DOrSU-iTReB showcases biodiversity research at 2026 Regional STI Week
TARRAGONA, Davao Oriental — Biodiversity specimens, field research equipment, and laboratory tools drew students, teachers, and government personnel to the Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) exhibit during the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Week held October 6–7 at the Tarragona Municipal Gym.
The exhibit was mounted by DOrSU’s Institute of Terrestrial Regenerative Biodiversity (iTReB), featuring vertebrate and invertebrate specimens from its Vertebrate Laboratory and Tropical Genomics and Invertebrate Research Laboratory (TroGenIr).
Visitors examined the specimens alongside educational posters and biodiversity puzzles prepared by the institute. The exhibit also featured field equipment, including binoculars and scopes, as well as microscopes that participants used to examine insects.
Among those who visited the exhibit were junior and senior high school students from Tarragona, teachers, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) personnel, staff from other participating government agencies, and local government unit (LGU) personnel.
For iTReB Associate Supervisor Dr. Bernadette Nanual, the exhibit gave students a chance to see what biologists actually do beyond the classroom.
“We are happy to share these specimens and research materials with the students. Hopefully, this will give them a better idea of what biologists actually do and encourage those who are interested in biology to pursue it in the future,” Dr. Nanual said.
Dr. Nanual also thanked Tarragona Mayor Art Benjie Bulaong and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for inviting DOrSU to participate in the activity.
The experience also aimed to spark scientific curiosity and inspire young learners to consider biology, biodiversity research, and other science-related fields as possible paths for their future.
The DOrSU delegation was led by Dr. Nanual, who also heads the Vertebrate Laboratory, together with iTReB Assistant Supervisor Giovanne Tampos, TroGenIr Assistant Supervisor Dr. Milton Norman Medina, Dr. Analou Dedal, BS Biology faculty members who form part of the institute’s research team, and research and extension associates. The two-day STI Week was spearheaded by DOST and brought together participants from the education sector, local government, and other government agencies for activities centered on science, technology, and innovation.
