THE UNIVERSITY of St. La Salle demonstrated excellence at the 31st Philippine Society for Microbiology Visayas Regional Conference held last month at Silliman University in Dumaguete City.

Under the leadership of Dr. Joval Martinez, the DOST-PCHRD PULSES Project earned second place in the Medical, Food, and Agricultural Microbiology cluster poster presentation.

The team included Kyle Patrick Taruc, alumni Vermilah Despi, Trixie Rhuce Celiz, and Phil Aidan Cruz of Herbanext Laboratories.

BS Biology students Aran Jay Nonato and Recca James Taba secured 3rd place in the 1st Visayas Microbiology Olympiad, under the guidance of coaches Pee Jee Jareño and Taruc.

Meanwhile, La Vera Sombito was elected as the Veterinary Microbiology Division Representative for 2024-2025, marking a significant leadership milestone for USLS in microbiology.

USLS’s involvement in the conference was further highlighted by PSM Visayas Regional Officers — Lilian Planella (Ex-Officio), Dr. Eva Grace Chavez (Public Relations Officer), Carl Errol Seran, and La Vera Sombito, who represented the Microbiology Education and Food Microbiology Divisions.

Their collective efforts, led by Dr. Martinez, ensured the success of the conference, which fostered scientific advancement and strengthened connections in the field of microbiology.