On March 13, 2009, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and UP Mindanao (UPMin) formally launched the DOST-UPMin Biotechnology Facility at UPMin’s College of Science and Mathematics in Davao City. The facility is expected to help Mindanao utilize its unused indigenous bio-resources for economic development.

“We feel very proud of this. This is a milestone for UP Mindanao,” UPMin Chancellor Gilda C. Rivero told media in a press conference.

She recounted how the project had been proposed almost two years ago. When the DOST approved a grant of P23 million for the UPMin Biotechnology Research Program and the establishment of the facility, UPMin was able to do more in-depth and advanced research work in biotechnology and has, at present, become a center of biotechnology in Mindanao. “We are now on our first year, and I think we’ve met [our] goals,” the chancellor reported.

The grant currently supports the research program on indigenous bio-resources in Mindanao, consisting of several component projects. The program is currently focused on the sago palm because of its abundance and high starch yield. Dr. Dulce M. Flores, leader of the “Extraction Studies, Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Sago Starch” project and program pioneer, aims to shorten the process and reduce the cost of producing “value-added” products such as industrial lactic acid, ethanol, and biodegradable plastics from starch.

“Sago is just the first, but other abundant indigenous resources like nipa, kaong, and some forest species ornamentals will be included in future programs,” Flores added.

The potential of sago is recognized by program sponsors DOST and the Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development (PCASTRD). PCASTRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora described sago to the press as a viable food source that can serve as an alternative to corn and other local crops.

DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro praised UPMin’s efforts in biotechnology and called it an example of how the academe can help lessen the dependence on non-renewable materials.

Alabastro added that, with the facility, UPMin now becomes part of the network of older UP campuses involved in biotechnology research: UP Diliman, UP Manila, UP Los Baños, and UP Visayas—all of which have their own institutes of biotechnology. UPLB is focused on agricultural biotechnology, UPM on medical applications of biotechnology, and UPV on marine biotechnology.

In extracting “value-added” products from sago, the UPMin biotechnology program has embarked on an inventory of sago palms growing in the forests of Mindanao and other places in the country; the study of its pests, natural friends, and microbial growth regulators; the micro-propagation of sago palms; the molecular varietal verification of sago species; and the study of starch-digesting organisms.

President Emerlinda R. Roman said that projects like these prove that UPMin can do more than offer degree programs to help the country. At a time when UPMin is still grappling with its identity as a constituent university, it has embarked on research works tailored to fit the needs of its clientele. The strengthening of its science and technology capabilities is also in line with its mandate to apply UP expertise to the concerns of Mindanao. According to Roman, studies on indigenous food and bio-resources found in Mindanao fall under Mindanao studies, a broad field UPMin can excel in.

Chancellor Rivero said that the biotechnology project has enhanced the collegiality of UPMin experts from various disciplines as they are working toward a common goal. “The students never had it so good… work[ing] in state-of-the-art laboratories,” Rivero added.

Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Alabastro, Ebora, Roman, and UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Amelia P. Guevara. They were welcomed by UPMin officials, led by Chancellor Gilda C. Rivero, who thanked them profusely for helping the CU realize the biotechnology program. (With reporting by Yas D. Ocampo and Rene Estremera)

From the UP Newsletter