The Central Luzon State University through the College of Science (COS) - Department of Biological Sciences organized an event entitled “Seminar on Mycological Research Across Continents” with two distinguished speakers, Dr. Rosemary Tonjock, an Associate Professor of Mycology and Phytopathology at the University of Bamenda, Republic of Cameroon, Central Africa, and Dr. Thomas Edison E. Dela Cruz, a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Santo Tomas held at the OVPAA Amphitheater on March 11, 2024.
Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Vice President of Academic Affairs and the OIC of the Office of the University President delivered the welcome message and emphasized the importance of mycology not only for the environment but its importance as a researchable area for the academic community.
“Our gathering today is not only to enhance our knowledge on mycology but also to facilitate change that may be carried out in the agricultural communities that we serve. By working together to do research and exchange knowledge, we can give agriculture more leverage, protect ecosystems, and guarantee that future generations will have access to food,” said Dr. Velasco.
Furthermore, Dr. Tonjock shared her expertise in the field of mycology and discussed the past and present situations of mycology in Cameroon while Dr. Dela Cruz presented his research on tracking the slime molds of the Philippines. He discussed the discovery of UST Fungal Biodiversity, Ecogenomics, and Systematics-metabolomics Group on novel species and new records of myxomycetes in the country.
Around 150 faculty, staff and students attended the seminar which deepened their understanding in the field of mycology.