The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) BS Biology program in the College of Arts and Sciences hosted a successful academic engagement on April 16, 2026, titled “Connecting Ideas: Advancing Biosystematics & Entomology Through Classroom Interaction & Collaborative Sharing of Best Practices.”
Spearheaded by Dr. Charo Rojas, the event united BS Biology faculty and students with peers from BS Environmental Science (led by Dr. Cristy Venezuela) and BS Marine Biology (led by Prof. Antonio Ayop), and Alexandria Blake Cay Real-Pisalbo, Focal Person for International Affairs. Activities were held at the UNP Science Complex and Caniaw Heritage & Forest Park in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, blending classroom talks and field experiences.
Guest speakers from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)—Dr. Fiffy Hanisdah Binti Saikim, ITBC Director, and Dr. Mahadimenakbar bin Mohamed, Associate Professor—shared expertise. Morning sessions ran in parallel: Dr. Mahadimenakbar discussed “Ecosystem Health & Biodiversity Monitoring” at Caniaw, while Dr. Fiffy presented “Harvesting Change: Empowering Communities Through Nature-Based Solutions” at UNP.
Afternoon sessions reconvened everyone for insights on research, teaching, and cross-border collaboration between UNP and UMS.
This initiative advances UNP’s internationalization goals, enriching students and faculty while building a global research network rooted in innovation and impact.
Article by Daren Dawn Avila.
