DLSU Plant and Soil Health Research Unit

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | Dr. Mark Redillas and Dr. Mark Balendres, faculty members of the DLSU Department of Biology and researchers from the DLSU Plant and Soil Health Research Unit, served as resource speakers in separate academic and community engagements.

Dr. Mark Redillas delivered the plenary talk at the Food and Agriculture Research, Marketing, Innovation, and Extension Conference 2026, organized by the College of Agriculture of Caraga State University on May 15, 2026, at CSU in Butuan City.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Balendres delivered a series of lectures on research publication writing during the International Training Workshop on Research Writing, organized by the Professional Organization of Researchers and Educators in the Philippines on May 16, 2026, via Zoom.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE | Do you know the answers to these questions? Give it a go.

1. Which of these is caused by a Fungus?
2. Which of these is caused by a Bacterium?
3. Which of these is caused by a Nematode?
4. Which of these causes discoloration of the vascular bundle?
5. What sign is produced by the pathogen in Photo A?
6. What sign is produced by the pathogen in Photo B?
7. What is the symptom produced by the infected plant of Photo A?
8. What is the symptom produced by the infected plant of Photo B?
9. Name the possible cause of the disease in Photo A.
10. Name the possible cause of the disease in Photo B.

Write your answers in the comment section.

Photos from L. Legarda / DA-RCPC

| As we celebrate this year’s International Day of Plant Health, we proudly shine a spotlight on the passionate Filipino administrators working to protect our plants and secure our food future. Meet Gilda Gabertan, dedicated administrator and Assistant Director of the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry, whose work helps farmers, communities, and future generations by advancing and protecting plant health and sustainable agriculture.

Today, the Plant and Soil Health Research Unit of the Center for Natural Sciences and Environmental Research, De La Salle University, joins the United Nations and the global community in celebrating the International Day of Plant Health!

Healthy plants are more than just part of nature; they are essential to our daily lives. They provide food, clean air, livelihoods, and help protect our environment for future generations. By protecting plant health, we help end hunger, reduce poverty, preserve biodiversity, and strengthen communities worldwide.

As one with the world in this meaningful celebration, DLSU continues to support awareness, research, and action toward a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Some of the Philippines' Most UNWANTED Plant Pathogens | They are not present in the country. We don't want them enter the country. Be vigilant. Know more about them.

𝙓𝙮𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙤𝙨𝙖 | Bacterium
Read: Sicard et al. (2018)
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-phyto-021622-120703

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙮𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙢 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙗𝙞𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙢 | Chytrid Fungus
Read: van de Vossenberg, et al. (2022)
https://doi.org/10.1111/mpp.13183

𝘼𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙖 𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙞 | Fungus
Read: Chock et al. (2020)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2020.105176

𝙏𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙩 𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙪𝙨 | Tobamovirus
Read: Zhang et al. (2022)
https://doi.org/10.1111/mpp.13229

| As we celebrate this year’s International Day of Plant Health, we proudly shine a spotlight on the passionate Filipino researchers and scientists working to protect our plants and secure our food future. Meet Dr. Barbara Caoili, a dedicated Entomologist and Professor from UP Los Baños, whose work helps farmers, communities, and future generations by advancing plant health and sustainable agriculture.

| As we celebrate this year’s International Day of Plant Health, we proudly shine a spotlight on the passionate Filipino researchers and scientists working to protect our plants and secure our food future. Meet Mr. Cris Cortaga, a dedicated Plant Pathologist and University Researcher from UP Los Baños, whose work helps farmers, communities, and future generations by advancing plant health and sustainable agriculture.

| As we celebrate this year’s International Day of Plant Health, we proudly shine a spotlight on the passionate Filipino researchers and scientists working to protect our plants and secure our food future. Meet Dr. Nordalyn Pedroche, a dedicated Plant Pathologist and Professor from Benguet State University, whose work helps farmers, communities, and future generations by advancing plant health and sustainable agriculture.

| As we celebrate this year’s International Day of Plant Health, we proudly shine a spotlight on the passionate Filipino researchers and scientists working to protect our plants and secure our food future. Meet Dr. Jun Acabal, a dedicated Plant Pathologist and Agricultural Center Chief from DA-Regional Crop Protection Center 7, whose work helps farmers, communities, and future generations by advancing plant health and sustainable agriculture.

| As we celebrate this year’s International Day of Plant Health, we proudly shine a spotlight on the passionate Filipino researchers and scientists working to protect our plants and secure our food future. Meet Dr. Robelyn Piamonte, a dedicated Plant Pathologist and Associate Professor from
Visayas State University, whose work helps farmers, communities, and future generations by advancing plant health and sustainable agriculture.

| As we celebrate this year’s International Day of Plant Health, we proudly shine a spotlight on the passionate Filipino researchers and scientists working to protect our plants and secure our food future. Meet Ms. Airene Otanes, a dedicated Plant Pathologist and Instructor from Central Luzon State University, whose work helps farmers, communities, and future generations by advancing plant health and sustainable agriculture.