The Philippines is among the world's 17 megadiverse nations and a declared global biodiversity hotspot. With its distinctive ecosystems and strong endemism, there is a strong need to advance local competence in Systematics, Herpetology, and Biogeography—disciplines which enable scientists to categorize species, comprehend their evolutionary backgrounds, and plot their ecological distributions.

This lecture series addresses that need by combining academic instruction, advanced research, and public engagement. It is intended to support ongoing faculty and student research in biodiversity documentation, conservation of endemic species, and science-based policy development for sustainable environmental management.

The activity brought together 50 participants from different academic institutions and government agencies across the Philippines, including participants from Partido State University, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Cebu Technological University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sultan Kudarat State University, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Pasacao, National Museum of the Philippines, University of Eastern Philippines, and other organizations.

“Exploring Biodiversity Frontiers” is part of an extended research-cum-extension lecture series that seeks to bridge scholarly research and community engagement. It embodies ParSU’s dedication to producing research-informed graduates, fostering scientific dialogue, and building partnerships that support biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

The next lectures in the series will continue to feature relevant and timely topics aligned with the university’s research thrusts and conservation goals.

Article by: Diana Rose P. Campehios, Faculty, CSCE (Caramoan Campus)

To uphold the delivery of quality and transformative forestry education for its students, Partido State University (ParSU) College of Environmental Science and Environmental Design(CESD)Tinambac Campus welcomed the esteemed Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) for the Evaluation of the Application for Issuance of the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) to the Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF).  

Dr. Michael B. Mallari, Education Supervisor of CHED Regional Office V, and Dr. Rusty G. Abanto, RQAT member, conducted an onsite evaluation and ocular inspection of facilities and learning resources to ensure that the program complies with CHED's standards for COPC issuance. 

In his welcome message, ParSU President Arnel B. Zarcedo, EDEL, emphasized that sustainable resource management must be science-based, locally grounded, and future-oriented, forming the BSF's core philosophy. This also forms part of the university's broader vision to become a Center of Excellence in Environmental and Natural Resource Management, a key pillar in the strategic thrust of Partido State University, aiming to position ParSU not only as a provider of quality instruction but also as a driving force in regional and national efforts toward sustainable development. 

Notably, during the exit conference, the RQAT had favorable findings on ParSU's faculty, faculty development initiatives, library facilities, support services, and laboratories, among others. Thus, ParSU's BSF was generally compliant, with recommendations for further improvements, marking a significant step toward obtaining the COPC. 

In response, Yolda T. Abante, MRM, MAN, OIC Dean of the CESD, expressed sincere appreciation for the evaluators' feedback and extended sincere gratitude for the support, hard work, and dedication of all the administration, university officials, Mr. Frances Turiano, Department Chair of CESD, and the CESD faculty and non-teaching personnel, highlighting that this milestone was a result of collective efforts of the ParSU community. 

As the college pushes forward with strengthening its BSF program, the positive result of the visit stands as a testament to ParSU's dedication to providing quality instruction that continually seeks excellence in its service. 

𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵: 𝘔𝘳. 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘛𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘰