The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) featured its biotechnology innovations during the 2025 National Biotechnology Week (NBW) celebration held at the Century Park Hotel, Malate, Manila.
Anchored on the theme, “#gAInBiotech: Growing Artificial Intelligence, Nurturing Biotechnology,” the celebration showcased research breakthroughs and emerging technologies driving innovation, growth, and sustainable societal solutions.
The Council, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), showcased DOST-PCAARRD-funded technologies through a forum and exhibit, highlighting the advancements and applications of biotechnology in addressing current and emerging challenges in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
In the forum, “S&T Agri-Aqua Biotech Applications,” three experts presented biotechnology innovations on rice, cave biodiversity, and shrimp.
Dr. Nonawin Lucob-Agustin of the Department of Agriculture–Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-CBC) explained how climate change is putting more pressure on rice crops by causing water stress, especially in rainfed areas. She shared new insights on a rice gene, the wavy root elongation growth 1 (Weg1), which supports the growth of stronger and more flexible roots, allowing rice to perform well even in dry or nutrient-poor soils. These findings, including the successful introduction of Weg1 into local Philippine rice varieties, can help scientists develop more climate-resilient rice varieties in the future.
Dr. Marian P. De Leon of the UPLB Museum of Natural History presented achievements from the Niche Center for R&D in the Region-Center for Cave Ecosystems Research (NICER CAVES) Program. Through the NICER Program, beneficial microbes were found in the gut and in guano (droppings) of cave bats, which may have valuable applications in biotechnology. Their work is supported by newly developed genomic databases and safety guidelines that ensure proper handling of these microorganisms.
Lastly, Dr. Mary Beth B. Maningas of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) explained their work on creating dsRNA-based tools that target important parts of the White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)—the virus that causes the deadly White Spot Disease in shrimp. Since this disease can quickly wipe out shrimp farms and cause huge economic losses, the project aims to improve the shrimp’s resistance to infection. This effort builds on earlier successful research that used dsRNA to help protect shrimp from WSSV.
In his message during the forum, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora underscored the transformative role of biotechnology in driving solutions to persistent issues faced by the sector. He emphasized the importance of the forum as a platform to amplify the contributions of DOST-PCAARRD-supported biotechnology initiatives toward agricultural sustainability.
Alongside the forum, the DOST-PCAARRD NBW exhibit showcased selected biotechnology innovations such as the improved rice root systems for drought-prone environments, Protein-Enriched Copra Meal (PECM®) as an affordable aquafeed ingredient, and Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS) from coconut residue as a prebiotic alternative to support fish health and reduce antibiotic dependence in aquaculture.
The exhibit aimed to raise awareness about the practical applications of biotechnology and encourage wider adoption of these technologies among industry stakeholders, farmers, and other interested partners.
The DOST-PCAARRD NBW team was comprised of key staff from the Crops Research Division (CRD), Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD), and Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD), led by CRD Director Leilani D. Pelegrina and NBW Focal Person Ms. Alissa Carol M. Ibarra.