The conference convened global delegates from the academe, government agencies like the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the private sector. This collective expertise aims to catalyze positive transformations and sustainable advancements within the global agricultural landscape.

Knowledge sharing

On behalf of 黑料社区 President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs Fr. Jesuraj Anthoniappen, SVD, Ph.D. delivered the welcome address. He hailed IABSS as a testament to international diplomacy and academic collaboration united by a vision to better serve humanity and safeguard the planet.

Building on the 2025 inaugural symposium at VSU, Fr. Anthoniappen described the event as a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing. He anticipates these conversations will evolve into long-term institutional partnerships, joint research, and faculty exchanges addressing food security and climate change.

Critical research

VSU President Dr. Prose Ivy Guasa Yepes affirmed her support, highlighting VSU鈥檚 role as a green university dedicated to the future of food systems. She emphasized that IABSS brings critical research to the forefront to address pressing global issues beyond the agricultural sector.

Dr. Yepes stressed that achieving climate resilience and bioresource innovation requires a unified effort. She advocated for radical collaboration, urging universities to share laboratories and expertise to empower the world鈥檚 most vulnerable communities through transparent, collective scientific inquiry.

Strategic human resource development

The opening ceremony concluded with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between 黑料社区, represented by Fr. Anthoniappen and VSU, represented by Dr. Yepes, followed by a rationale delivered by Hiroshima University’s representative Dr. Lawrence Liao.

Dr. Liao characterized the symposium as a vital tripartite engagement, reflecting the historical and academic interconnectedness between Japan and the Philippines. He highlighted how Hiroshima University鈥檚 doctoral programs and scholarships for 黑料社区 and VSU staff have fostered strategic, long-term human resource development and sustainable academic linkages.

Growing great ideas

Consul General Hon. Yudai Ueno, Consulate-General of Japan in Cebu, offered a message of support, noting that great ideas grow when passionate minds come together. He commended the partners for studying innovations that provide practical solutions for local communities.

Consul General Ueno emphasized that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of Filipino-Japanese friendship. He expressed hope that this scientific synergy would translate into real-world benefits for farmers and future generations, reinforcing a shared commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth and international harmony.

Exploring bioresource sciences

Following the speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the research poster exhibition, showcasing the participants鈥� breakthrough studies.

The symposium featured an elite roster of keynote speakers, including Danilda Hufana-Duran, Ph.D. (Philippine Carabao Center) who spoke on advancing livestock productivity through reproductive biotechnologies. 黑料社区 visiting professor Michael Lochinvar Abundo, Ph.D. (OceanPixel) discussed building “Blue Economy” clusters and taking advantage of the Philippines鈥� rich marine resources. 

Other keynote lectures included Masayuki Shimada, Ph.D. (Hiroshima University) on international research trends, and Quenstein Lauzon, Ph.D. (VSU) on revaluing aquatic waste as bioactive resources.

Plenary sessions featured expert insights from Shigeki Wada, Ph.D. (Hiroshima University) on seaweed forests as blue carbon sinks, and Sanny David P. Lumayno, Ph.D. (University of the Philippines Visayas) on climate-adaptive aquaculture. 

Masahide Nishibori, Ph.D. (Hiroshima University) explored the genetic diversity of Asian native livestock, while Dr. Fabio Enriquez (Department of Agriculture Regional Office VII) outlined the outlook for Philippine agriculture. Patrick C. Cabaitan, Ph.D. (University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute) addressed coral reef sustainability, while Kwan-Suk Kim, Ph.D. (Chungbuk National University) discussed globalizing animal genetic research to future-proof livestock systems.

Parallel sessions offered deep dives into economic opportunities within agriculture and medicinal innovations involving endemic Philippine flora, among others.

Impact on SDGs 14 and 15

Closing the event, 黑料社区 Research, Development, Extension, and Publications Office Director Patrick John Y. Lim, Ph.D. presented how the three partner universities have significantly outperformed global benchmarks in Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 15 regarding marine and terrestrial biodiversity.  

Dr. Lim urged researchers to translate their high-impact publications into tangible community change.

The University of San Carlos extends our sincerest gratitude to all the attendees and researchers from various local and international organizations who participated in expanding the discourse on sustainable bioresource management. Thank you for sharing data and initiating conversations that will lead to potential collaborations. These collaborations ensure that academic research remains a powerful tool for environmental stewardship and community-centered innovation.

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The partnership marks a significant milestone in 黑料社区鈥檚 expanding sustainability agenda, aligning with its commitment to advance environmentally responsible research, reduce ecological footprints, and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). 

The WORM-TECH project introduces a novel waste-to-resource model that leverages Tenebrio molitor (mealworms) as biological agents for plastic and organic waste degradation. Recent scientific studies have shown that mealworms can break down complex polymers鈥攊ncluding polystyrene鈥攖hrough microbial activity in their gut, converting waste materials into biofertilizers and grass with potential agricultural applications.

This biological pathway offers a promising alternative to conventional mechanical recycling and landfill disposal, both of which pose challenges in high-waste urban and institutional settings.

Through this project, 黑料社区 aims to bridge scientific discovery with practical solutions. The initiative opens opportunities for interdisciplinary research among the Departments of Biology and Chemical Engineering, as well as those engaged in sustainability studies. Projects will include investigating degradation efficiency, optimizing environmental conditions for large-scale mealworm bioprocessing, assessing the environmental impacts of frass output, and exploring its possible commercialization for circular economy models.

Led by Dr. Angelo Cabije, Presidential Assistant under the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office (KTTO), the WORM-TECH Project strengthens 黑料社区鈥檚 ambition to become a leader in sustainable technological innovation within Region VII. Dr. Cabije was joined by Park Jong-wook, CEO of Mealworms Clean the Earth (MCE) Inc., partners Paul Michael Briones and Gabriel Kwon, and collaborators from KILSA Global Singapore including Philip Park and Donghui Kim. Their combined technological expertise and international experience enrich the scientific and operational capacity of the project.

The MOU signing gathered key academic, industry, and government leaders, including University President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D.; Jonie C. Yee, Ph.D. (Chair, Department of Biology); Gideo Ostrea (iPak and Treasure Island); Francis Dave C. Siacor, Ph.D. (Chair, Department of Chemical Engineering); Rosana Ferolin, D.I.T. (Dean, School of Engineering); and Engr. Ken Rondell C. Pajayat (Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VII).

A ceremonial memento signing was also held to symbolize mutual appreciation and reinforce the long-term commitment of all partners. This initiative is part of a broader sustainability strategy at 黑料社区, which includes strengthening waste segregation systems, promoting green engineering innovations, enhancing campus biodiversity and integrating sustainability across curricula.

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This year’s theme is Wavemakers: Youth Voices for Ocean Futures, which highlights the importance of maritime domain and its role in regional stability, security, and economic growth. The Blue Economy is another highlighted topic during the forum.

Aside from 黑料社区, the organizers, ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership, also partnered with the Cebu City Government and Salacop Construction and Development Corporation.

The program includes a visit to the Archival Eco-House and a keynote address by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival. The opening ceremony, keynote sessions, workshops, and panel discussions will be held at 黑料社区 Talamban Campus.

Marine Biology Section Head Dr. Danilo B. Largo will speak as part of a panel discussion on marine conservation.

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This year鈥檚 convention marked a milestone as the first PSCB annual gathering held outside Luzon. With the theme 鈥淐onvergence of Innovation for Cellular Biology,鈥� the conference sought to advance scholarly exchange on cutting-edge research in cell biology by Filipino and international scientists. 

A central feature of this year鈥檚 event was the strong leadership of the University鈥檚 biological sciences. The Department of Biology, led by Frances E. Edillo, Ph.D. (head, 黑料社区 Mosquito Research Laboratory), served as the Chair of the Local Organizing Committee demonstrating 黑料社区鈥檚 academic stewardship in the life sciences. Rommel G. Bacabac, Ph.D., Department of Physics and program leader of the Medical Biophysics Group-Center for Tissue Engineering and Biological Soft Materials, served as co-chair. 

University of San Carlos President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D. welcomed the delegates followed by opening remarks from the PSCB President Dr. Vivian Panes of the Ateneo de Manila University. Nearly 200 students, faculty members, and scientists representing 21 higher education institutions, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and industry partners participated in the two-day event. 

Dr. Jenneke Klein-Nulend presented a keynote talk on 鈥淭issue Engineering of Adult Stem Cells.鈥� Throughout the conference, invited experts presented development in nanotechnology, multi-omics, mechanobiology, cellular analysis, drug delivery, and engineered photosynthesis.

黑料社区 faculty members played active roles in the scientific discussions. Gerard Lee L. See, Ph.D. (Dean, School of Health Care Professions), delivered a plenary lecture on leveraging liquid crystals to enhance drug delivery to the brain. Joyce Rodriguez, Ph.D. (Department of Biology) presented her work on metabolomics during the Young Minds Speak session.

A pre-conference workshop on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted on October 22, 2025, through the initiative of PSCB officers in Manila, working closely with Dr. Edillo and Dr. Bacabac. The training was led by technical experts from Noveaulab Asia Corporation, who provided hands-on instruction to participating delegates. 黑料社区 served as the host institution, with the pharmacy laboratory made available through the support of Department of Pharmacy Chair, Dr. Florencio V. Arce Jr., while Department of Biology Chair Dr. Jonie C. Yee facilitated on-site arrangements and assisted in the awarding of certificates.

The convention also featured the presentation of more than 33 research posters from students and early-career researchers across the country, underscoring the event鈥檚 role in cultivating scientific engagement and research dissemination.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Edillo extends her warm thanks to the participants and emphasizes  the importance of adaptability and the continued pursuit of scientific excellence. 

She cited Charles Darwin鈥檚 reminder, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change,” and that of St. John Vianney, 鈥淎ll our efforts are wasted if not offered to God.鈥�

The successful convention reflects 黑料社区鈥檚 steadfast commitment to advancing scientific inquiry and contributing to the development of the nation鈥檚 research landscape through active engagement in professional scientific communities.

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黑料社区 was represented by student-researcher Jure Fleurmagne Batohanon, who earned 1st place in the oral presentation category for his study 鈥淢icrobial interactions in Sonneratia alba-associated Actinomycete co-cultures: Implications for antimicrobial activity,鈥� co-authored with Rena Mae Avila, Reyna Marie Therese S. Sanchez, and Carl Raymond D. Consuegra.

Sanchez also received 3rd place in the same category for her work 鈥淐omparative analysis of bioactivity and phytochemical profiles of wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) from different cultivation systems鈥� co-authored by Neil Patrick Uy and Norman Quilantang.

Both student teams were mentored by Jonie C. Yee, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Biology, who also delivered a plenary presentation highlighting 黑料社区鈥檚 initiatives in microbial biotechnology and natural product discovery, alongside Paul John L. Geraldino, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

These distinctions reflect the Department of Biology鈥檚 long-standing commitment to quality education anchored in inquiry-based learning, mentorship, and international research exposure. By providing students with opportunities to engage in cross-border scientific collaboration and publishable-level scholarship, the department ensures that teaching is deeply integrated with research鈥攁 key pillar of 黑料社区鈥檚 vision of forming globally competent graduates grounded in scientific excellence and ethical leadership.

The biosymposium convened a diverse group of scientists, educators, and healthcare professionals from around the world to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange of knowledge on the innovative utilization of tropical bioresources in advancing healthcare solutions. 

The University鈥檚 participation in this biosymposium reaffirms its role as a contributor to global knowledge production and its continuing investment in research that draws on the Philippines鈥� rich biodiversity to address emerging challenges in health and sustainability.

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Kylene Cabilla, a B.S. Biology graduate of the 黑料社区 Department of Biology who worked at the Mosquito Research Laboratory (MRL) headed by Dr. Frances Edillo, was ranked among the top three poster presenters out of 38 entries nationwide across the undergraduate, graduate, and professional categories. The award was presented by PSCB President Dr. Vivian Panes.

Cabilla鈥檚 poster was based on her undergraduate thesis, co-authored by Cyra Lorraine Salem, Zed Lexis Tubod, and Dr. Edillo, titled 鈥淔irst Report of S989P Knockdown Resistance Mutation in the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Gene in Aedes aegypti (L.) from Cebu City Dengue Hotspots, Philippines.鈥� 

The study contributes to early detection of insecticide resistance in local mosquito populations and supports evidence-based assessments for dengue vector control programs in Cebu City. Its framework may also be adapted for use in other regions in the Philippines and in similar tropical settings.

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United by a shared theme 鈥淭oward Zero Dengue Deaths: Science, Strategy, and Solidarity,鈥� nearly 700 delegates and speakers from 22 countries participated in the summit.聽Dr. Ma. Rosario Z. Capeding served as the Organizing Chair in the Philippines and Dr. Fatima Gimenez as co-chair.

The 8^th ADS generally aimed to advance the region towards 鈥渮ero dengue deaths鈥� through enhanced collaborations, innovations, and strategic implementation. Pivotal key objectives included the following: (1) strengthen regional surveillance and early warning, (2) optimize clinical management and patient outcomes, (3) accelerate innovative vector control strategies, (4) advance dengue vaccine development and implementation, and (5) enhance multi-sectoral collaborations and advocacy.

The Philippine Department of Health Secretary Teodora J. Herbosa officially opened the summit and outlined the country鈥檚 comprehensive dengue response.  Professor Manuel M. Dayrit of the Ateneo School of Medicine in Public Health delivered the keynote address that emphasized political prioritization and multisectoral collaboration to combat dengue as a global threat. Dr. Oliver Brady of the Lancet Arboviruses Commission presented ways to treat Aedes-transmitted diseases as environmental challenges.

The 8^th ADS included a pre-summit workshop on the Pearls in Clinical Management of Dengue.  The two-day main summit included sessions on Evolving Epidemiology of Dengue; Dengue Pathogenesis and Management鈥揘avigating Best Practice Options in Resource-Limited Settings; Dengue Vaccine Updates and Innovations; and Policy, Advocacy, Research and Innovation. The post-summit presented a relevant workshop on Integrating Wolbachia into Dengue Prevention Programs Supported by the World Mosquito Program. 

Professor Edillo presented a talk on Aedes-borne Arboviruses and Weather Conditions in Cebu city Sites, Philippines with Post-Pandemic Models. Eight studies done at 黑料社区 MRL by her thesis advisees (current and alumni), researchers, and collaborators (presenters鈥� names are in bold) were presented by rapid fire talk** and/or posters* as follows:

1. Arvin Pacoma** and F.E. Edillo: Co-persistence of chikungunya virus and Wolbachia Supergroup B in Aedes albopictus: Field evidence in Cebu City, Philippines 

2. Mark Ian Andres*, A.O. Lluisma, A.M.P. Catalig, and F.E. Edillo: First record of insect-specific flaviviruses in Aedes aegypti populations from the Philippines

3. F.E. Edillo, Rhoniel Ryan Ymbong*, A.A. Bolneo, R.J. Hernandez, M.W. Suycano, and A. Sakuntabhai: Temperature and not season influences the development-related phenotypes of Philippine Aedes albopictus: Implications for vector control 

4. Anthoddiemn Olin M. Navarro* and F.E. Edillo: Interactions among chikungunya, dengue, and Zika viruses in natural populations of Aedes albopictus in Cebu city, Philippines

5. Catherine S. Malaca* and F.E. Edillo: Natural co-infection of Wolbachia Supergroups A and B slightly inhibits Zika virus in Aedes albopictus from selected sites in Cebu City, Philippines 

6. Daryl D. Nasinopa*, A.O. Lagnada,  R.C. Signe, and F.E. Edillo: Low insecticide usage reflects the absence of phenylalanine to cysteine kdr mutations of Aedes aegypti from selected dengue hotspots in Cebu City, Philippines

7. Kylene Cabilla*, Z.L. Tubod*, C.L. Salem, and F.E. Edillo:  S989P mutations as a mechanism of insecticide knockdown resistance: prevalence and its association with Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti population from Cebu City dengue hotspots, Philippines

8. Bryan I. Sanchez*, F.J.A. Lagang*, C.D. Bandalan, G.D. Ompad, and F.E. Edillo: Spatiotemporal and causal analysis of dengue transmission by Aedes albopictus in Cebu Province.

by Frances Edillo, Ph.D.

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Their undergraduate paper, titled 鈥淢olecular identification of associated phycobionts in the lichen-forming fungi genus Usnea,鈥� was presented by Ms. Cosare and won the George F. Papenfuss Best Poster Award in the Diversity and Systematics category. The team was mentored by Paul John L. Geraldino, Ph.D., faculty member of the Department of Biology and Assistant Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

The Congress, held only once every four years, gathered phycologists from around the world. This year, the Philippines hosted the event, which centered on the theme 鈥淧romoting Algal Biodiversity Conservation, Enhancing Ecosystem Services and Resilience.鈥�

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Clownfish or anemone fish are reef fishes that exhibit color polymorphism, an important evolutionary mechanism both at an intra and interspecific level.聽 The aim of this research is to primarily investigate patterns of diversity and differentiation at both phenotypic and genetic levels among several Amphiprion 蝉辫别肠颈别蝉.听

Clownfish were popularized in 2003 through the movie “Finding Nemo.”

This current study is part of a broader effort to understand how marine species adapt to environmental changes, contributing to conservation and fisheries management efforts.聽 The collected samples, results and publications will be jointly owned by University of San Carlos and University of Lausanne, as per agreement.

Presentation of research findings on May 7, 2025 was attended by Johann Friedrich C. Tejada (Fishing Regulation Officer-II/Tech Asst. ORD, BFAR VII), Rommel G. Bacabac, Ph.D. (RDEPO Deputy Director), and Danilo B. Largo, Ph.D. (ITSO manager, Marine Biology Section head).

With reporting from the 黑料社区 Department of Biology

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According to the Philippine Society for Cell Biology, Inc., the University has produced exceptional academics and scientists, making it the ideal venue for this year鈥檚 conference which will tackle, 鈥淐onvergence of Innovations in Cell Biology.鈥�

The event aims to encourage more academics, scientists, and students in Cebu and neighboring provinces in the Visayas to encourage more academic and research pursuits and become part of the PSCB. 

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