SLSU College of Arts and Sciences

11/06/2026

📢 New Journal Paper Published

We congratulate our dedicated faculty researchers and students from the College of Arts and Sciences, along with their co-authors from the university, for the successful publication of their latest research paper under Siyasig.

𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗗

“Mine-Derived Metal-Resistant Bacteria as Bionanofactories for Nanoparticle Synthesis: Mechanisms and Biomedical Potential”

𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗟. 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗼
Graduate School
University of the Philippines Los Baños

𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁:
Deciphering various mechanisms of metal resistance in bacteria has been in progress over the past decades. It is currently being applied and explored in various fields, including nanoparticle (NP) biosynthesis. The link between bacterial resistance to metal(loid) ions and their ability to synthesize NPs has been reported by various researchers independently. Thus, this review presents the role of various metal resistance mechanisms in bacterial-mediated NP synthesis, emphasizing the promising potential of metal-resistant mine-derived bacteria as biological factories for synthesizing NPs. Several mechanisms of metal resistance that contribute to the formation of NPs include the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS), reactions catalyzed by proteins and enzymes, and reduction reactions involving thiol-containing molecules. The electrostatic attractive forces of the functional groups in the capsule, cell wall, and cell membrane with the metal ions are responsible for metal ion adsorption and NP formation. Furthermore, enzymes like c-cytochromes, different reductases like arsenate, mercuric, and nitrate reductases, as well as several thiol-containing biomolecules like metallothioneins (MTs) and glutathione (GSH) also play vital roles in the sequestration, reduction, and precipitation of toxic metal(loid) ions into NPs. Mining sites, being heavily metal-contaminated environments, are undoubtedly rich reservoirs of metal resistance as revealed by metagenomics studies. It confirms the presence of diverse metal-resistant bacterial strains capable of synthesizing NPs with a wide range of applications, particularly in the biomedical field. Risk-benefit analysis and growth condition management in large-scale production still impede biosynthesized NPs towards clinical and industrial translation. Hence, future research should focus on understanding the exact mechanism used by mine-derived metal-resistant bacteria in synthesizing NPs, standardizing formulations appropriate for human use, and optimizing the reaction for large-scale production.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20440629

Published in SIYASIG: The Southern Luzon Journal of Science
Vol. I | 2026 | pp. 2–16

11/06/2026

📢 New Journal Paper Published

We congratulate our dedicated faculty researchers and students from the College of Arts and Sciences, along with their co-authors from the university, for the successful publication of their latest research paper under Siyasig.

𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗗

“Altitudinal Distribution of Ficus Species and Their Associated Frugivore Communities at Mount Banahaw De Tayabas, Quezon, Philippines”

𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼 𝗟. 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻
𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘇𝗹 𝗢. 𝗣𝗲ñ𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮
𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗷𝗮𝗵 𝗟𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗱 𝗣. 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗮
𝗔𝗹 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗮ñ𝗮𝘀

College of Arts and Sciences, Southern Luzon State University – Main Campus

𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁:
This study investigated the distribution of Ficus species and the composition and species-specific preferences of their associated frugivore communities in Mt. Banahaw de Tayabas, Quezon, Philippines. Specifically, the research aimed to construct a distribution map of Ficus species across an elevation gradient, determine the frugivore species interacting with these trees, and evaluate their visitation patterns in terms of frequency and time of interaction. A continuous line belt transect covering elevations from 500–1500 masl was established to document Ficus individuals using GPS-based mapping analyzed in QGIS. Five fruiting Ficus species were selected for frugivore monitoring using Browning camera traps deployed for 30 days, generating 3,600 total sampling hours. Recorded frugivore interactions were identified and analyzed, and species-specific association were assessed using crosstabulation and Chi-square tests of independence. Results revealed eight Ficus species distributed along the elevational gradient, with higher concentrations recorded in lowland and transitional forest zones. Camera trapping documented seven frugivorous vertebrate species, including Pteropodidae (Bats), Paradoxurus philippinensis, Corvus philippinus, Agamidae, Rattus everetti [Günther, 1879], Centropus bengalensis, Eudynamys scolopaceus, showing varying visitation frequencies across Ficus species. A statistically significant relationship was found between the variables based on the Pearson Chi-Square test (χ²(24) = 73.386, p < 0.001), indicating non-random associations. Supported by a significant linear-by-linear relationship (χ² = 8.832, p = 0.003) and confirmed by likelihood ratio test (χ² = 37.389, p = 0.040), which indicated significant value between frugivore visitation and specific Ficus species, reflecting differences in fruiting traits, accessibility, and tree structure. The study concludes that Ficus species are heterogeneously distributed along elevation and that frugivores exhibit distinct species-specific associations, underscoring the critical role of Ficus in sustaining vertebrate communities. These findings provide the first baseline distribution map of Ficus in Mt. Banahaw de Tayabas and highlight priority species and habitats essential for conservation. The results can guide protected area management, inform reforestation programs prioritizing keystone Ficus species, and support long-term biodiversity monitoring in the Mounts Banahaw–San Cristobal Protected Landscape.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20440914

Published in SIYASIG: The Southern Luzon Journal of Science
Vol. I | 2026 | pp. 17–32

11/06/2026

📢 New Journal Paper Published

We congratulate our dedicated faculty researchers and students from the College of Arts and Sciences, along with their co-authors from the university, for the successful publication of their latest research paper under Siyasig.

𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗗

“Species Diversity of Mangrove Macrofungi in Sitio Waga, Barangay Kanlurang Malicboy, Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines”

𝗝𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗵 𝗔. 𝗔𝗯𝗹𝗮ñ𝗮
𝗞𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖. 𝗝𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻

College of Arts and Sciences, Southern Luzon State University – Main Campus

𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁:
Macrofungal species in the mangrove ecosystem in the Philippines were diverse yet unexplored. Mangrove ecosystem is one of the favorable environments for macrofungi to grow and proliferate. The general objective of this study was to assess the mangrove forest in Sitio Waga Barangay Kanlurang Malicboy, Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines by determining the diversity of mangrove macrofungi in the area. A total of 12 species of mangrove macrofungi from 8 families were found within the established 9 plots; Oxyporus populinus was the most abundant species recorded in the area. The study site has diverse species with a value of 0.83 using Simpson’s Index, and 2.06 using Shannon-Wiener Index. Species richness and species evenness were calculated to be 2.11 and 0.83, respectively, using Margalef’s formula and Pielou’s evenness index. Diversity on the three zonations of mangrove forests, such as landward, middleward, and seaward, were also assessed. The landward zone has the most individuals and the highest species richness of the three zonations.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20441010

Published in SIYASIG: The Southern Luzon Journal of Science
Vol. I | 2026 | pp. 33–42

11/06/2026

📢 New Journal Paper Published

We congratulate our dedicated faculty researcher from the College of Arts and Sciences, along with their co-authors from the university, for the successful publication of their latest research paper under Siyasig.

𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗗

“Comparison of Protocols in Embryo-Cultured Macapuno Coconut”

𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘇-𝗧𝗮𝗴𝗯𝗼¹
𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗵 𝗥. 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀¹
𝗗𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗹 𝗕. 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗼¹
𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗢. 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗯𝗶²

¹Tissue Culture Laboratory, Southern Luzon State University
² College of Arts and Sciences, Southern Luzon State University

𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁:
Macapuno, the very soft endosperm of a coconut, is a commercially important crop. It is rare and high-value because the endosperm enclosing normal embryos impedes germination, effectively making the seeds sterile. Embryo - Culture of Macapuno (ECM) is the most efficient method of germinating normal embryos in vitro enclosed by the jelly-like solid endosperm of macapuno. In this study, two ECM protocols were compared to assess which produce viable plantlets that could be field-planted and produced high-yielding coconut seedlings. In Protocol 1, the explants received 7% sucrose in liquid media for 2 months, 5 months in solid media, and then back to liquid media until they are transplanted in soil medium or removed after 12 months of not developing. In Protocol 2, explants were germinated in liquid medium in the first month, solid media for growing explants with shoot and root primordia in the second month, and solid again for the remainder of the third and fourth months. In the fifth month, plantlets were supplied with 8% sucrose, while the remaining plants were grown in liquid media containing 8% sucrose. Results showed that Protocol 1 produced 11.33% plantlets in vitro, 2.67% were transplanted to soil media, and there was no survival during acclimatization stage while Protocol 2 have 25% plantlets in vitro, 16% were transplanted to soil media and there were 2.5% existing plantlets in vitro and 2.5% plantlets in acclimatization stage. Solid medium substantially aids in the induction of shoots and roots in the early stages of explants. Increasing sucrose levels from 7 to 8% when the stem of explants transforms into leaflets and soaking of seedlings to Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) solution also benefits plant development. Efforts are still needed to adjust the protocols and adapt the explants for optimal germination, shooting, and rooting to improve the yields of coconut seedlings.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20441103

Published in SIYASIG: The Southern Luzon Journal of Science
Vol. I | 2026 | pp. 43–50

11/06/2026

📢 New Externally-Funded Research

We congratulate Assoc. Prof. Gino A. Cabrera and Dr. Noreen P. Echague from the College of Arts and Sciences, along with their co-researchers from the university, for the successful funding approval of their research project entitled “Adolescent Pregnancy in Lopez, Quezon: A Mixed-Methods Study of Prevalence, Behavioral Patterns, Attitude, and Ethnographic Insights into Cultural Meanings”.

This research initiative is externally funded by The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) CALABARZON, an agency dedicated to institutionalizing population-aware strategies and development programs.

📘 The Commission on Population and Development (CPD)
📅 2026 | Approved Budget: PhP 498,000.00

This mixed-methods study aims to provide crucial insights into the prevalence and cultural nuances of adolescent pregnancy in Lopez, Quezon, offering vital data to support evidence-based policy-making and community-focused interventions.

𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬-𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛
Congratulations on your approved externally-funded research!

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲:
Adolescent Pregnancy in Lopez, Quezon: A Mixed-Methods Study of Prevalence, Behavioral Patterns, Attitude, and Ethnographic Insights into Cultural Meanings

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:
- Asst. Prof. Ethel Q. Quesea (SLSU Polillo)
- Dr. Rosdy N. Lazaro (SLSU Polillo)
- Assoc. Prof. Gino A. Cabrera (SLSU CAS)
- Dr. Noreen P. Echague (SLSU CAS)
-Asst. Prof. Richard E. Nepomuceno (SLSU JGE Tagkawayan)
-Ms. Marjorie E. Suangco (SLSU Tiaong)

𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆:
The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) CALABARZON

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁:
PhP 498,000.00

𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
10 Months - Study 1

11/06/2026

📢 Program Accreditation

We congratulate the Bachelor of Arts in History program of the College of Arts and Sciences for successfully achieving Level III Re-Accredited Status, as assessed by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), Inc.

This milestone demonstrates the program's full compliance with rigorous qualitative standards and mandatory institutional recommendations.

📘 AACCUP, Inc.
📅 Validity | March 16, 2026 – March 15, 2030

The 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 proudly congratulates the 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 – 𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 for achieving 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙄𝙄𝙄 𝙍𝙚-𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙨, as assessed by the 𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 (𝘼𝘼𝘾𝘾𝙐𝙋), 𝙄𝙣𝙘., on 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝 13, 2026, having satisfactorily complied with all mandatory recommendations. ✨

This significant achievement reflects the program’s commitment to 𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥, and 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 in higher education. It is a testament to the collective efforts of the administrators, faculty members, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders who continuously strive to uphold the highest standards in teaching, research, and community engagement. 📚🏛️

The Level III Re-Accredited Status further reinforces the program’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly 𝙎𝘿𝙂 4: 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙀𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, by promoting inclusive and equitable learning opportunities, and 𝙎𝘿𝙂 16: 𝙋𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, through the preservation, study, and promotion of historical knowledge, cultural heritage, and civic awareness.

Through innovative instruction, meaningful research, and active community involvement, the Bachelor of Arts in History program continues to produce graduates who are equipped with critical thinking skills, historical consciousness, and a deep appreciation of the nation's heritage and identity. 🇵🇭✨

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 – 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨, for your unwavering dedication to excellence and your invaluable contribution to preserving the past while shaping the future. 🌟🏆

11/06/2026

📢 New Literary Publication

We congratulate Jomar S. P. Baudin from the Social Sciences Department of the College of Arts and Sciences for the successful publication of his book entitled “Ang Tagapagmana ng Kumpanya” under 8Letters Publishing.

8Letters is an independent publishing house dedicated to promoting contemporary Filipino literature and showcasing exceptional creative voices.

📘 8Letters Publishing
📅 2026

This work provides a compelling satirical reflection and exploration of the complex corporate world, capturing the daily struggles and experiences of employees within the modern workplace.

11/06/2026

📢 Faculty Achievement

We congratulate Dr. Nicanor L. Guinto from the College of Arts and Sciences for being honored as a Gawad Kinang Awardee during the 38th STAARRDEC Anniversary Celebration and Kinang Awards, held virtually on June 3.
Dr. Guinto, who also serves as the Director of the SLSU Office of Research Services, was recognized as the Best Research and Development Cluster Representative.

📘 38th STAARRDEC Kinang Awards
📅 Theme | “Celebrating 38 Years of Regional Transformation through Agri-Aqua Innovation”

This prestigious recognition highlights the outstanding contributions of our faculty to regional development, research excellence, and innovation, further elevating the university's active role as a leading consortium member institution.

11/06/2026

📢 New Research Publication

We congratulate Dr. Roberth Riggs L. Rondilla from the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department of the College of Arts and Sciences, along with his co-authors from other university, for the successful publication of their book chapter entitled “Fungal Metabolomics and Analytical Techniques” in the book Advances in Fungal Secondary Metabolites: Bioactive Attributes and Biotechnological Potential of Industrial Interest.
Advances in Fungal Secondary Metabolites is published by Springer Nature, a leading global research publisher renowned for high-impact scientific and academic literature.

📘 Springer Nature (Book Chapter)
📅 2026 | Pages 155-174

This study explores the rapid advancements in fungal metabolomics, showcasing how comprehensive metabolic analysis combines biology, chemistry, and bioinformatics to unlock the immense potential of fungal natural products for health, agriculture, and environmental applications.

25/05/2026

HAPPENING NOW: Empowering our Quezon Province Senior High School Mathematics Educators! 📊📐

The College of Arts and Sciences officially kicks off the Third Leg of the 4-day Enhancement Training Program here at the SLSU BRC Banahaw Hall!

This specialized program brings together 60 dedicated Senior High School Mathematics teachers from all across Quezon Province to level up their instructional skills and dive deeper into advanced mathematical concepts.

Today's learning journey splits into two highly impactful parallel sessions:

Finite Mathematics 🔢 |
Venue: SLSU Business Resource Center
Probability and Statistics 📈 |
Venue: College of Engineering AVR

We are thrilled to host our amazing educators as they continue to champion academic excellence in mathematics. Welcome to SLSU!