“We were happy, even excited, that the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao would adopt the MS Biology program. There was never a doubt that we would approve this request,” said UP Diliman Institute of Biology’s Professor Ian Kendrich Fontanilla, the guest of honor at the ceremonial launch of the Master of Science in Biology (MSB) program organized by the Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies (DBSES) on February 17, 2025, at the UP Mindanao College of Science and Mathematics (CSM).
Prof. Fontanilla’s presence and remarks were welcomed by UP Mindanao Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao, Assoc. Prof. Junaldo Mantiquilla, the chairperson of the DBSES, College of Science and Mathematics dean Prof. Cleto Nanola Jr., faculty colleagues, and the pioneer MSB students.
“Prof. Fontanilla was instrumental when the Institute of Biology gave us the green light to pursue the adoption of the existing MS Biology program,” said Prof. Mantiquilla. “There was a cross-matching of courses with the expertise of the existing faculty. That is why we have two specialty tracks, namely, in cell and molecular biology, and the other in ecology and taxonomy” he said.
Prof. Fontanilla cited statistics showing the shortage of Filipino scientists as the reason for their support. “Because of the state of research here in the Philippines, we want more graduates to become professionals who can do research and craft policies for our country,” he said. “We know the role of our scientists, that these are to solve problems and to craft policies based on empirical data.”
Chancellor Murao cited examples requiring more Filipino scientists, such as the hastening decrease of forest cover, resulting in the loss of wildlife habitat and causing emerging zoonotic diseases. “It has a lot of implications globally and locally here in Mindanao. We need to come up with ecologically balanced and sustainable solutions that are aligned with our economic development,” she said. “We are contextualizing the MS Biology program to be more applicable to our situation here in Mindanao. So that our graduates will be ready to face real-world problems and come up with real-world solutions in the field of Climate Change and One Health,” she said.
Prof. Fontanilla added a further suggestion. “I suggest to CSM Dean Cleto Nañola and Chair Mantiquilla to adopt the PhD by Research program from the Institute of Biology. There is no more coursework, and students go straight to the dissertation. That is my offer,” he said.
To the pioneer MSB students, of which three of the 12 were present, he said, “Once you complete your masters, please do consider taking a PhD,” he said.
Dean Nañola likewise directed his closing remarks to the students, saying, “We have explored DOST scholarships that may be available for you. Also, each faculty member has research projects which you may join. Hopefully, these scholarships or research involvements will finance your graduate thesis expenses. However, if there are opportunities for you to continue your studies abroad, go for it. The point is to return as a master’s or a PhD graduate,” he said.
The top photo shows DBSES faculty members (left-right) Rose Catiempo, Aaron Raganas, Lief Gamalo, Junaldo Mantiquilla, UPD IB’s Ian Fontanilla, Chancellor Lyre Murao, Mae Responte, Jasper Mjares, and Dean Cleto Nanola Jr.
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Three of the 12 pioneer MS Biology students
The attendees and participants of the MS Biology launch.