Institute for Biodiversity and Environment

𝑺𝐶𝑰𝐸𝑵𝑇𝑰𝐹𝑰𝐶 𝑭𝑂𝑹𝑈𝑴

The Institute of Biodiversity and Environment (IBE) in collaboration with the Coleoptera Research Center will be conducting its 2nd Annual Scientific Forum, 𝑲𝑨𝑫𝑨𝑰𝒀𝑨𝑯𝑨𝑵, with the theme, "𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞: 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬, 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬" in conjunction with the Research and Innovation Center's International Conference on Emerging Technologies (ICETI-4) and International Conference on Interdisciplinary Science and Environmental Solutions (ECOTONE-2) this coming April 29, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Cagliari Hall, University of Mindanao, Matina Campus, Davao City.

This event will serve as a platform for sharing valuable knowledge on biodiversity in the Philippines, fostering valuable exchange between experts and the academe.

𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖! 🌳🐞

| 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

This International Women’s Month, we celebrate VP Malen Arquiza, the visionary Vice President for Research and Innovation, whose leadership continues to define excellence, direction, and impact within the institution. With a clear sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to advancement, she transforms bold ideas into meaningful outcomes that strengthen research culture and innovation across all levels.

Her leadership is a testament to what it means to lead with both intellect and inspiration—guiding teams, empowering researchers, and cultivating a thriving environment for discovery. VP Malen stands as a beacon of progress, reminding us that when vision is matched with action, innovation becomes a powerful force for change.

| 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗧𝗦𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗜𝗖

In celebration of International Women’s Month, we proudly recognize Ms. Dyle Legaspi, the Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) Manager of the Research and Innovation Center, whose “ITSOrdinary” dedication transforms everyday support into extraordinary service for innovation and technology advancement. Her commitment ensures the smooth coordination, strengthening, and continuous improvement of ITSO functions in support of RIC’s mission.

Through her commitment, professionalism, and passion for innovation, Ms. Legaspi exemplifies excellence in enabling systems that empower research, creativity, and progress within the institution.

| 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗜𝗖

This International Women’s Month, we celebrate Ma’am Charlyn: The CHArge and CHArm of RIC—a research leader who brings both strength and grace into every endeavor. With her dynamic energy and inspiring presence, she drives innovation forward while creating a collaborative and empowering environment for her team. Her leadership is a perfect balance of passion and purpose, proving that excellence is not only achieved through expertise, but also through the heart.

As a guiding force in research and innovation, Ma’am Charlyn exemplifies what it means to lead with both power and poise. Her “charge” fuels progress, while her “charm” builds connections that make every success meaningful and shared. Today, we honor her unwavering commitment and celebrate the impact she continues to make—reminding us all that true leadership shines brightest when driven by both brilliance and compassion.

| 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗘𝗹: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹

This International Women’s Month, we celebrate Ma’am Chosel: The Woman Who Chose to Excel—a true embodiment of passion, purpose, and perseverance. Her journey reflects a commitment to excellence not just in what she does, but in how she uplifts and inspires those around her. Through her dedication and leadership, she continues to make a meaningful impact in every space she serves.

Her story reminds us that excellence is a choice we make every day—through hard work, resilience, and heart. Today, we honor Ma’am Chosel for choosing to rise, to lead, and to empower others along the way. Truly, she is a testament that when a woman chooses to excel, she creates a ripple of inspiration for many.

𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 🪲

This Women’s Month, the Coleoptera Research Center highlights three Philippine-endemic weevils named after remarkable Filipina women whose legacies have helped shape science and conservation in the country.

These species reflect the impact of women in advancing our understanding and protection of biodiversity:

1. 𝙈𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙘𝙮𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙨 (𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙮𝙘𝙮𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙨) 𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙯𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙚 — honoring National Scientist Dr. Clare R. Baltazar, widely regarded as the “Mother of Philippine Entomology,” for her pioneering contributions to entomological research in the Philippines.

2. 𝙈𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙘𝙮𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙨 (𝙊𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙘𝙮𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙨) 𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙯𝙖𝙚 — named after Sec. Gina Lopez, former DENR Secretary and environmental champion, for her strong advocacy for environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.

3. 𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙮𝙧𝙝𝙮𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙣𝙖𝙚 — named after Dr. Analyn A. Cabras, known among colleagues as the “Queen of Philippine weevils,” in recognition of her work advancing beetle research and conservation, particularly within the tribe Pachyrhynchini.

Through taxonomy, these species names become lasting tributes. They recognize women whose dedication continues to shape science, inspire discovery, and advance conservation.

Happy Women’s Month from the University of Mindanao Coleoptera Research Center!

On this special day, the Institute for Biodiversity and Environment proudly greets Director Conrado Jr B. Panerio, Director of the UM Institute of Social Welfare and Human Development Studies - ISWHD under the Research and Innovation Center.

Your commitment to purposeful leadership and collaborative growth continues to create positive ripples across our academic community. We are grateful for the direction and integrity you bring to your role.

May the year ahead be marked by steady progress, meaningful milestones, and moments of well-deserved celebration.

𝓗𝓪𝓹𝓹𝔂 𝓑𝓲𝓻𝓽𝓱𝓭𝓪𝔂, 𝓢𝓲𝓻 𝓒𝓸𝓷! 🎉🎂