The Partido State University College of Sustainable of Sustainable Communities and Ecosystems (Caramoan campus) unveiled its newly accoutred state-of-the-art Conservation and Restoration Ecology Laboratory (CaRE Lab) through a ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony on June 3, 2024.
The event was attended by the Commission on Higher Education V Regional Director, Atty. Septon A. Dela Cruz, and the university officials including SUC President III, Dr. Arnel B. Zarcedo; Vice President for Research, Extension, and Knowledge Management, Prof. Patricia M. Candelaria; Vice President for Administration and Finance, Prof. Charlie V. Balagtas; and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Michael A. Clores. Also present during the event were the college deans, students, and faculty members of the campus.
Dr. Clores, the project leader of the lab, extended the gratitude of the university to the Commission on Higher Education Institutional Development and Innovation Grants (CHED IDIG), the Leading the Advancement of Knowledge in Agriculture and Sciences program of CHED (CHED LAKAS), and the internal funding from the university for their support in the research undertakings of the college during his message. He also acknowledged the efforts the faculty and staff who played significant roles in the successful fund acquisition, procurement, and equipment installation.
CHED V Regional Director, Atty. Septon commended the proactive initiative of the college in providing quality education by equipping students with state-of-the-art tools and laboratory equipment. He also recognized the research-oriented goal of the university, not only by having many known researchers in the Bicol region but also by looking for ways and means to complement and enhance existing laboratories, which is imperative for more research activities. He also stressed the need for researchers to submit proposals for potential funding to expand research opportunities.
The newly procured equipment includes a spectrophotometer, compound and stereo microscopes, flow hoods, muffle furnace, centrifuge, incubator, gel electrophoresis, UV transilluminator, and water bath shaker, among others. The laboratory is also equipped with essential fieldwork gear, such as vests, high-cut and low-cut booties, snorkeling gear, and materials and supplies for the conduct of biodiversity assessments.
This event marks a significant step towards realizing the vision of the campus to have a science lab to enhance the quality of learning of the students pursuing a BS in Biology major in conservation and restoration ecology (BS BIOCRE). The initiative also aligns with the vision and mission of Partido State University to offer quality instruction and become a premier research institution in the Bicol region.
-Eljenmer L. Sindo
