SGF attends the 32nd Philippine Biodiversity Symposium, holds workshop on fruit bats
Published August 17, 2025
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Last August 12 to 15, the Sulu Garden Foundation team immersed in four days of knowledge‐sharing, collaboration, and inspiration at the 32nd Philippine Biodiversity Symposium. This event is organized by the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines and co-hosted by Haribon Foundation and Central Philippine University under the theme “Our Future: Biodiversity, Climate, and Health.”
SGF team with members of UPV Biological Society on the first day of the 32nd Philippine Biodiversity Symposium
Day 1: Setting the Tone for Collaborative Conservation
The symposium opened at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, where Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim delivered a compelling plenary address on the intersection of conservation and social development. Her talk framed the complex challenges facing Philippine ecosystems and how it affects human well-being. Simultaneously, participants dispersed to the Henry Luce III Library for concurrent workshops, immersing themselves in hands‐on exercises designed to bridge theory and practice. The day concluded with the unveiling of exhibits and poster sessions, celebrating the breadth of ongoing biodiversity research and community initiatives across the archipelago.
Workshop organized by Haribon Foundation on Safeguarding Central Panay Mountains Key Biodiversity Area: presentation portion (leftmost) and workshop activity (center left); viewing of participating poster presentations (center right); booth and exhibit by the Zoological Society of London (rightmost).
Day 2: Advancing Key Biodiversity Areas and National Strategy
Day two centered on the nation’s most critical habitats. The morning plenary on Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) laid the groundwork for the launch of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, led by Mariglo Rosaida I. Laririt of the DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau. Attendees witnessed the ceremonial handover of the updated KBA map, symbolizing a collective pledge to safeguard these vital ecosystems. Messages of support from government agencies, NGOs, and local stakeholders reinforced the collaborative spirit. Parallel oral sessions—covering Stories & Perspectives, Molecular Studies, and Diversity & Distribution—sparked were then held. Alongside the presentations was a dedicated workshop on National KBA Standards was hosted by the Philippine Terrestrial KBA Consortium.
Ceremonial handover of the updated KBA map (leftmost); oral presentations at the KDC room of Henry Luce III Library (center left); SGF team pose for a photo on the second day of PBS (center right); tokens being prepared to be given to the presenters of our workshop (rightmost)
Day 3: Celebrating Leadership and Expanding Networks
The third day showcased both global vision and grassroots momentum. Dr. Dindo M. Campilan of IUCN and Giancarlo Pocholo L. Enriquez of The Climate Reality Project Philippines delivered plenary talks that highlighted climate resilience and community empowerment. Research presentations spanned Parasites, Functional Ecology, Species Biology, Flora, One Health, Citizen Science, and Diversity & Distribution, reflecting the symposium’s multidisciplinary ethos. Mid‐afternoon, the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines General Assembly welcomed our newest members from SGF and the UPV Biological Society, forging fresh alliances. We closed the evening with a fellowship dinner, where conversations flowed as freely as the local cuisine.
Plenary talk by Dr. Dindo Campilan (leftmost); oral presentations at the gallery room of Henry Luce III Library (center left); preliminary research on the potential bat virus spillover risk in the Philippines (center right); new members of BCSP including SGF team and members of UPV BioSoc (rightmost)
Day 4: From Bat-Borne Virus Research to Urban Fruit Bat Ecology
On the final morning, Dr. Phillip Alviola of UP Los Baños captivated the audience with his plenary on bat-borne virus research in the Philippines, underscoring the links between wildlife health and public safety. Later, he joined our workshop on urban fruit bat ecology, which featured case studies from Miagao’s own flying foxes. The day’s concurrent sessions addressed Species Biology and Wildlife Under Pressure, then transitioned into hands-on workshops—culminating in SGF’s forum on fruit bats. Read more about our workshop in this LINK.
As closing remarks echoed through the halls, student competition winners were honored, leaving everyone with a sense of achievement and inspiration.
Plenary talk by Dr. Phillip Alviola featuring their work in Miag-ao (leftmost); SGF Research Associate Kim Alunan with world-renowned expert and “queen of Philippine mangroves” Dr. Jurgenne Primavera (center left); SGF team and UPV BioSoc preparing for the workshop (center); oral presentations at the conference room of the Henry Luce III Library (center right); SGF workshop on fruit bats (rightmost) Read more about our workshop in this LINK.
Moving Forward Together
We extend heartfelt gratitude to every speaker, facilitator, and participant whose expertise and enthusiasm made the 32nd Philippine Biodiversity Symposium an extraordinary success. Thank you to the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines, Haribon Foundation and Central Philippine University for hosting this year’s symposium.
Armed with new networks and strategies, the SGF team returns to Miagao more determined than ever to transform these learnings into community-driven action. Together, we will advance healthier ecosystems, stronger local stewardship, and a future where people and biodiversity thrive in harmony.
About SGF
Sulu Garden Foundation is named after the Sulu Sea – the largest inland sea in the Philippines. Our mission concentrates on this sea and the provinces that surround it. These provinces have diverse cultures and religions, yet, they all share history and traditions. The foundation has various programs and activities focused on history and heritage, the arts, nature conservation, research and development, and community.
About PBS and BCSP
Organized by the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines (BCSP)—formerly the Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines (WCSP)—the 32nd Philippine Biodiversity Symposium shines a spotlight on the complex interplay between biodiversity loss, the climate crisis, and human health. It champions the transdisciplinary approaches needed to secure a sustainable future for people, the planet, and the life we share. The symposium will feature a curated selection of research and case studies that illustrate how integrated strategies can safeguard ecosystems, bolster climate resilience, and enhance human well-being.
BCSP is a professional network of wildlife researchers, managers, scientists, and conservationists committed to strengthening wildlife research and conservation in the Philippines. Since its founding, the Society has advanced collaborative research, delivered technical assistance and training, and driven public awareness to promote evidence-based conservation at every level.
