The team also rediscovered the tarantula species Orphnaecus pellitus, first discovered and described by French naturalist Eugène Simon in 1892. This tarantula species, known to be troglobitic (or an animal that lives entirely in the dark parts of caves), was rediscovered in the Culapnitan Caves, part of the Libmanan Caves Natural Park in Camarines Sur, Bicol.

The rediscovery showed adaptations in the tarantula species, namely, reduced eye size, attenuated limbs, shortened tactile setae, and diminishing pigmentation. According to the study, “tolerance to hypoxia and heightened sensitivity to ground movements are the other subterranean adaptations observed.” The researchers provide evidence that “O. pellitus is a true troglobitic tarantula reported worldwide and currently the only one known from Asia.

The rediscovery was published in the article in he journal Subterranean Biology, Volume 52. The team of researchers included Darrell C. Acuña, Lorenz Rheum P. Ragasa, Prof. Myla R. Santiago-Bautista, PhD, and Asst. Prof. Leonardo A. Gueverra, MSc of the Faculty of Pharmacy’s Department of Biochemistry. They are also researchers from the Graduate School. Santiago-Bautista and Guevarra are likewise affiliated with the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences.

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The new study, entitled “Conservation of Sustainable Ecotourism on the Island of Siquijor through Sustainable Alternative Livelihoods, Training and Development,” was published in The International Journal of Social Sustainability in Economic, Social, and Cultural Context. The participants, who were inhabitants of the island, favored sustainable ecotourism but expressed the need for intensive capacity-building in both interpersonal and computer skills. In terms of actual livelihood activities, the participants identified housekeeping, healing massage training, and tour guiding/tour car driving as immediate areas of concern. To help manage the desired influx of tourists, the residents likewise expressed the need for basic first aid training.

Santos is the incumbent Chair of the Department of Economics of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, while Ancheta teaches at the Graduate School. Meanwhile, the Garcias are academic researchers of the Department of Biological Sciences of the College of Science.

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The paper “Shifts in the feeding ecology of the endemic and Endangered Sardinella tawilis in Lake Taal, Philippines” showed that the tawilis, which have been found to feed on zooplanktons,preferred “cyclopoid copepods and [showed a] noticeable increased preference for Moina micrura, Ceriodaphnia cornuta, and Bosmina fatalis.” This showed a shift from its earlier preference for calanoids. The findings were elicited from an application of stable isotope analysis and gut content analysis.

The new study was published on June 5, 2025 in Endangered Species Research, Volume 57, and was authored by a team of scientists from UST, De La Salle University, University of Rizal System, and the Department of Science and Technology. The authors are: Dale Anthony L. To (UST, DLSU), Asst. Prof. Elfritzson M. Peralta, MSc (UST), Justine R. De Leon (UST), Alexis E. Belen (UST), Lloyd Matthew L. Pineda (UST), Inst. Walled T. Ali (UST), Miguel Angelo F. Dollete (UST), Inst. Ray Allan N. Zafra (UST), Norman Mendoza (DOST), Prof. Richard Thomas B. Pavia, PhD (UST), Assoc. Prof. Dino T. Tordesillas, PhD (UST), Jonathan Carlo A. Briones (UST, URS), and College of Science Dean Rey Donne S. Papa, PhD.

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Using the mixed methods tool “Remittance Investment Climate Analysis in Rural Hometowns,” the researchers found that across the six municipalities, there was no common trend “among municipalities that combining a sound investment climate, an ample number of financial institutions, high levels of residents’ financial literacy, and an active program for migrants and their families all ensure remittances-induced hometown investing.” The researchers called for instituting investment climate reforms to help ensure that remittances will fuel local development.

The , published in the Asian and Pacific Migration Journal in 2024, was recognized in the 2025 National Academy of Science and Technology awards with the Outstanding Scientific Paper Award.

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A team led by Biological Sciences Professor Cecilia I. Banag-Moran, Dr. rer. nat. developed digital and print learning materials for children, whose schools now adopt the tools. In an announcement by the NRCP, the funding agency announced that the Department of Education – Schools Division of Siargao approved the use of the materials to “strengthen literacy and promote environmental education for young learners.”

The materials include a printed workbook, the Siargao Flora & Fauna Puzzle mobile game, and twenty-one (21) animated videos focusing on what comprise Siargao’s famed biodiversity. The materials have a focus on mangrove research areas.

Banag-Moran’s team is composed of the following academic staff: Inst. Jorge Anton D. Ordas, MSc, Inst. Genea Nichole Cortez (content writer for the workbook), MSc, Asst. Prof. Mae Lowe L. Diesmos, MSc, Academician Mudjekeewis Santos, PhD (Graduate School), and Academician Arvin Diesmos, PhD.

The project was based on a 2019-2020 study entitled “Assessment, Inventory, and Biological Field Survey of Flora and Fauna of the Mangrove Forests in Del Carmen, Siargao Island.” The team worked closely with Del Carmen Mayor Hon. Alfredo Coro, Jr. and his team for the endeavor.

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Academic researchers Prof. Agnes Llamasares-Castillo, PhD, Prof. Ross D. Vasquez, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Oliver B. Villaflores, PhD, all from the Faculty of Pharmacy and the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, joined co-researchers from Singapore’s DELIGHTEX PTE LTD., namely Yutaka Kuroki, Aya Wada, Xinyi Zhu, and UST research assistants Kyle Andrei Cabatit, Jonah Joshua Garcia, and Janelan Martin.

The researchers were able to find thirty-nine plants with sleep-enhancing activities, such as Lactuca sativa, Nelumbo nucifera, and Ziziphus jujuba. The authors found that these plants “demonstrated consistent efficacy in improving sleep quality through interactions with the GABAergic system.” Though thirty-nine plants were identified in the reviewed studies, the researchers caution that “most studies are still preliminary, with the molecular mechanisms behind their sleep-enhancing effects remaining inconclusive.”

The researchers published on February 27, 2025 the review entitled “” in Phytomedicine Plus, indexed in Elsevier. The study is in line with phase 1 of the project funded by Singapore’s DELIGHTEX PTE LTD.

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The authors indicated that occupational therapy in the Philippine has usually revolved around the four previously mentioned areas. Using cases personally witnessed by the authors, the authors pointed out the “drivers that have influenced (and that continue to influence) the current state and future direction of occupational therapy practice in these practice areas.” The authors concluded with mitigation measures to address the threats.

Uy and Guerrero are among the early faculty members of the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy program in UST, which first offered it in the late 1990s. Her research interests include occupational therapy education and older adult patients. Meanwhile, Espino is among the early graduates of UST’s BS OT program in 2003. She is also among the first graduates of the new research-focused Doctor of Philosophy in Health Research program of the UST Graduate School. Her area of expertise is on child well-being, screen time, and play.

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In a social media post, Manahan dedicated the award to his “family for their unwavering support and to my students, who inspire me to improve my teaching. Most importantly, I thank Almighty God, the source of all blessings. I offer back to you the gift you have given me.”

A seasoned medical technology educator, Manahan has served as Chair of the UST Faculty of Pharmacy’s Department of Medical Technology. Under his term, the Department secured its international certification from the ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance. When UST General Santos opened its BS Pharmacy and BS Medical Technology programs in 2024, Manahan was named the inaugural Director of the School of Health Sciences.

The PFPA Distinction Award was first conferred in 2005 to recognize “the outstanding achievements and contributions of Filipino professionals to their respective professions, either locally or abroad.” Manahan was endorsed by the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET).

Among Thomasian awardees in past conferment rites is Psychology Professor Marc Eric S. Reyes, PhD.

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Tarrayo, an academic researcher of the Research Center for Social Sciences and Education and an academic staff of the Faculty of Arts and Letters and the Graduate School, highlighted that challenges to intersectionality included resistance, institutional barriers, teacher preparation, and emotional labor. Tarrayo recommended addressing these to achieve the ultimate aim of equity and inclusion in language teacher education. The review covered identities pertaining to race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, linguistic, and professional and cultural. The new is found in the journal Language, Culture, and Curriculum.

Among Tarrayo’s related works are “Gendered Word (Or World): Sexism in Philippine Preschool English Language Textbooks” (Journal on English Language Teaching) and “Exploring the gender perspective in English language teaching (ELT): Voices from ELT practitioners in Philippine Higher Education Institutions” (with Rafaella Potestades and Mark Ulla, in the journal Sexuality & Culture).

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Africa will serve from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028. In a Facebook post, Africa stated that he is “excited to contribute to the program’s roadmap, responsive and relevant to the needs of the institutions I will be working with, all the other music institutions, and my beloved alma mater, UST Conservatory of Music.”

UST’s Conservatory of Music, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, is a recognized Center of Excellence by CHED. Under Africa’s leadership, the Conservatory was able to steer through the pandemic while also offering new programs and specializations, such as Music Technology. To date, the Conservatory community accumulates recognitions here and abroad.

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