The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) conducted a three-day field visit recently in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.
The visit aimed to evaluate projects under the Integrated Research and Development Program on Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation of Selected Forest Ecosystems and additional on-going projects.
The team composed of Mr. Agustin Antonio T. Ramos V of the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD), Dr. Leila C. America, Ms. Mereyll Kyla P. Irader, and Ms. Magdalena P. Ramos of the Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD), and Dr. Betty E. Umali of the Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD) reviewed two projects under the programs in Central Luzon State University (CLSU).
The projects reviewed were Molecular Identification and Green Technology Development of High Valued Plants in Central Luzon and Information, education and communication (IEC) and Technology Transfer on Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization in Central Luzon.
The first project reviewed showed the need for the mapping of potential biopesticides to make the project geographically informative and to ensure effective technology transfer. Likewise seen was the need to identify specific diseases/insect pests on which the biopesticides can be applied; the manner, duration, frequency, and dosage of application; and stability and shelf life of the biopesticides.
Since only six of the 96 plant samples were tested, CLSU researchers also expressed interest to continue testing on other plant species.
The review has clarified the legal principle that the discovery of biopesticide ability in plants does not allow patentability based on RA 8293 (The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines). Instead, it is the extracting procedure for the active ingredient, the product form of the biopesticide, or the device for extracting biopesticide which is patentable.
Finally, review of Project 5 showed that deliverables for year 1 and 2 were almost complete except for three handbooks on flora, fauna, and economic plants, which are still to be reviewed by FERD.
The foregoing projects are part of DOST-PCAARRD’s commitment in connection with Outcome One, the frontrunner of DOST’s eight major outcomes. Outcome One seeks to provide science-based know-how and tools that will enable the agricultural sector to raise productivity to world-class standards.