The University of St. La Salle (USLS) upheld its legacy of excellence at the 31st Philippine Society for Microbiology (PSM) Visayas Regional Conference, held from October 16 to 18, 2024, at Silliman University, Dumaguete City. The event, a gathering of top microbiologists and researchers from across the region, became a stage for multiple USLS triumphs in research and leadership.
The DOST-PCHRD PULSES Project, spearheaded by Dr. Joval Martinez, earned 2nd place in the Medical, Food and Agricultural Microbiology cluster poster presentation. The team—composed of USLS faculty member Mr. Kyle Patrick Taruc, BS Biology 2023 alumnae Vermilah Despi and Trixie Rhuce Celiz, along with Mr. Phil Aidan Cruz of Herbanext Laboratories—was recognized for their research on bacterial diversity and fermentation dynamics in herbal tea production, lauded for its innovation and community relevance.
In the 1st Visayas Microbiology Olympiad, USLS achieved a 3rd place finish, represented by BS Biology 3 students Aran Jay Nonato and Recca James Taba. Their success, guided by the expert coaching of Mr. Pee Jee Jareño and Mr. Kyle Patrick Taruc, highlights the strength of the university’s academic preparation.
In a testament to USLS’s growing leadership presence in the field, Ms. La Vera Sombito was elected as the Veterinary Microbiology Division Representative for 2024-2025.
The conference was a success under the leadership of Dr. Joval Martinez, alongside fellow PSM Visayas Regional Officers from USLS: Ms. Lilian Planella (Ex-Officio), Dr. Eva Grace Chavez (PRO), Mr. Carl Errol Seran, and Ms. La Vera Sombito, representing the Microbiology Education and Food Microbiology Divisions. Their collaborative efforts ensured the event promoted scientific advancement and bolstered connections strengthened within the microbiology community.