The Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS) faculty and researchers were among the awardees recognized by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) as it celebrated its 49th Foundation Anniversary on 21 December 2021. This year’s IBS awardees are Dr. Inocencio E. Buot, Jr. for the 2021 CAS Outstanding Senior Researcher, the Microbiology Division-IBS Microbial Diversity and Biotechnology Research Team for the 2021 CAS Outstanding Research Team, and the Aquatic Zoology Research Laboratory for the 2021 CAS Outstanding Extension Team.
The ceremony also honored IBS retirees including former IBS Director Dr. Merlyn S. Mendioro, Prof. Ivan Marcelo A. Duka, Dr. Roberto C. Reyes, and Ms. Aurelia P. Magpantay.
2021 CAS Outstanding Senior Researcher: Dr. Inocencio E. Buot, Jr.
Dr. Inocencio E. Buot, Jr.
Dr. Buot, a Professor of the Plant Biology Division, has been a UP Scientist since 2009 and has published over 200 articles in peer-reviewed journals about plant ecology and systematics. He has also co-authored 10 books and 13 book chapters, and mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Buot is currently the program leader of CONserve-KAIGANGAN, a biodiversity research program of UPLB and Samar State University (SSU) that aims to assess and conserve the biodiversity in kaigangan, which is the Samar local dialect for forests over limestone. Hoya buotii, a species of Hoya described by an American taxonomist in 2002, was named in his honor.
2021 CAS Outstanding Research Team: Microbiology Division-Institute of Biological Sciences (MCBD-IBS) Microbial Diversity and Biotechnology Research Team
Microbiology Division-Institute of Biological Sciences (MCBD-IBS) Microbial Diversity and Biotechnology Research Team
The Microbiology Division-Institute of Biological Sciences (MCBD-IBS) Microbial Diversity and Biotechnology Research Team earned the Outstanding Research Team award for their significant contribution to microbiological research in the Philippines. Among their research thrusts are the conservation of microbial diversity in various Philippines ecosystems, the discovery of microbial metabolic diversity using genome analysis and their biotechnological potentials. Since 2018, the team has been involved in 17 research projects, published 60 articles in peer-reviewed journals (SCOPUS- and Web of Science-listed), and presented 40 papers in local and international conferences. The members of the team also regularly organize local, national, and international seminars to promote scientific knowledge in the field of Microbiology and other related fields.
2021 CAS Outstanding Extension/Public Service Team: Aquatic Zoology Research Laboratory
Aquatic Zoology Research Laboratory. From left to right: Victor Ticzon (Head of Lab), Estephen Fortela, Maria Eleanor Aurellado, Kent Elson Sorgon, Marion Michael Bacabac, and Jesus Gabriel Fetil.
Headed by Dr. Victor Ticzon of the Animal Biology Division (ABD), the Aquatic Zoology Research Laboratory (AZRL), was established in 2016 to serve as a research and learning laboratory for both faculty and students working on aquatic ecosystems. The lab participates in national assessments of marine habitats, particularly on coral reefs. As part of their capacity-building activities, the AZRL has developed training manuals and regularly conducts short courses on reef fish identification, which are important for coral reef assessment and marine resource management. The lab also provides funding support for both graduate and undergraduate student research, including the presentation of results in national conferences. Current members of the lab are fellow ABD faculty Dr. Maria Eleanor Aurellado and research assistants Kent Elson Sorgon, Marion Michael Bacabac, Jesus Gabriel Fetil, and Estephan Fortela.
Retiree: Dr. Merlyn S. Mendioro
Dr. Merlyn S. Mendioro
Legitimate concern for students and dedication and commitment to hard work – these two values defined the 43 years of service offered by Dr. Merlyn S. Mendioro. Her retirement last January 2021 marked the end of her professional journey which started in 1978 as a research assistant to a research project for seven years before transitioning to the teaching profession. She retired as the director of IBS and a fully accomplished professor of genetics. Among the many awards she has received throughout her journey, she holds close to her heart her most prized accomplishment as an educator being a two-time awardee of the Outstanding Teacher Award. She has received national recognition in the field of research as well after being awarded the Outstanding Young Scientist award in the year 1995 and the first recipient of the Crisostomo B. and Cristina C. Garcia Annual Award for Excellence. She is currently conferred with the title UP Scientist I which span from 2020-2022. Ma’am Merlyn left behind her mark as part of the teaching force of IBS.
Retiree: Prof. Ivan Marcelo A. Duka
Prof. Ivan Marcelo A. Duka
Prof. Ivan Marcelo A. Duka had an outstanding career in the university spanning more than four decades at the Institute of Biological Sciences. He has taught undergraduate courses in genetics, evolutionary, cell and molecular biology. His main research interests were in the fields of Developmental and Molecular Genetics. He has won a number of teaching awards, including twice for the Outstanding Teacher Award in the Biological Sciences, UPLB. He has also garnered the NAST award for Outstanding Published Scientific Paper. Prof. Duka has mentored undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Cell Biology or Genetics. He is the longest serving College Secretary in the CAS (2012- 2020). He has now passed the torch of zeal for teaching, public service, commitment to discipline, and love for country and the university to his former advisees who are now doctors, lawyers, scientists and teachers.
Retiree: Dr. Roberto C. Reyes
Dr. Roberto C. Reyes
Dr. Reyes or Sir Bobby retired in March 2021, capping a 38-year service in the University that began in 1983 as an Instructor for Zoology. His immense contribution to science includes his extensive research in Sericulture from 1995 to 2003 as well as his works on the biology, conservation, and culture of indigenous and ornamental fishes during his time as the Station Manager of Limnological Station from 1997-1999. He has developed a total of 13 Lecture Guide/Syllabus and 3 Laboratory manuals and taught more than 16 different courses under the Animal Biology Division. He surely did touch the lives of his students and peers after his more than three decades of passionate service in the University. Dr. Reyes’ dedication, excellent service and wisdom will be missed and shall serve as inspiration for everyone.
Retiree: Aurelia P. Magpantay
Aurelia P. Magpantay
Known by her colleagues as Tita Au, Aurelia P. Magpantay is a well-loved figure in the Plant Biology Division of the Institute of Biological Sciences. Starting her stint in 1983, she had served as a laboratory technician for 38 years until her retirement last October. Her regular duties included assisting both the faculty members and REPS of her division in processing paperworks and preparing specimens in the Botany Preparation Room used for teaching. Her friendly and cheerful demeanor, very notable not only among the personnel in her division but also among the people in other divisions, had always been very uplifting. Furthermore, many students found her approachable. She will surely be missed.
The CAS 49th Foundation Anniversary Virtual Recognition and Testimonial Ceremonies was streamed on 21 December 2021, 9 AM via the official UPLB CAS Facebook page (fb.com/cas.uplb) and YouTube channel (https://ggle.io/3JUG). (Maria Eleanor Aurellado, Emmanuel Galang, Antonio Rayos, John Daniel Ong, Jhon Michael Castro)
