By Mikee Natinga Norico

BS Biology students proudly showcase their plant press creations alongside their professor, Dr. Stella G. Fernandez (wearing a green shirt), and Prof. Cherrylyn M. Macairan (wearing a violet shirt), marking a successful day of biodiversity exploration and environmental awareness at CPU.

On December 10, 2024, the Central Philippine University (CPU) BS Biology, in collaboration with the Sustainable Campus Committee, Life Science Department, Biological Society and the Province of Arts and Sciences Student Council, successfully held Biodiversity on CPU Campus: Exploring and Documenting Flora and Fauna for Environmental Awareness. Held at the Educational Media Center Conference Room, the event was part of the Systematic Biology (SC6 – Laboratory) subject under Dr. Stella G. Fernandez. It aimed to engage students in biodiversity assessment and ecological documentation, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty and environmental value of CPU’s 24-hectare campus.

The morning session began with registration, followed by an opening program that included a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem and Alma Mater Song, facilitated by Mr. John Lei Villar, BSBio Mic 2, and the opening prayer led by Ms. Precy Lass Fontiveros, BSBio Mic 2. Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of CPU Office of Communications and a member of the Sustainable Campus Committee, delivered a devotional emphasizing the sacred responsibility of appreciating and protecting God’s creation. He encouraged the CPU community to view the campus not just as an educational institution but as a sanctuary that reflects God’s glory through its diverse flora and fauna.

Mr. Damaso S. Fuentes, MSc., receives a certificate of recognition and token of appreciation for his insightful lecture on biodiversity in Western Visayas, joined by Prof. Cherrylyn M. Macairan, Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, and Mark Hendrix G. Lapac, President of the CPU Biological Society.

Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa, Chair of the Sustainable Campus Committee, welcomed participants and highlighted the beauty of the CPU campus, with its open spaces and diverse trees that contribute to a relaxing and inspiring learning environment. She commended the event organizers for their efforts in fostering environmental awareness and sustainability and urged students and staff to actively care for CPU’s natural resources. Dr. Romallosa also emphasized the significance of sustainability across all fields of study, stressing the collective responsibility of the CPU community in preserving the environment.

“CPU is blessed with a beautiful campus that provides our students and all our stakeholders with a relaxing vibe, making the university a pleasant place for learning and exploration. Regardless of our course—be it theology, biology, agriculture, engineering, or hospitality management—we all have a responsibility to take care of what we have here, especially on the campus,” she said.

Governor Matthew Dave G. Nalangay of the Province of Arts and Sciences Student Council, in his rationale, pointed out that the event aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). He encouraged participants to explore and document the campus’ biodiversity as both an educational experience and a call to action to protect the environment for future generations.

Mr. AriesNeil Cristales, Vice President for Internal Affairs of the Philippine Speleological Society, is honored with a certificate of recognition and token of appreciation for his enlightening lecture on cave biodiversity, alongside Prof. Cherrylyn M. Macairan, Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, and Mark Hendrix G. Lapac, President of the CPU Biological Society.

In her message, Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Systematic Biology Professor and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the importance of field-based environmental education. She explained that the event aimed to engage students in documenting local biodiversity, fostering experiential learning, and promoting environmental stewardship. Dr. Fernandez highlighted the significance of preserving campus greenery in the face of environmental challenges and expressed hope that the initiative would inspire further conservation efforts within the CPU community, potentially culminating in a coffee table book showcasing the university’s biodiversity.

The morning session also featured presentations by student teams on the diverse species found on campus. Mr. John Lei Villar and his team showcased animals such as the Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis), Asil Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), and Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). Ms. Ricze Ann B. Bendol and her team documented campus mushrooms, including the Wood Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae) and Fan-Shaped Jelly Fungus (Dacryopinax spathularia). Mr. Abmil Jun Atayde and his team presented plant species like the Yellow Bell (Allamanda cathartica) and Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcate). An exhibit was also set up and displayed on the EMC walls, showcasing plant pressings and photographs of collected species, allowing participants to further appreciate the documented flora and fauna.

In the afternoon, the event continued with a lecture series. Mr. Damaso S. Fuentes, MSc., a retired Chief Ecosystems Management Specialist from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6, delivered a lecture on the biodiversity of Western Visayas and the salient provisions of the Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Act. He outlined the diverse ecosystems present in the region, from coastal areas to inland forests, and the importance of preserving these habitats for both ecological balance and sustainable development.

Following Mr. Fuentes’ lecture, Mr. AriesNeil Cristales, Vice President for Internal Affairs of the Philippine Speleological Society, took the stage to speak on cave biodiversity in Western Visayas. Cristales shared his expertise on the unique and often overlooked ecosystems that thrive within the region’s caves. He discussed the diverse species that inhabit these subterranean environments, many of which are specially adapted to the dark, isolated conditions of caves. Cristales explained how caves serve as important biodiversity hotspots, supporting a variety of unique organisms, including species of bats, insects, and microorganisms that play vital roles in maintaining the region’s ecological health.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Cherrylyn M. Macairan, Chair of the Life Science Department, who expressed her gratitude to all the participants and organizers, reinforcing the importance of environmental education and conservation.

The success of the event marks another milestone in CPU’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. As the university continues to nurture students’ academic growth, it also encourages them to become active stewards of the environment, ensuring that future generations inherit a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem.