Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban and the officials of the University of the Philippines Los Baños – National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPLB-BIOTECH) met in a courtesy meeting on October 4, 2023.
The meeting aims to further strengthen the partnership of two institute and explore possible collaboration with the goal of enhancing the research endeavors of UPLB-BIOTECH. It was attended by UPLB-BIOTECH newly appointed Director Fides Marciana Z. Tambalo Program Leader and Deputy Director of Operations, Ronilo P. Violanta, Deputy Director for Research, Development, and Extension, Mannix S. Pedro, and Ms. Chrysanthemum R. Collado.
The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) is recognized as the first premier national institute on molecular biology and biotechnology within the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It operates as the research and development unit of UP Los Baños, collaborating with various departments and disciplines in engineering, chemistry and applied microbiology to conduct research, training and extension in biotechnology.
During the meeting, Director Tambalo discussed current products and projects of the institution. She also appealed for assistance from the Department for the establishment of a specialized research facility focused on agriculture.
The official also sought support for scaling up the production of Bio N fertilizer, a technology developed by UPLB-BIOTECH, which could significantly aid the agricultural sector in addressing shortages and soaring prices of fertilizer.
Bio N is a microbial based fertilizer made of microorganisms (bacteria) isolated from the roots of talahib (Saccharum spontaneum). This fertilizer can boost crop yields for rice, corn, and vegetables while preserving soil health. Additionally, it promotes plant health and makes plants green, even in drought conditions and in the presence of pests, reducing the incidence of rice tungro and corn earworm infestations.
The UPLB-BIOTECH also pioneered several notable technologies, including Fermented Plant Juice, K-SolB, Maizinc, BioPlasma, Oryzinc, NitroLink, BioSol, PhosphoLink, Micro Mix, NitroPlus, Bio-organic Fertilizers (BOF), BioGroe, Brown Magic, Mycogroe, MykoPlus, MYKOVAM, Nutrio, VAM Root Inoculant (VAMRI), and ACTICon.### (text by Kristel Joyce Merle/photos by Alan Jay Jacalan, DA-AFID)
