(Kapihan sa BIOTECH)
The_National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) offers its Research, Development and Extension (RDE) strategies to provide Filipinos with safer, nutritious and cheaper food, medicinal and health promoting ingredients, sustainable and clean industrial technologies, and new/efficient sources of renewable energy.
BIOTECH is the premier national research and development (R&D) institution applying traditional and modern biotechnologies in innovating products, processes, testing and analytical services for agriculture, health, energy, industry and the environment.
BIOTECH inauguration of new equipment and exhibits attended by over 100 visitors
The inauguration of the new equipment and exhibits of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) was held last February 16, 2012. This is the highlight of the weeklong anniversary celebration of the Institute. The event was widely attended by over 100 visitors and key personalities of DOST, DA, DENR, IP Philippines, NAST, IRRI, LGUs, UPLB and BIOTECH’s private industry partners.
BIOTECH Director, Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora emphasized the significance of multi-stakeholder partnership in what the Institute has achieved. UPLB Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Dr. Maria Victoria Espaldon, commended BIOTECH for its research accomplishments and the revenue it was able to generate. DA Usec. Segfredo Serrano stated the relevance of UPLB in their programs and believes that the relationship of the Institutions “must be firmed up.” DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, on the other hand, stated that biotechnology is identified by DOST as one of the vital fields of science for the country’s development.
A statement of cooperation was also signed by the heads of the various collaborating government agencies to affirm their commitment to collaborate with BIOTECH in its initiatives and activities that have met their qualification standards and are in line with their respective programs, priority areas and mandate. The agencies and its heads who signed the agreement were Dr. Amelia P Guevarra, Executive Director of Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD -DOST), Dr. Patricio S. Faylon, Executive Director of Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD-DOST), Dr. Jaime C. Montoya,( represented by Ms. Merlita Opeña) Executive Director of Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD -DOST), Dr. Candida B. Adalla, Director of Biotechnology Program Implementation Unit (PIU -DA), Dir. Marcial C. Amaro, Director of Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau -Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ERDB- DENR), and Dr. Silvino Q. Tejada, Director of DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA- BSWM) who was not able to attend but signed the agreement at a latter date.
The ribbon cutting ceremony then followed the signing of agreements. The ribbon was cut by DOST Secretary Montejo, DA Usec Serrano, Dr. Guevarra, Dr. Faylon, Dr. Adalla, Ms. Opeña, Dir. Amaro, Dr. Emil Javier and Dr. Ebora. A tour of BIOTECH was then given to the guests to view the new equipment and exhibits acquired by the Institute. This event was concluded by a fiesta like lunch that was shared by the BIOTECH staff and guests.(RA Dorado)
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As part of BIOTECH’s 32nd anniversary, a Technical Session entitled “Technological Innovations and Instrumentation in Biotechnology” was held last February 14, 2012 at the BIOTECH Seminar Room, UPLB, College, Laguna. In connection with the Technical Session, a Product Exhibit showcasing the latest services and instruments of different suppliers and companies was also held from February 14-16, 2012. The Technical Session and Product Exhibit aimed to update researchers on technological innovations and their applications in research; and to connect the researchers to the suppliers and the products they market.
DOST Usec. Fortunato dela Peña delivered the inspirational message for the Technical Session. He said that the establishment of BIOTECH- UPLB was a milestone and a strategic move. He hopes that the theme of the BIOTECH 32nd Anniversary “Accelerating Innovation and Technology Transfer through Strategic Multi-stakeholder Partnerships” will be in the minds of those in attendance. Usec. dela Peña stated that the Technical Session complements the initiatives of DOST and that there should be a vibrant culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
There were six presenters and their respective topics were:
- Brownstone Asia-Tech: Continuum Source Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry: Mr. Christian Tan
- Alpha Analytical SEA Corp: DryVap™ Concentrator System: Ms. Grace Rowena Mempin
- Thermo Fischer Scientific, Singapore: Ms. Ivy Gong; biosafety cabinet, biofreezers and incubators
- Roche: represented by Dr. Ronald R. Matias of St. Lukes Medical Center who uses Roche 454 Next Generation Sequencer
- Shimadzu: represented by Ms. Aussielita Lit, user of Shimadzu equipment
- Monsanto: Sustainable Agriculture: Ms. Anna Lorraine A. Medalla
Company representatives presented for Brownstone Asia-Tech, Alpha Analytical SEA Corp and Thermo Fischer Scientific. Roche and Shimadzu chose frequent clients of their products to speak for them. Monsanto made their presentation using a video clip of their activities.
Discussions were on applications of equipments presented, technical information, procurement and maintenance cost and after sales support. Questions were also directed to speakers who have used the equipment and their experience on using the apparatus presented.
The activity updated researchers regarding new innovations and how these could be used in their current research. They were able to talk to suppliers about their products and see actual equipment and laboratory tables/hoods which may be useful for their work. The companies were able to interact with their target clientele, showcase their products and get feedback from potential customers.
The Session was well attended by around 50 BIOTECH staff and 30 personnel from different units such as Crop Protection Cluster, Institute of Biological Sciences, Food Science Cluster, Institute of Chemistry, Crop Science Cluster and FPRDI. The Product Exhibit was well visited for the duration it was on display. (A.Bayot and C. Custodio)
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Lineth Minoria wins the 1st Biotechnology Campus Journalism
Lineth Minoria, a freshman B.S. Agricultural Biotechnology student of the University of the Philippines, Los Baños (UPLB) won the 1st Biotechnology Campus Journalism of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH). This event, which has the theme “The Benefits and Potentials of Modern Biotechnology,” was part of the 32nd anniversary celebration of BIOTECH and was co-sponsored by Congressman Angelo B. Palmones of the AGHAM Partylist.
The Institute received 33 entries from students of UPLB, UP-Manila, Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), Laguna State Polytechnic College (LSPU) - Los Baños and Siniloan campuses, Patido State University and Ateneo de Naga in Camarines Sur, Siliman University, Mindoro State College of Agricultural Technology (MSCAT) and Isabela State University. The entries were judged by Dr. Evelyn Mae T. Mendoza Research Professor of Biochemistry at the Institute of Plant Breeding - UPLB (chairman of the board of judges), Dr. Mariechel J. Navarro, Manager of the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), Ms. Jenny A. Panopio, Special Projects Coordinator and Network Administrator of Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture - Biotechnology Information Center (SEARCA-BIC) and Ms. Vicky Bartilet of the Office of Congressman Palmones.
The awarding ceremony was held last February 15, 2011 at the BIOTECH Seminar Room. Ms. Minoria was awarded with a medal, certificate of recognition and Php 15,000. The second place was shared by two UPLB students, Ms. Regina Mae Q. Arellano and Ms. Gwendolyn F. Cunahap. Ms. Arellano and Ms. Cunahap received a medal, certificate of recognition and Php 10,000 each . The other 3 entries who made it to the top six were Ms. Marjorie Villegas of LSPU-LB, Carla Mae B. Del Rosario of UPM and Mary France R. Polo of Patido State University. The winners were awarded by Congressman Palmones, the judges and Dr. Vicky Migo, chair of the Biotechnology Campus Journalism. (LM Fabro Jr. and RADorado)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________UP Labs/Agricultural wins 1st Biotechnology Quiz Contest
UP LABS/Agricultural won 1st place in the 1st Biotechnology Quiz Contest held last February 15, 2012 at the D.L. Umali Hall SEARCA, College, Laguna. This event was in line with the celebration of BIOTECH’s 32nd anniversary and was co-sponsored by SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center (SEARCA-BIC).
Fifteen (15) teams composed of students from different academic organizations and multidisciplinary courses from UPLB participated in the quiz contest. The first two rounds which served as the elimination phase trimmed down the number of participants to just nine teams.
In the final round, the two teams composed of Agricultural Biotechnology students from UP LABS obtained the two highest scores among the teams. The tie was broken after a long series of tie breaker questions, with the question pertaining to Industrial biotechnology (Fermentation) and downstream processing.
UP LABS/Agricultural was awarded with a trophy and PhP 10,000, the 2nd placer, UP LABS/ League, won PhP 7,500 and a trophy while the 3rd placer, CB Genes, was awarded with a trophy and PhP 5,000. The teams who placed 4, 5 and 6 (Bioreactors, Ecosystem and Hardy-Weinberg, respectively) were also awarded with PhP 1,000 each. Trivia questions about the history of BIOTECH were asked throughout the contest proper, where winners earned a substantial amount of cash prize each. The success of the event dictated awareness in Biotechnology as well as the Institute’s goal in instilling youth participation in programs such as these types of events. The UPLB ChemSoc and UPLB Soils assisted in the organization of this event.(J.P. Tamayo and R. A. Dorado)
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Past BIOTECH Directors share insights to current staff
The past directors of BIOTECH UPLB were invited to share their ideas, insights and knowledge to current staff on the morning of last day of the Anniversary Celebration. Billed as Directors Forum or “Kapihan”, it was attended by all past directors except Dr. Felino P. Lansigan (OIC 2000) who was attending to equally important matters at the time.
Dr. Emil Q. Javier, the Institute’s first Director (1979-1985) aptly started with a historical perspective. He said that BIOTECH started with the issue of energy production. Alcogas and the need for facilities to produce alcohol more efficiently were presented to then President Marcos. The founding of the institute was through the former president’s support. Dr. Javier said that even then, the premise of the institute was to work with DNA to utilize biological applications.
The Institute’s second director, Dr. William G. Padolina (1985-1989) started by exhorting the staff on improving the products. He said quality must continue to improve and packaging must be paid attention to. He reminded the staff that it is also important to transfer the technology to the private sector. Dr. Padolina also reminded the personnel to sustain expertise in applied microbiology. As the Philippine biodiversity is a rich source of microbes, the Institute may engage in breeding of new microorganisms. He also exhorted the people to sustain the level of teamwork that is being built. Dr. Padolina also talked about the importance of teaming up with other disciplines such as chemists, computer scientists and social scientists. He specifically mentioned ex-ante studies in relation to the institute’s products.
Dr. Teresita M. Espino (Director 2000-2006) drew upon her personal experience in commercializing Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) products when she addressed the Institute’s current workforce. She said quality of products must continue to be improved. As an example, she narrated that she has improved on the shelf life of VCO by innovating on accepted procedures. Dr. Espino said that through the stages of product development: optimization, bench scale and large scale, it must be remembered that quality should be able to compete in the market. She talked about certainty in data, the need to conduct several trials and the need to maintain equipment. She further said that the institute should continue technologies with potential and put staff where they will be maximized.
Dr. Reynaldo E. dela Cruz (Director 1993-1999) delved more on the human aspect of the institute. He told the employees that it is important to know the vision and mission of BIOTECH and suggested that these be posted in every lab. He stated that it is the people that are important. He observed that there is a combination of young and mature people in the institute’s current human resources. He said that the young staff can be seen as accelerators while the senior staff gives wisdom. He noted that presently there seem to be more administrative staff than researchers. He encouraged the people to continue in upgrading themselves.
BIOTECH’s only twice appointed director, Dr. Ida F. Dalmacio, (1989-1993, 2006-2010) focused her message on the service laboratories. She stressed the importance of the service laboratories as they are established and it is this recognition that can be used to petition for funding. For product development, she stated the need to establish marketing. The need to allocate manpower for the activities was also touched on by Dr. Dalmacio.
Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora (Acting Director 1999-2000, Director 2010 to present) said that the past Directors worked hard to establish the institute, thus the current staff must maintain it. He further said there is a need to transmit the vision to the new staff. With regards to current activities, he said that it is easy to approve projects while it is hard to have them renewed. He reminded the personnel that the funding agencies gave resources because they believe that BIOTECH can implement projects. He further said that BIOTECH- UPLB must become a world-class institute at least at par with similar agencies in Malaysia or Thailand.(C.Custodio)
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LOS BAÑOS, Laguna ,Philippines – Some biotechnology products developed by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) are now being commercially produced.
Others are ripe for commercialization and, when widely adopted, can considerably boost agricultural and rural development in the country.
The mature technologies generated by the UPLB National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) were presented to the public recently during the celebration of the institute’s 32nd anniversary.
The theme of this year’s BIOTECH foundation day was ‘BIOTECH@32: Accelerating Innovation and Technology Transfer through Multi-Stakeholder Strategic Partnership.’
In his report, Dr. Reynaldo Ebora said that BIOTECH has over the years developed biotechnology products that have widened the frontiers of agriculture and natural resources research and development (R&D) in the country.
“BIOTECH products such as Bio-N and Mykovam have already carved their niche in the biofertilizer industry and we intend to develop more environment-friendly products and technologies in the future,” he said.
Bio-N is a microbial-based fertilizer that supplies nitrogen and enhances the growth of rice, corn, and vegetables. It can provide more than half the fertilizer needs of primary agricultural food crops.
Dr. Mercedes Garcia, who developed the product, told The STAR that 68 Bio-N manufacturing plants have been established across the country and their products are now benefiting many farmers.
Mykovam is a soil-based fertilizer for fruit trees, reforestation species, agricultural crops, and ornamentals.
Other biofertilizers developed by UPLB-BIOTECH were Biogroe (a plant growth promoter), Biofix and Bioquick (composting inocula), Bio-Green (bioorganic fertilizer), Brown Magic (growth enhancer), Nitroplus (nitrogen supplement), Kykogroe (‘tree vitamin’), and Vamri (growth promoter).
Other products developed included enzymes, Pelmictrol (mosquito larvae controller), NPV (pesticide that controls common plant pests), animal probiotics, and plant diagnostic kit (for rapid detection of specific plant diseases). (Rudy A. Fernandez)
Originally published by the Philippine Star (http:www.philstar.com.articleid=783432)
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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BIOTECH INSTITUTE CELEBRATES 32ND ANNIVERSARY; S&T AND AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENTS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES REAFFIRM SUPPORT
21-February-2012 SEARCA BIC Media Release
In celebration of its 32nd year of service, the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (BIOTECH-UPLB) in Laguna held a campus journalism contest, technology forum session, productivity enhancement workshop, new equipment inauguration, and a biotech quiz contest last February 13-17, 2012.
BIOTECH was established in December 1979 by the UP Board of Regents with the fund support from then-President Ferdinand Marcos, and denoted the start of biotechnology developments in the Philippines.
AGHAM Partylist Representative Angelo Palmones, whose office co-sponsored the campus journalism contest on biotechnology, said that the competition aimed to bring biotechnology to college level so that young student journalists would appreciate it; he also expressed the importance of making science easily understandable to the public.
UPLB students also participated in the biotechnology quiz contest, which was co-sponsored by theSoutheast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture – Biotechnology Information Center (SEARCA BIC). The quiz contest updated the students on the history and current developments in the field of biotechnology.
During the inauguration of new equipment in the institute, BIOTECH Director Dr. Reynaldo Ebora emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships, which, he said, has helped and would help BIOTECH overcome challenges such as the lack of funding and resources. Dr. Ebora also reported that the institute has acquired new equipment to improve the delivery of their products and services.
UPLB Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Dr. Ma. Victoria Espaldon commended the Php50 million-revenue generated by the institute in the last six years, and expressed hope that BIOTECH’s productivity would increase 10-fold in the future.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Segfredo Serrano said in his message that the country must exploit the ability of people in generating local technologies so as to address challenges in food security and effects of climate change. He also encouraged the university to be more active in its research and development efforts. UPLB has relevance to the programs of the DA; both institutions’ partnership will therefore be “firmed up” in the near future for a “more systematic relationship”, said Serrano.
Biotechnology, according to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo, is identified by the department as one of the ‘vital’ fields of sciences for the country’s development. The Secretary also expressed that biotechnology would help enhance the country’s food productivity and competitiveness as well as add value to existing products.
As reaffirmation of their support to biotechnology, the heads of the various collaborating government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB), the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), DA-Biotechnology Program Implementation Unit (DA-PIU), and DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA- BSWM) signed a Statement of Cooperation with BIOTECH.
BIOTECH is the first among the other biotech institutes established in the UP System, particularly in UP Diliman, Manila, and Visayas. (
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Originally published at http://bic.searca.org/press_releases/2012/feb21.html
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Biotech researchers attend RDA-Korea AFACI meetings
Drs. Marilyn B. Brown, Maria Lourdes Q. Sison and Rosario G. Monsalud of BIOTECH attended the Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI) Research Project Principal Investigator Meeting last June 1-2, 2011 in Suwon, Republic of Korea to present the accomplishments of their project entitled “Biofertilizer Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture” that is being funded by Rural Development Administration (RDA) of Korea. The project’s objective is to improve the productivity and achieve sustainable production of quality corn and legumes through the environment-friendly biofertilizers
The highlight of their accomplishment report is the conduct of demonstration trials in Nueva Vizcaya, Batangas and UPLB to increase awareness of the farmers, municipal agriculturists and technicians on the growth and yield promoting effects of BIOTECH microbial inoculants. These inoculants are NitroPlus for soybean, VAMRI (Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Root Inoculant) and BIOGREEN compost for corn. Dr. Ui-Gum Kang, director of the Crop Environment Research Division at the National Institute of Crop Science of RDA, discussed the progress report with the group and provided suggestions on how to further improve the outcome of the project.
AFACI is initiated by RDA of Korea. It is composed of 12 member countries. and is a non-profit, multilateral cooperation initiative which aims to transfer and share agricultural technologies for the improvement of food production, sustainable agriculture and extension skills among its members.
The three researchers also participated in PAN-ASIA Project Meeting in
According to Dr. Brown, the meetings and field trips were very fruitful for all the participants. They saw the sincerity of the Korean scientists in cooperating with their Asian counterparts and witnessed the successful commercialization of microbial-based products that were developed by research institutions. They hope to be able to do similar initiatives.(ML Q Sison and RA Dorado)
Originally published in UPLB Link July 16, 2011 ______________________________________________________________________________
Fungus is key to UPLB’s ambitious greening plan TUESDAY, 24 MAY 2011 22:24 KRISTIN ALAVE
They may be invisible to the eye, but the microscopic fungi spores used by the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) as organic fertilizer have the strength to keep alive millions of trees.
A fungus-based fertilizer called Mykovam, which was developed by UPLB scientists, is the secret ingredient of the government’s ambitious six-year greening program that aims to resurrect eight million hectares of denuded forests, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said.
“We will use science for the seeds and seedlings to survive,” Paje said in his speech at the launch of the program last week. “This is not for show, this is for grow,” he added.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said there were approximately eight million hectares of forest land that were unproductive, open, denuded or degraded.
If the current reforestation average of 30,000 ha per year is not accelerated, it would take 280 years to rehabilitate the eight million hectares,” Paje said. Past greening programs failed because the government did not tend to the trees, he added.
So Mykovam will help in fast-tracking the rehabilitation of Philippine forests and ensure that seedlings would take root and grow, he said.
According to Paje, Mykovam triples the root surface and aids in the survival of seedlings against the elements and infections.
In a statement, UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco said the microbial fertilizer “will solve the problem of the low survival of trees.” The government, he noted, has begun the mass production of planting materials to enable impoverished upland communities to become more responsible environmental stewards.”
According to the UPLB’s biotechnology website, Mykovam contains a species of fungi called vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) which infects the roots and increases the plant’s absorption of water and nutrients.
“The fungi can also prevent root infection by pathogens and increase plant tolerance to drought and heavy metals,” the website said. A kilo of the biofertilizer will sustain 400 seedlings, it added.
Mykovam is also environment-friendly. The university said it replaces about 60-85 percent of the plants’ chemical fertilizer requirement and improves soil properties and fertility.
Aside from providing organic fertilizer, Velasco said the university would provide DENR seedlings of indigenous trees for reforestation.
Among the tree species UPLB is propagating with the use of biofertilizers are pinus, dipterocarps, alnus, casuaria, acacia and eucalyptus, Velasco said.
Research projects are being undertaken as well to improve indigenous Philippine species of teak, molave and narra using the best possible scientific techniques, he added.
Originally published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer,
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DOST Secretary Montejo visits BIOTECH
BIOTECH Researchers win at the 15th Annual Convention of NPSP
Two BIOTECH researchers, Irene A. Papa and Teofila O. Zulaybar won the Best Poster Award in the 15th Annual Convention of the Natural Products Society of the Philippines (NPSP) which was held at the
The convention with the theme “Challenges of Product Development in Natural Products” featured other activities such as exhibit displays and poster and paper presentations. NPSP was founded in 1996 with the aim of bringing into the forefront researchers who are actively involved in the study of chemistry, biology and the sustainable use of products derived from natural resources. (RA Dorado)
Originally published by the UPLB Link 1/15/2011
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BIOTECH wins in contests at 2010 NBW Celebration
BIOTECH won in two categories in a contest held during the Sixth National Biotechnology Week (NBW) celebration at the Mall of Asia in
Biofertilizers and Microbial Rennet won second and third places, respectively, in the best technology kiosk category and Dr. Marilyn Brown, research professor at BIOTECH, won second place in the best technology presenter category for Biofertilizers. Winners of the competition were awarded with cash and a token of appreciation.
This year’s NBW celebration had the theme “Bioteknolohiya para sa Kalikasan, Kalusugan, Kagandahan, Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran” and the tag line “Ok ang 5K sa Biotech: Pagyamanin, ito ay atin.” The opening ceremony was held at the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center Events Room and was attended by the Agriculture Secretary, Proceso J. Alcala, Undersecretary Segfredo R. Serrano, DA-Biotechnology Program Director Candida B. Adalla, other key government officials and foreign dignitaries. The launching of the NBW coffee table book and formal opening of technology and product exhibits were the highlights of the opening ceremony.
The weeklong celebration, led by the Department of Agriculture and co chaired by the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, also featured scientific fora, seminars and film showings on biotechnology research, development and applications. The NBW is celebrated every last week of November by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1414 that was issued to promote the application of modern biotechnology in agriculture, health, environment and the industry.(RA Dorado/LL Moran).
Originally published by the UPLB LINK 12/15/2010
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BIOTECH has a new director
Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora was appointed director of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) effective Aug. 1, 2010 – June 30, 2013. He succeeded Prof. Ida F. Dalmacio of the Institute of Biological Sciences.
Dr. Ebora completed his Ph.D. in Entomology at Michigan State University, U.S.A. in 1995 and his MS Entomology and BS Agriculture in UPLB in 1987 and 1982, respectively. His field of expertise is in entomology, biotechnology, insect pathology, intellectual property management, technology transfer and biological sciences.
Dr. Ebora started his career as a research assistant in BIOTECH in 1982 and rose through the ranks to become research associate professor. He served as BIOTECH deputy director from 1996 to 1999 and acting director from 1999 to 2000. During his term as acting director he focused on information campaign on biotechnology, policy advocacy and strengthening of the service laboratories. He was assigned on secondment as executive director of Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development (PCASTRD) from Nov. 25, 2005 - July 31, 2010. Currently, he is regional coordinator for Asia of the Program for Biosafety Systems. (R.A. Dorado)
Originally published by the UPLB LINK 9/15/2010
BIOTECH project gets funding from RDA-Korea
A National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) project that aims to improve corn and legume productivity through the use of biofertilizers has been funded by the Department of Agriculture Rural Development Administration (RDA) of the Government of Korea.
