By Franz Ahronn A. Anabo
On August 3, 2026, Biology students, faculty members, and partner agencies took a photo opportunity to commemorate the successful completion of the internship program.
The Central Philippine University Life Sciences Department, in collaboration with the CPU Biological Society, successfully held the 2026 On-the-Job Training (OJT) Culminating Activity on August 3, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Educational Media Center. The event brought together faculty members, partner agencies, 3rd-year Biology students, and 4th-year Biology interns to celebrate the successful completion of the interns’ on-the-job training while reflecting on the knowledge, skills, and professional values they gained throughout their internship journey. It also provided junior Biology students with valuable insights into the internship experiences and opportunities that await them.
The program commenced with a heartfelt prayer, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the CPU Alma Mater Song. Asst. Prof. Ruth Abeco Monares, Officer-in-Charge of the College of Arts and Sciences, then delivered the opening remarks, warmly welcoming everyone to the culminating activity and recognizing the interns’ dedication throughout their on-the-job training. She acknowledged the importance of internships as opportunities for students to expand their knowledge, develop practical skills, and prepare for their future careers.
Following the opening remarks, participating agencies were formally introduced before the spotlight shifted to the student interns, who delivered 21 internship presentations showcasing their experiences, responsibilities, acquired competencies, and personal growth across the fields of Microbiology and Medical Biology.
Representing the Microbiology specialization were students assigned to the Department of Science and Technology – Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories VI (Microbiological Testing Laboratory), Herbanext Laboratory Inc., CARES Research and Development Center, Stat Lab (Main and Pavia Branches), Guimaras Specialist Medical Center, Inc., Unilab–Amherst Parenterals Inc., Clinica Palao, Ultracare Diagnostic Center, Inc., DENR Environmental Management Bureau, E&S Food Products Inc., ZSO Diagnostics, and Western Visayas Medical Center. Their presentations highlighted laboratory techniques, quality assurance, diagnostic testing, environmental monitoring, and food and pharmaceutical microbiology.
Meanwhile, interns from the Medical Biology specialization shared their experiences from Iloilo Mission Hospital, Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Medical Center, Don Marcelino Super Rural Health Center, Medicus Medical Centre, CPU Clinical Laboratory, Dr. Arturo P. Pingoy Medical Center, Don Salvador Benedicto Memorial District Hospital, and Western Visayas Medical Center. Their presentations reflected meaningful exposure to clinical laboratory procedures, diagnostic services, patient care support, and healthcare operations.
The presentations were followed by response messages from partner agency representatives. Ms. Eden Shiz A. Parpa, Training Specialist of Western Visayas Medical Center; Ma. Regina G. Coniza, Director of the Nursing Service Office of Iloilo Mission Hospital; and Mr. Jose Maria R. Zabate, Laboratory Analyst and Quality Assurance Officer of E&S Food Products Inc., commended the interns for their professionalism, eagerness to learn, and adaptability throughout their training. They also encouraged the students to uphold integrity, competence, and lifelong learning as they prepare to enter their respective professions.
Following the agency responses, intern representatives took the stage to share their reflections on behalf of their respective specializations. Representing their respective tracks, Kiara Beatriz A. Bonifacio for Microbiology and Justine Ken T. Ricaforte for Medical Biology delivered heartfelt messages on behalf of their fellow interns. They reflected on the challenges and memorable experiences encountered during their internship while expressing gratitude to the faculty members, agency supervisors, mentors, and classmates whose guidance contributed to their professional and personal growth. The program then proceeded with the awarding of certificates, recognizing the successful completion of the interns’ on-the-job training and the support of the participating agencies.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Laureen B. Manalo, Chairperson of the Life Sciences Department, who congratulated the interns for reaching another milestone in their academic journey. She encouraged them to carry forward the knowledge, discipline, and values they cultivated during their internships as they continue to pursue excellence in biology, healthcare, research, and industry.
The 2026 On-the-Job Training Culminating Activity served as a celebration of the students’ achievements and a testament to the strong collaboration between the CPU Life Sciences Department, the CPU Biological Society, and their partner institutions. Through this collaboration, the CPU Life Sciences Department and its partner institutions continue to equip Centralian Biology students with the knowledge, skills, and professional values needed to excel in research, healthcare, industry, and public service.