UPLB CAS Microbiology Division, IBS

𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗰𝗶𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮: 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲?

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), often known as “good bacteria,” are naturally found in many Philippine indigenous fermented foods. These microorganisms help preserve food, improve flavor, and contribute to nutrition. However, some LAB may also carry resistance to certain antibiotics.

Researchers from UPLB-BIOTECH and the UPLB Institute of Biological Sciences, led by Scientist Dr. Rodney H. Perez and MS student Amiel O. Arguil, investigated the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of LAB isolated from Philippine indigenous fermented foods.

Out of 166 LAB isolates screened, 22 showed bacteriocin-producing capabilities, highlighting their potential role in food fermentation and preservation. The AMR profiles of these 22 isolates were tested against seven antibiotics. Results showed that while many isolates exhibited resistance to certain antibiotics, particularly streptomycin, most remained susceptible to penicillin. Further analysis also detected several antimicrobial resistance genes in the isolates.

The study underscores the importance of carefully screening and selecting safe bacterial strains for food fermentation. Through science-based evaluation, the benefits of fermented foods can be harnessed while helping reduce potential risks linked to the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Scan the QR code in the image below to read more about their study.






Text and Art Card: John Paulo S. Quitoriano

𝗨𝗣𝗟𝗕 𝗕𝗦 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗮𝗱 (𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗠𝗢) 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗡𝗖𝗥 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗩-𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆

The competition was held last 24 April 2026 at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta. Mesa. The delegation was composed of three students who competed in the individual category: Ma. Elise Lorraine L. Calcetas, Daryl Angelo B. Fabello, and Yuana Mei S. Marquez; and two teams for the Team Category: Team A (Aerolle John H. Agraba, Alyssa Pauline B. Corona, Jody D. Mateo, and Johnine Denise B. Sta. Cruz) and Team B (Ryan Christian U. Abayan, Ivy Janelle V. Ortiguerra, Jude Justine T. Villaraza, and Alyssa Mae S. Waje).

The students were coached by Assoc. Prof. Glaezel Angelique T. Barredo, Asst. Prof. Jonnel P. Dioso, Asst. Prof. Kristel Mae P. Oliveros, Asst. Prof. Domini Theresa M. Pecundo, and Prof. Rina B. Opulencia.

Team B consisting of Abayan, Ortiguerra, Villaraza, and Waje emerged as Champion in the Team Category and will advance to represent the university this July 2026 in the national leg of the competition, a pre-convention event of the 55th Annual Convention of the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. and the 9th Asia Pacific Biotechnology Congress.

The Microbiology Division extends its congratulations to all its successful examinees in this year's Certification Exam for Registered Microbiologists administered by the Philippine Academy of Microbiology, Inc. last 18-17 January 2026.

We also extend special recognition to Ms. Quincee Beatrice A. Dalangin, (BS Biology major in Microbiology, Class of 2025) and Ms. Renz Miciel M. Trovela (Graduate student, MS Microbiology), who ranked Top 1 (94.08%) and Top 10 (85.90%), respectively, in the examination.

We commend our new registered microbiologists for meeting the standards of the profession and express our hope that they will continue to uphold the university’s values of serving the nation with honor and excellence.

To BS Biology students who will take BIO 198 this Midyear 2026:

The Internship Seminar will be held on 14 May 2026, 1-4 PM at the IBS Main Lecture Hall.

Attendance is strictly required. Please be guided accordingly.

📢 NEW PUBLICATION ALERT!

"Mapping the Bacterial Diversity and Functional Landscape of the Philippine Bat Gut Microbiome"

Researchers have pioneered a comprehensive look into the "hidden""biodiversity of Philippine bats by mapping their internal microbial ecosystems. Using a 16S-based metataxonomics approach, the study reveals how the gut microbiome of native bats is primarily shaped by their dietary guilds (frugivores vs. insectivores) and sampling locations, highlighting the critical role these microorganisms play in host health and ecological adaptation.

The research provides a baseline for monitoring bat populations across diverse Philippine landscapes, from caves in Quezon to protected areas in Rizal, offering vital insights into wildlife conservation and zoonotic surveillance.

The study was co-authored by Assoc. Prof. Ronilo Jose D. Flores (EBD) and Asst. Prof. Andrew D. Montecillo (MCBD) from the Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Scan the QR code or click the link for the full paper:
https://scienggj.org/2025/SciEnggJ%202025-vol18-no02-p275-294-Santos%20et%20al.pdf

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This research advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Within the unseen world of microorganisms, the Women of IBS - Microbiology Division uncover discoveries that shape health, ecosystems, and daily life.

Guided by this year’s theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas,” they reflect the Babaylans’ role in guiding communities and understanding the natural world. By studying microbes, they reveal the forces that influence health, food systems, and ecosystems, helping society make sense of the unseen.

In the laboratory and the classroom, they inspire curiosity, promote critical thinking, and encourage the next generation to explore the microbial world and apply knowledge to real-world challenges.

Their work is rooted in leadership, research, mentorship, and service, advancing knowledge in every experiment. Their impact is seen in the students they guide, the ideas they spark, and the innovations they help create. In their hands, the microscopic becomes powerful.

𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲, 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲.

✨This post is part of the “Women of IBS” special series for the 2026 National Women’s Month celebration

Women of IBS: Inspiration • Brilliance • Service

Women of Inspiration: Sparking discovery and motivation
Women of Brilliance: Advancing scientific excellence and innovation
Women of Service: Creating meaningful impact through action and sustainable solution

Our BS Biology Program hits another AUN-QA milestone: Programme-Level Recertification! 🎉

AUN-QA (ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance) is a regional quality assurance process that helps harmonize academic standards across ASEAN and supports continuous improvement in higher education.

This is our 2nd AUN-QA programme certification, valid until 13 April 2029.

📢 Attention, BS Biology Students

All BS Biology students who have completed at least 57 units of the prescribed courses from the common curriculum are required to attend the Major Orientation scheduled as follows:

🗓 09 March 2026
⏰ 2:00-4:00 PM
📍 IBS Main Lecture Hall

The major application process will be discussed during the orientation. Additional details regarding the application will be posted soon.

Please stay tuned for further announcements.