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RITBPB

RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL BIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY (RITBPB)

Goals

1.To enhance understanding on tropical biology and pharmaceutical biotechnology aimed at generating new knowledge, and explore applications of the knowledge generated;

2. To become a resource center for tropical biology and pharmacological biotechnology information and education;

3. To facilitate the process by which new research results and home-grown technologies are transferred to niche industries;

4. To provide expertise through consultancy in research, policy formulation and evaluation, analytical services, and environmental monitoring.

Objectives

Conduct and publish novel and cutting-edge  researches in tropical biology and pharmacological biotechnology;

Enhance research capability and expertise through internationalization of the institute

To develop patentable technologies and innovations that contribute to national development;

To regularly publish Information, Education and Communications materials on emerging technologies on tropical biology and pharmaceutical biotechnology relevant to teaching and learning at different academic levels;

To conduct training, seminar and workshops  on emerging technologies, techniques and  tools in tropical biology and pharmacological biotechnology;

To create linkages with niche industries for marketing and utilization of research results and home-grown technologies;

To extend expert services on the following areas:

1. basic and advanced research

designs, protocol and implementation;

2. formulation and evaluation of

public policy relating to tropical

ecosystems and pharmaceutical

biotechnology; and

3. environmental monitoring and analytical

services.

UPDATES

Archives

Publications (Scopus, Clarivate Index, ASEAN Citation Index journals)

Jumonong KM, Lempio MJ, Barliso A, Ricaborda HCD, Garces JJC and Picardal JP. (2021). Floristic inventory and distribution of trees along urban national streets and roads in Cebu City, Philippines. Silliman Journal (in press, paper accepted for publication)

Picardal JP, Garces JJC, Agoo EMG and Madulid DA. (2020). “Philippine plants in the last 500 years: Ethnobotany and Socio-cultural significance” In Vargas PG (Eds.) The Plants of the Magallanes-Elcano expedition (1519-1522). Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid, Spain (CSIC). ISBN 978-84-00-10681-2. Publication Date: Sept. 21, 2020, pp. 143-160 URL: https://www.catarata.org/libro/en-busqueda-de-las-especias_113227/?fbclid=IwAR2mo1qw-hpIKyAZrUi5rEjuFnnTjhxvdA8ioosG7FX24d5REq9A8Tkq4e4

 

Sanchez, J.M.P., Picardal, M.T., Libres, M.T., Pineda, H.A., Paloma, L.B., Librinca, J.M., Caturza, R.R.A., Ramayla, S.P., Armada, R.L., and Picardal JP. (2020). Characterization of a river at risk: the case of Sapangdaku River in Toledo City, Cebu, Philippines. AIMS Environmental Science. 7(6): 559-574.  doi: 10.3934/environsci.2020035

 

Lobitaña, I.C., Virtudazo, R.M., Delfin, A.M.,  Apura, J.N.B.,  Picardal JP, and Garces, J.J.C. (2020). Embryotoxicity and Teratogenicity of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Pulp Extract Using Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Toxicity Assay. Asian Journal of Agriculture & Biology. 8(4): 457-471, DOI: 10.35495/ajab.2020.02.139

 

Abiñon, B. S. F., Camporedondo, B. S., Mercadal, E. M. B., Olegario, K. M. R., Palapar, E. M. H., Ypil, C. W. R., … & Garces, J. J. C. (2020). Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in commercially sold fishes from Cebu Island, Philippines. International Journal of Aquatic Biology, 8(6), 424-433.

 

Flores, P.M.C., Fernandez, A., Orozco, K., Endino, R.M., Picardal JP, and Garces, J.J.C. (2020). Floral Diversity, Richness and Composition in Urban Parks: Studies in Metro Cebu, Philippines. Toxicity Assay. Experimental and Environmental Biology, 18: 183–192 http://doi.org/10.22364/eeb.18.19

 

Consuegra, C.R.D., Custodio, F.M.B., Pananganan, J.P.L., Wendie Jean D. Ramirez, W.J.D., Garces, J.J.C. and Picardal, J.P. (2020). Teratogenicity and Acute Toxicity of Selected Philippine Indigenous Spices using Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay and Zebrafish Assay. Pharmacophore 11(4):88-105

 

Abiñon, B. S. F., Camporedondo, B. S., Mercadal, E. M. B., Olegario, K. M. R., Palapar, E. M. H., Ypil, C. W. R., … & Garces, J. J. C. (2020). Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in commercially sold fishes from Cebu Island, Philippines. International Journal of Aquatic Biology, 8(6), 424-433.

Picardal JP, Abella KJ, Abella R, Villamor MJ and Picardal MT. (2019). Toxicity evaluation of White Spike Head (Kyllinga nemoralis) using brine shrimp lethality test and anthelminthic assay. International Journal of Biosciences. 14(6): 132-142.

 

Bilbao GCD, Alimpoos MRG, Baguio JN, Sabal SV, Ursal SMA and Picardal JP. (2019). Toxicity evaluation and anthelminthic property of Cebu cinnamon (Cinnamomum cebuense Kosterm.) leaf extracts. Recoletos Multidisciplinary Research Journal. 7(1): 47-61

 

Picardal JP, Tundag ED and Picardal MT. (2019). Biological control and antagonistic activity of Trichoderma viride and Metarhizium anisopliae against phytopathogenic Fusarium oxysporum. CNU Journal of Higher Education. 13:25-33

 

Engkong RO, Manco RMG, Rosatace MD, Vega GAC, Picardal JP and Agoo EMG. (2019). Leaf architecture of Mindanao cinnamon (C. mindanaense Elm. in Cebu Island, Philippines. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Science. 14(1): 240-256

 

Garces, J. J. C. (2019). Arthropod functional feeding groups as indicators of small-scale disturbance: a first approach in Mt. Manunggal, Cebu Island, Philippines. Environ. Exp. Biol, 17, 137-149.

 

Alvarico, H. M. L., Geraldizo, E. B. P., Tapic, J. M. A., Vez, M., Tura, N. B., Tenio, G., & Garces, J. J. (2019). Floral composition and diversity in Camp 7, Minglanilla, Cebu Island, Philippines with notes on anthropogenic activities. Int. J. Biosci, 15, 229-242.

 

Garces, J. J. C. (2019). Native and alien plant species inventory and diversity in disturbed forests and its economic value. Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management, 5(2), 249-264.

 

Rosales ER, Casio CR, Amistad VR, Polo CML, Dugaduga KDB and Picardal JP. (2018). Floristic inventory and ethnobotany of wild edible plants in Cebu Island, Philippines. Asian Journal of Biodiversity 9:91-114

 

Edis KJC, Basay FS, Castillo VLT, Alegado DR, Alicante A, Alon JM, Garcia R, Gepiga F and Picardal JP. (2018). In vitro evaluation of the molluscicidal activity of Euphorbia tirucalli latex extract against the mollusk rice pest Pomacea canaliculata (Caenogastropoda: Ampullariidae). Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Science, 13(1), 237-245.

 

Picardal MT, Panlaan KT, Castaño PML, Peña LG, Abella KT and Picardal JP. (2018). Molluscicidal activity of the aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum L.) bulb against golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata L.). International Journal of Biosciences, 13(2), 75-87.

 

Alimpoos MRG, Baguio JN, Bilbao GCD, Cañada L, Enerio K, Jocom NM, Mantubig KL, Sabal SV, Tan ML, Ursal SMA and Picardal JP. (2018). Antiangiogenic and morphological effects of Cinnamomum cebuense Kosterm. leaf extracts on Anas platyrynchos L. embryonic development using an in vivo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. International Journal of Biosciences, 13(1):338-348.

 

Garces, J. J., & Genterolizo, J. M. (2018). Impacts of anthropogenic activities on alien plant invasion in Mt. Manunggal, Cebu Island, Philippines. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci, 13, 225-236.

 

Garces, J. J. C., & Flores, M. J. L. (2018). Effects of environmental factors and alien plant invasion on native floral diversity in Mt. Manunggal, Cebu Island, Philippines. Current World Environment, 13(3), 390.

Greif, M. M., Coralles, J., & Letigio, C. J. (2017). Identification of mosquito species in Cebu, Philippines. IJMR, 4(3), 113-116.

Partnerships

Partner / Collaborators
Name of the Project
Project Duration

1. Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO), Cebu City

Urban Biodiversity: City Biodiversity Index for Cebu City, Philippines

2021 onwards

1. CNU Main Campus: RIAH, RICMP, IRIID, College of Teacher Education, CRD Office, General Services Office, Tourism Department (CAS)
2. Local Government of Medellin, Cebu
3. CNU Medellin Campus
4. Michael A. Calaramo (Northwestern University Ecotourism Park and Botanic Gardens)


CNU Botanic Gardens
2021 onwards

1. Dr. Esperanza Maribel G. Agoo (Plant Taxonomy Lab, Science & Technology Research Center, DLSU Manila)
2. Ms. November Canieso-Yeo (Home Organics Philippines – Plantsville Health, Bacolod City)
3. Dr. Augustine Doronila (Univ. of Melbourne, Australia)

Negros Cinnamon Conservation Project
2019 onwards

1. Dr. Pablo Vargas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC,
Madrid, Spain)
1. Dr. Esperanza Maribel G. Agoo & Dr. Domingo A. Madulid (Plant Taxonomy Research Lab, DLSU Manila)

The Plants of the Magallanes-Elcano expedition (1519-1522)

Philippine plants in the last 500 years: ethnobotany and socio-cultural significance
2019-2020

Vision

RITBB is a catalyst for the advancement in tropical biology and pharmacological
biotechnology through research and development, education, innovations and technological
applications relevant to national development.

Mission

The institute is committed to contribute to national development through:

1. production of novel and cutting-edge research and development in tropical biology
and pharmacological biotechnology;
2. provision of continuing professional education, technical expertise, and analytical
services to niche industries; and
3. development of innovations and home-grown technologies.

Contact Information

Official Email Address

ritbpb@cnu.edu.ph
picardalj@cnu.edu.ph

+63 (927) 861 0855

Jay P. Picardal, Ph.D.
Director Research Institute of Tropical Biology & Pharmacological Biotechnology (RITBPB)

6 th Fl., Teaching Arts Center Cebu Normal University – Main Campus Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City 6000, Philippines
X
Cebu Normal University
PRIVACY POLICY

Policy Statement

This Privacy Policy is adopted in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173), its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), and other relevant issuances of the National Privacy Commission (NPC). The University is committed to protecting and respecting your personal data privacy. We process personal information in accordance with the principles of transparency, legitimate purpose, and proportionality. This Policy informs how we collect, use, disclose, store, protect, and dispose personal information of our data subjects.

Definitions

Personal information refers to any information, whether recorded in a material form or not, from which the identity of an individual is apparent or can be reasonably and directly ascertained by the entity holding the information or when put together with other information that would directly and certainly identify an individual.

Sensitive information is a type of personal information with the risk of discrimination against the Data Subject. These are about an identifiable person’s racial or ethnic origin, marital status, color, and religious, philosophical, or political affiliations. It is also, about an individual’s health, education, the genetic or sexual life of person, or any proceeding for any offense committed or alleged to have been committed by such person, the disposal of such proceedings, or the sentence of any court in such proceedings; Issued by government agencies peculiar to an individual which includes, but not limited to, social security numbers, previous or current health records, licenses or its denials, suspension or revocation, and tax returns; and specifically established by an executive order or an act of Congress to be kept classified.

Privileged information refers to any and all forms of data which under the Rules of Court and other pertinent laws constitute privileged communication.

Information We Collect

The University may collect personal information in the context of its regular functions — including but not limited to the following categories:

  1. Students: contact and enrollment details, academic records, health or medical records, accommodation records, student-activity participation, and related data.
  2. Staff and job applicants: contact details, employment history, qualifications, employee-related data.
  3. Alumni profiling: contact and demographic details.
  4. Visitors, volunteers, and other stakeholders: information collected through sign-in forms, CCTV or security monitoring, photos or recordings during official events, surveys, and feedback forms.

Collection may occur by any medium, including: paper forms, electronic forms, email, website or online platforms, CCTV or video/photographic capture, surveys/questionnaires, and other lawful means.

Purposes and Uses of the Data Collected and Processed

Personal information collected may be used for:

  1. Administration of admission, enrollment, employment, alumni relations, and other official functions.
  2. Maintenance of student and employee records, including academic, health, and administrative data.
  3. Provision of University services such as counseling, scholarship administration, placement, library access, facilities use, laboratory access, security, parking, and accommodation.
  4. Internal research, quality assurance, performance monitoring, and institutional planning.
  5. Compliance with statutory obligations (e.g. reporting to government agencies when required).
  6. Security, safety, and campus management, including CCTV monitoring.

Legal Basis / Lawful Criteria for Processing

All processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with the legality, fairness, and lawfulness requirements under the Data Privacy Act and IRR.
Where applicable, processing is grounded on consent, contract, legal obligation, legitimate interest, or other lawful bases recognized under the law. The choice of lawful basis depends on the nature of data, the purpose of processing, and legal or contractual requirements.

Manner of Collection and Processing

Personal data may be collected through physical forms (paper-based), electronic forms, online or web-based platforms (e.g., registration portals, email, institutional website), CCTV or video/photo capture (for security or surveillance), event sign-in sheets or registration forms, surveys or questionnaires, or other legitimate and lawful means.

Processing may include collection, recording, sorting, storing, retrieval, use, updating, modification, blocking, destruction or other operations as allowed under the law, consistent with declared purposes.

Disclosure of Information

The University does not disclose personal information except under the following circumstances:

  1. Internal disclosure within authorized University personnel, only when necessary and appropriate for legitimate institutional purposes.
  2. External disclosure only when required or permitted by law (e.g. statutory obligations), or when the data subject has provided valid consent.
  3. Sensitive personal information or privileged information is processed and disclosed only in accordance with relevant legal provisions.

Risks, Safeguards and Security Measures

The University recognizes that processing of personal data entails certain privacy and security risks. Accordingly, we implement appropriate organizational, technical, and physical security safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal data — whether in electronic or physical form. Such measures include (but are not limited to):

  1. Access controls (both digital and physical) to restrict access only to authorized personnel
  2. Use of secure storage: locked filing cabinets or secure rooms for physical records; password-protected systems, encryption, secure servers, firewalls for electronic data
  3. Secure transmission of data (when shared or transferred), secure printing and disposal protocols, and safe deletion or destruction of data when no longer needed
  4. Classification of data and periodic review of security protocols, to ensure adequacy in light of the risks presented and sensitivity of the data processed

Rights of Data Subjects

Under the Data Privacy Act and its IRR, data subjects have the following rights:

  1. Right to be informed — you have the right to know whether personal information about you will be, is being, or has been processed; the purposes of processing; the personal data to be entered; and the scope and method of processing.
  2. Right to access, correct, or update your data — you may request access to your personal information, ask for rectification of inaccuracies, or request updates.
  3. Right to object or withdraw consent — when processing is based on consent or legitimate interest, you may withdraw consent or object, subject to legal limits.
  4. Right to data portability — where applicable, you may obtain a copy of your personal data in a secure and portable format for transfer to another controller.
  5. Right to erasure or blocking — if personal data is incomplete, outdated, unlawfully obtained or processed, no longer necessary, or processing is unauthorized, you may request erasure or blocking, subject to legitimate grounds for retention (e.g. legal obligations or defense of legal claims).
  6. Right to damages — you may seek indemnification for damages resulting from inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, unlawfully obtained or unauthorized use of your personal data.
  7. Right to lodge a complaint with the NPC if you believe your data privacy rights have been violated.

Requests for access, rectification, objection, portability, erasure or complaints may be submitted in writing to the University’s designated Data Protection Officer (DPO) or Data Privacy Office.

Security, Retention, and Disposal

The University implements appropriate organizational, technical, and physical security measures to safeguard personal data — whether in paper or electronic form — against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Such measures include: secure storage (locked filing cabinets or rooms), restricted access to authorized personnel only, use of locked screens/screensavers, secure transmission (sealed envelopes or secure electronic transmission), secure printing and disposal of documents, and safe deletion or destruction of data when no longer needed.

Personal data will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the declared and legitimate purposes, or as required for legal obligations or defense of legal claims. When no longer needed, personal data will be disposed of securely in accordance with University policy and relevant data-protection guidelines.

Consent, Notice, and Legitimate Processing

Where required by law, consent will be obtained from data subjects prior to collection or processing of their personal or sensitive data. In other cases (e.g. CCTV monitoring, legitimate interest), the University will inform data subjects through appropriate notice mechanisms before or at the time of data collection. Privacy notice(s) will accompany data-collection forms or be posted in conspicuous campus areas, and on the University website. At all times, data processing is based on legitimate purpose and proportional to the need.

Data Subject Access and Contact

To exercise your rights or if you have any inquiry, concern, or request regarding your personal data, please contact:

Omar B. Roma

Data Protection Officer
Email: dpo@cnu.edu.ph
Phone: 09422041421

Changes to This Policy

The University reserves the right to update or amend this Privacy Policy as necessary to reflect changes in applicable laws, regulations, regulatory guidance, or its internal data-processing practices. Updated versions will be posted on the University’s official website and, where appropriate, communicated to data subjects.