UP Diliman Marine Science Institute Personnel Elected to ASBP Board

In a significant development for the academic and scientific community in the Philippines, two personnel from the University of the Philippines Diliman's Marine Science Institute (MSI) have been elected to the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Association of Systematic Biologists of the Philippines (ASBP). The elections took place during the International Symposium and the 42nd Annual Meeting of the ASBP, held on June 2, 2025, at the University of Santo Tomas.

Dr. Wilfred John E. Santiañez, an assistant professor and head of the MSI Marine Phycology Laboratory, was elected as the ASBP Public Relations Officer. He also serves as the collections manager of the MSI Gregorio T. Velasquez Phycological Herbarium. Dr. Santiañez holds a PhD in Natural History Sciences (Biodiversity) from Hokkaido University, Japan. His research is focused on seaweed biology, including biodiversity, systematics, molecular phylogeny, biogeography, ecology, and mariculture.

Joining him on the board is Dr. Gizelle A. Batomalaque, who was elected as the ASBP Secretary. Dr. Batomalaque is a senior research analyst at the Marine Biodiversity Resources and Information Systems and earned her PhD in Environmental Science from Drexel University, Pennsylvania, USA. Her research interests encompass phylogeny and biogeography of Philippine land snails, molluscan systematics, and evolutionary ecology of land snails.

The ASBP, established in 1982, has expanded its membership to include professionals, students, and enthusiasts both within the Philippines and internationally. Initially focused on basic taxonomy and systematics, the organization's scope has broadened to include ethnobiology, biodiversity conservation, and public education, as stated on its official website.

Dr. Santiañez and Dr. Batomalaque will serve on the ASBP Board of Trustees from June 2025 to May 2027. Their elections highlight the growing involvement of UP Diliman’s Marine Science Institute in promoting systematic biology and biodiversity research in the country, reflecting a broader trend of interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research.

The implications of their election extend beyond individual careers; they represent a commitment to enhancing public understanding and appreciation of biodiversity. As leaders in their respective fields, Dr. Santiañez and Dr. Batomalaque's roles on the ASBP Board will likely influence policy and educational initiatives related to biodiversity conservation in the Philippines.

Their appointments may also encourage future collaborations between educational institutions and research organizations, fostering a more integrated approach to addressing environmental issues. As the ASBP continues to grow and evolve, the contributions of its board members will be crucial in shaping the future of systematic biology in the Philippines.

This election not only emphasizes the importance of representation in scientific bodies but also serves as an encouraging sign of the Philippines' commitment to advancing its research capabilities in biodiversity and environmental sciences.