Development Initiatives and Trend-Setting in Higher Biology Education

Abstract

The importance of the Biological Sciences has come to the forefront, addressing various critical issues such as vaccines for AIDS, bird flu, and other diseases, early cancer detection and prevention, increased crop yields, disease management, population control, bioremediation, biodiversity conservation, environmental management, and global warming, among others. This list is virtually endless, as information from the diverse fields of Biological Sciences continues to impact our lives and provide solutions to many contemporary challenges. In this context, Biology is truly the SCIENCE OF THE MILLENIUM! Despite its potential, Biology, like other sciences, has faced challenges in gaining prominence in the Philippines. One contributing factor is the deeply rooted religious culture, which often creates an apparent discord between science and religion. Another challenge is the perception that science is reserved for intellectuals and academics, leading many to overlook how science underpins everyday tasks and activities. This paper presents an overview of the status and trends in initiatives aimed at developing higher education in Biology. It also highlights the efforts of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) over the past decade to enhance the Biology discipline at the tertiary level.