SU Biology graduates present research at Asia-Pacific microbiology congress
Two recent graduates of the Silliman University (SU) Biology Department presented their undergraduate research at the 9th Asia Pacific Biotechnology Congress and 55th Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting of the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. (PSM), held July 14-17, 2026, at the De La Salle University Laguna Campus.
Hannah Livestre and Mary Justine C. Saquin, both March 2026 BS Biology graduates, participated in the non-competing, non-professional poster presentation category. Their research was among around 200 abstracts submitted for consideration and accepted for presentation at the convention.
Titled “The Isolation of Coliphages from Selected Dumaguete Agricultural and Domestic Wastewater Sources for Potential Biocontrol Applications,” the study was conducted by Livestre and Saquin under the guidance of Dr. Socorro Z. Parco of the SU Biology Department.
The study explored coliphages, viruses that infect and destroy coliform bacteria such as Escherichia coli, isolated from selected agricultural and domestic wastewater sources in Dumaguete. Results showed that the isolated coliphages were capable of reducing E. coli loads, highlighting their potential for use in biological control applications.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mae Brigitt Bernadel L. Villordon, faculty member of the SU Biology Department and officer-in-charge director of SU’s Internationalization Office, was elected Visayas representative to the Microbiology Consortium of the Philippines (MCP) during its pre-convention general assembly on July 14. SU is a member institution of the consortium.
Villordon joined Biology instructor Jewel Praise Palomar in representing the University at the gathering, which brought together around 400 to 500 industry practitioners, researchers, academicians, students, and scientists.
The convention proper, held July 15-17, carried the theme, “Microbiology: Shaping the Future and Strengthening Planetary Resilience.” The joint international congress and annual scientific meeting highlighted advances in microbiology and biotechnology and their contributions to addressing global challenges and strengthening planetary resilience.
