The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) is a research and development unit at UP Los Baños created to mobilize the various departments and disciplines in engineering, chemistry and applied microbiology to conduct research, training and extension in biotechnology. It is the first of its kind in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
BIOTECH was formally established as the National Institutes of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology through the approval of the UP Board of Regents in their 922nd meeting on 20 December 1979. In January 1995, by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 526, it was renamed as the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.
The BIOTECH Building, which was initially called the Ferdinand E. Marcos Center for Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, is located inside the 70-hectare Agricultural and Life Sciences Complex at UP Los Baños. It has well-equipped research laboratories and a pilot plant.
VISION
BIOTECH as a premier R & D institution for basic and applied researches on molecular biology and biotechnology addressing problems related to agriculture, forestry, environment, energy and industry that will have positive impact to society. BIOTECH is envisioned to become a globally-competitive Institute that provides high-impact products and excellent services.
MISSION
To develop cost-effective and environment friendly technologies for the production of goods and services that are comparable or better alternatives to conventional products for their use in the following sectors: agriculture, forestry, environment, energy, food, and industry.
Goal
- To contribute in food security and safety through the creation of improved commodities, high-value products, processes and services.
Objectives
- To lead in the development of biofertilizers, biostimulants and biopesticides for sustainable agriculture and forestry.
- To lead in the use, protection and conservation of biodiversity especially on microbial resources and serve as a national repository of microbial strains in the country.
- To be at the forefront in biofuels and waste management research through biotechnology.
- To develop a nationally-recognized information center in biotechnology and be at the forefront of technology transfer and intellectual property management.