive, innovative, and future-ready academic unit.

Interested participants are requested to register through the email sent by the organizing committee. Alternatively, they may click on the registration link below:

🔗 https://forms.gle/2BEwcNJ9n8RKx6jf6

See you on June 23 at the UPLB CAS Auditorium, CAS Faculty Members! 🌿

New butterfly subspecies from the Philippines!

Asst. Prof. Jade A.T. Badon and his former advisee, Samuel John P. Evangelista (BS Biology alumnus, major in Zoology) have discovered a new subspecies of the endemic butterfly, Mydosama georgi sherylae ssp. from Mount Tapulao, Zambales, Luzon Island, Philippines.

This new butterfly is named after Prof. Sheryl A. Yap of IWEP-UPLB, for leading the Mount Tapulao Expedition in 2025.