UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management

04/06/2026

In line with the OVPAA-OVPA Joint Memorandum No. 2026-02, UPLB shall revert to regular five-day ONSITE workweek effective immediately.

01/06/2026

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞!

As global biodiversity faces steep declines, calls to use criminal law against environmental destruction have surged worldwide. But is locking people up always the best way to save nature?

In this newly published article, "𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧? 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞," the author explores when punitive measures actually help conservation—and when they backfire.

Author: Chad Patrick Osorio

Highlights of the Study

• The Global Trend Toward Criminalization: There is skyrocketing global momentum from legal bodies (like the EU and International Criminal Court) and academic researchers to treat environmental degradation as a serious criminal offense. Data shows a vast majority of UN member-states have now criminalized forest, fishing, and wildlife harms.
• Why Criminal Law is Necessary: Traditional civil fines are often treated by major corporations merely as a "cost of doing business". Criminal law targets moral culpability, addresses irreversible public harms (like biodiversity collapse) that money cannot fix, and alters incentives for high-reward, profit-driven illegal resource extraction.
• The Hidden Risks of Punitive Excess: If applied blindly, strict criminalization often disproportionately targets low-level workers and vulnerable or Indigenous communities while the wealthy, systemic drivers of destruction escape. It can also destroy local community trust and undermine the legitimacy of conservation efforts.
• A "Conditional" Framework for Justice: The study argues that criminal law should not be a general catch-all panacea. Instead, it proposes a strict ex ante decision framework. Criminal justice should only be deployed if a specific harm threshold is met, local norms are respected, compliance costs are fair, and due process is protected. Where these fail, community-led, preventive, and restorative justice approaches must take priority

Read the full paper here: https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/con4.70062

28/05/2026

𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐀𝐌 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 ‘𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐒’

Faculty members from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) have taken center stage in a major advancement for Filipino social thought, political theory, and postcolonial scholarship. The book “PAGSASAAYOS: Kaayusan, Komunidad at Identidad” was officially unveiled last May 21, 2026, during the De La Salle University Social Development Research Center’s 47th anniversary celebration, highlighting a powerful academic contribution from SESAM’s leading educators and researchers.

The book is edited by Dr. Antonio P. Contreras, a Professor at UPLB SESAM, and features deeply analytical chapters from fellow SESAM faculty members and other social and political scientists from other academic institutions. Together, their contributions pivot away from traditional, state-centric Western political frameworks that often dominate Philippine political discourse. Instead, the book articulates a distinctly Filipino way of understanding political and communal life, grounded in indigenous notions of relationality, community, and social order.

Read more at SESAM Website:

Faculty members from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) have taken center stage in a major advancement for Filipino social thought, political theory, and postcolonial scholarship. The book “PAGSASAAYOS: Kaayusan, Komunidad at ...

28/05/2026

On this day in 1898, the Philippine flag was first unfurled in Imus, Cavite, after our victory at the Battle at Alapan. 🇵🇭

As we celebrate , UPLB encourages everyone to reflect on and uphold what our flag truly symbolizes—freedom, justice, and valor.

On this day in 1898, the Philippine flag was first unfurled in Cavite, after our victory at the Battle at Alapan. 🇵🇭

As we celebrate , UPLB encourages everyone to reflect on and uphold what our flag truly symbolizes—freedom, justice, and valor.

27/05/2026

UPLB wishes its Muslim brothers and sisters a blessed Eid'l Adha! 🌙🕌

Malacañang, through Proclamation No. 1264, has declared 27 May 2026 a regular holiday nationwide in observance of Eid'l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice.

22/05/2026

The Continuing Education and Training Division (CETD) of the UP Los Baños School of Environmental Science and Management (UPLB-SESAM) in partnership with the Philippines Network of Educators on Environment (PNEE) concluded its 5th Short Online Course on Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA). The training spanned from May 19 to 22, 2026 via online conferencing.

There were 56 local and international participants representing national and local government agencies, the academe, non-government organizations, and the private sector. The training served as a necessary platform for updating environmental practitioners from various fields on the preparation and processes of CDRA, equipping them with science-based applications for integrating climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) into local development planning and program implementation.

Well-regarded faculty members and researchers from SESAM shared their knowledge and expertise on CDRA. They were: Dr. Decibel V. Faustino-Eslava (conduct of disaster risk assessment); Ma. Victoria O Espaldon (conduct of CCVA); Dr. Eduardo C. Calzeta (overview of CDRA and mainstreaming of CDRA in CLUP and CDP); For. Sofia A. Alaira (scoping the potential impacts of disasters and climate change); and Dr. Yusuf A. Sucol (summarization of findings, action planning for CDRA and workshop facilitation).

Former SESAM faculty member Dr. Juan Miguel R. Guotana, also lectured on the collection and organization of climate hazard information. Meanwhile, Dr. Cristino L. Tiburan Jr., of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources-UPLB discussed developing the exposure database. On the last day of the training, Ms. Mabelline Cahulugan of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), introduced PLANSMART and GeoAnalytics PH.

This training was organized and facilitated by the CETD, led by For. Alaira, together with members Dr. Thaddeus P. Lawas, Ms. Cherry S. Padilla, and Mr. Robert Patrick M. Cabangbang, in coordination with the PNEE Secretariat, represented by Ms. Evangeline L. Alcantara.

21/05/2026

The UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM), in partnership with the UPLB Institute of Computer Science (ICS) and with the institutional support of the UPLB Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE), warmly welcomes Atty. Chad Patrick Osorio as DOST-PCAARRD Balik Scientist.

Atty. Osorio’s Balik Scientist engagement will focus on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for biodiversity conservation, particularly in the analysis of wildlife trade data and environmental governance. Through this collaboration, the project aims to contribute to emerging interdisciplinary approaches that combine data science, law, policy, and conservation research in addressing complex environmental challenges.

In addition to his research engagement, Atty. Osorio will also provide academic support to SESAM’s Environmental Diplomacy and Negotiations PhD program, contributing expertise at the intersection of environmental law and economics, governance, and international policy.

Notably, Atty. Osorio is the first lawyer to be awarded under the DOST-PCAARRD Balik Scientist Program in its 50-year history (1975–2025), marking an important milestone for interdisciplinary and policy-oriented scientific engagement in the Philippines.

Also in the photo with SESAM Dean Decibel V. Eslava and Atty. Osorio are Professor Antonio Contreras, PhD, Associate Professor Erwin Racasa, PhD, and fellow DOST-PCAARRD Balik Scientist Dr. Charles Gunay.

SESAM looks forward to meaningful collaborations and knowledge exchange in advancing science-informed and technology-enabled approaches to biodiversity conservation and environmental governance.

19/05/2026

📢 REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN — 13th ACES 2026! 🌿

Great news for everyone who hasn't registered yet! 🎉 The payment deadline has been extended to May 25, 2026, so there's still time to secure your slot at the 13th Annual International Conference on Environmental Science!

🗓️ June 3–5, 2026
📍 SAFAD Theater, University of San Carlos – Talamban Campus, Cebu City
🌱 "Yayong sa Kaugmaon: Pursuing Sustainable Development through Education, Technology, and Community Engagement"
💳 REGISTRATION FEES
Tier 1 (2-Day Scientific Sessions Only)
➤ Professionals — ₱5,000.00
➤ PESA Lifetime — ₱2,500.00
➤ Students — ₱3,500.00

Tier 2 (2-Day Scientific Sessions + 1-Day Field-Based Learning Exchange)
➤ Professionals — ₱8,000.00
➤ PESA Lifetime — ₱5,500.00
➤ Students — ₱6,500.00

📝 Register here: https://forms.gle/3cVotjjyvSWE8hxp9
✉️ Request a Letter of Invitation: https://forms.gle/ojUxCQHLdt6ByWHn9

Details of payment channels will be emailed after registration.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a meaningful conversation on environmental science and sustainability. See you there! 🌍💚

📢 REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN — 13th ACES 2026! 🌿

Great news for everyone who hasn't registered yet! 🎉 The payment deadline has been extended to May 25, 2026, so there's still time to secure your slot at the 13th Annual International Conference on Environmental Science!

🗓️ June 3–5, 2026
📍 SAFAD Theater, University of San Carlos – Talamban Campus, Cebu City

🌱 "Yayong sa Kaugmaon: Pursuing Sustainable Development through Education, Technology, and Community Engagement"

💳 REGISTRATION FEES

Tier 1 (2-Day Scientific Sessions Only)
➤ Professionals — ₱5,000.00
➤ PESA Lifetime — ₱2,500.00
➤ Students — ₱3,500.00

Tier 2 (2-Day Scientific Sessions + 1-Day Field-Based Learning Exchange)
➤ Professionals — ₱8,000.00
➤ PESA Lifetime — ₱5,500.00
➤ Students — ₱6,500.00

📝 Register here: https://forms.gle/3cVotjjyvSWE8hxp9
✉️ Request a Letter of Invitation: https://forms.gle/ojUxCQHLdt6ByWHn9

Details of payment channels will be emailed after registration.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a meaningful conversation on environmental science and sustainability. See you there! 🌍💚

19/05/2026

MIDYEAR 2026
IMPORTANT DATES

26 June 2026 - Last day to file application for graduation

17 June 2026 - Last day to submit Nomination of Guidance/Advisory Committee members
- Last Day for Submission of Application for Final Examination,
Nomination of External Reviewer, Final Draft Manuscript, PubMat Announcement

06 July 2026 - Last day for dropping of subjects

14 July 2026 - Last day of classes

17 July 2026 - Last day to take/conduct Final Examination (thesis and non-thesis)

16 and 17 July 2026 - Final week, Last week to take Qualifying Examinations

20 July 2026 - Last Day of Submission of Thesis Grades
- Last Day of Submission of Final Manuscript via ODSS

16/05/2026

𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓!

Effective 18 May 2026, UPLB will implement a four-day onsite and one-day work-from-home arrangement.

Please be guided by the schedule of operations and work arrangements at the UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM):

𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘

SESAM Library: OPEN 📖
We are ready to continue serving our students and researchers onsite.

Administrative Services: WORK-FROM-HOME (WFH) 💻
While our physical admin offices will be closed on Monday, our team remains fully active online. All inquiries and official communications sent via email or Facebook Messenger will be promptly entertained.

𝐓𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘

Onsite Operations: FULL ONSITE WORK 🏛️
Regular onsite operations for all offices and services will resume.

Service Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

For any urgent concerns on Monday, please reach out to us through our official email addresses or send us a direct message here on our page.