The University of San Carlos through the Department of Biology participated in the 2nd Core-to-Core International Biosymposium with the theme 鈥淗arnessing the Potential of Tropical Bioresources to Enhance Future Healthcare,鈥� held in Bali, Indonesia last October 16鈥�17, 2025.
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.