Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
The Center of Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM) of Central Mindanao University celebrated its 13th anniversary and spearheaded the International Scientific Conference on Biodiversity at the Farmers Training Center on November 13-14, 2024.
This year’s theme, “Be part of the Plan: Bridging Communities and Innovative Technologies for a Collective Approach to Biodiversity Conservation,” is aligned with the 2024 International Biodiversity Day’s call to action in stopping and reversing biodiversity loss.
University President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, during his welcome remarks, commended CEBREM’s efforts in promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental preservation.
“CEBREM has been a leader in fostering innovative research, community engagement, and impactful programs that safeguard our rich natural heritage,” Dr. Eballe said.
Meanwhile, CEBREM Director Dr. Florfe C. Acma shared in her opening remarks that the conference is hoped to gather stakeholders and provide an avenue for sharing knowledge, research findings, and insights on biodiversity.
Dr. Yong-Chao Su, the Executive Director of Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association Kaohsiung, Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology of Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan, graced the event as the keynote speaker. An insect and spider genomics researcher, Dr. Su, presented his study “Phylogenomics of the Apis Honeybee Species using Target Sequencing,” wherein the results can help in understanding the gene pool boundaries of Apis species and in the conservation of such pollinators.
Furthermore, six plenary sessions were also conducted, which explored four major topics: biodiversity knowledge generation, biodiversity utilization alternatives, community-based biodiversity and forest conservation, and developing biodiversity technologies. The plenary topics were:
“Bridging the Gap: Effective Science Communication for a Biodiversity-Conscious Public” by Dr. Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo
“Phytochemistry and Biofunctions toward Taiwan KBCC Nepenthes Plants” by Dr. Fang-Rong Chang
“Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Agriculture and Education through School-plus-Home Gardening” by Ms. Anna Gale C. Vallez
“Partnering for Biodiversity: Sustainable Cultivation of Botanical Colorants and Flavor Crops” by Dr. Vergel C. Concibido
“Grounding Biodiversity Research in Culture-Based Conservation” by Mr. Robert Mansalo-on Cahapon
“Unlocking Nature’s Potential: Anticancer Compounds from Annona muricata” by Dr. Gladys Cherisse J. Completo
The conference also held oral and poster presentations and Young Minds Biodiversity Reports, which featured research outputs of high school students from different parts of the country.
Another highlight of the conference is the first leg of the Clare R. Baltazar Memorial Symposium Series arranged by the Association of Systematic Biologists of the Philippines (ASBP). The symposium, held in honor of the late entomologist Dr. Clare R. Baltazar, featured a discussion on Conservations in Biodiversity Science.
The event was organized in coordination with the Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Mindanao University Faculty Association Incorporated, Center for Geomatics Research and Extension in Mindanao, and College of Agriculture. [Johnica Chantal G. Montero]
