RDEDigest

Official Research, Development and Extension Newsletter

of the University of the Philippines Los Baos

Volume 7
January - June 2015

visit the UPLB RDE Portal at http://ovcre.uplb.edu.ph

UPLB Public Service:

For the Nation
and the World

CHANCELLOR FERNANDO C. SANCHEZ, JR. and Vice Chancellor

for Research and Extension Rex B. Demafelis (both in the middle) with
the participants of the 1st UPLB Public Service Forum at BIOTECH.

PHOTO: LN GARCIA

verything we do in UPLB is
public service." These words,
by former UPLB Chancellor
and UP President Dr. Emil Q. Javier,
during Part 2 of the 1st UPLB Public
Service Forum, encapsulate what public
service is in UPLB.
With the call of the UP System
administration to intensify the
university's public service function,
the Office of the Vice Chancellor for
Research and Extension (OVCRE)
conducted a two-part public service
forum. It aimed to define and create
the framework of UPLB's extension
and public service.
As a constituent of the national
university, UPLB is mandated through
Republic Act 9500 to "lead as a public
service university by providing various
forms of community, public, and
volunteer service.
This may not seem new, considering
that 107 years ago, UPLBthen
the UP College of Agriculture

IN
THIS
ISSUE:

was created not only to instruct the

brightest students of the country, but
also to disseminate technologies and
teachings beyond the walls of the
academe through one of its three core
functionsextension.
Loosely considered as UPLB's brand
of public service, extension has evolved
in its scope and role. Still, UPLB
continues to staunchly provide public
and extension services to communities
and individuals all over the country
and the world.

first clarified the difference between

extension and public service. Public
service by definition, she said, is the
service provided by the government
to help the people, rather than profit,
within its jurisdiction, either directly
or indirectly in the form of financing.
Hence, all activities of UPLB can be
categorized as public service by nature
of its being a government institution.

Eminent extension experts were

invited last 12 March to the first part
of the forum to discuss UPLB's brand
of public service in the context of
extension initiatives.

On the other hand, Cardenas refered

to extension as "a system that facilitates
access of farmers and other market
actors to knowledge, information
and technologies; facilitates their
interaction with other partners in
research, education, agri-business, and
other relevant institutions; and assists
them to develop their own technical,
organizational and management skills
and practices.

Dr. Virginia R. Cardenas, professor

of extension education at the College
of Public Affairs and Development
(CPAf ) and Deputy Director for
Administration of SEAMEO-SEARCA,

Dr. Enrico P. Supangco, former director

of the UPLB Center for Technology
Transfer and Entrepreneurship
(CTTE), recalled that from direct
(continued on next page...)

UPLB experts views

UPLB Public Service...

UPLB REPSS and OVCRE hold...
OVCRE conducts training series...
OVCRE conducts its 10th Orientation...
BIOTECH laboratories are now...
Outstanding R and E personnel...

1
3
4
5
5
6

OVCRE launches #HowISeeIt...

Students capture UPLB's research...
RBDemafelis: The new VC for RE...
UPLB MNH discovers and records...
UPLB moves to control...

8
9
10
12
14

UPLB's Hibiscus hybrids featured..

Bugkalot Women: Rice Keepers...
OICA conducts SI-LAB...
Journal Matching...
Call for Papers... Volume 7
January - June 2015

15
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20

NEWS
UPLB Public Service... continued.
contact with individual farmers,
extension programs now involve other
market actors and partners, such as
government agencies and the private
sectors. This evolution, he said,
furthers the need to improve UPLB's
extension delivery systems at the
individual, organizational, and systemwide level.

extension, public service becomes

a lip service." He also discussed the
importance of coordination between
research and extension personnel
and the reconciliation of production
and business aspects of agriculture in
UPLB.

Former Vice Chancellor for

Instruction, Dr. Rita P. Laude,
emphasized that although UPLB's
main contributions to public service
are excellent manpower, outstanding
research, and implementation of
extension programs, its bigger public
service responsibility lies in the training
of other SCUs in the nation.

Part II of the forum laid out the

definition for UPLB public service
as referring to all activities of the
University and its units including
but not limited to capacity building,
technical assistance and service, and
provision or sharing of knowledge
and technologies in response to the
needs of partners, stakeholders, and
society in general, imbued with the
values and spirit of professionalism,
honor, integrity and excellence towards
the goal of inclusive and sustainable
development."

Prof. Maria Teresa DV. Arejola was also

quick to point out that UPLB now
has capability to serve clients beyond
the borders of agriculture. As director
of the Office for Initiatives in Culture
and the Arts (OICA), Prof. Arejola
introduced the different programs and
activities of the university dedicated to
culture and arts.
During the second part of the forum,
which was held last 7 May at the
ICOPED Auditorium, Former Vice
Chancellor for Research and Extension
Dr. Ma. Victoria O. Espaldon
described extension as the face of
UPLB on the ground."

Interestingly, Dr. Rogelio V. Cuyno

differentiated public service and
extension in simple terms. "Public
service is our mission and extension is
the delivery system." Cuyno, former
head of the Office of the Director
for Extension added that Without

However, special guest former UP

President Dr. Emil Q. Javier said that,
regardless of the terminology, the most
important question is how to play up
extension as a function.
He stated that with very limited
manpower and resources, doing
direct service is not a comparative
advantage for the university. Working
and connecting with intermediaries
and multipliers such as government

He suggested that university-wide

programs should focus on research and
extension, which will generate external
support. The creation of a continuing
education center which will coordinate
all extension activities and provide
central direction and visibility to the
extension function of UPLB, was also
proposed.
In the service of the nation and the
world
In the end, speakers and participants
agreed that public service, particularly
extension, is innate to UPLB, regardless
of the definition; and that the public
service enshrined in the UP Charter is
more or less equated to the extension
function of the university.
However, a change in how we look
and approach the extension function
is needed to heed the call of the UP
System to put the university at the
forefront of public service; more so for
UPLB.
For UPLB to achieve the status it
desires nationally and globally, it has
to first look at and improve on what
it does best, and the rest will follow.
(Ailene M. Florece)
PHOTOS: LN GARCIA

From the beginning, it has been

UPLBs role to create impact on
the lives of the underserved and
underprivileged communities,
Espaldon said. She also added that
the end goal of extension projects and
activities is the sustainable development
of communities.

Definition and function

agencies would achieve more impact

than by doing direct approach.

DR. CARDENAS

DR. ESPALDON

University of the Philippines Los Baos

Research, Development and Extension Digest

DR. SUPANGCO

DR. CUYNO

DR. LAUDE

DR. JAVIER

PROF. AREJOLA
Experts were invited
to the first and second
part of the 1st UPLB
Public Service Forum
to discuss UPLB's
brand of public service
in the context of
extension initiatives.

NEWS

PHOTO: SQ VELUZ

UPLB REPSS and OVCRE hold

2nd REPS Conference, Dialogues

he Office of the Vice-Chancellor

for Research and Extension
(OVCRE) in collaboration
with the UPLB REPS Society (UPLB
REPSS) conducted the 2nd UPLB
REPS Conference last 4 March 2015
with the theme Policy Reforms for
Progressive UPLB REPS Governance" at
the Nicolas P. Lansigan Hall, College of
Forestry and Natural Resources.

Vice Chancellor Rex B. Demafelis gave

the welcome remarks and Chancellor
Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. gave the
conference message.
Dr. Danilo M. Mendoza, then President
of the UPLB REPS Society and Ms.
Fides Marciana Z. Tambalo, co-chair
of the UP REPS System AdHoc

Participants during the

dialogue for researchers.

As a follow up to the conference,

OVCRE also conducted separate
dialogues for researchers (4 May) and
extension and professional staff (25
May). These were conducted at the EE
Auditorium, College of Engineering and
Agro-industrial Technology and MultiPurpose Hall, CAS Annex 2 respectively.
The dialogues aimed to further discuss
the recommendations of the UPLB
REPS AdHoc Committee on the
REPS' issues and concerns presented
during the conference. The Committee
also presented the Proposed Interim
Guidelines for the Granting of Tenure
to UPLB REPS. (Czarlina May E.
Magnata)

During the REPS Conference, the

participants were divided into groups to discuss
issues, policies, and recommendations.

An open forum was held so that participants

could voice out their concerns and questions.

AVC for Research and Extension Dr. Susan May

F. Calumpang during the dialogue for extension and
professional staff.
PHOTOS: RT HERMOSO

Volume 7
January - June 2015

PHOTOS: LN GARCIA

Pressing REPS issues and concerns

including the UPLB Up or Out Policy
for REPS were discussed during the
conference.

Committee, were present to answer

urgent concerns and issues. Dr. Susan
May F. Calumpang, Assistant to the
Vice Chancellor for Research and
Extension, gave the closing remarks.

PHOTO: HD MENDOZA

NEWS

OVCRE holds Training Series for

Information Ocers Network

Training Series for the

Information Officers of the
Office of the Vice Chancellor
for Research and Extension (OVCRE),
aimed to equip participants with skills
necessary to be effective information
officers, officially took off last 23
February 2015 at the OVCRE Annex
Building.
The first part of the training series was
composed of four sessions: Writing the
News, Writing the Feature, Writing
for Online Media, and Headline
Writing and Copyediting. Each
session included supervised workshops
and exercises. Workshops on basic
photography, writing for social media,
and content management using
Joomla! made up the second part of
the training series.

The members conceptualized the

training in order to be more proactive
in popularizing and promoting the
services of OVCRE and its supervised
units.

Resource speakers for the first part

of the series were from the College
of Development Communication
(CDC): Kabzeel Sheba G. Catapang,
Aletheia G. Canubas, and Rosa
Pilipinas F. Francisco. Joseph Lydio
R. Roble III from the Office of Public
Relations served as the resource person
for Basic Photography, while Aldo
T. Lim, also from CDC, discussed
Writing for Social Media. Lastly,
Florante A. Cruz from UPLB MNH
was the resource person for Content
Management using Joomla!
(Regina Mae C. Ongkiko)

CATAPANG on "Writing the News"

CRUZ on "Content Management Using Joomla!"

CANUBAS on "Writing the Feature"

LIM on "Writing for Social Media"

FRANCISCO on "Writing for Online Media" and

"Headline Writing and Copyediting"

University of the Philippines Los Baos

Research, Development and Extension Digest

PHOTOS: LN GARCIA

The OVCRE Information Officers

Network was formed as an initiative
of the Information Management
and Technology Utilization Section
(IMTUS). The network is composed
of two representatives from OVCRE's
supervised units: the National
Institute of Molecular Biology and
Biotechnology (BIOTECH), the
UPLB Center for Technology Transfer
and Entrepreneurship (UPLB CTTE),
the UPLB Gender Center, the UPLB
Museum of Natural History (UPLB
MNH), and the Office for Initiatives
in Culture and the Arts (OICA).

The OVCRE Information Officers Network with Chad Roble from OPR
(middle, front row), the resource person for Basic Photography. The ION is
composed of OVCRE staff and representatives from each supervised unit.

PHOTO: JEH AZORES

OVCRE conducts 10th Orientation on R & D

Project Implementation and Management

ifty project proponents of the

UPLB Basic Research Program
attended OVCRE's 10th
Orientation Seminar and Workshop
on R&D Project Implementation and
Management held last 4-6 May 2015
at the OVCRE Main Conference
Room, UPLB. It was organized by the
Project Development, Monitoring,
and Evaluation Section of the Office
of the Vice Chancellor for Research
and Extension (OVCRE).
The project leaders were oriented
on: project implementation, research
and extension etiquette, and writing
publishable articles. Resource
persons were Vice Chancellor Rex
B. Demafelis, Prof. Emeriti Cleofas

R. Cervancia and Evelyn Mae T.

Mendoza.
The orientation also zeroed in
on financial and administrative
management aspects. UPLB's Chief
Accountant, Ms. Joan E. Mendoza,
and Ms. Ethel T. Cabral, Head Budget
Officer, discussed the protocols on
budget utilization since the UPLB
Basic Research is now under the
general fund. The importance of
monitoring project activities efficiently
vis--vis financial management were
emphasized.
During the open forum, issues and
concerns on financial matters and
procurement process were discussed by

Prof. Danilo J. Mercado and

Ms. Cristina L. Eusebio of the Supply
and Property Management Office
(SPMO).
To further enhance the Basic Research
Program, a mentoring scheme is now
being implemented by the OVCRE
to strengthen the capability of junior
researchers and help increase UPLBs
scientific productivity.
OVCRE has advised all proponents
to prepare their project procurement
management plans way ahead of the
project implementation. Hopefully,
this can expedite the procurement
process of the supplies and materials
needed for their projects. (Ruth M.
Almario and Lot B. Pua)

BIOTECH laboratories now ISO-accredited

wo laboratories of the National

Institute of Molecular
Biology and Biotechnology
(BIOTECH) have been given the ISO/
IEC 17025:2005 accreditation: the
Central Analytical Service Laboratory
(CASL) and the Philippine National
Collection of Microorganisms
(PNCM).
The ISO (International Organization
for Standardization) is an independent,
non-governmental membership
organization which develops voluntary
international standards. The ISO/
IEC 17025:2005 specifies the general
requirements for the competence to
carry out tests and/or calibrations,
including sampling.
CASL provides chemical analysis of
food and feeds, water and wastewater,
and soil and fertilizer. It was the first

UPLB testing laboratory to be ISO

17025 accredited last September
2014. Under the leadership of Dr.
Veronica P. Migo, CASL underwent
renovation and upgrading with
support from the Biotechnology
Program Implementation Unit of
the Department of Agriculture (DA
Biotech PIU) and the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST).
The PNCM is the national repository
of microbial strains in the Philippines.
It offers microbiological analyses,
identification of isolates and
preservation of cultures. It is the
first laboratory in the UP System to
be given such an accreditation for
biological testing last 28 January 2015.
Due to extensive preparations needed,
it was only in 2014 that Dr. Rosario
G. Monsalud, PNCM Laboratory

Technical Manager and Head Curator

deemed the lab ready for accreditation.
The upgrading of the PNCM was
possible through grants from DOST
and the collaboration of the private
sector especially Procter and Gamble
Philippines.
Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, BIOTECH
Director at the time of both
accreditations, thanked the UPLB
Administration for the support.
Vice Chancellor for Research and
Extension, Prof. Rex B. Demafelis
said that these accreditations would
inspire other UPLB units to aspire
for similar endeavors. Chancellor
Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. said that the
latest accreditation of PNCM marks
another milestone in UPLBs direction
to become a globally competitive
university. (Carlo G. Custodio, Jr.)

Volume 7
January - June 2015

PHOTO: JEH AZORES

NEWS

NEWS

Outstanding R and E personnel and teams receive

awards during UPLB Foundation Day

Dr. Leni D. Camacho was given the

Outstanding Researcher Award for
the Senior Faculty/Social Sciences
category. Dr. Camacho, Professor
2 from the Department of Social
Forestry and Forest Governance of
the College of Forestry and Natural
Resources (CFNR), was recognized
for her pioneering and innovative
achievements in natural resources
and environmental economics.
She currently works in the areas of
mangrove ecosystems, forest-related
traditional knowledge, watershed
management, echo-physiology, wood
energy, and climate change.
Dr. Barbara L. Caoili, Associate
Professor 1 from CPC-CA, bagged
the Outstanding Researcher Award

PHOTO: LN GARCIA

he university recognized this

years outstanding researchers
and extensionists in a
ceremony held last 06 May 2015 at
the Makiling Ballroom of the Student
Union building as part of UPLB's
106th Foundation Day celebrations.
Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez Jr.,
together with Assistant to the Vice
Chancellor for Research and Extension
Dr. Susan May F. Calumpang and IRRI
Director General Dr. Robert S. Zeigler,
presented the awards.
CHANCELLOR FERNANDO C.
SANCHEZ, JR. delivering a message
and presented the awards.

in the Senior Faculty/Natural

Sciences Category. Dr. Caoili was
recognized for her pioneering work
in entomophatogenic nematodes.
She also worked in the isolation of
virulent entomopathogen strains to
control the Asian corn borer, the
common cutworm, and the common
fruit fly. Moreover, she was also
recognized for the identification of
Aspidiotus rigidus and the indigenous
Aspidiotus destructor, coconut scale
insects responsible for the Coconut
Scale Insect (CSI) outbreak in
CALABARZON using molecular
biology techniques.

University of the Philippines Los Baos

Research, Development and Extension Digest

PHOTO: LN GARCIA

THE ASEAN-KOREA ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION PROJECT (AKECOP-Philippines) from the

College of Forestry and Natural Resources won the Outstanding Research Team Award. They were
recognized for pioneering a partnership with the Republic of Korea and the other ASEAN member states.

Mr. Mario V. Navasero took home

the Outstanding Researcher Award
in the Senior REPS/Natural Sciences
category. Mr. Navasero was recognized
for his significant contributions in
the understanding and management
of the most-recent CSI infestation
in CALABARZON. He was also
recognized for the discovery of an
encyrtid parasitoid, a biological control
agent of adult CSIs. Moreover, Mr.
Navasero, Scientist I from the National
Crop Protection Center (NCPC), also
contributed significant information on
other insect pests such as the Brontispa
in coconuts and Spodoptera exempta or
the black army worm.

NEWS

PHOTO: LN GARCIA

THE CEREALS SECTION of CA's Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) received the award
as the Outstanding Extension Team. The team was recognized for the high-quality,
affordable and nutritious corn cultivars that they provide to Filiipino farmers.

Ms. Dulce D. Elazegui, University

Researcher III from the College of
Public Affairs and Development,
received the Outstanding Researcher
Award in the Senior REPS/Social
Sciences category. Ms. Elazegui was
recognized for her extensive work in
the field of social science, specifically
in the areas of agricultural and rural
development. She was also recognized
for her work on policy and the
institutional landscape of climate
change.
Prof. Sheryl A. Yap, Assistant Professor
2 from the Crop Protection Cluster of
the College of Agriculture (CPC-CA),
was presented with the Outstanding
Researcher Award under the Junior
Faculty/Natural Sciences category.
She was recognized for her work
in discovering, co-discovering, and
describing seven insect species. In
addition, she was also recognized for
establishing and maintaining research
collaborations with international
partners on the documentation of
Philippine biodiversity.

Additionally, the Cereals Section

of CAs Institute of Plant Breeding
received the award for the Outstanding
Extension Team. They were recognized
for providing high-quality, affordable,
and nutritious corn cultivars to Filipino
farmers. The team was also recognized
for developing corn grits from IPB Var
6 as a rice complement to improve the
nutritional status of school children
and to aid the communities that were
hit by Typhoon Yolanda. (Lawrence N.
Garcia)

IRRI Director-General Dr. Robert S. Zeigler

delivered the keynote message and also assisted
in the presentation of the awards.

DR. CAOILI - Outstanding Researcher Award

(Senior Faculty/Natural Sciences category)

DR. CAMACHO - Outstanding Researcher

Award (Senior Faculty/Social Sciences category)

MR. NAVASERO - Outstanding Researcher

Award (Senior REPS/Natural Sciences category)

MS. ELAZEGUI - Outstanding Researcher

Award (Senior REPS/Social Sciences category)

PROF. YAP - Outstanding Researcher Award

(Junior Faculty/Natural Sciences category)
Volume 7
January - June 2015

PHOTOS: LN GARCIA

Meanwhile, the ASEAN-Korea

Environmental Cooperation Project
(AKECOP-Philippines) from the
College of Forestry and Natural
Resources (CFNR) received the
Outstanding Research Team Award for
their pioneering partnership with the
Republic of Korea and other ASEAN
member states. This partnership
produced collaborative research
activities in science and technology, as
well as human resource development

and sustainable forest management.

Moreover, the team was recognized
for pioneering the Program on the
Restoration of Terrestrial Forest and
Mangrove Forest Ecosystems in the
ASEAN Region.

NEWS

OVCRE launches #HowISeeIt

social media campaign

arious ideas come to mind

when one sees or hears the
word research. Some define
it as difficult and nerve-racking;
others see it as exciting or challenging.
Without a doubt, the context changes
when we combine the words "UPLB"
and "research."
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for
Research and Extension (OVCRE)
spearheaded an interactive means of
promoting UPLB research culture
and awareness through #HowISeeIt--a
social media campaign.
The campaign delvs into different
perspectives of the diverse members of
the UPLB community and how they
see research in the university.
A teaser video was released last 14
May 2015. To further intensify the
campaign, OVCRE produced short
episodes featuring members of the
UPLB community discussing their
views on UPLB research.

Screenshot from Episode 1. The video can be

viewed in the UPLB Research and Extension FB page
and also in the OVCRE UPLB YouTube Channel.

that when he entered the university, he

was pushed to go the extra mile.

along with their own views on UPLB

research.

UPLB research is fun, a faculty

member from CDC said that despite
being small, the UPLB community
enjoys the research activities. We come
up with all the coolest stuff, looking for
solutions on issues like climate change
and human learning.

Within a week, Episode 1 garnered

around 8,600 views. The next episodes
will be launched successively within the
year.

UPLB research has changed lives

by providing different opportunities
in improving livelihood." a faculty
member from the Institute of
Biological Sciences said.

UPLB research, no matter how it is

viewed or defined, goes beyond the
challenges of the present; it innovates,
develops, and prepares for the future.
It is inspired and empowered by its
purpose: service to the nation.
(Jose Elmo H. Azores)

UPLB research is encompassing,"

a staff from CTTE shared. "It is
applicable in many different fields
and industries. The applications of
research are also very broad especially
in agriculture and biotechnology.
After being posted online, people on
Facebook and Twitter shared the videos

According to a BS Agriculture
freshman, UPLB research is a way
to improvement. It is the method of
looking for problems and finding their
solutions."
"UPLB research is worldwide. It is not
bound by the walls of the university;
the world is UPLBs laboratory, a BS
Development Communication student
contributed. Another student shared

University of the Philippines Los Baos

Research, Development and Extension Digest

Screenshots from Episode 1.

NEWS

tudents from the University

of the Philippines Los Baos
captured the universitys
research heritage in the first ever
OVCRE research-themed Photography
Exhibit which ran from 4-8 May 2015
at the UPLB Carabao Park.

The winners were selected by a panel

of judges composed of Vice Chancellor
Rex B. Demafelis, OICA Director
Prof. Maria Teresa DV Arejola,
Museum of Natural History Director
Prof. Juan Carlos T. Gonzales,
ROMAR JAN EDOSMA'S contest-winning photo
pays homage to the importance of bees and the
research done by the UPLB Bee Program.

The exhibit featured the top 15 entries

from OVCREs Capturing UPLBs
Research Heritage Photo Contest
as well as five photos contributed by
UPLB researchers and OVCRE staff.

The contest received numerous

entries with a diverse set of subjects.
Photos ranged from famous UPLB
technologies such as BIO-N to ongoing research projects such as that of
Phil-LiDAR 1.

The grand prize winner

posing with his masterpiece.
CONNECTING GENERATIONS. 3rd placer
Ivy Jane Madrid featured the UPL PS1 or
"Sandigan" pole sitao variety, one of the many
crop varieties developed by UPLB.

PHOTO: RC EDOSMA

JOEY ACE PERALTA'S photo of the data

gathering activities conducted by the Phil-LiDAR
1 UPLB in Balanac River, Pagsanjan, Laguna, won
second place.

Romar Jan C. Edosma from the

College of Arts and Sciences bagged the
1st place (PhP 8,000) while Joey Ace
P. Peralta and Ivy Jane W. Madrid took
PHOTO: JAP PERALTA

Volume 7
January - June 2015

PHOTO: IJW MADRID

The photo contest, co-organized by

OVCRE and the Office for Initiatives
in Culture and the Arts (OICA) was
open to all UPLB undergraduate
and graduate students and received
submissions from 1-24 April 2015.

UPLB-SESAM Researcher and

freelance photographer Mr. Simplicio
Q. Veluz, and veteran documentary
photographer Mr. Alex Baluyut.
(Lawrence N. Garcia)

PHOTO:JEH AZORES

The event is part of OVCREs effort

to foster and promote the universitys
research culture as well as to make the
concept of research more accessible to
the public.

home 2nd (PhP 5,000) and 3rd place

(PhP 3,000) respectively.

PHOTOS: IMTUS

Students capture UPLB's research heritage in

OVCRE Photography Contest and Exhibit

PEOPLE AND PERSONALITY

Rex B. Demafelis:
The new Vice Chancellor
for Research and Extension

t is the 2nd UPLB REPS

Conference at the Nicolas P.
Lansigan Auditorium, College
of Forestry and Natural Resources. A
few minutes left before the program
starts, and we receive word that the
Vice Chancellor for Research and
Extension cannot make it for the
opening remarks. He is confined in
the University Health Service. The
committee members talk about how
they can adjust the program, when
suddenly, there he is. Vice Rex B.
Demafelis is walking towards them,
dressed formally in neatly pressed polo
and slacks, his trademark smile on his
face. He looks like what he usually
looks like on a normal weekday
except for the blue handkerchief
wrapped around his right wrist, hiding
the IV tube. Yes, he has made it in time
to deliver the opening remarks because
of a waiver. With the committee
worried, and the participants anxious,
Vice Rex only has one thing in mind:
to make the most of the two hours.

Research and Extension (OVCRE)staff

used to describe Vice Rex .Aside from
these traits, he is also known for his
enigmatic smile, which always brings a
lighter mood even to the most stressful
of meetings.
Rex B. Demafelis is the new Vice
Chancellor for Research and Extension
effective 01 November 2014. He
succeeded Dr. Maria Victoria O.
Espaldon, whose appointment as Vice
Chancellor ended last 31 October
2014.

The road to success

Most of us are more or less familiar
with his different accomplishments.
He was the National President of
the Philippine Institute of Chemical
Engineers from 2004 to 2005. He
also became a member of the Japan
Society of Chemical Engineers and
the American Institute of Chemical
Engineers both in 1995, and he has

The road that led him to UPLB

Vice Rex grew up in Iloilo City where
he graduated cum laude from the
University of San Agustin, Iloilo City
with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
He went to UP Diliman where he got
his Masters Degree also in Chemical
Engineering.

These are just a few of the words that

the Office of the Vice Chancellor for

Currently, his Ph.D in Environmental

Science from UPLB is under

University of the Philippines Los Baos

Research, Development and Extension Digest

VICE CHANCELLOR REX B. DEMAFELIS

during the UP REPSS 2nd Annual Scientic
Conference and 6th General Assembly Meeting.

PHOTO: LN GARCIA

Dedicated. Passionate. Inspiring.

He started teaching at UPLB in

1984 and is now a Professor at the
Department of Chemical Engineering,
College of Engineering and Agroindustrial Technology (CEAT).

10

PHOTO: RMC ONGKIKO

completion. Indeed, he sets high goals

even for himself.

PEOPLE AND PERSONALITY

PHOTO: LN GARCIA

PHOTO: RMC ONGKIKO

been part of the Technical Association

of Pulp and Paper Industry of the
Philippines since 1998.
Aside from these, he also has a number
of prestigious awards such as the
2014 UPLB Outstanding Senior
Researcher in Natural Sciences, the
2013 Outstanding Professional of
the Year Award (by the Professional
Regulation Commission), and the 2013
Outstanding Chemical Engineer of the
Philippines Award (by the Philippine
Institute of Chemical Engineers). In
2011, the University of the Philippines
Alumni Association (UPAA) gave him
the Outstanding Alumni in Chemical
Engineering Award.
Vice Rex has helped to advance
chemical engineering in the Philippines
through his research projects on
biofuels and alternative energy.
He also currently chairs the UPLB
Interdisciplinary Biofuels Research
Studies Center (UPLB-IBRSC).

easy. He holds meetings until late

in the evening, travels to different
provinces and countries to meet with
collaborators, even if he is actively
teaching. He manages to do all of these
even though he is now Vice Chancellor.
The road to being a globally
competitive graduate and research
university
Vice Rex supports the Chancellor's
goal to become a globally competitive
graduate and research university. He
aims to drive the endeavors of OVCRE
towards that direction. International
linkages, effective marketing of
technologies, promotion of research
culture, and increase in publications

are just a few of the goals OVCRE has

set with him as the leader.
During the REPS Conference, Vice
Rex stated in his welcome remarks that
he wanted to know more about the
situation of the REPS even though he
is a faculty member. He called out to
the participants to help him understand
more.
Indeed, Vice Rex B. Demafelis is
successful and accomplished. He is
dedicated, passionate and inspiring. But
the new Vice Chancellor for Research
and Extension is exceptional because
despite all these, his humility remains.
(Regina Mae C. Ongkiko)

VICE CHANCELLOR REX B. DEMAFELIS discussing issues with Dr. Rogelio V. Cuyno, former
Director of Extension, and Dr. Emil Q. Javier, former UPLB Chancellor and UP President, during the 1st
UPLB Public Service Forum Part 2.

Under his leadership, the 2015

Philippine International Biomass
Conference was conducted last 16-18
June 2015 at the Widus Hotel, Clark
Free Port Zone, Pampanga. Resource
persons from the Philippines and
from other countries spoke about
the potential of biomass for energy
production.

PHOTO: LN GARCIA

Vice Rex mentions that he sees

himself as a mentor. The way that
he is dedicated to his projects and
publications is the same when it comes
to mentoring and training his staff.
Definitely, the road to success is not
Volume 7
January - June 2015

11

RESEARCH UPDATES

UPLB MNH discovers and records new species

2015 is fast becoming a year of breakthroughs for the UPLB Museum of Natural History (MNH) as some of its curators and sta
continue to discover and describe several new species of flora and fauna. A home to world-renowned taxonomists and systematists,
the MNH continues to contribute to the pursuit of unravelling the Philippines rich biological diversity.
For close to 40 years now, the curators and sta from the Museum has discovered and/or co-discovered more than 100 species of flora
and fauna, with some even named after Museum luminaries such as Dr. Dioscoro S. Rabor, Dr. Leonila C. Raros, Prof. Pedro L
Alviola III, Dr. William SM. Gruezo, and many more. This half of the year, the Museum is proud to list its accomplishments: eight
new species and several new records of distribution.
Two spider species in Mt. Makiling
Two new species of spiders from
Mt. Makiling were described by the
daughter-father tandem of Dr. Aimee
Lynn Barrion-Dupo and Dr. Alberto
Barrion, both curators for spiders at the
MNH Entomology Section. One of the
species was named Prolochus junlitjri
after the former MNH director Dr.
Ireneo L. Lit, Jr.

The other species is called Chrysso

makiling, the specific name coined after
the majestic Mt. Makiling where the
specimens were collected. Selected as
the 5th ASEAN Heritage Park in the
Philippines, Mt. Makiling is indeed
one of the centers of biological diversity
in the region; its being selected by the
ASEAN as a heritage park fortifies its
importance as a key conservation area
in the ASEAN region.
A cicada that laughs

Due to the "laughing" sound the males

produce, locals thought that there were unseen
dwarfs and fairies.

Ahoy for the new Hoya

ALL PHOTOS CARE OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS

The Philippines is one of the centers of

diversity of Hoya with 115 species, 18
of which are found nowhere else in the
world. The latest member of the group,
co-discovered by MNH technician
Mary Ann O. Cajano, was named
Hoya espaldoniana in honor of Dr. Ma.
Victoria O. Espaldon, former Vice
Chancellor for Research and Extension.

According to David General, this is only the

second species of the genus Romblonella in the
Philippines.

12

From the mythical Mt. Banahao de

Lucban in Quezon Province, a new
species of cicada was discovered and
named Psithyristria ridibunda by
MNH curator Dr. Ireneo L. Lit, Jr.
and cicada expert Dr. Young June Lee
of the Department of Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology, University of
Connecticut.
In a more recent expedition, MNH
curators and Professors Annalee S.
Hadsall and Ivy Amor Lambio together
with MNH staff Mary Ann Cajano
and Michelle Alejado confirmed the
presence of H. espaldoniana in Burdeos,
Polillo Island in Quezon Province, in
addition to its type locality in Puerto
Galera, Oriental Mindoro. With this
diversity, MNH researchers expect that
more species will be discovered as more
localities are being explored.
Ant named after Pres. Cory Aquino
MNH ant expert David Emmanuel
General together with Perry Archival
Buenavente of the Philippine National
Museum described a new species of ant
from Cleopatras Needle in Palawan
Island. Because of its robust, hard, and
compact body with striking colors, it
was named Romblonella coryae in honor

University of the Philippines Los Baos

Research, Development and Extension Digest

LEFT: The species was named after former

MNH Director, Dr. Ireneo L. Lit, Jr.
RIGHT: Specimens of this species were
collected from Mt. Makiling, hence the name.

Males of this species produce a

laughing sound, hence its name
ridibunda which translates in Latin
as laughing, and are often mistaken
by locals as unseen dwarfs or fairies.
This genus of cicada is among the least
studied of insects with only 15 known
species. Cicadas are very interesting
insects and a lot can still be learned
about them,Dr. Lit said.

This Hoya was named in honor of

environmental scientist and bioegeographer Dr.
Espaldon who supports environmental education
and Philippine biodiversity conservation.

of the late former President Corazon

CoryAquino. It is only fitting that a
genus named after a Philippine island
has a species named after a modern
Filipino hero, the researchers wrote.
The discovery of this rare species in the
Palawan forests, which is considered as
the Philippines last frontier, reiterates
the need to reinforce protection of the
islands rich but threatened biodiversity.

RESEARCH UPDATES
Leaf insect from Northern Luzon

This latest addition to the genus Phyllium

commemorates Andres Bonifacio's 150th birth
anniversary and his contribution to Philippine
Revolution.

Little vampires on bats

Bats are often feared as vampires but
they are actually the victims of little
blood-suckers the bat flies. These
bloodsuckers are seldom collected
and studied, said James Alvarez, who
published a report on the nycteribiid
bat flies in Mt. Makiling, along with
Museum curators Dr. Ireneo Lit,
Jr. and Prof. Phillip A. Alviola. He
mentioned that only a handful of
researchers in the past have surveyed
Philippine nycteribiids. The latest
complete review of these insects was
Lanzones Scale Insects

Colony of Unaspis mabilis Lit & Barbecho,

n.sp. on leaf of Lansium domesticum. A. adult
females; B. pupae of males.

Cave tarantula
From the dark caves of Polillo Island
in Quezon, MNH curators for spiders
Aimee Lynn Barrion-Dupo and Alberto
Barrion along with their former student
Joseph Rasalan discovered a new
species of tarantula spider which was
named Phlogiellus kwebaburdeosa
name coined after the species habitat
(a cave or kweba) and the locality of the
cave (Burdeos, Polillo Island).

In an expedition by herpetologists
Rafe M. Brown and Arvin Diesmos,
a female individual of a leaf insect
was chanced upon and donated to the
MNH. Further examination revealed
that it is actually a new species awaiting
discovery. Luckily, through the help of
all-around technician Roseller Duque,
MNH was able to rear the insect
in the laboratory and increased the
number of specimens. The species is
formally named by former director Dr.
made by the late Prof. Luisito S. Cuy
from 1980 to 1981. The present study
reported 10 species of bat flies. One
of these is new for Luzon and five
were found on bats other than those
previously known to serve as hosts.
Alvarez is quick to point out that
the presence of bat flies in a certain
locality may play a role in the future
management of diseases that can
be passed from animals to humans.
Prof. Phillip Alviola, MNH Curator
for Small Non-volant Mammals,
The CALABARZON region was
recently threatened by the outbreak
of coconut scale insects which
infested millions of coconut trees,
hampering the coconut industry.
While surveying and identifying the
scale insects that plagued coconut and
other economically important crops,
MNH curator Dr. Ireneo Lit, Jr. with
his apprentice Normandy Barbecho
discovered that the scale insect that
targets lanzones is actually a new
species. They named the insect Unaspis
This species exhibits an unusual
habit of being a cave-dweller, not
typical of its cousins which inhabit
just the forest floor, Barrion-Dupo
said. She further expressed the need to
study the true nature of this tarantula
which should also encourage the strict
implementation of the Philippine
Cave Law to protect the caves and cave
resources in Polillo. (Florante A. Cruz
and James DV. Alvarez)

Ireneo Lit, Jr. and museum technician

Orlando Eusebio as Phyllium
bonifacioi, after the Philippine hero
Andres Bonifacio. The naming of this
species was originally dedicated to the
commemoration of the heros 150th
birth anniversary on 30 November
2013 in recognition of his contribution
to Philippine Revolution.This species
is the latest addition to the genus
Phyllium which now has ten described
species. The authors highlighted the
importance of protecting this species
from illegal and uncontrolled pet trade.
added that bats are major reservoirs
of zoonotic viruses worldwide. The
most high-profile of these can cause
respiratory syndromes, hemorrhagic
fever, rabies and other deadly illnesses.

These little parasites are actually wingless

ies which suck the blood of bats.

mabilis. It spreads very fast, hence

farmers call it mabilis (fast),Lit said.
First detected in Makilala, North
Cotabato as early as 2009, this species
had already spread to parts of Aklan,
Mindoro and Laguna, including the
Mt. Makiling area. The authors
also speculated that this is a species
introduced from Thailand or Malaysia,
having an aggressive behavior
characteristic of an invasive alien
species.

Unlike its cousins which inhabit only the

forest oors, P. kwebaburdeos dwells in caves.

Volume 7
January - June 2015

13

EXTENSION UPDATES

UPLB moves to control

small hive beetles

PHOTO: RMC ONGKIKO

Dr. Cervancia believes that the beetles

entered the country through smuggled
European bees (Apis mellifera) from
countries with known small hive
beetles. While the current infestation
only affects colonies of European bees,
they are trying to determine if the
beetles will transfer to our native Apis
cerana and stingless bee (Tetragonula
spp.) colonies.

First reported in June 2014, the small

hive beetle incursion has since caused
the collapse of nearly 80 percent of bee
populations in Panabo, Lupon, Gen.
Santos, and other parts of southern
Mindanao where it is currently
concentrated. Currently, the pest has
yet to infect colonies north of ground
zero but colonies in Bukidnon and
parts of Visayas are being closely
monitored.

Aside from the damage to bee colonies,

small hive beetles are also a threat to
high-value crops. According to Dr.
Cervancia, bananas, pineapples, and
mangoes can serve as alternate hosts
to the beetles. Moreover, since bees
pollinate 35 percent of the worlds
crops, she noted that a threat to bees
will be a setback for pollination services
and will greatly threaten agriculture.

The small hive beetle, according to Dr.

Cervancia, kills a bee colony by eating
its brood, honey, and pollen. Further,
the beetles also defecate inside the
hives.

14

The team from UPLB and DA-BAR

has introduced traps to reduce the
damage and to control the spread of the
beetles. They have also requested for a
moratorium on the movement of bees.
Dr. Cervancia also called for stricter
quarantine procedures. (Lawrence N.
Garcia)

University of the Philippines Los Baos

Research, Development and Extension Digest

Comparison of a bee (left) and a small hive

beetle (right).

DR. CERVANCIA shows the

traps for the small hive beetles.
PHOTO: RMC ONGKIKO

PHOTO: GUZMAN ET AL.,2009

PLB researchers, led by

Professor Emeritus Dr. Cleofas
R. Cervancia of the UPLB
Bee Program and in partnership with
the Bureau of Agricultural Research of
the Department of Agriculture (DABAR), are monitoring and conducting
research on the small hive beetle
(Aethina tumida) incursion in the
country.

PROFESSOR EMERITUS Dr. Cleofas R.

Cervancia explains to UNTV reporters the
threats of small hive beetles.

EXTENSION UPDATES

UPLB's Hibiscus hybrids featured in photo

exhibit and commemorative stamps

PLB Hibiscus hybrids gained

center stage as several varieties
were featured in a photo
exhibition launched by the Filipino
Heritage Festival, Inc. (FHFI) and in
a limited edition of commemorative
stamps produced by the Philippine
Postal Corporation (PHL Post). The
photo exhibition entitled "Hibiscus
Hybrids and Outstanding Filipina
Achievers" was unveiled along with
the limited commemorative stamp
collection in an intimate program
at the White Cube Gallery of the
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
(MET) last 12 May 2015.

The exhibition is intended to make

Filipinos aware and appreciative of
these gumamela varieties as well as the
people with which they are named after
according to FHFI.
Dr. Pablito M. Magdalita, plant
breeder and project leader of the
Hibiscus Breeding Team at the Crop
Science Cluster of UPLBs Institute
of Plant Breeding, hopes that this
initiative would encourage the planting
of the queen of the Filipino garden in
more subdivisions, gardens, golf parks
and other public areas in the country.

The photo exhibition ran at the MET

until 30 May 2015. It is now making
its rounds in various SM Supermalls
on the following dates: 1 to 4 June
2015, SM Molino; 8 to 12 June 2015,
SM Rosario; 15 to 19 June 2015, SM
Dasmarias; 22 to 26 June 2015, SM
Bacoor; and, 29 June to 03 July 2015,
SM Baguio.
The details of the partnership which
allowed FHFI and PHLPost to use the
Hibiscus hybrids photos, images, and
related creative content were facilitated
by the UPLB CTTE and the UP
System TTBDO. Under the agreement,
the said materials are royalty-free for a
period of three years. (Daniel Dave J.
Batayo)

The event was attended by Director

Josephine M. Bo of the UPLB Office
of Public Relations, President Armita
Rufino and Treasurer Araceli Salas of
FHFI, Assistant Postmaster General
Luis D. Carlo of the PHLPost,
President Tina Colayco of MET,
and Ms. Idona Marie G. Palatao of
the UP System Technology Transfer
and Business Development Office
(TTBDO), and the staff of the UPLB
Center for Technology Transfer and
Entrepreneurship (CTTE).

PHOTOS: DDJ BATAYO

The activity is in line with the

celebration of the month of May
as the National Heritage Month.
The photo exhibition showcased 33
varieties of UPLB Hibiscus hybrids,
commonly known as gumamelas,
named after outstanding Filipino
women who made significant impacts
in our society. The 33 varieties came
from the Education, Women in Arts,
Centennial, Millennium, Women in
Public Service, and Oblation series that
were produced and bred by researchers
and scientists of UPLB. Meanwhile,
the commemorative stamps featured
eight varieties - Dolores A. Ramirez,
Gelia T. Castillo, Helen L. Valmayor,

and Emerita de Guzman from the

Millennium Series, and Tandang Sora,
Goria, Nay Isa, and Nazaria from the
Centennial Series.

The exhibit showcased 33 varieties of Hibiscus hybrids.

Dr. Pablito M. Magdalita (3rd from left) hopes that this would
encourage the planting of hibiscus in more areas in the country.
Volume 7
January - June 2015

15

EXTENSION UPDATES

Bugkalot Women:
Rice Keepers of
the Sierra Madre

eep in the heart of the Sierra

Madre, within the Quirino
Protected Landscape dwells
the Bugkalot tribe. Descendants of
early Indonesian or Malay headhunters,
the Bugkalots make ends meet in
the small village of Brgy. Wasid,
Nagtipunan, Quirino Province, a
significant part of their ancestral
domain.

Planting of traditional rice varieties

is usually the work of women of the
Bugkalot tribe, says Padinsa Ballang,
one of the Bugkalot leaders. It is hard
manual work done through the patek, a
javelin-like tool with a steel end which
Bugkalot women use to dig holes in
the ground where the seeds would be
planted.

These are just a few of the traditional

agricultural practices that the Bugkalot
have continued to keep alive over the
years.
1

Conserving rice varieties

These practices, traditional they may
be, are reasons why up to now, quite a
number of traditional rice varieties exist
in farmers fields which are continually
planted by the Bugkalots.
The Rice Roots Legacy project of
the UNDP-FAO-DENR-DA-BARUPLBFI has initially assessed that
there are around 30 traditional rice
varieties which have been identified
by the Bugkalot as indigenous to their
community.

the country. It also seeks to strengthen

the conservation of plant genetic
diversity by integrating conservation
planning with the landscape-level
planning and decentralized government
programming.
Women ensure, sustain future

The project demonstrated the

integral role that women play in
the conservation of indigenous
Bugkalot rice in the community. Led
by Professors Nestor Altoveros and
Teresita Borromeo of the Crop Science
Cluster, UPLB College of Agriculture,
the project aims to promote the
conservation of traditional rice varieties
and other focus crops in several sites in

Bugkalot women dominate the

spectrum of rice production in Wasid
Women are relied upon to select the
best seeds from the batch of bundled
panicles based on the relative weights
of similar bundles. The heavier the
bundles, the better the seed quality:
more grains and more filled grains.
The task of seed selection is left to the
women because they are considered
more sensitive to slight differences in
weight, Padinsa said. This has also
been verified during several interviews
done by the project.

Project Title: Integrating the Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture into Decentralized Landscape Management for Food Security and Biodiversity Conservation in Critical Eco-Regions in the Philippines

16

University of the Philippines Los Baos

Research, Development and Extension Digest

PHOTO: RICE ROOTS LEGACY PROJECT/NC ALTOVEROS

The patek is artfully decorated and

sometimes has colorful trimmings that
wave in the wind. The patek is not only
a tool for production, as its use is even
embedded in Bugkalot traditions the
colorful trimmings signify that the
woman using it is single and available.
During planting, the Bugkalot women
dip into their ukuyan, a small basket
tied to their waists carrying seeds, and
drop these seeds into the holes. On the
other hand, during harvest, they use
another basket called the lakbut, where
they put the collected panicles of grain.

An unmarried Bugkalot woman

and the patek at a Conservation
Field School session in Wasid.

PHOTO: RICE ROOTS LEGACY PROJECT/LE SISTER

In Wasid, raising their livestock and

planting various heirloom rice are the
major sources of nutrition and income
for the Bugkalot family - a family
whose daily subsistence pretty much
rely on the female members.

EXTENSION UPDATES
We found out that Bugkalot men
have become so used to carrying heavy
weights that they have become less
sensitive to small variations in their
load, Altoveros explained.
Bugkalot women also monitor the rice
stocks held in storage. While they must
ensure that the household has food
every day, women are responsible in
making sure that seeds are available for
the next planting.

pride by not alienating communities

from sound traditional practices,
Altoveros said.

According to Altoveros and Borromeo,

it is therefore important to understand
local conservation practices and find
the science behind these.

An essential part of this is

understanding the gender dimensions
of traditional practices: who does what
in plant genetic resource conservation,
who holds what knowledge, and who
makes specific decisions. (Dr. Lorna
E. Sister and Maria Rowena Beatriz Q.
Inzon)

Innovations built on these will validate

local knowledge and enhance cultural

A participant transfers rice seeds for

storage from her ukuyan to a storage jar.

Gender roles in science building

PHOTO: RICE ROOTS LEGACY PROJECT/LE SISTER

Difficult decisions must be made

when the supply runs low. Food must
be on the table today, but losing the
seed means food cannot be served in
the future, Borromeo, a plant breeder
said.

a community-based gene bank called

agang a local seed-storage structure built by Bugkalot men.

It is clear that the role of women in

the conservation of traditional rice
varieties of the Bugkalot is extremely
crucial. The very core of every womans
role in nurturing her family is geared
towards ensuring food security for the
household.
However, the tribe is quick to point out
that everything is still a collaboration
between genders. Essential to
Bugkalot rice conservation practice is

PHOTO: RICE ROOTS LEGACY PROJECT/RP SANCHEZ

Participants of the Conservation Field School in Barangay Wasid, Nagtipunan, Quirino pose in front with the Bugkalot seed storage structure called
agang under construction with Nagtipunan Municipal Agriculture Officer Hedie Arsenia Marquez (second from right, standing), MAO staff, barangay
officials and member of the project team - project leader Nestor C. Altoveros (extreme L, standing), co-project leader Teresita H. Borromeo (bending down,
right), Virginia L. Agcopra (third from right, standing), study leader Hidelisa de Chavez (extreme right, sitting), project coordinator Shalan Joseph Kitma
(extreme left, sitting) and project staff Lorna E. Sister (extreme right, standing)

Volume 7
January - June 2015

17

EXTENSION UPDATES

OICA Conducts SI-LAB Experimental Arts Festival

Niche

Artist: Joseph Gabriel

Collaborating Organization: UP Painters' Club
Location: In front of the Oblation

Elucidating the notion of time in

relation to how we hold on to its
momentary episodes and
understanding the remnants of the
intangible, the artist came up with the
idea of an artwork using ceramic clay
that would encourage thoughts about
UPLB.
Tonoscope

Artist: Jett Ilagan

Collaborating Organization: The Society of Applied
Mathematics of UPLB
Location: Carabao Park

ining-Laboratoryo (SI-LAB)
Experimental Arts Festival is
an alternative platform that
caters to scientists and artists for
them to showcase their untried and
untested works in the light of artistic
explorations and development.
OICA invited UPLB organizations
and collaborated with different artists
from UP Diliman and introduced and
illustrated the facets of experimental
arts to the UPLB community. The
following installations were displayed
in selected areas within UPLB campus
from 21-27 February 2015:
Landscape Drawing

Artist: Clarissa Marie Issay B. Rodriguez

Collaborating Organization: UPLB Engineering Society
Location: Grounds near Admin. Bldg

Inspired by a theory that frequencies

make up almost everything, the artist
created and tested different patterns
of frequencies. Complex patterns are
created by using high-pitched sounds.
The higher the pitch, the more complex
the pattern. Inconsistencies in the
results were expected but they were
eventually resolved through trial and
error.
Untitled
(On a Sunday Morning, the poet)
Artist: Les Lee
Collaborating Organization: Samahang Layb
Location: DL Umali Grounds

This project employs the use of

language to create a brief but
meaningful visual projection.
With words carved on grass, the piece
is an expression of the ephemeral
encounter between the artist and the
partner organization. The outward

18

University of the Philippines Los Baos

Research, Development and Extension Digest

Jett Ilagan and SAMUP tested different

patterns of frequences. The higher the pitch,
the more complex the pattern created.

incompleteness of the line is deliberate.

To the group, art, poetry, and the act
of creation complete one another. The
vague meaning of the work encourages
all sorts of possible explanations and
interpretations from the audience. In
this sense, the tangible art is conjoint to
a plethora of intangible meanings. The
words will again be covered by grass
with the inevitable passing of time.
The work does not aspire for physical
permanence and its nature is similar to

Clarissa Marie B. Rodriguez was inspired by how

spiders create their webs. The UPLB Engineering
Society helped to illustrate engineering concepts.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF OICA

Inspired by the way a spider creates

its web, the artist collaborated with
a student organization to connect
the trees by using different colors of
yarn. The gigantic spider web gives us
a different way of experiencing art
using it with nature. It also illustrates
the engineering concepts of load and
tension.

Joseph Gabriel, with the UP Painters' Club,

used ceramic clay to create "Niche."

EXTENSION UPDATES
that of the artists thoughts: the image
of what transpired will be in the minds
of those who have witnessed it.

Sining Puppet

Pigments 100

With the theme of Unravelling the

Underlying Filipino Values in Various
Social Events, the puppet show
portrayed events like UPLB students
protesting against increased tuition
fees. It also acted out the recent Papal
Visit which was then followed by a
portrayal of the issue on the Fallen 44.
The resilience of the Filipino people in
the face of calamity was also depicted.

Artist: Julius Redillas

Collaborating Organization: UP Painters' Club
Location: Waiting Shed near CAS

These artworks showcased UPLBs

colors through different perspectives.
They reminded people of the value of
the basic components of life regardless
of how complex they appear to be.
The young artist explored the
campus and its surrounding places
to gather pigments from different
sources like plants, insects, rocks
and tires. The pigments were used
to produce different shades of colors
that symbolize the diversity of life
and culture that is present within the
University and its neighborhood.
Magpalitan Tayo ng Alingawngaw
Artist: Kevin Atmadibrata
Collaborating Organization: MAGPIES
Location: Back of CAS Annex 2 Building

Inspired by the local folktale of

Maria Makiling, Magpalitan Tayo
ng Alingawngaw is an installation
performance art that interacts with
space and claims its territory by doing
things to it. The installation creates
an indirect interaction between the
audience and the performers.
Unknown to the spectators, their
comments and reactions were echoed
back to them, hence, the incorporation
of alingawngaw in the acts title.

Les Lee and Samahang Layb used

language to create a brief yet meaningful
visual projection.

Artist: Prof. Aileen dela Cruz

Collaborating Organization: UPLB Writers' Club
Location: CAS Annex 2 Lobby

The goal of the performance is to ignite

the sense of nationalism among the
Filipino youth, especially the UPLB
students.

The concepts they conceived ranged

from creation to cleansing. They played
with the instruments to see which
style fits each concept perfectly. Rhea
introduced traditional African rhythm
and playing styles and they combined it
with the grounding sounds of bamboo
instruments from the Cordilleras.
They experimented mostly with
rhythm, playing 5-6 rhythms with
the djembe. In the end, they created a
rhythmic sound that combines African
beats with ethnic Filipino rhythm.
(Claudyne Marie dR. Gonzales and Aiza
A. Peaflor)

Community Improv

Artist: Rhea Dagnalan

Collaborating Organization: Harmonya: The String
Ensemble of UPLB
Location: Animal Science Compound

The artist, together with the members

of UPLB Harmonya, used ethnic
bamboo instruments from the
Cordilleras namely the flute, guitar, and
djembe, to experiment with rhythm.

Prof. Aileen Dela Cruz and the UPLB Writers'

Club showed different relevant events through a
puppet show for students.

Kevin Atmadibrata collaborated with MAGPIES for an installation that

created an indirect interaction between the performers and audience.

Julius Redillas collected pigments from

plants, insects, rocks, and tires. The UP
Painters' Club also collaborated with him.

Ethnic bamboo instruments from

were used by Rhea Dagnalan and UPLB
Harmonya to experiment with rhythm.
Volume 7
January - June 2015

19

ANNOUNCEMENTS

JOURNAL MATCHING

CALL FOR PAPERS

OVCRE aims to increase the number of projects and

papers published in high-impact journals. One way is
to match the articles to the most appropriate journal.
The Journal Matching Service was launched last March
2015 by Thomson Reuters.

The 2015 UPLB ConExtS - Conference on Extension

Services with the theme "Nurturing the Tradition of Distinctive
Excellence Through Extension: UPLB's Contribution for
a Globally Competitive Philippines" will be held on 10
September 2015.

Send the paper's title, abstract and APA-style list

of references to ovcre.uplb@up.edu.ph. We will
recommend the most appropriate journal to publish
your article. You can also use EndNotes Manuscript
Matcher independently by creating an account and
logging-in to a Thomson Reuters EndNote account.

We invite all colleges and units to submit at most two full

papers of their best extension program/services, detailing the
service or technology, extension methods, profile and location
of beneficiaries, impacts, awards and recognitions, and
publications, among others.

For inquiries you may contact Lawrence N. Garcia at

(049) 536-2354.

The deadline of submission is on 10 August 2015 (Monday).

For inquiries, you may call Dr. Virginia B. Camarinta or Ms.
Ailene M. Florece at (049) 536-2354.

UPBEAT IS FIRST TRADEMARK LICENSEE OF UPLB

The university granted UPBEAT a non-exclusive license to use UP registered trademarks and its derivatives in the
Philippines. The license agreement is valid for three years from September 2014 to August 2017.

WATCH OUT FOR THE NEW RDE DIGEST!

With the aim of promoting research culture, the OVCRE will launch the RDE Chronicle and the new RDE Digest this
2015. Both publications will be released twice a year: RDE Chronicle on March and October, and the new RDE Digest on
July and December/January.
The Chronicle will focus on happenings related to research, development, and extension, while the new Digest will focus on
timeless stories of the impact of UPLB research and extension initiatives. This will be the last RDE Digest using this format.
We thank you for your avid feedback and comments, and we hope you will support the Chronicle and the new Digest as
you have supported us for the past seven years.
You may contribute articles and suggest topics you would like us to feature by emailing us at ovcre.uplb@up.edu.ph.

The Editorial Team

The RDE Digest

Official Research, Development and Extension Newsletter of

the University of the Philippines Los Baos

managing editor
Maria Rowena Beatriz Q. Inzon
layout
Regina Mae C. Ongkiko
writers/photographers/contributors
Lawrence N. Garcia Regina Mae C. Ongkiko
Maria Rowena Beatriz Q. Inzon Lolita B. Pua
Czarlina May E. Magnata Eriberto E. Roxas, Jr.
Ruth M. Almario Ailene M. Florece
Daniel Dave J. Batayo Jose Elmo H. Azores
Lorna E. Sister Claudyne Marie dR. Gonzales
Aiza A. Peaflor Florante A. Cruz
James DV Alvarez Carlo G. Custodio, Jr.

The RDE Digest

is published semi-annually by the Ofce of the Vice-Chancellor for Research

and Extension (OVCRE), University of the Philippines Los Baos (UPLB). Contributions related to research
and extension from UPLB faculty and staff are welcome. Please send manuscripts and digital photographs via
email: ovcre.uplb@up.edu.ph. Comments on the published content can also be sent through the same email
address. Requests for use of content for publication should be addressed to the Editors.
For inquiries, please contact us at: Information Management and Technology Utilization Section
OVCRE, 3F UPLB Main Library, UPLB, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
Tel. No. (63) 49 536-2354 , VOIP: 1515, Email: ovcre.uplb@up.edu.ph.

production/ circulation
Renato E. Apolinario, Jr. Alex C. Genil
Reynaldo T. Magsino Michael B. Biguelme
advisers
VC Rex B. Demafelis
AVC Susan May F. Calumpang

20

University of the Philippines Los Baos

Research, Development and Extension Digest