Publications

Note: Full-text was added where applicable. For paywall bypass, just message me for access.

Unearthing medicines: Soil fungi and the potential pharmacopeia of Southeast Asia

Published in Mycology in a Changing Planet: Applications and Perspectives from Southeast Asia. Springer, Singapore, 2025

This is the first of two chapters from a book I co-authored. In this chapter, we examine the critical roles of fungi in a changing planet, focusing on Southeast Asian soil fungi as an underexplored source of bioactive metabolites. We highlight key genera, recent compound discoveries, persistent research and methodological gaps, and the mounting environmental pressures threatening fungal biodiversity. Grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with experts from 11 countries on this comprehensive resource developed over two years.

Recommended citation: Guerrero JJG, Regalado RRH, Madayag-Villanueva RE. (2026). Unearthing Medicines: Soil Fungi and the Potential Pharmacopeia of Southeast Asia. In: Guerrero JJG, De Leon MP, Cena-Navarro RB, Notarte KIR, Balendres MAO, dela Cruz TEE. (Eds) Mycology in a Changing Planet: Applications and Perspectives from Southeast Asia (pp. 59–73). Springer, Singapore. doi: 10.1007/978-981-95-2640-6_4

Mycological nanotechnology and applications in medicine and agriculture

Published in Mycology in a Changing Planet: Applications and Perspectives from Southeast Asia. Springer, Singapore, 2025

This is the second of two chapters from a book I co-authored. Here, we synthesize current research on myconanotechnology in Southeast Asia, highlighting fungi as sustainable biofactories for nanomaterial synthesis, their biomedical and agricultural applications, and the key technical, regulatory, and infrastructural challenges limiting broader adoption and commercialization. Grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with experts from 11 countries on this comprehensive resource developed over two years.

Recommended citation: Guerrero JJG, Regalado RRH, Cuenca JP, Paet MJQ, Malonzo CA, Fulleros MCA, Sabdao-Lunas MY. (2026). Mycological Nanotechnology and Applications in Medicine and Agriculture. In: Guerrero JJG, De Leon MP, Cena-Navarro RB, Notarte KIR, Balendres MAO, dela Cruz TEE. (Eds) Mycology in a Changing Planet: Applications and Perspectives from Southeast Asia (pp. 489–512). Springer, Singapore. doi: 10.1007/978-981-95-2640-6_18

Draft genome sequence of Leptobacillium coffeanum (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales), a freshwater fungus isolated from Bohol, Philippines

Published in Microbiology Resource Announcements, 2025

Excited to share our new paper on the successful genome assembly of an aquatic fungus (emphasis on aquatic) isolated from a freshwater habitat! Our DNA analyses show it clusters with Leptobacillium coffeanum but forms a distinct lineage—pointing to the discovery of a potential new species of fungi. This was a fun and personal team-up with folks from UP Visayas and the Philippine Genome Center Visayas.

Recommended citation: Regalado JT, Javier MC, Velo J, Bagacay JFE, D. Opiña LA, Regalado RR, Lopez TA, N. Ferriols VME, Calabon MS. (2025). Draft genome sequence of Leptobacillium coffeanum (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales), a freshwater fungus isolated from Bohol, Philippines. Microbiol Resour Announc, e00138-25. doi:10.1128/mra.00138-25

Mycological biosafety and biosecurity in the Philippines

Published in Biosafety and Biosecurity: Practical Insights and Applications for Low and Middle-Income Countries, CRC Press, 2024

In this book chapter, we discussed (con)current strategies addressing biosafety and biosecurity challenges posed by mycotoxins, commenting on their ramifications across socio-cultural, medical, agricultural, and legal domains within the broader Philippine context. Together with professionals in agriculture, medicine and allied fields, we revisit policies, standards, and practices currently in place to prevent any mycotoxin-related incidences among the population.

Recommended citation: Guerrero JJG, Regalado RRH, Penicilla GLM, Malonzo CA, General MA, Junsay AT. (2024). Mycological biosafety and biosecurity in the Philippines. In: Guerrero JJG, Cena-Navarro R, Destura RV, De Leon MP, Notarte KIR & Balendres MAO (Eds.). Biosafety and Biosecurity: Practical Insights and Applications for Low and Middle-Income Countries (pp. 206–234). CRC Press. doi:10.1201/9781003426219-11

Environmental mycology in the Philippines

Published in Mycology in the Tropics: Updates on Philippine Fungi, Academic Press, 2023

I’m super thrilled to share my very first book chapter co-authorship in this pioneering book reference for Philippine mycology. Our chapter specifically encapsulates the many facets of fungal bioremediation documented in the country, and provides a comprehensive list of isolates that can be utilized for future mycoremediation efforts on plastics, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and agrochemicals.

Recommended citation: Guerrero JJG, Malonzo CA, Regalado RRH, and Doloiras-Laraño AD. (2023). Environmental mycology in the Philippines. In: Guerrero JJG, Dalisay TU, De Leon MP, Balendres MAO, Notarte KIR, Dela Cruz TEE (Eds.). Mycology in the Tropics: Updates on Philippine Fungi (pp. 235-268). Academic Press. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-99489-7.00010-X

Climate vulnerability scenario of the agricultural sector in the Bicol River Basin, Philippines

Published in Climatic Change, 2021

In this study, we investigated the climate vulnerability scenario of the agricultural sector and rural livelihoods in the Bicol River Basin (BRB) to projected changes in climate. By employing a vulnerability assessment framework, which included indicators such as exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, our study identified hotspots of vulnerability within the area. In our projections, it suggest that there are significant regional differences in vulnerability across the BRB, with the central and northwestern towns expected to experience greater susceptibility to extreme weather events. These regional disparities in vulnerability underscore the need for tailored interventions to build resilience and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. We note that addressing this climate crisis is more political than it is scientific or economic.

Recommended citation: Laureta RP, Regalado RRH, and De La Cruz EB. (2021). Climate vulnerability scenario of the agricultural sector in the Bicol River Basin, Philippines. Climatic Change 168(1-2), 4. doi:10.1007/s10584-021-03208-8

The Bicol River Basin Project: Development of comprehensive early warning system for agri-fishery communities in the Bicol River Basin

Published in Partido State University Press, 2021

During my short stint as a Science Research Assistant back in 2019, I had the privilege of co-authoring a monograph resulting from a research collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Region 5 and DOST-PAGASA. The report provides an in-depth account of our efforts to develop early warning systems aimed at bolstering local agricultural resilience in the Bicol River Basin area, with a particular focus on assisting marginalized agri-fishery communities in coping with the adverse impacts of climate change. Our report offers a shared stakeholders experience in climate and disaster-resilient development and contends that such development is essential in ameliorating extreme poverty and achieving shared climate consciousness. The report draws on selected case studies to showcase promising approaches, lessons learned, and remaining challenges, thereby providing valuable insights and recommendations to stakeholders invested in this agro-watershed area.

Recommended citation: Laureta RP, Regalado RRH, and Baldo DEB. (2021). The Bicol River Basin Project: Development of comprehensive early warning system for agri-fishery communities in the Bicol River Basin. Partido State University Press, Philippines. ISBN 978-971-9911-69-2

Descriptions of the antennal structures of the millipede Trigoniulus macropygus Silvestri, 1897 (Spirobolida: Pachybolidae) and centipede Scolopendra subspinipes Leach, 1816 (Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae) using scanning electron microscopy

Published in BU R&D Journal, 2020

This short communication delved into the intriguing differences in the antennal structures between two myriapod representatives, the millipede Trigoniulus macropygus and the centipede Scolopendra subspinipes. Using scanning electron microscopy, we uncovered the presence of two types of sensilla — tiny hair-like projections which greatly increases sensory reception — in both organisms and observed significant variations in antennal morphology. Our paper also revisited morphology as an equally dynamic discipline. This work represents another of our undergrad projects and has been published in the BU R&D Journal, the official refereed journal of Bicol University and a CHED-JIP recognized publication.

Recommended citation: Regalado RRH, Buiza MD, Ibay MCB, Ramirez VL, and Belasa AJN. (2020). Descriptions of the antennal structures of the millipede Trigoniulus macropygus Silvestri, 1897 (Spirobolida: Pachybolidae) and centipede Scolopendra subspinipes Leach, 1816 (Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae) using scanning electron microscopy. BU R&D Journal 23(1), 75-80. journal.bicol-u.edu.ph/document.php?id=69

Molecular identification and hemolytic activity of four jellyfish-associated marine fungi from Cagbatano Bay, Pio Duran, Philippines

Published in International Journal of Biosciences, 2019

In the study, we preliminarily explored the potential of jellyfish-associated marine fungi for cytotoxicity indicators. Specifically, we investigated the presence of jellyfish-associated fungi and its presumptive cytotox potential for mouse erythrocyte hemolysis. Our findings showed promising results that these fungi could be a source of marine bioactive compounds for drug development. I’m happy to add that this paper is a product of my undergraduate thesis and is my very first scientific publication!

Recommended citation: Regalado RRH, Ramirez VL, and Membreve DMS. (2019). Molecular identification and hemolytic activity of four jellyfish-associated marine fungi from Cagbatano Bay, Pio Duran, Philippines. International Journal of Biosciences 15(4), 531-538. doi:10.12692/ijb/15.4.531-538

Ric Ryan Regalado, MSc

Publications

Note: Full-text was added where applicable. For paywall bypass, just message me for access.