Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
The week-long program, which carried the theme “Resilient Ecologies, Shared Futures: Innovation for Climate and Biodiversity,” gathered 23 student participants from the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Mongolia, and China. Among the 10 Philippine delegates were Ken Bien Mar L. Caballes, a Master of Science in Biology major in Plant Biology student, and Cathyrine C. Pajo, a Doctor of Philosophy in Biology major in Plant Biology student, both from CMU.
According to Caballes, being selected as one of the Philippine representatives allowed him to highlight the biodiversity of Mindanao on an international platform. “It was such a great honor to be one of the representatives of the Philippines at the International Ecology School,” Caballes said.
During the scientific presentation sessions, Caballes presented his research titled “Blooms Beneath the Canopy: Understory Seed Plant Flora and their Ecological Threats in Selected Mountain Ecosystems of Mindanao, Philippines.” His study documented the diversity of understory seed plants in selected mountain ecosystems while drawing attention to the ecological threats facing these important habitats.
Caballes shared that the immersion allowed him to build friendships with fellow ecologists and gain valuable insights into how different countries approach ecological research and biodiversity conservation. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase Mindanao’s rich flora and the contributions of the Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM) and the CMU Plant Biology Division in advancing biodiversity protection.
Meanwhile, Pajo presented her study, “Integrating Ecology and Ex-situ Propagation for Conservation of Endangered Lecanopteris Species,” which explored the integration of ecological research and ex-situ propagation techniques to strengthen the conservation of threatened fern species.
Pajo emphasized that the program offered lessons that extended beyond scientific knowledge. “IES 2026 has taught me lessons that extend far beyond ecology. It reminded me of the importance of humility, collaboration, cultural exchange, and our shared responsibility to conserve the world’s biodiversity,” she said.
She added that meeting fellow participants from seven countries, together with organizers, sponsors, and experts, enriched her perspective as an emerging researcher. According to Pajo, the International Ecology School fostered an environment where young scientists could learn from one another, collaborate across cultures, and grow both professionally and personally.
Throughout the program, participants attended lectures on ecology, biodiversity, and conservation, listened to country presentations on ecological initiatives, visited research facilities at UPLB, and explored ecological sites in Laguna. These activities provided opportunities to exchange scientific knowledge and strengthen regional cooperation in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
The CMU delegation was accompanied by Dr. Victor B. Amoroso, adviser of Pajo, and Dr. Fulgent P. Coritico, adviser of Caballes, who also participated in the program and provided academic mentorship throughout the international event.
Their participation reflects the University’s commitment to developing globally engaged researchers while advancing scientific knowledge and collaborative efforts toward biodiversity conservation.
The University’s participation likewise supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). [Iyren D. Neri]
