Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems Laboratory - METAS Lab

08/08/2026

The PSM 55 and PSM 56 Board of Directors successfully held a Joint Board Meeting on August 8, 2026, bringing together incoming and outgoing board members to set strategic directions for the organization. The session focused on updates regarding the Philippine Microbiology Olympiad, PSM 55 Annual Convention, Microbiology Bill, finalizing committee assignments, and defining target accomplishments for Fiscal Year 2026–2027.

Crossposted :
https://www.psm.org.ph/2026/psm-boards-convene-joint-meeting-to-align-plans-and-key-updates-for-fiscal-year-2026-2027/

07/08/2026

The Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems (METAS) Laboratory is looking for undergraduate and graduate students in Microbiology to join the Microbial Diversity Assessment component of the SECuRe Mangroves Project.

This project aims to better understand the health and ecosystem services of three types of mangrove forests in Oriental Mindoro—natural/intact mangroves, naturally recolonized stands, and restored/planted mangroves. By combining vegetation assessments, carbon stock and CO₂ emission measurements, microbial diversity analyses, and remote sensing, the project seeks to develop a comprehensive ecosystem health scorecard for mangrove ecosystems.

Whether you're looking to strengthen your research skills, gain field and laboratory experience, or contribute to meaningful environmental research, this is a great opportunity to be part of a collaborative project with real-world impact.

For more information, please visit: metaslab.weebly.com/opportunities

06/08/2026

📢 Good News! Abstract Submission Deadline Extended

We are pleased to announce that the deadline for abstract submissions for the Poster Presentation of the 1st PCMicRo Annual Conference and General Assembly has been extended to August 19, 2026.

📅 Important Dates
📝 Abstract Submission Deadline: August 19, 2026
📩 Notification of Acceptance (for abstracts submitted on or before August 5, 2026): On or before August 24, 2026
📩 Notification of Acceptance (for abstracts submitted from August 6–19, 2026): On or before September 5, 2026

Please check our website: www.pcmicro.org for more details.

We encourage everyone to take advantage of this extension and submit your abstracts. We look forward to showcasing your research at the 1st PCMicRo Annual Conference and General Assembly!

06/08/2026

The Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. (PSM) and the Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM) joined legislative discussions on Wednesday, August 5, at the House Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation, chaired by Rep. Amado Carlos Bolilia IV. The committee officially began deliberations on the substitute measure for House Bills 7312, 8026, and 10159, which seeks to establish a Professional Regulatory Board of Microbiology, set professional standards, and grant registered microbiologists formal legal standing and signatory authority.

PSM was represented by President Dr. rer. nat. Crisanto M. Lopez, alongside PAM Chair Dr. Ena A. Bernal. Both expressed full support for the bill and affirmed that their respective organizations will submit Position Papers to help refine the legislation. Also representing PSM at the hearing were Dr. Howell T. Ho (Liaison Officer), Dr. Ursela G. Bigol (Past President), Mr. Emerson M. Cruz (Auditor), and Ms. Hannah Jane F. Din (Business Manager). Joining Dr. Bernal from PAM were Council of Regents (COR) members Dr. Jessica F. Simbahan (Secretary), Dr. Francisco B. Elegado (Auditor), Dr. Pierangeli G. Vital (PRO), and Dr. Saturnina C. Halos (Member, Committee on Micro Bill).

Read More:
https://www.psm.org.ph/2026/psm-and-pam-back-house-bill-regulating-and-professionalizing-philippine-microbiology-practice/

04/08/2026

The Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. (PSM) is proud to introduce its newly elected Board of Directors, PAM and MCP Chairs, and Division Representatives for Fiscal Year 2026–2027. Led by President Dr. rer. nat. Crisanto M. Lopez , the new leadership team brings together dedicated professionals across academia, research, and industry to advance the field of microbiology in the Philippines. We look forward to a productive term of collaboration, scientific excellence, and service to our community.

25/07/2026

𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖-𝗗𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗟🦠

A bacterium isolated from sediments of the Meycauayan River has shown potential to degrade polyethylene, a widely used plastic that can persist in the environment for long periods.

Researchers tested Streptomyces sp. H28 on films made from high-density and low-density polyethylene under controlled laboratory conditions. Over 120 days, microscopic examination revealed holes, chipping, and erosion on the plastic surfaces, while chemical tests detected changes in their structure.

The bacterium’s genome also contains genes linked to enzymes that may contribute to plastic degradation. These findings support the possibility that the microorganism can gradually act on both forms of polyethylene.

The plastic films did not disappear completely, and the experiments did not record substantial and consistent weight loss. For now, the study provides promising laboratory evidence that researchers can build on to understand the process, identify the enzymes involved, and determine whether it can eventually be applied safely on a larger scale.

The same bacterium was also found to produce melanin with antioxidant activity, giving it another potential use in future biotechnology research.

A microorganism recovered from the Meycauayan River may therefore offer valuable clues in the search for biological methods of addressing plastic waste, beginning with what it can accomplish under carefully controlled conditions.

22/07/2026

We invite researchers, academics, and professionals to present their latest results and breakthroughs at the upcoming PCMicRo 1st Annual Conference and GeneralAssembly.

Participating in our poster presentation offers a valuable platform to highlight your findings and engage in meaningful discussions with experts across the discipline.

📅 Submission Deadline: August 5

For guidelines and abstract submission, please visit:
https://www.pcmicro.org/events/conference/1st-annual-conference-and-assembly/poster-presentation

22/07/2026

The Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems (METAS) Laboratory is pleased to announce that its 2026 Internship Program has concluded successfully.

During this program, undergraduate students from the Philippine Science High School and the University of the Philippines Los Baños immersed themselves in an active research setting. They gained practical experience in laboratory methods, professional development, and scientific research. Through laboratory training, collaborative activities, and guidance, the participants refined their capabilities while fostering teamwork, scientific integrity, and analytical thinking.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to PSHS and UPLB for their continued collaboration in advancing research training and experiential education.

We also thank our interns for their dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm for scientific discovery. It is our hope that your experience at the METAS Laboratory motivates you to keep advancing the boundaries of science and striving for excellence throughout your future professional and academic careers.

Congratulations on the successful completion of your internship! We wish you the best of luck as you progress on your path to becoming the next generation of innovators and scientists.

Watch the video on internship experience prepared by this batch of undergraduate interns: https://youtu.be/bfWlKdEQ2C8?si=8ad3Zx9TgrqQeFIx

18/07/2026

Poster Submission Guidelines for the 1st Annual Conference and General Assembly of the Philippine Consortium of Microbial Resources (PCMicRo)

Overview

18/07/2026

1st Annual Conference and General Assembly