UPLB CAS Microbiology Division, IBS

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

𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗰𝗶𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮: 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲?

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), often known as “good bacteria,” are naturally found in many Philippine indigenous fermented foods. These microorganisms help preserve food, improve flavor, and contribute to nutrition. However, some LAB may also carry resistance to certain antibiotics.

Researchers from UPLB-BIOTECH and the UPLB Institute of Biological Sciences, led by Scientist Dr. Rodney H. Perez and MS student Amiel O. Arguil, investigated the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of LAB isolated from Philippine indigenous fermented foods.

Out of 166 LAB isolates screened, 22 showed bacteriocin-producing capabilities, highlighting their potential role in food fermentation and preservation. The AMR profiles of these 22 isolates were tested against seven antibiotics. Results showed that while many isolates exhibited resistance to certain antibiotics, particularly streptomycin, most remained susceptible to penicillin. Further analysis also detected several antimicrobial resistance genes in the isolates.

The study underscores the importance of carefully screening and selecting safe bacterial strains for food fermentation. Through science-based evaluation, the benefits of fermented foods can be harnessed while helping reduce potential risks linked to the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Scan the QR code in the image below to read more about their study.






Text and Art Card: John Paulo S. Quitoriano

𝗨𝗣𝗟𝗕 𝗕𝗦 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗮𝗱 (𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗠𝗢) 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗡𝗖𝗥 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗩-𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆

The competition was held last 24 April 2026 at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta. Mesa. The delegation was composed of three students who competed in the individual category: Ma. Elise Lorraine L. Calcetas, Daryl Angelo B. Fabello, and Yuana Mei S. Marquez; and two teams for the Team Category: Team A (Aerolle John H. Agraba, Alyssa Pauline B. Corona, Jody D. Mateo, and Johnine Denise B. Sta. Cruz) and Team B (Ryan Christian U. Abayan, Ivy Janelle V. Ortiguerra, Jude Justine T. Villaraza, and Alyssa Mae S. Waje).

The students were coached by Assoc. Prof. Glaezel Angelique T. Barredo, Asst. Prof. Jonnel P. Dioso, Asst. Prof. Kristel Mae P. Oliveros, Asst. Prof. Domini Theresa M. Pecundo, and Prof. Rina B. Opulencia.

Team B consisting of Abayan, Ortiguerra, Villaraza, and Waje emerged as Champion in the Team Category and will advance to represent the university this July 2026 in the national leg of the competition, a pre-convention event of the 55th Annual Convention of the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. and the 9th Asia Pacific Biotechnology Congress.

The Microbiology Division extends its congratulations to all its successful examinees in this year's Certification Exam for Registered Microbiologists administered by the Philippine Academy of Microbiology, Inc. last 18-17 January 2026.

We also extend special recognition to Ms. Quincee Beatrice A. Dalangin, (BS Biology major in Microbiology, Class of 2025) and Ms. Renz Miciel M. Trovela (Graduate student, MS Microbiology), who ranked Top 1 (94.08%) and Top 10 (85.90%), respectively, in the examination.

We commend our new registered microbiologists for meeting the standards of the profession and express our hope that they will continue to uphold the university’s values of serving the nation with honor and excellence.

To BS Biology students who will take BIO 198 this Midyear 2026:

The Internship Seminar will be held on 14 May 2026, 1-4 PM at the IBS Main Lecture Hall.

Attendance is strictly required. Please be guided accordingly.