30/01/2026
BiPSU–Biliran Campus Welcomes Renowned Botanist Dr. Pastor Malabrigo for Landmark Lecture on Philippine Flora
Biliran Biodiversity Exploration Reveals Potential New Species Discoveries
Biliran, Philippines, January 29, 2026
The Department of Forest Science of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) – Biliran Campus hosted a landmark special lecture on Thursday, January 29, 2026, bringing national-level scientific expertise directly to the province.
Held at the Research and Academic Building, the lecture titled “Diversity and Conservation Status of Philippine Flora” featured Dr. Pastor L. Malabrigo Jr., Professor 10 from the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and one of the country’s foremost experts in native tree species and biodiversity conservation.
Around 80 BS Forestry students, together with faculty members, filled the venue for an afternoon that combined science, field discovery, conservation urgency, and national policy insights.
A National Voice in Philippine Biodiversity
Dr. Malabrigo is widely recognized for his pioneering work in plant taxonomy, marine botany, forest restoration, and biodiversity conservation. Since 2012, he has served as Curator for Trees at the UPLB Museum of Natural History and has authored more than 200 scientific papers and 12 books on Philippine native trees.
His award-winning book Shades of Majesty: 88 Philippine Native Trees received both the 2013 National Book Award and the 2014 Gintong Aklat Award. In 2025, his co-authored publication Power in Harmony: Harnessing Energy, Protecting Nature won Best Publication at the Philippine Quill Awards.
As the only Filipino member of the IUCN Global Tree Specialist Group, Dr. Malabrigo leads Red List assessments of endemic and native Philippine trees. His recent recognitions include the UPLB Outstanding Researcher Award (Natural Sciences) and his appointment as UP Scientist III (2024–2026). Known in scientific circles as the “Indiana Jones of Philippine Native Trees,” he is celebrated for locating and documenting some of the country’s rarest and most threatened tree species.
Philippine Flora: Rich Yet Vulnerable
During the lecture, Dr. Malabrigo presented compelling data on the diversity of Philippine flora — from endemic and native species richness to threatened plant categories under national and international classifications.
He discussed:
The alarming historical decline of Philippine forest cover
The increasing number of threatened plant species
Gaps between IUCN Red List classifications and national listings
The urgent need to prioritize endemic threatened species
Science-based restoration strategies using native trees
He emphasized that conservation must move beyond ceremonial planting activities and focus on flagship threatened endemic species, especially those classified as Critically Endangered.
Biliran Biodiversity Exploration: A Promising Discovery
A major highlight of the lecture was the ongoing Biliran Biodiversity Exploration (January 26–February 2, 2026), led by Dr. Malabrigo and a team of experts.
Initial findings from their expedition to Mount Suiro in Caibiran suggest the possible discovery of at least 10 new species, with expectations of more as the team continues its exploration in Mount Camalobagoan in Culaba, Biliran.
These early findings underscore Biliran’s ecological significance and position the province as a promising biodiversity hotspot requiring sustained scientific attention and conservation investment.
The exploration was coordinated in partnership with BiPSU, with support from Forester Florante Sabejon, Assistant Professor of the Department of Forest Science, who formally introduced Dr. Malabrigo during the event.
Strengthening Academic and Conservation Partnerships
The program was warmly welcomed by Dr. Randy Villarin, Dean of the School of Agribusiness and Forest Resource Management (SABFORM), who expressed appreciation for Dr. Malabrigo’s insights and highlighted the importance of integrating research, exploration, and education in advancing regional biodiversity initiatives.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Ruffy Rodrigo, Associate Professor of the Department of Forest Science, who underscored the significance of the lecture in inspiring future foresters and reinforcing the university’s commitment to conservation leadership.
The afternoon ended with photo documentation and informal discussions among faculty members and visiting experts — further strengthening collaborative ties between BiPSU and UPLB.
Advancing Conservation in the Province
The special lecture reflects BiPSU–Biliran Campus’ continued commitment to promoting biodiversity research, strengthening scientific partnerships, and empowering students to become leaders in forest conservation and restoration.
As new discoveries emerge from Biliran’s mountains, the message remains clear: The Philippines is rich in plant diversity, and its protection demands science, urgency, and collective action.
-BIPSU Biliran Campus
Province State University
