UPLB inaugurates biotech facility

The University of the Philippines-Los Baños' National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) inaugurated its biotechnology pilot plant on November 29, just in time for its observance of National Biotechnology Week (Nov. 26 to Nov. 30). A 32-year-old institution sitting in the heart of UPLB's 77-hectare Agricultural and Life Sciences Complex, BIOTECH promotes the use of biotechnology in agriculture. It also takes pride in keeping the largest depository of microorganisms in the Southeast Asian region. The center recently received a P50-million research and development grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to upgrade the plant's equipment. It's a big leap from their usual annual budget of P20 to P25 million, said BIOTECH research scientist Dr. Fidel Rey Navye. "Per project namin, halos P10,000 to P20,000 lang. Kaya 'yung ibang projects, pahintu-hinto," he said. Nayve said BIOTECH was also able to save millions of pesos in upgrading their fermentors by asking local chemical engineers to help them. "Ang isang bagong makina ay halos P20 to P30 million, depende sa size. Ang nagastos namin dito, halos P2 to P3 million per equipment lang. Malaking natipid namin," said Nayve. BIOTECH manufactures Bio-N, an organic fertilizer that supplies nitrogen to plants and is one of BIOTECH's first products to be awarded a patent. It is also a means to teach the public about the benefits of biotechnology, said BIOTECH Director Dr. Reynaldo Ebora. "Mas madaling maintindihan ng ordinaryong tao 'yung biotechnology kung may produktong nahahawakan," he said. "Kailangang makarating iyong science sa kanila sa pinakamadaling paraan... Communication is a very important aspect to be considered." — BM, GMA News