SYMBION

From May 6–7, the 4th year BS Biology students of Iloilo Science and Technology University took learning beyond the classroom through a two-day educational tour for the course Agricultural Biotechnology. The first day at ISAT U Leon Campus immersed students in hands-on agricultural practices and lectures, where they explored biofertilizer fermentation, grafting, and vermicomposting. The tour also introduced students to the campus’ different agricultural facilities, giving them a closer look at livestock management, crop production, and sustainable farming practices in action.

The second day was spent at DA WESVIARC, where students were exposed to innovative agricultural technologies and research-driven facilities such as the Smart Greenhouse, Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, R&D Center for Organic Agriculture, and the Regional Crop Protection Center. Through insightful lectures and interactions with the Department of Agriculture personnel, the tour became more than just a visit—it became an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of agricultural biotechnology and witness how science, research, and innovation contribute to building a more sustainable future for agriculture.

Our sincere gratitude goes to ISAT U Leon Campus, particularly Mr. Lester Legaspi and Mr. Rey Cantero, and to the DA WESVIARC team — Ms. Nona Jean Cansancio, Mr. John Rey Goluyani, Ms. Kenneth Joy Panes, and their dedicated staff. Thank you for your warm hospitality and for bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world innovation. This experience has truly redefined our perspective on the future of biotechnology.

Caption: Bea Marie C. Hilaos
Photos: BSBIO 4-A

𝗦𝗬𝗠𝗕𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗟𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗔𝗻 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗴𝗼’𝘀 𝗢𝗱𝘆𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱

The SYMBION Lecture Series proudly returned with a captivating lecture that highlighted the essence of scientific exploration and resilience.

Dr. Dennis B. Bela-ong, a PhD graduate from Technical University of Denmark, shared his remarkable journey across laboratories and continents. His expertise in microRNA regulation during viral infections, utilizing fish models, has opened new avenues for understanding immune responses and molecular biology last May 6, 2026 at SSB Hall, ISAT U.

In his talk, “An Ilonggo’s Odyssey through Science and Beyond” Dr. Bela-ong recounted vivid experiences of laboratory breakthroughs, the excitement of qPCR advancements in RNA regulation, and explaining innovative studies on antibodies and hagfish variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs). These unique immune molecules, holds significant promise for biotechnological applications, including novel strategies to combat aquaculture pathogens.

Dr. Dennis B. Bela-ong emphasized how viruses, often seen only as threats, can actually serve as powerful tools in research—especially in unlocking the secrets of antibodies and immune molecules. By studying viral interactions, his work sheds light on how antibodies and hagfish VLRs can be harnessed for biotechnology and aquaculture, turning challenges into opportunities for innovation and resilience.

His lecture was not just a recounting of experiments; it was a narrative of perseverance, discovery, and vision. For student researchers and aspiring changemakers, it offered not only valuable knowledge but also inspiration to pursue bold ideas in fish pathology, molecular biology, and aquaculture innovation.

With this impactful session, the SYMBION Lecture Series reaffirms its role as a premier platform for intellectual exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing research in Philippine aquaculture.






Photos by Meland Areno
Captions by Jea Rose Baitan

[RESCHEDULED]

| 𝐒𝐘𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 🔬

The SYMBION Lecture Series is pleased to inaugurate its new season with a distinguished lecture by 𝐃𝐫. 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐚-𝐨𝐧𝐠.

Dr. Bela-ong, a PhD graduate from Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (Technical University of Denmark), specialized in microRNA regulation during viral infections using fish models. He now researches hagfish variable lymphocyte receptors and their biotechnological applications at Gyeongsang National University in the Republic of Korea.

In his upcoming lecture, "𝘼𝙣 𝙄𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙜𝙤’𝙨 𝙊𝙙𝙮𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙," Dr. Bela-ong shares the twists, triumphs, and "what ifs" of his global journey. Expect vivid tales of lab epiphanies, the thrill of breakthroughs in viral immunology, comparative immunology, RNA regulation, and visions for harnessing immune-based tech against infectious diseases. For student researchers interested in infection, molecular biology, and biotechnology, it's not just a talk—it's inspiration fuel.

The SYMBION Lecture Series, a premier platform for advancing discourse in the biological sciences, has selected an exemplary speaker for its resumption. Following a period of hiatus, the series reconvenes to stimulate intellectual exchange, promote interdisciplinary collaborations, and advance research in Philippine aquaculture.

𝘿𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙙𝙮𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙮 – 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚! 🧪

🗓️ May 6, 2026
🕝 2 PM - 4 PM
📍 SSB Building, ISAT U

𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝: 𝐒𝐘𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫

The SYMBION is deeply honored to have been invited to participate in the "Flowing Forward: The Iloilo Esplanade Journey as a Blueprint for Batiano" forum, held earlier today, April 30, 2026, at the Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City. This collaborative event, organized by the Iloilo City Waterways Development Council, represents a significant milestone in our collective commitment to advancing sustainable and resilient urban river systems.

We were eager to delve into the "Grey to Green" methodology and the strategic application of Planned Unit Development (PUD) protocols as highlighted throughout the sessions. The opportunity to gain technical and policy insights from landscape architect Arch. Paulo Alcazaren, who designed the Iloilo Esplanade, has been invaluable to our President, Sergio Louis M. Delgado, Vice President for Extension, Rocel D. Paltu-ob, and the faculties from the Natural Science Department.

Engaging with these expert perspectives has allowed us to better understand how to harmonize infrastructure development with the unique ecological characteristics of the Batiano River system. As we continue to be at the forefront of environmentalism, we are excited to collaborate and contribute in the best way possible to the restoration of biological life in the Batiano River.