The Institute of Biology congratulates Abigail Garrino, a conservation biologist from the UP Institute of Biology, for receiving the Best Oral Presentation Award for her talk on the UP IB–EDC Biodiversity Hub during the 2025 SULONG REPS Colloquium. Representing the Biodiversity Research Laboratory, Abi showcased the team’s ongoing work in creating an inclusive space for biodiversity education, public engagement, and well-being.

Her presentation, “From reef to ridge: The UP IB–EDC Biodiversity Hub as a platform for conservation education, research, and public engagement,” traced the Hub’s evolution from a simple repository of natural history collections into a living laboratory.
By linking three natural history museums with a native-tree arboretum, the Biodiversity Hub now serves as a venue for learning, wellness, and community connection. Through guided walks, sensory modules, and collaborative programs, it has become a place where biodiversity education is accessible to schoolchildren, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

Garrino emphasized the importance of designing green spaces that are usable, inclusive, and freely accessible to the public. She also highlighted the role of greenspaces as “third places,” positioning the Hub as a model for urban biodiversity learning and inclusive design.

“Nature shouldn’t be a privilege only a few can access,” Garrino said. “Let’s bring Philippine flora and fauna closer to Filipinos—lalong-lalo na sa mga bata. Because access to nature is not a privilege, but a basic human right.”

Photographs by Celine and Dennis Murillo during the PoeTree Walk last year.