UPLB LAUNCHES COUNTRY’S FIRST AGRICULTURAL GENOMICS RESEARCH CENTER

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — The Philippines takes a major step toward advancing agricultural research as the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) launches the country’s first Agricultural Genomics Research Center with support from South Korea.

Inaugurated on Monday, September 21, the state-of-the-art facility was established with assistance from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Construction began in 2023 under a grant project aimed at strengthening higher education and building the country’s capacity in agricultural genomics.

The center will support research in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, giving researchers advanced tools to study agriculture from the genetic and molecular levels.

UPLB said the facility will help researchers analyze genes and DNA that may contribute to addressing challenges in agriculture and strengthening food security.

It features modern laboratories, a tissue culture facility, and two screenhouses for micropropagation, a technique used to rapidly multiply plants.

Among those who attended the inauguration were South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Dong-gy, KOICA Country Director Jung Youngsun, UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr., and Los Baños Mayor Neil Andrew Nocon.

Representatives from DOST-PCAARRD, DOST-ERDB, CHED, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, UPLB, and other government and academic institutions also attended.

UPLB said the center is expected to open more opportunities for training, research, biodiversity conservation, and science-based agricultural solutions.

The facility is seen as an additional platform for developing innovations that could help address the country’s agricultural challenges and support long-term food security.