UPLB Launches Philippines’ First Agricultural Genomics Research Center

The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) officially inaugurated the Philippines’ first Agricultural Genomics Research Center on Monday, September 21, with support from the Government of South Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The state-of-the-art facility is expected to strengthen UPLB’s and the country’s capabilities in omics and genome-based agricultural research and development.

Construction of the center began in 2023 under the grant project “Capacity-Building for Higher Education and the Establishment of Agricultural Genomics Research Center at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.”

The facility will serve as a hub for agricultural omics research and support studies in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.

According to UPLB, the center will enable researchers to examine agricultural systems at various levels, including the analysis of genes and DNA that could contribute to addressing challenges faced by the agriculture sector and advancing food security in the Philippines.

The research center is equipped with modern laboratory facilities and specialized equipment. It also features a tissue culture facility and two screenhouses designed to support micropropagation, a modern technique for plant multiplication.

Among those who attended the inauguration were Republic of Korea 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 the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), DOST Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, as well as officials and representatives from UPLB and other government and partner institutions, also joined the event.

The facility is expected to expand opportunities for training and research in agricultural genomics and further contribute to the development of the country’s agriculture sector.

Beyond agricultural productivity, the center is also expected to support biodiversity conservation and the development of science-based solutions to address emerging challenges in agriculture.

With its advanced research capabilities, the Agricultural Genomics Research Center is positioned to strengthen collaboration among researchers, academic institutions, government agencies, and international partners in pursuing innovations that can contribute to the Philippines’ long-term food security and agricultural development.