RDEDigest

Official Research, Development and Extension Newsletter

of the University of the Philippines Los Baños
visit us at http://rdenews.uplb.edu.ph
Volume 2 Number 2
May 2010 - Oct 2010

AWARDING CEREMONIES: Western Philippines University President Dr. Concepto B. Magay (leftmost) and Dr. Divinia C. Chavez, STARRDEC RRDCC Chair and
President, Cavite State University (2nd from left) present the plaques to (from left, clockwise): Dr. Rita P. Laude, CAS-Institute of Biological Sciences;
Dr. Elda B. Esguerra, CA-Crop Science Cluster; and Dr. Edna A. Aguilar of the CA-Crop Science Cluster and Dr. Juliet A. Anarna of BIOTECH-UPLB.
PHOTOS: courtesy of STARRDEC

UPLB garners major awards in

regional R & D symposium
U
PLB researchers took home 'Lakatan' Banana (Musa acuminata The 1st place winners from UPLB will
most of the top prizes AA Group) with Ethephon and receive P10,000 and a plaque each,
contested during the recently 1-Methylcyclopropene" by Dr. Elda while P7,000, along with a plaque, will
held 23 Regional Symposium
rd
B. Esguerra, Wella L. Absulio and be awarded to Dr. Aguilar's group.
on Research and Development Daphne Cassandra R. Hilario of the
Highlights (RSRDH) conducted by College of Agriculture-Crop Science The symposium is STARRDEC's
the Southern Tagalog Agriculture and Cluster garnered second. venue to recognize the most significant
Resources Research and Development research and development results in the
Consortium (STARRDEC) last August The research on "Improving Southern Tagalog region.
19-20, 2010 at the Western Philippines Production of Saba, Lakatan and
University in Puerto Princesa City. Latundan Cultivars in Different The first place winners of the different
Cropping Systems" authored by the categories will be endorsed as entries
In the Research Category, Dr. Rita P. multi-disciplinary team of Dr. Edna to the National Symposium on
Laude, Vice-Chancellor for Instruction A. Aguilar, Dr. Jose Nestor M. Garcia, Agriculture and Resources Research
and professor at the College of Arts Dr. Nelly S. Aggangan, Dr. Juliet and Development (NSARRD)
and Sciences-Institute of Biological A. Anarna, Patrick M. Rocamora, which will be conducted by the
Sciences, won first place for her study Leonardo L. Tamisin, Jr., Dr. Felipe S. DOST-Philippine Council for
"Gene Discovery in Coconut." Dela Cruz, Jr., Michael R. Noel, and Agriculture, Forestry and Natural
Louie Joseph A. Pabro also won first Resources Research and Development
On the other hand, the research place, this time in the Development (PCARRD) within the year.
on "Regulation of Ripening in Category. (Florante A. Cruz) ■

UPLB cops regional R&D awards 1 Climate change and food security ... 7 UPLB gets patent for mango CA ... 16

IN Young researchers trained ...

Web managers trained on CMS ...
2
2
Personality sketch: Doc Art Salazar ...
UPLB exhibit at NAST and DA-BAR ...
8
10
Researchers trained on patenting ...
UPLB team surveys Cebu's IT hub ...
17
18

this
Watch research videos online ... 3 Organic agri law's IRR discussed ... 11 UPLB shares TBI experiences ... 18
Experts propose a 'collaboratory' 3 Experts move against armyworm ... 12 PIONEER expands ST park operation ... 18
Citrus leaf mottling culprit ... 4 Developing technopreneurs ... 13 Photo News ... 19
ISSUE: Cheap superconductor fabricated ...
Lahar as enzyme immobilizer ...
5
6
A new photobioreactor for biofuel ...
Lakatan and latundan ripens better ...
14
15
Photo NewsVolume
... 2 Number 2
May 2010 - October 2010
20
1
 NEWS

Young researchers mentored on how to make successful proposals

"R esearch is a big component of

the university’s fund-generation
activities, and thus, we give importance
units of the university, was aimed at
equipping participants with writing
skills needed in preparing research
research ethics, and intellectual
property protection.

to getting most of our research proposals. During the lectures, seasoned

proposals approved for funding." researchers shared their experiences
It was the third in a series of training on how their proposals were easily
This was stressed by Dr. Enrico P. programs conducted by the Office of approved by external funding agencies.
Supangco, the Vice-Chancellor the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Dr. Felino P. Lansigan of the CAS-
for Research and Extension of the Extension (OVCRE) for young and new Institute of Statistics and Prof. Evelyn
University of the Philippines Los Baños researchers of the university this 2010. Mae T. Mendoza gave tips on how
(UPLB) during the start of a two-day research concepts can be packaged into
training-workshop on "Developing Held on June 7 and 28, the training- a successful project.
and Packaging Successful Research workshop included eight modules
Proposals," held in June 2010. developed by Dr. Evelyn Mae T. The participants were required to
Mendoza of the College of Agriculture- submit their respective proposals for
"That is why we are gearing part of our Crop Science Cluster, Prof. Mabini critique by a panel of technical writers
training services towards the younger DG. Dizon of the College of Arts and editors. Dr. Mendoza, Prof. Dizon
crop of scientists who will form the and Sciences (CAS)-Department of and Prof. Noel K. Torreta, also of the
core of our research manpower in the Humanities and Ruth M. Almario Department of Humanities, evaluated
future," he added. of OVCRE's Project Monitoring the proposals and provided valuable
and Evaluation Section. The lectures comments for consideration of the
The training-workshop, attended by 22 focused on funding support and their participants. (Ruth M. Almario and
young faculty and REPS from various requirements, writing proposals, Florante A. Cruz) ■
◄ PARTICIPANTS of ◄ DR. FELINO P.
the Joomla! content LANSIGAN (right)
management system challenges seminar
training click and tap participants to be
away on their laptops creative and resourceful
while preparing their in getting information for
articles, media, and other their various proposals,
documents for uploading as well as to strictly

PHOTOS: FACRUZ
to their respective unit follow the requirements
websites. of the funding agency.

Website content Baños Information Technology Center Aside from orienting and updating
managers trained on (UPLB ITC). the managers in using the system,
the activity also served as a discussion
using Joomla! According to Vice-Chancellor for venue on how to resolve technical
Research and Extension Dr. Enrico P. issues periodically encountered in the

C hosen website managers of units

under the supervision of the
Office of the Vice-Chancellor for
Supangco, the training-workshop was
held to arm the staff with "updated
knowledge on web administration to
course of web development.

The training-workshop was participated

Research and Extension (OVCRE) address the ever-evolving information in by 15 staff coming from the different
participated in the OVCRE’s first in- needs of not just the UPLB community offices under the OVCRE: Museum
house training-workshop on content but as well as other individuals and of Natural History, BIOTECH,
management using Joomla! last June entities relying on UPLB’s websites." Office for Initiatives in Culture and
28, 2010. the Arts, Pahinungod, and the UPLB
During the training, participants were Center for Technology Transfer and
Joomla!, an open source content initially taught how to come up with Entrepreneurship.
management system that enables one to the appropriate content structure for
build online portals and applications, their websites and were later provided Staff from the UPLB’s Information
is currently the framework behind the with hands-on techniques on how Technology Center also participated
websites being developed and deployed to use the various features of their in the training-workshop. (Mae Ann F.
by the University of the Philippines Los respective Joomla!-powered websites. Bulang and Florante A. Cruz) ■

University of the Philippines Los Baños

2 Research, Development and Extension Digest
 NEWS

Watch UPLB research videos online with new website

S
tudents, researchers, and internet According to Dr. Supangco, "we are University" have also been made online
users from all over the globe tapping the power and reach of the so that officials, faculty and researchers,
can now watch presentations Internet and social media to deliver the given access to a fast broadband
and discussions on the latest scientific outputs of our research investments." connection, can easily access and play
investigations conducted at the the videos for showing anywhere in the
University of the Philippines Los He also said that with the online world.
Baños (UPLB) through the newest videos, "we can further expose our
web facility developed by the Office of research findings to the scientific world Also, all issues of the UPLB RDE
the Vice-Chancellor for Research and and increase possibilities for more Digest have been uploaded for online
Extension (OVCRE). research collaboration and funding.” reading in the UPLB RDE Portal.

Vice-Chancellor Enrico P. Supangco Although a work in progress, the UPLB The OVCRE will be foraying into web
reported that the OVCRE’s Research Research Videos Online website has streaming and/ or podcasting of R and
Utilization and Dissemination Section already accumulated more than 10,000 D-related activities in the near future.
launched its UPLB Research Videos page views since its launch five months
Online website during the first week ago. To watch the videos online, just log on
of April 2010. Currently, 31 videos are to www.uplb.edu.ph/rde and click on
available in the website and more are In related developments, chapter the Science Videos link, or enter http://
currently being developed and prepared videos of the documentary "UPLB: researchvideo.uplb.edu.ph in your
for uploading. The Philippines’ Premier Research Internet browser. (Florante A. Cruz) ■

Computer scientists propose virtual center for

collaborative research and development

F
our young and promising experts With a collaboratory, scientists can "In its weather forecasting work,
from the College of Arts and communicate online, have the ability the Philippine Atmospheric and
Sciences-Institute of Computer to access remotely shared research Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Science recently gave insights during instruments, documents and files; Administration just uses an 80-node
their respective lectures last September and visualize their seemingly abstract system. We have already conducted
13, 2010 on how the university can experiments through computer some research here at the Institute of
take advantage of its resources in systems. Computer Science which used 250
putting up a National Collaboratory computer nodes," Prof. Pabico added.
for Computing Research. In particular, a collaboratory would
enable the university to enhance its Prof. Mariano also reported that UPLB
The lectures were the following: capability to conduct simulation is already collaborating with several
"Advanced Intelligent Systems to modeling, scientific visualization and international organizations. Prof.
Propel UPLB into the Next Century" novel data analysis. Mariano is actually working with IRRI
by Prof. Jaderick P. Pabico; "Digital in developing machine vision systems
Image and Video Analysis for the Already, the computer experts say that for rice, as well as with a multinational
Next Century" by Prof. Vladimir UPLB's computational grid is very corporation in developing a system for
Y. Mariano; "Role of a Computer impressive and can accomodate this grading pineapple.
Simulation and Modeling Laboratory" proposed collaboratory.
by Prof. Arian J. Jacildo and "High According to the four experts, if UPLB
Performance Computing for According to Prof. Pabico, "UPLB is will be developed into a collaboratory,
Collaboratory Research" by Prof. capable of pursuing the establishment it may be able to work hand-in-hand
Joseph Anthony C. Hermocilla. of a national collaboratory" since the with other prestigious universities and
university have at least 1,200 high-end research centers in the future in fields
A collaboratory is essentially a computers, with 600 units or more of computer forensics and security,
"collaborative laboratory" or a center already connected to the university computer gaming, web computing, and
"without walls." fiber optic network. multimedia systems. (Florante A. Cruz) ■

Volume 2 Number 2
May 2010 - October 2010 3
 FEATURED RESEARCH

The culprit behind leaf mottling in citrus

PHOTOS: Courtesy of FCSTACRUZ

BLOTCHY MOTTLE is the main symptom

observed in Citrofortunella microcarpa
(calamansi) with citrus leaf mottling disease.

H
THE Grafted seedlings at four months
ave you ever seen a citrus showing early symptoms of Citrus leaf mottling.
crop with leaves blotched in
different shades of yellow and FOR THE STUDY'S DISEASE TRANSMISSION
green? TESTS, grafted seedlings of Citrofortunella
microcarpa (calamansi) rootstocks with Citrus
If you had, chances are, you have seen sinensis (sweet orange) scions were used.
one showing symptoms of what plant
pathologists call as "citrus leaf mottling" Through a study funded by the UPLB
-a very serious disease which has greatly Basic Research Program, Dr. Sta. Cruz'
devastated the Philippine citrus industry team gathered calamansi, sweet orange,
during the 1960s. pummelo, and kumquat plants with
mottling symptoms from plantations BLOTCHY MOTTLE is evident on the leaves of
Caused by the bacteria Candidatus in Los Baños, Laguna; Padre Garcia, this seedling at a full year after its grafting.
Liberibacter sp., it is known as 'citrus Batangas; and San Pablo City.
greening' in countries such as China, with mottling disease.
Taiwan, Indonesia, India and South Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR),
Africa. The insect Diaphorina citri Dr. Sta Cruz' team was able to detect The research team also used two other
serves as the vector of the disease in the the presence of C. Liberibacter in the methods to detect the disease-gentisic
Philippines. diseased samples. acid detection (GAD) and iodostarch
reaction (IR) test. However, Dr. Sta. Cruz
Although the causal organism of citrus And to further build up on the results, recommended the use of PCR since aside
leaf mottling in other countries has scions were taken from the diseased from being the most sensitive, it provides
already been identified, its pathogenic samples and grafted to healthy citrus reliable results and specifically determines
cause in the Philippines has never been rootstocks. "We were able to transmit the presence of the pathogen.
established-scientific literature from the the disease-our experiments showed
country still report that it is caused by a that a diseased scion will infect the whole Though the GAD and IR tests should
virus rather than by a bacteria. plant as early as four months after being be further evaluated and optimized, Dr.
grafted," Dr. Sta. Cruz said. Sta. Cruz reported that the two tests may
The lack of an established identity of be applicable for large-scale testing when
the citrus leaf mottling pathogen has "With PCR, we were also able to and where PCR facilities are lacking.
led to a myriad of problems in disease detect the pathogen in the other parts
diagnosis, indexing of planting materials, of the grafted seedling a few months Dr. Sta. Cruz' research is an important
and development of proper disease after, leading us to correctly infer that step in controlling the disease ravaging
management schemes. Candidatus Liberibacter sp. is indeed the the citrus industry. "Because we now
culprit behind citrus leaf mottling in the truly know the causal organism, we can
Only very recently, Dr. Sta. Cruz of the country," she concluded. help put forward the correct management
College of Agriculture-Crop Protection methods to control the spread of the
Center, together with Dr. Rizaldo G. This has been the first report in disease," she concluded. (Florante A.
Bayot and other colleagues, finally put the country on the detection and Cruz, with reports from Schenley Anne A.
into record the identity of the pathogen. transmission of C. Liberibacter in citrus Belmonte and Mae Ann F. Bulang) ■

University of the Philippines Los Baños

4 Research, Development and Extension Digest
 FEATURED RESEARCH

A superconductor comes around

via cheap, improvised means
M
aterial scientists at the PHOTOS: courtesy of MUHERRERA

University of the Philippines A B

Los Baños have successfully
produced three simple forms of a
superconductor by using seemingly
low-tech procedures.

Prof. Marvin U. Herrera of the College

of Arts and Sciences-Institute of
Mathematical Sciences and Physics
recently reported that his research
group has proven the possibility of
manufacturing Bismuth-based high
temperature superconductors even
C D
under 'developing country' conditions.

Superconductors are materials which

when cooled at a certain temperature
have the ability to carry large amounts of
electrical energy without any resistance.

And unlike copper wires and other

conventional conductors which
have resistance to the flow of
electricity—resulting to energy loss– Bi-2212 UP CLOSE: Scanning electron micrographs of the fabricated bismuth-based
superconductors have zero resistivity superconductors in the forms of (A) Polycrystalline, lead-free and (B) Polycrystalline (0.6 lead)
and do not lose energy. using partial-melting, (C) Film using sedimentation, and (D) Tape using calendering techniques.

Superconductors also exhibit a property "What is truly amazing is that our electrical current than its equivalent
called 'perfect diamagnetism' enabling fabrication methods is similar to how copper wire.
it to create a magnetic field opposite we make an ordinary ceramic figurine,"
another material, making magnetic Prof. Herrera reported. "With cheaper superconductors, we can
levitation possible. achieve energy efficiency, especially in
According to the project leader, "about the transmission and use of electricity,"
With funding from the UPLB Basic P90,000 only was spent in fabricating Prof. Herrera shared.
Research Program and assistance of these Bismuth-based superconductors."
Darwin B. Putungan, Teodorick Barry Moreover, the technology may also
R. Manguerra, Fjorda Kim R. Rubian, Albeit the simple and improvised help reduce the cost of producing
Katherine M. Calamba, and Vicki methods of fabrication, the results of superconductor-based applications and
Ann A. Bagulbagul, Prof. Herrera the study were presented during the equipment such as magnetic resonance
used improvised partial-melting, International Conference on Materials imaging and magnetic levitation trains
sedimentation, and calendering for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT) in the future.
techniques to produce Bismuth-2212 held in Singapore last year.
(chemically, Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8) The study and its results prove that
superconductors in polycrystalline, And although Prof. Herrera's work the pursuit of new materials by local
thin film, and tape forms, is only basic research, its innovation scientists in a developing country such
respectively—techniques which carries great promise in reducing the as ours is a definite possibility. (Florante
are significantly less costly than the cost of energy. Superconducting tape, A. Cruz and Mae Ann F. Bulang, with
standard ones employed by the industry. for example, can carry 200 times more reports from Gerard E. Cueto) ■

Volume 2 Number 2
May 2010 - October 2010 5
 FEATURED RESEARCH

From destruction to preservation:

Lahar prolongs the use of costly enzymes

E
nzymes are proteins present in

PHOTOS: courtesy of VCSabularse

living organisms and influence A B
the way chemical reactions
occur inside them. Owing to their
important industrial uses, enzymes
are now purified from various natural
origins and are being used to make
antibiotics, cosmetics, and even
common household products.

In the Philippines, enzymes are

expensive because most of these are
imported from other countries, even
C D
though raw materials for enzyme
production abound locally. Thus, any
method that would extend the shelf-life
and use of these important enzymes
would be indispensible to the industry.

Fortunately now, through a technique

called enzyme immobilization, enzymes
can be "entrapped" using what is
called a 'solid support material,' thus
regulating the enzymes' release and
activation during chemical reactions. THEY ARE NOT moon rocks: (A) Black lahar at 100x and (B) 500x magnification under a
scanning electron microscope. The white, more porous lahar seen at (C) 100x and (D) 500x.
Recently, Dr. Veronica C. Sabularse
of the College of Arts and Sciences- from San Marcelino, Zambales and Results of the experiments showed that
Institute of Chemistry and her Floridablanca, Pampanga which they lahar immobilized papain by 67%,
research team, with funding from the then washed, dried, heated and cleaned while bromelain, 84%. Treated papain
UPLB Basic Research Program, has with acid. The end result was lahar of and bromelain was also found to
gained headway in using an abundant two colors or types: white and black. exhibit very good activity despite their
material-lahar- as the solid support immobilization.
for immobilizing enzymes for industrial "We compared the black and white
operations. lahar and found that the latter was "Generally, we also saw that
more porous, and thus would have despite repeated use and prolonged
"Lahar contains sets of molecules which more areas where enzymes could bind storage, lahar-immobilized papain
can be chemically manipulated so that with," Dr. Sabularse explained. and bromelain still continued to
the enzymes can be covalently attached exhibit some activity," Dr. Sabularse
to them, allowing them to be reused After chemically activating white lahar continued.
and not lost in the bulk solution," she with 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane
said. and glutaraldehyde, the enzymes With Dr. Sabularse's findings, lahar
papain and bromelein were added tucks in another potential use despite
"We thought of using lahar because to the reaction, after which their its connotation with disaster and
these are readily available, especially in immobilization rates measured. tragedy. Who knows, there may come
the areas surrounding Mt. Pinatubo," a time when the Philippines may use
Dr. Sabularse added. Papain and bromelain are protein- its vast lahar resources for various
breaking enzymes isolated from the industrial products. (Florante A. Cruz,
In their experiments, Dr. Sabularse papaya and pineapple, respectively, and with reports from Rosario G. Gabatin
and her group first obtained lahar are used for food and pharmaceuticals. and Gerard E. Cueto) ■

University of the Philippines Los Baños

6 Research, Development and Extension Digest
 RESEARCH UPDATES

INTO THE UNPREDICTABLE WORLD OF CLIMATE

Holders of the UPLB Centennial Professorial Chair Lecture on Climate Change and Food Security held on August 11, 2010
give insights and recommendations on how we can approach and prepare for the complex task of adapting to climate change.
PHOTOS: courtesy of FPLANSIGAN, ADRAYMUNDO, and ACROLA

Knowledge-based Climate change affects Climate risk

cropping calendar to management strategy management courses
avoid production risk against pests suggested
Dr. Felino P. Lansigan, professor at the Dr. Avelino D. Raymundo, the director Dr. Agnes C. Rola, dean of the College
College of Arts and Sciences-Institute of the Crop Protection Cluster of of Public Affairs suggested in her
of Statistics and affiliate faculty at the the College of Agriculture discussed lecture on "Towards a Climate Risk-
School of Environmental Science and during his lecture on "Dynamics Resilient Agricultural Development: How
Management, discussed a knowledge- and Variability of Pest Epidemics in a can UPLB Address this Challenge?" that
based cropping calendar that may help Variable and Changing Climate" that the university offer courses on climate
agricultural planning–reducing the losses in agriculture will go overboard risk management (CRM).
risks of economic losses brought by if the growth, spread, and distribution
climate change. of pests–all of which are influenced by CRM is a large and growing body of
climate–are left unmanaged. scientific and policy work that puts
In his lecture on "Managing Climate together climate change adaptation,
Risks to Enhance Crop Productivity He further explained that climate disaster management and development.
for Food Security: Knowledge-based change affects the associations between
Dynamic Cropping Calendar," he pests and their host, creating new pest Dr. Rola benchmarked the global
recommended the use of forecasting systems that are difficult to manage. interest in CRM and found out that
strategies and early warning systems select universities abroad offer courses
to determine when and how to For example, frequent heavy rains and in climate science. However, most of
optimally plant crops, as well as other floods may increase the population of the courses have no integration with
management considerations, to help leaf fungal pathogens and induce the agriculture-related courses.
policy makers and planners-and transport of soil pathogens to non-
ultimately the farmers-circumvent infected areas via water. According to Dr. Rola, UPLB lacks
production risks caused by extreme courses on climate data analysis,
weather conditions such as typhoons On the other hand, intense drought geography, risk analysis, decision
and droughts. makes plants more susceptible to analysis, as well as climate risk impact
pathogen attack. Insect vectors, assessment, and thus should review and
According to Dr. Lansigan, although according to Raymundo, would also re-engineer its curriculum to develop
the technology requires extensive rapidly multiply, thus increasing the competency for climate risk-
data to be more reliable, its use by chances of viral epidemics. resilient agricultural development.
agricultural planners in the local
levels may lessen the chance of having He underscored the importance These competencies are required
farmers plant during high-risk periods, of more extensive research on pest of a UPLB graduate to make them
and for institutions offering crop epidemics in relation to the varying effective planners and advisors in the
insurance, a better assurance that their climate to secure national food security. management of climate risks for food
investments are not at risk. (Florante A. (Mae Ann F. Bulang and Florante A. security. (Mae Ann F. Bulang and
Cruz and Mae Ann F. Bulang) ■ Cruz) ■ Florante A. Cruz) ■

Volume 2 Number 2
May 2010 - October 2010 7
 PEOPLE AND PERSONALITY

DOC Art
Salazar
A servant of God,
a man of science
BY JOBELLE LYKA R. MAGNO

C
hurch lay minister and
agricultural scientist rolled
into one – that is the Deputy
Director of the Crop Science Cluster of
the College of Agriculture, University
of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) – PHOTO: EAAGRON
Dr. Artemio M. Salazar, fondly called
by friends and colleagues as "Doc Art". "Up to college, my driving force, According to Doc Art, the Lagkitan
essentially, has always been to finish corn is stewed as nilagang mais. On the
Tracing back humble beginnings a degree, land a job, and to get out of other hand, yellow corn is used as feeds
poverty," he shared. His parents used to say for farm animals like pigs and chicken.
"I am also a normal person so I admit "pag-aaral lang ang maipapamana namin at
that studying is indeed a hard thing to walang makakanakaw niyan sa iyo." Last year, they introduced the high
do. It is normal for us not to appreciate Yield and Protein Corn, named YAP
many things from school but when you Keeping these in mind, Doc Art took corn in honor of the then Agriculture
start working, you will realize that you his BS Agricultural Chemistry and Secretary Arthur C. Yap. This white
should have really paid attention," said masters degree in Plant Breeding both corn variety is an alternative staple for
Doc Art. at UPLB. He became a PhD scholar in rice, and when specially combined with
plant breeding at Iowa State University rice is called "rice-corn."
Just like any child in the world, Doc in the United States, and graduated in
Art had dreamt of something he 1983. Each and every hardwork Doc Art
wanted to be and had gone to school endures is for the Filipino, specially
to achieve it. But each day, he always With the continuously growing human those who find living through farming.
found the need to excel in everything population in the country, access He always had a heart for the works
to maintain the only way he can to the limited supply of food has of the poor with whom he finds
continue studying– his scholarship. always been a struggle especially for stories similar to what he had during
the poor Filipinos. Good thing, Doc childhood.
Doc Art first wanted to become a Art dedicates his life in developing
medical doctor, but back then he the varieties of crops majority of his Uniting faith and science
already knew his family cannot afford countrymen need on their dining
a doctor's education. Their family tables. Science has always been used as a
have lived as illegal settlers in the town tool to understand nature. Though
proper of Los Baños, Laguna. His father He did not work alone. With the help it is different from faith, Doc Art
was a railroad track man and his mother and support from a competent research believes otherwise. According to him,
was a housewife. The fourth from the team, he spearheaded the development faith is the direction you take in life
eldest among eight children and the of crop varieties such as the Lagkitan knowing that there is a God who made
second son, he had a responsibility to corn and other yellow and white corn everything and that there is life after
take good care of his family. varieties. death.

University of the Philippines Los Baños

8 Research, Development and Extension Digest
PHOTO: EAAGRON
PEOPLE AND PERSONALITY

▲DOC ART with project staff Bernabe Cia

inspecting a batch of newly-milled IPB Var 6 corn.

PHOTO: CVLABE
▲the corn brigade, which also includes Engr. Balbino C. Geronimo and Dr. Wilma A. Hurtada,
(2nd and 4th from left) with Doc Art during a provincial sortie to promote the UPLB Mini Corn Mill.

"One of his major concerns is that According to her, their love story
PHOTO: VALADIAJR

many people rely on the outputs of started when their organization had
their projects and their expectations 'getting-to-know-you' activities meant
should be met," Ana shared. to make the group better in serving as
▲AMIDST THE SWEETNESS: Doc Art in the field, one.
observing various successions of sweet sorghum. Ana started working with Doc Art in
2002, and is currently helping him Being activity partners for three
"My simple Catholic faith is to help package information materials on consecutive times had helped the
small farmers by developing different selected technologies for corn. couple learn more about each other.
varieties of crops appropriate to their For Rosario, "it’s as if things fell on the
conditions for better crop production "As head of the Corn RDE Program, right places in God’s will."
and thus, to give everyone, especially Dr. Art never chooses who the clients
the poor, a better chance to eat," he to accommodate and he is very humble They got married, and blessed with
said. and responsible," said Dr. Wilma three children to whom they have been
Hurtada of the College of Human good parents to.
Doc Art admits that although his Ecology-Institute of Human Nutrition
high sense of responsibility and and Food. Rosario recalled the times when they
accountability is his strength, it is also used to bring the kids to 'Jollibao'-
his weakness. Dr. Hurtada is one of Doc Art’s not Jollibee, but to the Carabao Park
colleagues in promoting the use of where they fed the fishes in the pond.
He is aware that most of the time, he rice-corn. She calls their team 'the corn
expects other people to be like him but brigade.' Despite all his achievements in research
since they are not so, this usually causes and in the community, Doc Art
friction and he appears to be bossy. Living a simple life with love remains simple, who is fond of reading
inspirational poems, and involves his
According to Ana Gabatin, his "When he got back from the States, whole family in religious work.
staff at the National Corn Research he looked for a Catholic Christian
Development and Extension (RDE) group. I was the leader of Liwanag ng An individual whose childhood made
Program, Doc Art is strict because Panginoon then. We met each other him strong, molded by the love of God,
he simply wants his team to fulfill its at St. Therese Chapel," reminisced family, and friends, and disciplined
objectives and finish everything that it Rosario, the wonderful wife of Doc by science - that is Dr. Artemio M.
has to accomplish. Art. Salazar. ■

Volume 2 Number 2
May 2010 - October 2010 9
 EXTENSION UPDATES

PHOTOS: FACRUZ

UPLB showcases
technologies
at NAST and
DA-BAR annual
exhibits

T
he university, through
the Office of the Vice-
Chancellor for Research ▲MARLYN BELTRAN (rightmost) of the CA-Crop Science Cluster answers questions from visitors of
and Extension (OVCRE), recently UPLB's booth on how to set up a Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) hydroponics system.
participated in two annual
exhibitions held by the National
Academy of Science and Technology
(NAST) and the Department of
Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural
Research (DA-BAR).

During the NAST 32nd Annual

Scientific Meeting held on July 14
and 15 at the Manila Hotel, the
OVCRE promoted the various
online services it provides: UPLB
Journals Online, UPLB RDE News
Service, and the recently launched
UPLB Research Videos.

On the other hand, UPLB products ▲JOSE COMIA (rightmost) of the CEAT-ChemEng briefs newly appointed DA Agribusiness and
and technologies were again Marketing Assistance Service Director Leandro Gazmin and DA-BAR Assistant Director Teodoro
showcased to the public during Solsoloy (2nd and 3rd from right, respectively) on UPLB’s prototype alagal photobioreactor.
the DA-BAR’s 6th Agricultural
and Fisheries Technology
Commercialization Forum and
Product Exhibition, held from
August 5 to 8 at the SM MegaTrade
Hall II in Quezon City.

At the DA-BAR exhibition,

products developed by the College
of Agriculture’s (CA) various ▲ FORMER SECRETARY, NOW CONGRESSMAN ARTHUR YAP (3rd from left) visits the booth with
clusters and other units were sold. DA-BAR Director Nicomedes Eleazar (center), chats with Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco (next picture).
Highlight of the university’s display Engineering (CEAT-ChemEng). technologies and biofuel production,
was a prototype bioreactor for the respectively.
mass-production of microalgae for Meanwhile, Dr. Edralina P. Serrano
biodiesel developed by researchers of the CA-Crop Science Cluster and UPLB’s involvement in the two
from the College of Engineering Dr. Rex B. Demafelis of the CEAT- exhibitions were sponsored in
and Agro-industrial Technology- ChemEng discussed in separate part by the UPLB Foundation,
Department of Chemical fora various topics on postharvest Incorporated. (Florante A. Cruz) ■

University of the Philippines Los Baños

10 Research, Development and Extension Digest
 EXTENSION UPDATES

Organic agriculture act gets regional

inputs from UPLB-led consultation

O
PHOTOS: MPDELROSARIO
rganic agriculture is a big
and potential income earner
for the Philippines’ farming
sector. However, a law to support and
provide organic agriculture the best
economic and policy environment it
deserves is lacking in the past.

With strong motivation to push

organic agriculture into the limelight,
industry stakeholders have been
successful in partnering with concerned
government agencies to draft the
Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.
▲CHANCELLOR LUIS REY I. VELASCO (rightmost) with Department of Agriculture Assistant
The act, recently approved by Secretary for Regional Operations Dennis B. Araullo (center) and One Organic Movement Coordinator
Malacañang last April 6, 2010, was (leftmost) Pablito Villegas during the opening program of the regional consultation-workshop.
created to serve as the foundation of
a comprehensive program that will
oversee the development of organic
agriculture in the Philippines.

The Organic Agriculture Act however

still needs a set of implementing rules
and regulations (IRR).

Responding to this, the University of

the Philippines Los Banos, through
the College of Agriculture-Agricultural
Systems Cluster (CA-ASC), in
partnership with the industry sector’s
initiative One Organic Movement,
recently led a regional consultation-
workshop among stakeholders from
the government and organizations of
organic farmers last July 26, 2010 at ▲UPLB EXPERTS AND INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS listen intently to the discussions on the proposed
the ASC Lecture Hall. implementing rules and regulations of the Organic Agriculture Act.

This activity was participated in The UPLB leg of the IRR consultations The output of the consultation series
by close to 150 participants from is second to the last activity being will be forwarded to a technical
institutions in the CALABARZON spearheaded nationwide by the working group for consolidation,
and MIMAROPA regions; including Department of Agriculture-Bureau review and finalization. The National
state universities and colleges, of Agriculture and Fisheries Products Organic Agriculture Board will receive
government research and extension Standards, which was tasked to craft the final document from the technical
organizations, and a number of the IRR in cooperation with the working group and submit it thereafter
representatives from various organic organic farmer organizations led by the to the Congress for approval. (Florante
farming associations. One Organic Movement. A. Cruz) ■

Volume 2 Number 2
May 2010 - October 2010 11
 EXTENSION UPDATES

Experts move, collaborate to counter

spreading armyworm outbreaks in Luzon
F
PHOTOS: courtesy of DA-Regional Crop Protection Center-Region IV.
armers in several areas of Luzon
A B
have become confused and
scared upon seeing their fields
being devoured by amassing batallions
of voracious pests-the armyworm and
its kindred.

Armyworm, commonly known as

'Harabas', is the larva of the Spodoptera
sp. moth that causes great damage to
crops such as corn, rice and others. ▲Armyworms are voracious eaters and most destructive when present in large
numbers. The larva is the most destructive stage of this insect and feeding in (A) corn can be
Although local government units recognized by eaten leaves with only the midribs left. In (B) eggplant, all the leaves may be
in the affected areas are providing eaten. It multiplies rapidly, laying more than 1000 eggs during a short lifecycle of 20-29 days.
farmers with sprayers and insecticides
to control the pests, the armyworm C D E
outbreaks -which originated from
Bataan- are spreading and starting to
creep towards Southern Luzon.

In fact, Wilma Cuaterno, Crop

Protection Division Chief of the
▲The species of armyworm that attacked several provinces in Luzon from June until
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of
the 1st week of August were the (C) African or black armyworm (Spodoptera exempta),
Plant Industry has reported that close
(D) grass armyworm (Spodoptera mauritia) and the (E) true armyworm (Mythimna separata).
to 4,000 ha of corn have already been
damaged in Batangas alone and more
areas in Luzon are currently affected. the Crop Protection Cluster led by its spray pesticides, risking personal health
Director, Dr. Avelino D. Raymundo. and that of the consumers. Other than
Prompted by the outbreaks not only spraying, there is no quick and effective
of armyworms but also of cutworms Other experts were from agencies way to control the armyworms.
and semi-loopers as well, an experts' under the DA organization -Bureau of
discussion was held by the DA Plant Industry, Bureau of Agricultural But according to Dr. Pio A. Javier of
National Corn Program-funded project Research, Region IV Crop Protection the CPC, "there are many potential
on “Packaging and Promotion of Selected Center, and the National Corn RDE biological control agents which can
Corn Technologies” last August 6, 2010 Program. be used against the pests -Cotesia sp.,
at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Telenomus sp., Charops brachypterum,
Research and Extension, UPLB. Why the sudden outbreak, and what tachinid fly and the Nuclear
should be done to counter them? polyhedrosis virus (SpexNPV)."
The project is led by Dr. Artemio M. SpexNPV can substitute for synthetic
Salazar, Deputy Director of the CA- Scientists present in the meeting insecticidal spray against armyworms.
Crop Science Cluster. have concurred with the observations
that the sudden spike in armyworm From the results of the group's initial
The multi-agency discussion was population was triggered by the onset discussions, they are now initially
attended by experts from the CAS- of intermittent rainy and sunny days crafting a national program to address
Institute of Biological Sciences, after the long dry spell which hit the the current outbreak of armyworms
CFNR-Forest Biological Sciences, country. in corn plantations, and later, to come
CA-Crop Science Cluster and the up with a disease outbreak plan for all
CA-Crop Protection Cluster. Bulk of The outbreaks have stirred panic in the economic crops in the country. (Ana
the technical delegation came from fields, causing farmers to excessively Lisa G. Gabatin and Florante A. Cruz) ■

University of the Philippines Los Baños

12 Research, Development and Extension Digest
 FEATURED EXTENSION PROGRAM

The Making of Technopreneurs:

Improving human resources in the AFNR Sector BY FLORANTE A. CRUZ

PHOTO: GHPIAMONTE
PHOTO: CVLABE

mentors like Dr. Olivia C. Emata (in lab coat) of the CA-Animal and STUDENTs are given exercises on juice processing by Prof. Dennis
Dairy Sciences Cluster interact with students during the sessions. Marvin O. Santiago (2nd from left) of the CA-Food Science Cluster.

T
he growing concern on the "By increasing the rate by which our "Aside from these, we mentor them
apparently declining enrolment technologies are extended to potential in their business plan preparation
in courses related to agriculture, users, we achieve two things: our and implementation, as well as in
forestry and natural resources (AFNR), technologies are eventually used, and developing competencies to enhance
has prompted the government to adopters are technically trained to their technoprenurial capability," she
directly intervene in increasing the become efficient technology managers added.
supply and demand of manpower of and entrepreneurs" he added.
AFNR graduates who are important in The project is part of the P200 M-
the public and industry sectors. The project is now training 30 students funded national program “Enhancing
and alumni on the technological the Demand for Agriculture, Forestry,
Doing its part to help solve the aspects and processing of UPLB- and Natural Resources Graduates
problem, UPLB is now training developed products: functional fruit through Science and Technology” being
students to become future and puree, high-end cheeses and led by the DOST-Philippine Council
"technopreneurs"-people who are microbial rennet. for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural
specifically inclined to use modern Resources Research and Development.
technology as foundations of their To practice what the students are
business ventures. learning from the courses conducted Simply called the "AFNR Program,"
by the project, the students' respective the program involves more than 50
Led by the College of Economics start-up projects are currently being state universities and colleges (SUCs)
and Management-Department implemented inside the laboratories that aims to:
of Agribusiness (CEM-DAM), and facilities of the College of (1) analyze the factors affecting the
BIOTECH and two clusters of Agriculture's Food Science Cluster supply and demand of AFNR
the College of Agriculture, the and Animal and Dairy Science Cluster courses;
university started a program on and BIOTECH, where they are (2) promote skills enhancement
"Harnessing UPLB’s Capacity for closely mentored by the technology among the AFNR manpower
Technopreneurship and Technology developers. through the upgrade of
Commercialization: Key to Better facilities and improvement of
Placed AFNR Graduates" in 2009 "In relation to the management aspects the curriculum in SUCs; and
of the start-ups, students are also taught (3) support entrepreneurship
UPLB has generated a lot of how to identify opportunities and development, technology
technologies in are specially geared concerns and formulate and implement business incubation and
toward processing and value-addition," business strategies," said CEM-DAM's employment generation in the
project leader Prof. Faustino Q. Prof. Dinah Purah T. Depositario, lead AFNR, among others.
Arrienda II of CEM-DAM shared. proponent of the UPLB AFNR project. (Florante A. Cruz) ■

Volume 2 Number 2
May 2010 - October 2010 13
 FEATURED TECHNOLOGY

THE PHOTOBIOREACTOR HAS LANDED: The tube

containing a swirling and bubbling green liquid and
surrounded by bright lights is not an alien capsule
but UPLB’s prototype algal photobioreactor.
PHOTO: FACRUZ

Solving the food vs. fuel issue BY FLORANTE A. CRUZ

Developed photobioreactor, a promise in producing a new source of biofuel

F
ood versus fuel – this is an issue Engineering, "requires the development "We have recently designed and
which has persistently hounded of what we call '3rd generation' biofuel fabricated an externally-illuminated
the use of renewable resources sources, such as algae, which does vertical column draft-tube airlift
in energy production, much so that not require large investments in land photobioreactor for cultivating
experts worldwide are frowning upon resource." Chlorella vulgaris for biodiesel
the idea of using large areas of land for production," Dr. Demafelis reported.
producing biomass for biofuels rather Using microalgae for biofuels has
than rearing man’s food. enormous production potential– they "Inside the photobioreactor, the
grow faster, cheaper to produce, and algae circulate along with water and
In the Philippines, the government is have very high oil content. nutrients. The algae grow inside the
pushing the wide-scale farming of sweet tubes and are harvested once the
sorghum and Jatropha in marginal Using microalgae is also beneficial to maximum density is reached," he
lands for bioethanol and biodiesel, the environment; it captures carbon added.
respectively. dioxide in the air, and can be used
for recycling nutrients and treating With a capacity of 21 liters, the
But aside from having difficulty wastewater. prototype has an outer tube, a
in attracting domestic and foreign draft tube, and uses an air duct and
investment in energy production, the Currently, Prof. Demafelis’ research compressor for aeration.
government is still in the process of group is perfecting a laboratory-scale
developing contiguous farm locations prototype device for mass-rearing algal Prof. Demafelis and his research team
which are fit for sweet sorghum and biomass which will be used as feedstock are now optimizing the parameters of
Jatropha. in biofuel production. the photobioreactor for upscaling.

"Solving this dilemma," says Prof. The device, called a photobioreactor, is "We also hope to increase the optimal
Rex B. Demafelis of the College of a closed environment that uses natural residence time of the photobioreactor
Engineering and Agro-industrial or artificial light to provide a suitable while considering costs for investment
Technology - Department of Chemical environment for the algae’s growth. and operations," he said. ■

University of the Philippines Los Baños

14 Research, Development and Extension Digest
 FEATURED TECHNOLOGY

PHOTOS: courtesy of EBESGUERRA

D F
A

B E G

USING ETHEPON AND 1-MCP IN POSTHARVEST HANDLING OF BANANAS: (a) Latundan, 1000
ppm ethepon, (B) Lakatan, 2000 ppm ethepon, (C) Lakatan, 2000 ppm ethepon with 50/75%
C ethanol, (D and E) Lakatan with 1-MCP at 3 weeks, (F and G) Latundan with 1-MCP at 2 weeks.

The banana just ripens better BY FLORANTE A. CRUZ

T
able bananas such as our local With a grant from the Department of Dr. Esguerra also studied the use of
Lakatan and Latundan always Science and Technology, Dr. Esguerra 1-methylcyclopropene or MCP to
have problems with ripening. and her team has now developed the extend the shelf-life of the bananas.
Some ripen prematurely, others quickly proper ripening regimes to delay or MCP is a competitive inhibitor of the
over-ripen, while others ripen non- hasten the fruits' ripening. ethylene action.
uniformly.
According to the project’s results, MCP is available as a powder but active
In order to control ripening of these Lakatan should be dipped in just 2000 in gas form. To liberate the MCP, water
bananas, postharvest handlers dip them ppm ethepon solution for one to five is added to the powder. For Lakatan
in water mixed with a chemical called minutes. If delayed ripening is desired bananas, 0.1 µl l-1 MCP treatment for
ethepon that releases ethylene, the after ethepon treatment, bananas 12-24 hours can retard ripening for
compound responsible for ripening. should be stored at 18-20oC so that it 26 days at ambient condition. For
would fully ripen in 13 days. Ethanol Latundan bananas, 0.5-1 µl l-1 MCP is
When Dr. Elda B. Esguerra and her at 50 or 75% concentration can be required to make the bananas remain
research team from the Postharvest mixed with 2000 ppm ethephon to green for 20 days.
and Seed Sciences Division of the reduce astringency in ripe Lakatan.
CA-Crop Science Cluster studied the The effect of MCP can be reversed by
practices of wholesalers in Divisoria On the other hand, Latundan can be applying 2000 ppm ethepon several
and other markets, they found out that dipped for 1-5 minutes in 1000 ppm days after MCP treatment.
handlers just use bottle caps to measure ethepon and stored between 18-20oC
ethepon they apply. so that it would ripen in 11 days. Dr. Esguerra also pointed out that
MCP can be used together with
“We saw that the ethepon they apply Ethepon-treated bananas stored at ethepon. “With combined application
was so much - about 3000 to 4000 ambient temperature of 25-28oC would of MCP and ethepon, you can delay
ppm - that bananas ripen in one or two lead to faster ripening. Lakatan would ripening of Lakatan up to 26 days,
days after arriving from the production ripen in just five days, while Latundan while Latundan can be delayed up to
areas,” Dr. Esguerra reported. would ripen within four days. 20 days" she said. ■

Volume 2 Number 2
May 2010 - October 2010 15
 TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION UPDATES

UPLB’s gains patent for controlled

atmosphere technology for carabao mango
U
PLB has been granted its
newest patent for a technology
that extends the shelf-life
of 'Carabao' mangoes to four weeks
after harvest utilizing the Controlled
Atmosphere (CA) environment. The
"Method of Extending the Marketable
Life of 'Carabao' Mangoes," is a
technology developed by Dr. Ma.
Concepcion C. Lizada, former director
of the then Postharvest Training and
Research Center of the College of
Agriculture. FEATHER
ON CAP:
This small
CA technology has actually been used
piece of
commercially for apples and pears.
paperboard
Although several studies have been
ensures
done on green mangoes, none have that the CA
been done on 'Carabao' mangoes until technology
the study of Dr. Lizada. is protected,
and enables
Under normal conditions, mangoes both the
remain viable for some time after university and
harvest. However, they continue the inventor to
to undergo metabolic changes and gain economic
eventually deteriorate. These metabolic benefits from
changes cannot be prevented but can the technology.
be slowed down.

An important metabolic process highly Hydrocooled

relevant to storage life is respiration. mangoes are
To extend storage life and preserve then pre-cooled
the fruit quality, respiration must be through the CA.
reduced. Dr. Enrico P. Supangco, Vice-
For mango traders and exporters Chancellor for Research and Extension,
The CA environment provides the requiring a shipment period of 14 days and who currently spearheads the
enabling conditions for prolonging the or more, the CA is the ideal system. technology commercialization efforts of
marketable life of 'Carabao' mangoes. With this invention, it is now possible the university has this to say:
to ship commercial quantities of
Under this environment, temperature, 'Carabao' provided that transport vans "While this patent may look like
relative humidity and ideal gas mix are equipped with the CA system are used another feather in our cap, we
maintained without sacrificing fruit and pre-shipment measures are met. must fully commercialize this CA
quality. technology. The technology has the
Mango ranks third, behind banana and potential to boost the country’s mango
Prior to CA, carefully selected pineapple, as the country’s top fruit industry and to generate additional
physiologically mature, disease-free exports, generating US$ 23.28B in income for the University through
and unblemished green mangoes are 2008. With this technology, mango technology licensing. We are now in
subjected to hot water treatment for exporters can expect an increase of the process of negotiating with a couple
disease control and then hydrocooled. earning from 'Carabao' mangoes. of partners." (Elias B. Abao, Jr.) ■

University of the Philippines Los Baños

16 Research, Development and Extension Digest
 TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION UPDATES

PHOTOS: FACRUZ

UPLB CTTE starts

comprehensive
training program
on patenting

L
ast June 21, the UPLB Center
for Technology Transfer and
Entrepreneurship (CTTE)
successfully held its one-day
seminar-workshop on patents for 16
participants, selected by their respective
heads, from various units of the
University.

According to Vice-Chancellor for CONDUCTING A SEARCH OPERATION: Engineers from the College of Engineering and Agro-
Research and Extension Dr. Enrico industrial Technology looking for patents related to toys are “suprised” to see the results.
P. Supangco, the activity was held to
strengthen the capability of university
units to handle the protection of their
respective technology innovations and
breakthroughs.

"We hope that with this activity,

our units will be able to manage
its intellectual properties (IP) more
efficiently," Dr. Supangco added.

Held at the Office of the Vice-

Chancellor for Research and Extension,
the seminar-workshop on "WYSK
(What You Should Know) about
Patents" concentrated on the process of
patent search and provided participants
with knowledge and tools needed to
determine the patentability of the
inventions developed in their respective
units. RESCUED?: All smiles after the day was done — participants looked relieved after the
grueling hands-on patent search exercises, but definitely anticipate more challenges to come.
During the seminar, participants
were oriented on the basics of patents Engr. Merito J. Carag from the the IP processing time here in the
and the criteria for patentability of Bureau of Patents and Engr. Virginia university.
inventions. The participants also F. Aumentado of the Information and
underwent hands-on exercises on Technology Transfer Bureau. "We also plan to conduct an intensive
searching patents online which is training program, which will run for
integral in product and process The UPLB CTTE is embarking on several days, on drafting claims before
development. a comprehensive capability-building the end of the year," Mr. Elias B. Abao,
program in Intellectual Property Jr., Development Management Officer
The seminar-workshop was facilitated and now works very closely with of the UPLB CTTE said. (Elias B.
by two patent experts from the Intellectual Property Philippines Abao, Jr. Florante A. Cruz and Mae Ann
Intellectual Property Philippines: representatives to improve and shorten F. Bulang) ■

Volume 2 Number 2
May 2010 - October 2010 17
 TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION UPDATES

PHOTO: LJAOCHIM/InWEnt Bonn

PHOTO: FACRUZ
PHOTO: EBABAOJR
UPLB shares UPLB tech incubation International hybrid
technology team benchmarks IT seed corporation to
business incubation park of UP Visayas, expand operations
experiences with completes feasibility inside the UPLB
Southeast Asian study for own UPLB Science and
counterparts IT hub Technology Park

Vice-Chancellor Enrico P. Supangco The UPLB Technology Business Renovation of the right wing of the
and UPLB Center for Technology Incubation Team recently concluded its first floor of the ACTETSME building
Transfer and Entrepreneurship staff May study on the feasibility of establishing is in full swing to accommodate
Anne A. Cruz joined with at least 30 a UPLB Information Technology Hub the expansion of Pioneer Hi-Bred
other participants from the Philippines after surveying the capabilities and Philippines, Inc., a multi-national
during the conference on "Promoting management of technology business corporation engaged in the production
Business Incubation in Southeast incubators (TBIs) in UP Visayas, Lahug, and sale of commercial hybrid seeds.
Asia - Importance of Networking and Cebu from July 23-24, 2010.
Dialogue on International Success Pioneer started its ties with UPLB in
Stories" held from June 14-17, 2010 in The team, composed of Elias B. Abao, June 2009 with the signing of a two-
Jakarta, Indonesia. Jr., May Anne A. Cruz and Ronilo P. year lease contract involving the rental
Violanta and led by Vice-Chancellor of a one-hectare experimental farm at
The conference was aimed to intensify Enrico P. Supangco, interviewed the the Science and Technology Park for its
the exchange of knowledge within management and staff of Cebu InIt hybrid rice research. It was followed by
Southeast Asia, specially with existing Technology Business Incubator, as well another lease contract for an office space
national and international networks in as its clients Cybertech, Inc. and Unang at the first floor of the ACTETSME.
good practices in business incubation. Pahina.
According to Mr. Mark Nas, Pioneer
During the workshops, Vice-Chancellor Aside from studying the TBIs in the Hi-bred Philippines Senior Research
Supangco and May Anne Cruz Visayas, the team also earlier studied Associate, the expansion is needed
presented the university's current the TBIs located in UP Diliman, as well to provide additional room for its
projects aimed to enhance and facilitate as conducted surveys among potential employees and to complete Pioneer's rice
technology business incubation, and the clients from the UPLB faculty, research research facilities in Los Baños.
various experiences and best practices and student sectors.
the UPLB team has encountered in the Speaking of the expansion, Vice-
course of their technology transfer and Stakeholders and partners from the Chancellor Enrico P. Supangco relayed
commercialization efforts. Department of Science and Technology that "the expansion is a testament of
(DOST) and Department of Trade and the trust and confidence being forged
Nearly a hundred people from Industry have also been surveyed. between the two organizations."
Indonesia, VietNam, Thailand, the
Philippines and other countries The feasibility study was supported "We are headed towards a longer and
participated in the symposium by a P70,000 grant from the DOST- successful partnership, and we believe
sponsored by Germany-based InWEnt Philippine Council for Advanced that this academe-industry relationship
Capacity Building International and Science and Technology Research and will become a model for others to
the Ministry of Industry of Indonesia. Development. (May Anne A. Cruz and emulate," Dr. Supangco concluded (Elias
(Florante A. Cruz) ■ Florante A. Cruz) ■ B. Abao, Jr.) ■
University of the Philippines Los Baños
18 Research, Development and Extension Digest
 PHOTO NEWS
BY FLORANTE A. CRUZ

▲ Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco and Vice-Chancellor Enrico P. Supangco (2nd from ▲ Mr. Elias B. Abao, Jr. (topmost) of the UPLB CTTE,
top and center, respectively) meet with officials and representatives of the KumHwa briefs the counterpart visitors from the Hankyong National
Seed & Young Plants Co., Ltd. as part of their visit to Hankyong National University University on the operations of the UPLB Science and
(HNU) in South Korea last May 13, 2010. Technology Park last August 10, 2010.

▲ Freshman and sophomore students taking up medicine

at the Far East University of Korea arrived last July 13, 2010
for a study and cultural tour of UPLB and Laguna. The tour,
coordinated by the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, was given support
▲ Laos Vice Minister Dr. Bounkouang Phichith (center) and Ministries Secretariat by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension.
Dr. Keoboualian Vonsouvanh (leftmost) paid a courtesy call at the OVCRE last
August 4, 2010 as part of their study tour on food and nutrition policies and program
management. The tour was coordinated by the College of Human Ecology - Institute
of Human Nutrition and Food through Dean Sue Liza C. Saguiguit and her staff.

▲ Dr. Felino P. Lansigan of the CAS- Institute of Statistics (standing, center) ▲ Exhibitors from UPLB and UPLB Foundation, Inc. pose
shared some tips on what new researchers should remember when making for a light moment before the opening of the 6th AFTCFPE
proposals for submission to funding agencies last June 7, 2010 at the OVCRE. at the SM MegaTrade Hall II last August 5, 2010.

Volume 2 Number 2
May 2010 - October 2010 19
 PHOTO NEWS
BY FLORANTE A. CRUZ

◄
Nearly a hundred people from UPLB’s
scientific community gathered on August
11, 2010 at the UPLB Operations Room for
the UPLB Centennial Professorial Lectures
on Climate Change and Food Security.

Professorial lecturers were Dr. Felino

P. Lansigan of CAS-INSTAT (Managing
Climate Risk to Enhance Crop Productivity
for Food Security: Knowledge-based
Dynamic Cropping Calendar for Farm
Operations), Dr. Avelino D. Raymundo of
CA-CPC (Dynamics and Management of
Pest Epidemics in a Variable and Changing
Climate) and Dr. Agnes C. Rola of CPAf-
ISPPS (Towards a Climate Risk Resilient
Agricultural Development: How Can UPLB
Address This Challenge?)

▲ Engr. Merito J. Carag of Intellectual Property ▲ Management and staff of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and
Philippines’ Bureau of Patents orients participants Extension, as well as some their guests from other units, wait for the blessing of their
on the basics of patents and the criteria for new headquarters. The Office of the Chancellor, along with the offices of the five Vice-
patentability of inventions during the UPLB Chancellors, recently moved to the newly renovated and furnished 3rd Floor of the UPLB
CTTE’s seminar-workshop held June 20, 2010. Main Library last July 20, 2010.

The RDE Digest The RDE Digest is published semi-annually by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for
Research and Extension (OVCRE), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). It is released
Official Research, Development and Extension Newsletter
of the University of the Philippines Los Baños every April and October each year, in time for the UPLB Commencement Exercises and UPLB Loyalty
Day, respectively.
managing editor/ layout
Florante A. Cruz
Otherwise stated, articles appearing in every issue are selected from those which have already been
published at the RDE News Website [http://rdenews.uplb.edu.ph], UPLB Link or UPLB Horizon.
writers/ editors
Florante A. Cruz Contributions related to research and extension from UPLB faculty and staff are welcome. Please
Rosario G. Gabatin send manuscripts and digital photographs via email: ovcre@uplb.edu.ph. Comments on the published
content can also be sent through the same email address. Requests for use of content for publication
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May Anne A. Cruz OVCRE Building, Kanluran cor. Lanzones Roads, UPLB, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
Ana Lisa G. Gabatin Tel. No. (63) 49 536-5326; Fax No. (63) 49 536-7181, VOIP: 1525, Email: facruz@uplb.edu.ph.
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University of the Philippines Los Baños

20 Research, Development and Extension Digest