Scientists and experts gathered to discuss studies, initiatives, and programs at the Conservation Genomics Colloquium 2025 organized by the Silliman University (SU) and the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) through the Philippine Genome Center Visayas (PGC), at the Silliman University, Dumaguete City, on April 15, 2025.
In his message, UP President Angelo Jimenez urged scientists to make science aspirational — especially to young people — to gain public support. President Jimenez said scientists should learn to communicate, produce examples, and go tocommunities.
“This is such a great time to make new heroes and I want these new heroes to be scientists,” he said.
“Go out there, talk to the people, and use science — suggest solutions to real-world problems,” he added.
In her keynote address, Dr. Cynthia Saloma, a former PGC Biodiversity Program Director, touched on multiple topics, which included conservation genomics; conservation in the local setting; sequencing efforts; genomic techniques and tools; current projects under UP PGC conservation genomics;
For his part, Chancellor Clement Camposano said the “we’re not just happy, we’re elated that [UPV] is actually able to partner with [SU] for this important scientific milestone because it shows the importance of what partnerships can actually do — to me, it shows the correct culture of how to do science, which is really to bond our institutions.”
Meanwhile, SU President Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, who welcomed the attendees to the colloquium, said the event “represents a step forward in our continuing commitment to safeguard Philippine biodiversity using molecular genetic tools and institutional collaboration between [SU, UP, and PGC].”
As part of the program, Dr. Robert Guino-o of SU gave an overview of the Visited Spotted Deer Project of SU and UPV, through PGC Visayas.
Likewise, a panel of scientists and experts answered questions from on-site and online attendees. The panel included President Jimenez, Chancellor Camposano, Dr. Guino-o, Dr. Persie Mark Sienes, PGC Visayas Director Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel, Ms. Ma. Carmel Javier, Mr. Albert Noblezada, UPV National Institute of Molecular Biology Biotechnology Director Dr. Carmelo del Castillo, and Dr. Cynthia Saloma.
