SYMBION

From May 6–7, the 4th year BS Biology students of Iloilo Science and Technology University took learning beyond the classroom through a two-day educational tour for the course Agricultural Biotechnology. The first day at ISAT U Leon Campus immersed students in hands-on agricultural practices and lectures, where they explored biofertilizer fermentation, grafting, and vermicomposting. The tour also introduced students to the campus’ different agricultural facilities, giving them a closer look at livestock management, crop production, and sustainable farming practices in action.

The second day was spent at DA WESVIARC, where students were exposed to innovative agricultural technologies and research-driven facilities such as the Smart Greenhouse, Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, R&D Center for Organic Agriculture, and the Regional Crop Protection Center. Through insightful lectures and interactions with the Department of Agriculture personnel, the tour became more than just a visit—it became an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of agricultural biotechnology and witness how science, research, and innovation contribute to building a more sustainable future for agriculture.

Our sincere gratitude goes to ISAT U Leon Campus, particularly Mr. Lester Legaspi and Mr. Rey Cantero, and to the DA WESVIARC team — Ms. Nona Jean Cansancio, Mr. John Rey Goluyani, Ms. Kenneth Joy Panes, and their dedicated staff. Thank you for your warm hospitality and for bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world innovation. This experience has truly redefined our perspective on the future of biotechnology.

Caption: Bea Marie C. Hilaos
Photos: BSBIO 4-A

✨ 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐂𝐒𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐒! ✨

Last March 8, 2026, the 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 𝐏𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 (𝐂𝐒𝐄-𝐏𝐏𝐓) was taken by thousands of aspiring public servants across the country, with a nationwide passing rate of 𝟏𝟓.𝟖𝟓% 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 (48, 735 passers out of 307,489 examinees). Despite the challenge, our very own Biology students have proven their dedication, determination, and excellence as they successfully passed the exam the 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥. 🌿📜

We proudly recognize the following passers:

𝐁𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐡𝐢𝐠 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟏𝐀
𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐀𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐬 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟐𝐀
𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐋𝐲𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐬 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟑𝐀
𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐣𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟑𝐀
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐝𝐨 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟑𝐀
𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟑𝐀
𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐲 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐳𝐢𝐚𝐡 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐣𝐚𝐧𝐨 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐟𝐨 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐆𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐚 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐝𝐨 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐁𝐞𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐨𝐬 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐝𝐨 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐲𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐣𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐣𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐢 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐧𝐚 𝐋𝐲𝐦 𝐏𝐞ñ𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐊𝐲𝐥𝐚 𝐆𝐚𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀
𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞 - 𝐁𝐒𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝟒𝐀

Your achievement reflects not only your hard work but also your commitment to growth and service. As future professionals in the field of science and the community, this milestone marks the beginning of a greater path toward leadership, responsibility, and public service. 🇵🇭💼

To our passers—may you continue to embody resilience, compassion, and excellence in all your pursuits. Your success inspires your fellow Biology students to keep striving and believing in their own potential. 🌱

We are all so proud of you. Padayon, Biologists! 💚🤍

Layout: Rocel Paltu-ob

𝗦𝗬𝗠𝗕𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗟𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗔𝗻 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗴𝗼’𝘀 𝗢𝗱𝘆𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱

The SYMBION Lecture Series proudly returned with a captivating lecture that highlighted the essence of scientific exploration and resilience.

Dr. Dennis B. Bela-ong, a PhD graduate from Technical University of Denmark, shared his remarkable journey across laboratories and continents. His expertise in microRNA regulation during viral infections, utilizing fish models, has opened new avenues for understanding immune responses and molecular biology last May 6, 2026 at SSB Hall, ISAT U.

In his talk, “An Ilonggo’s Odyssey through Science and Beyond” Dr. Bela-ong recounted vivid experiences of laboratory breakthroughs, the excitement of qPCR advancements in RNA regulation, and explaining innovative studies on antibodies and hagfish variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs). These unique immune molecules, holds significant promise for biotechnological applications, including novel strategies to combat aquaculture pathogens.

Dr. Dennis B. Bela-ong emphasized how viruses, often seen only as threats, can actually serve as powerful tools in research—especially in unlocking the secrets of antibodies and immune molecules. By studying viral interactions, his work sheds light on how antibodies and hagfish VLRs can be harnessed for biotechnology and aquaculture, turning challenges into opportunities for innovation and resilience.

His lecture was not just a recounting of experiments; it was a narrative of perseverance, discovery, and vision. For student researchers and aspiring changemakers, it offered not only valuable knowledge but also inspiration to pursue bold ideas in fish pathology, molecular biology, and aquaculture innovation.

With this impactful session, the SYMBION Lecture Series reaffirms its role as a premier platform for intellectual exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing research in Philippine aquaculture.






Photos by Meland Areno
Captions by Jea Rose Baitan

Congratulations, future ISAT U biologists!

See you! 😉

ATTENTION: All Incoming First-Year Applicants for Academic Year 2026-2027

RESULTS ARE OUT!

For Applicants Qualified for Enrollment for All Programs under CEA, COE, CCI, CAS, CIT, & CGBE. You may now check your result at the ISAT U Admission Portal using this link: https://applicants.isatu.edu.ph/

Kindly prepare the following requirements and submit them to the Office of the University Registrar on MAY 11–14, 2026 ONLY (make sure to follow your college schedule stated on the portal). FAILURE TO SUBMIT ON TIME WILL RESULT IN THE FORFEITURE OF YOUR SLOT, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN TO WAITLISTED APPLICANTS.

For Senior High School Graduates:
1. Pre-Registration Form and Information Sheet (available at the Office of the University Registrar)
2. Original Copy of Senior High School Report Card
3. Good Moral Certificate
4. Original Copy of PSA/Birth Certificate
5. Photocopy of PSA/NSO Marriage Certificate (for married women student)

For Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Assessment Completers and Passers:
1. Pre-Registration Form and Information Sheet (available at the Office of the University Registrar)
2. Certificate of Rating and Certification of Passing the ALS
3. Good Moral Certificate
4. Original Copy of PSA/Birth Certificate
5. Photocopy of PSA/NSO Marriage Certificate (for married women student)

Note: Students who qualify for enrollment must secure the Pre-Registration Form and Information Sheet from the Office of the University Registrar during their designated schedule for submitting enrollment requirements.

Applicants who did not receive an Enrollment Status will have their second preference evaluated for possible consideration in the second batch of interviews, which will be released on May 12, 2026.

Get the latest news here | www.isatu.edu.ph
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[RESCHEDULED]

| 𝐒𝐘𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 🔬

The SYMBION Lecture Series is pleased to inaugurate its new season with a distinguished lecture by 𝐃𝐫. 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐚-𝐨𝐧𝐠.

Dr. Bela-ong, a PhD graduate from Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (Technical University of Denmark), specialized in microRNA regulation during viral infections using fish models. He now researches hagfish variable lymphocyte receptors and their biotechnological applications at Gyeongsang National University in the Republic of Korea.

In his upcoming lecture, "𝘼𝙣 𝙄𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙜𝙤’𝙨 𝙊𝙙𝙮𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙," Dr. Bela-ong shares the twists, triumphs, and "what ifs" of his global journey. Expect vivid tales of lab epiphanies, the thrill of breakthroughs in viral immunology, comparative immunology, RNA regulation, and visions for harnessing immune-based tech against infectious diseases. For student researchers interested in infection, molecular biology, and biotechnology, it's not just a talk—it's inspiration fuel.

The SYMBION Lecture Series, a premier platform for advancing discourse in the biological sciences, has selected an exemplary speaker for its resumption. Following a period of hiatus, the series reconvenes to stimulate intellectual exchange, promote interdisciplinary collaborations, and advance research in Philippine aquaculture.

𝘿𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙙𝙮𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙮 – 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚! 🧪

🗓️ May 6, 2026
🕝 2 PM - 4 PM
📍 SSB Building, ISAT U

𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝: 𝐒𝐘𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫

The SYMBION is deeply honored to have been invited to participate in the "Flowing Forward: The Iloilo Esplanade Journey as a Blueprint for Batiano" forum, held earlier today, April 30, 2026, at the Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City. This collaborative event, organized by the Iloilo City Waterways Development Council, represents a significant milestone in our collective commitment to advancing sustainable and resilient urban river systems.

We were eager to delve into the "Grey to Green" methodology and the strategic application of Planned Unit Development (PUD) protocols as highlighted throughout the sessions. The opportunity to gain technical and policy insights from landscape architect Arch. Paulo Alcazaren, who designed the Iloilo Esplanade, has been invaluable to our President, Sergio Louis M. Delgado, Vice President for Extension, Rocel D. Paltu-ob, and the faculties from the Natural Science Department.

Engaging with these expert perspectives has allowed us to better understand how to harmonize infrastructure development with the unique ecological characteristics of the Batiano River system. As we continue to be at the forefront of environmentalism, we are excited to collaborate and contribute in the best way possible to the restoration of biological life in the Batiano River.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐘𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐍'𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬!

Heartfelt birthday wishes to 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚 𝐀𝐫𝐠𝐚ñ𝐨𝐳𝐚, Adviser, and 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐚𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐚, Co-Adviser of SYMBION. As exemplary advisers, your strategic vision, inspirational guidance, and commitment to excellence drive SYMBION's success and elevate biology at ISAT U. May this day bring you joy, fulfillment, and strength for future triumphs!

-xoxo, SYMBION Officers

Guardians of the Coast, Leaders in Action 🌱🌊

The 4th Year BS Biology students of Batch Praeclarius carried out a mangrove planting and coastal clean-up in Dumangas, Iloilo last April 25, 2026—demonstrating their commitment to environmental conservation through hands-on action. Working along the shoreline, the group actively planted mangrove seedlings to help restore degraded coastal areas while also collecting and properly disposing of waste scattered along the coast. These efforts play a crucial role in strengthening natural coastal defenses, supporting marine biodiversity, and promoting a healthier ecosystem for local communities.

More than just an activity, it was a shared experience that highlighted the importance of unity, responsibility, and applying scientific knowledge in real-world environmental challenges.






Captions by Charlene Ferro
Photos by Khyanna Bantolo, Jen-K Altillero, Romeo II Elarmo

𝐁𝐒 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

We are pleased to announce that the interviews for qualified applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Biology program at ISAT U were successfully conducted over April 25-26, 2026. This rigorous selection process highlights the dedication and potential of our prospective students in the field of biotechnology.

The SYMBION would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the qualified applicants on this remarkable achievement! Best wishes as you embark on your journey with the BS Biology program at ISAT U, hopefully. Joining a proud legacy of biologists, you will hone skills in experimental design, scientific communication, and cutting-edge research—driving real-world impact in the Philippines and beyond.

See you, future ISAT U biologists!

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬 𝐒. 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨!

The SYMBION and BS Biology Program at ISAT U extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Francis Legario on his groundbreaking research, now published in the high-impact, gold open-access journal Microbial Genomics. This collaborative study—led by Dr. Chris Payne and Prof. Mags Crumlish of the University of Stirling's Institute of Aquaculture, featuring Dr. Legario's key contributions—unveils genomic variability in 𝘈𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘴 populations, novel sequence types in the Philippines, country-specific mobile genetic elements, and widespread multidrug resistance across Southeast Asian aquaculture.

The program expresses deep gratitude for Dr. Legario, not only as an active professor molding future biologists, but as a dedicated researcher advancing global research and development.

Dr. Legario's work continues to stand as a beacon for ISAT U's BS Biology Program, igniting student passion for aquaculture genomics and antimicrobial challenges. As his discoveries ripple through global research, they fortify Southeast Asia's farms against silent threats, proving one professor's vision can safeguard food systems and inspire a new era of Filipino scientific excellence. SYMBION and the program remain profoundly grateful for his enduring legacy.

Once again, congratulations, Dr. Francis! You embody the program’s mantra: 𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙪𝙨 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤!

The publication can be accessed directly and downloaded:
https://doi.org/10.1099/mgen.0.001618

🖼️&✍️: Sergio Louis M. Delgado