RDEDigest RDEDigest

Official Research, Development and Extension Newsletter of the University of the Philippines Los Baos
visit us at http://rdenews.uplb.edu.ph

Volume 3 Number 1 November 2010 - April 2011

PHOTO: FACRUZ

SOON-TO-RISE: The UPLB Technology Business Incubator will expand with the addition of a 200-square meter facility to be housed at the 3rd floor of the APEC Center for Technology Exchange and Training for Small and Medium Enterprises building at the UPLB Science and Technology Park.

UPLB starts P10M P project to develop technology business incubator

developed by faculty, researchers and students of the university, and even by outside entities. "Although we plan to reserve the startup spaces for clients coming from UPLB, we can also provide oces for those who wish to conduct highlevel research and development," Dr. Supangco reported. Two incubator buildings are already in place inside the UPLB STP, namely, the Food and Feeds Building and Tissue Culture Building. With the grant, additional modules will be put up in the third oor of the ACTETSME Building which will accommodate up to 17 incubatees. The incubatees, aside from given oce space, will be provided with basic furniture and Internet connection. Incubatees will also enjoy support in
1 2 2 3 3 4 5 6 Jatropha tissue culture protocols ... Personality sketch: Dr. Meann Torio ... TAB wins 3rd in media awards ... Pahinungod's 17th anniv celeb ... Pasig 'green' police trained ... Agri-writers urged to cover the env't ... Forum tackles Laguna Lake issues ... New purple-fleshed sweet potato ...

he university has received a development grant very early this 2011 for the continuing development of the Technology Business Incubator (TBI).

the areas of business, administration, consultation, networking and other services which will be provided by the incubator. Part of the package for incubatees also include training on enterprise development, intellectual property protection and other important aspects in running businesses. Initially, the incubator project has targeted the agribusiness students/ technopreneurs from the College of Economics and Management who nished the program on "Enhancing the Demand for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources through Science and Tecnology" funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development. (Florante A. Cruz and Perrose L. Comendador)
7 8 10 11 12 12 13 14 Patent gained for Trichoderma tech ... TBI business uses SNAP tech ... CTTE staff finishes 1-year training ... Philhybrid wins at Filipinnovation ... Regional experts trained on TBI ... Photo News ... Volume Photo News ... 3 Number 1 November 2010 - April 2011 16 17 18 18 18 19 20

According to Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Dr. Enrico P. Supangco, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development has already given the amount of P10M P to the UPLB Center for Technology Transfer and Enterpreneurship for the full implementation of UPLB's TBI inside the Science and Technology Park (STP). The UPLB TBI, a hub for information and communication technology and agri-biotechnology, is expected to help commercialize the technologies

IN this ISSUE:

P 10M UPLB TBI project starts ... Young researchers trained ... Researchers present outputs ... R and E database deployed ... Short courses and trainings begin ... Outstanding R and E awards ... Yacon packs more than just sweetness... The science of tree-ring dating ...

NEWS

OVCRE trains new generation of researchers on the ins and outs of project implementation
esearch in the university entails a lot of eort and guts..." This was revealed by Dr. Enrico P. Supangco, Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension of the University of the Philippines Los Baos (UPLB), during the start of the 2-day "Orientation Seminar/ Workshop on R and D Project Implementation and Management" last March 7 and 8, 2011 at the OVCRE Building. "It is therefore important for young people such as yourselves to know how research projects are implemented and monitored. This will make it easier for you to conduct your respective projects," he added. The orientation-workshop, attended by more than 30 young faculty and REPS from the various units of the university, was aimed at equipping

"R

participants with basic knowledge on the various aspects of research project implementation. The capacity-building program is conducted yearly by the Oce of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE) for young and new researchers of the University, most of whom are recipients of grants under the UPLB Basic Research Program. The orientation-workshop included six modules developed by the OVCRE's Project Development, Monitoring and Evaluation Section with the help of topic experts. The lectures focused on research process ow, nancial management, procurement guidelines, accounting procedures, intellectual property rights, writing publishable articles, research ethics and tips in oral and visual presentation of research outputs. (Florante A. Cruz)

PHOTO: FACRUZ

VICE-CHANCELLOR ENRICO P. SUPANGCO (topmost) enjoins the participants to "enjoy" the lectures and ask from the resource persons how to resolve the problems they may encounter during the conduct of their projects. RUTH M. ALMARIO (right), head of OVCRE's Project Development, Monitoring and Evaluation Section hands over a certificate to Dr. Marian P. De Leon of the Museum of Natural History for presenting the results of her basic research.

Researchers present respective completed projects

wenty-six researchers from the dierent colleges and units of the university came and presented the outputs of their respective completed researches to special guests and representatives of funding agencies last February 21 to 23, 2010 at the Oce of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE) during the annual recognition program for research proponents. Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension Dr. Enrico P. Supangco relayed during the opening program that "we at the OVCRE are all indeed proud that our researchers have nished their projects. Through this

PHOTO: FACRUZ

simple program, we are able to show our appreciation for a job well done." According to Ms. Ruth M. Almario of OVCRE's Project Development, Monitoring and Evaluation Section, more than half of the presenters came from the College of Agriculture and the College of Forestry and Natural

Resources, while the rest were researchers and faculty from other colleges and units of the university. Most of the projects presented were completed in 2010. Certicates of appreciation were awarded to the presentors after their respective discussions. (Florante A. Cruz)

University of the Philippines Los Baos Research, Development and Extension Digest

NEWS

Beta version of online databases on R and E rolls off

or those looking for information about the university's research and extension activities, and cannot personally come to UPLB, here is a welcome respite. Vice-Chancellor Enrico P. Supangco recently reported that the OVCREs Information Management and Technology Utilization Section has launched the beta of its UPLB Research and Extension Database website during the rst week of February, 2011. This development was fueled by, as Dr. Supangco shared, "the inherent mandate of the university to provide the public relevant information at the least cost to them." "With the UPLB Research and Extension Database, we can present raw data about our activities which can be used by our clientele for their specic needs," Dr. Supangco added. The website, although in its initial development stage, already contain 2,704 records of completed and ongoing research and extension projects conducted in the university since 1970.

SCREENSHOT: FACRUZ

It also features a congurable list of the university's current crop of Research, Extension and Professional Sta along with their details which are important for those looking for experts. It also has for now, links to publication databases.

Other services, such as a Technology Database and online submission of data and documents are currently being developed. To use visit the online database, just go to http://redb.uplb. edu.ph (Florante A. Cruz)

Short courses and training programs to be offered by UPLB units this summer

PLB units will again conduct their yearly training and capacitybuilding programs this Summer 2011. To get a glimpse of what is in store, visit the online catalog of the courses in the website of the Oce of the ViceChancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE) at https://ovcre.uplb.edu. ph/index.php/trainings-at-uplb. Nearly a hundred programs are being oered to increase livelihood know-how, teaching and research capability, and business or managerial

competency. For those whose training needs do not fall on a summer, arrangements can still be arranged. With proper request, UPLB through its various units can oer basic and specialized training courses at any given time or place the requesting party chooses. For training needs, interested parties may get in touch with the OVCRE by calling us at (049) 536-5326 or by emailing ovcre@uplb.edu.ph. (Florante A. Cruz)
THE SHORT COURSE ON PINOy ICE CREAM PROCESSING, offered by the Animal and Dairy Science Cluster, involves lecture and exercises on ice cream manufacturing, ice cream mix preparation, quality control and judging.

PHOTO: FACRUZ

Volume 3 Number 1 November 2010 - April 2011

NEWS

Outstanding research and extension personnel and teams recognized in annual convocation

PHOTOS: courtesy of SQVELUZ

eeping with the tradition of recognizing research and extension personnel for their outstanding performance, the University of the Philippines Los Baos (UPLB) bestowed the 2011 Outstanding Researcher, Research Team, Extensionist and Extension Program awards during the Convocation and Awarding Program of the 2011 UPLB Oustanding Personnel and Teams at the Makiling Botanic Gardens Pavilion last March 7, 2011.

OUTSTANDING RESEARCHER: DR. AURORA M. BALTAZAR, Professor 5 CA-Crop Protection Cluster

For her significant contributions in the field of weed science, particularly on weed biology and management, herbicide behavior in crops and weeds, and adaptation mechanisms; resulting in the generation of substantial scientific data not only in the Philippines but also in Asia and other countries. Dr. Baltazar has developed low-input and practical management strategies based on sound scientific principles to help solve urgent weed control problems of farmers, benefiting small-scale rainfed rice-vegetable farmers in six provinces in Central Luzon. Her study on the world's worst weed, the purple nutsedge, has documented how the lowland, ecotype purple nutsedge has evolved in rainfed ricevegetable cropping systems and has determined physiological and biochemical reasons why the purple has tolerated flooded environments.

OUTSTANDING EXTENSIONIST: FOR. ROBERTO P. CERENO, UES III CFNR-Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems
For his significant contributions in the development and institutionalization of training programs, policies, and systems at the College of Forestry and Natural Resources; and for his innovativeness, dedication and commitment in promoting ecotourism activities and events in the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve (MFR) and in Los Baos Science and Nature City, Laguna. A 2-time outstanding extension service personnel awardee in 2000 and 2005, he headed the Parks Management Program of MCME which received the CFNR's Outstanding Extension Program in 2006. His resolve to implement ecotourism in Mt. Makiling is recognized and appreciated by the visiting public, resulting to their enlightened values on nature and natural resources and the importance in protecting them. He has promoted the town as a significant travel destination for foreign and domestic visitors, increasing visitorship which contributed to the fund-generation capability of Makiling Botanic Garden and MFR and increased the support of local government units, volunteer organizations, civic-minded individuals and commercial establishments.

The winners were given plaques of recognition and cash awards by Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco, ViceChancellor Enrico P. Supangco and Secretary of the University and the Board Regents Prof. Lilian A. de las Llagas during the awarding ceremony, one of the events of UPLB's 102nd Foundation Anniversary Week. The research category winners were selected by a university committee which looked at the following criteria: originality of the work, signicance of the research ndings, productivity of the investigators, assessment of the investigator's publications, contribution to institutional development, and recognition received from other individuals or organizations. The outstanding extensionist was selected using the following criteria: commitment/dedicated service to clientele, technical competence, creative outputs and impact of performance. On the other hand, the outstanding extension program was judged based on its impact on clients and the profession, creative outputs, and eectiveness and contribution of the program's outputs at regional and national levels as well as its contribution to rural development. (Florante A. Cruz and Rosario G. Gabatin)

OUTSTANDING EXTENSION PROGRAM: BIODIVERSITy & CONSERVATION EXTENSION PROGRAM, Museum of Natural History
For upholding environmental-oriented extension, particularly biodiversity extension, and for bringing Nature closer to the people and vice versa through its Mobile Diversity Exhibits set up in ten areas in Caloocan, Quezon City, Makati and Laguna and Quezon provinces. The program has shown outstanding performance by staging important and significant biodiversity exhibits/displays, trainings conducted, and seminars. The MNH's expert staff involved in the program is sought not only by local but foreign researchers. The MNH curators of the program also serve as expert/ environmental reviewers of regional and national extension programs and policies and provide other expert services as well.

OUTSTANDING RESEARCH TEAM: INSTITUTE OF AGROFORESTRy College of Forestry and Natural Resources
In recognition of its contribution to the advancement of science and practice of agroforestry which resulted to sustained research and development efforts and stronger linkages with important organizations in the country and the region, and for helping enrich instruction through their research results and outputs. The institute has been serving as the research and extension arm of UPLB in agroforestry development and promotion in the country.

University of the Philippines Los Baos Research, Development and Extension Digest

FEATURED RESEARCH
PHOTO: courtesy of EBRODRIGUEZ

yACON can be eaten fresh or processed into assorted products such as tea, wine, soap, powder, tablets, syrup and even chips!

Yacon packs more than a sweet punch health study shows

ave you gotten to taste yaconthat crunchy tuber with a sweet applewatermelon taste? If you already had, most likely you were rst curious about its much-hyped low-calorie content despite its sweetness. But then again, did you know that yacon may not only be good for weight-watchers but also for those wanting optimum overall well-being too? A recent study led by Dr. Evelyn B. Rodriguez, a Professor at the Institute of Chemistry at the University of the Philippines Los Baos, showed that the tuber from yacon (Smallanthus sonschifolius (Poepp. an Endl.) H. Robinson) a perennial crop closely related to the sunower and grown in several areas in Northern Luzon and Mindanaohas more benets than what people may know. Through a grant given by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of the Department of Science and Technology

(DOST), various phytochemicals in yacon were isolated, identied, characterized and quantied by Dr. Rodriguez' research group. Phytochemicals are compounds naturally occurring in plants and are considered as health promoters. According to the study's results, yacon being grown in the Philippines is very rich in phytosterols, phenolics and fructo-oligosaccharides. Fructo-oligosaccharides is a type of carbohydrates produced in plants that is sweet but not metabolized by the human body. This makes yacon a good alternative snack or dessert for those who have "sweet-tooth" and even for diabetics as well. Several bioassays were also conducted to determine the potential contribution of these phytochemicals to health and wellness. The sudy showed that the phytosterols of yacon tuber and leaf oils were found to lower blood serum cholesterol, indicating potential for helping lower

the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The study also showed that the phenolic compounds found in yacon leaves and tubers exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-angiogenic and antiinammatory activities. These results suggest that, like quercetin, the phenolic compounds from yacon can help prevent carcinogenesis and other chronic diseases. Dr. Rodriguez' study solidies yacons place in the map of "functional foods"foods which are highly considered for health and wellness not only because of their nutritive value but for their physiological benets to the human body as well. Yacon, according to the ndings of Dr. Rodriguez' research group, could form part of a person's diet, and in combination with other healthy and functional foods such as fruits and vegetables, may help reduce the risk, delay or even prevent the occurrence of chronic and degenerative diseases in people. (Florante A. Cruz)
Volume 3 Number 1 November 2010 - April 2011

FEATURED RESEARCH
BACKGROUND PHOTO: commons.wikimedia.org

Nature's way of keeping time

endrochronology or tree-ring dating is the scientic method of dating based on the analysis of patterns of tree-rings. Tree-rings, also called growth rings or annual rings, are seen when the trunk of a tree is cut horizontally and a crosssection is produced. Because rings come as a result of new growth in trunks which is aected by seasons, a ring can mark the passage of one year in the tree's life. Dendrochronology can therefore be used to place to the exact year, the time at which the tree-rings were formed. A very important application of this science is paleoecology, where it is used to determine certain aspects of ecology. Thus, a tree-ring can tell stories about the past climate of a given area where the trees grew from which the treerings were taken. Drought years can be revealed by very narrow annual growth rings while rainy years are reected by wide rings inside the trunks. Rings can also reveal the incidence, frequency and magnitude of past extensive res, or incidences of pest outbreaks and mega-typhoons in tropical countries. Tree-rings can also tell if a tree species is able to suppress the growth of other trees in the area, or if it enables the development of a community of trees in a given area. Rings can also show forest dynamics the building-up and mature phases of a forest can be captured by analyzing tree ring patterns in terms of changes in vegetation. Dendrochronology is quite new in Asia, and was rst practiced in New Zealand.

In tropical Asia, it was India that spearheaded dendrochronology. In the Philippines, the rst tree-ring laboratory was established at the School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of the Philippines Los Baos through the generous donation of the Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) of Columbia University, New York City, USA. Complementing this tree-ring laboratory is the funding of the "Collaborative Studies in Tropical Asian Dendrochronology: Addressing Challenges in Climatology and Forest Ecology" project by the Asia Pacic Network for Global Change Research, Kobe, Japan whose principal investigator was Dr. Nestor T. Baguinon of the Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, UPLB. (Details about the project can be accessed at http://apnssead.tk) With the tree-ring laboratory, indigenous tropical tree species in the Philippines with clear distinct growth rings are now being identied and studied whether or not the species can be used for reconstructing past events such as El Nio/ La Nia phenomenon. Dr. Baguinon have already sampled several corewood using increment borers in several Philippine natural forests where climate has strong seasonal contrast between the wet months and dry months. The samples have been brought to the laboratory where they were mounted, surfaced with sanders and then scanned using special equipment to see if the wood crosssections reveal clear distinct growth rings. (Rosario G. Gabatin and Florante A. Cruz)

DENDROCHRONOLOGY : The Science of Dating Tree-Rings

DR. NESTOR T T. BAGUINON of the Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, UPLB presented last February 22, 2011 the results of his research project which aimed to investigate tree-rings of native and introduced tree species in selected sites in the Philippines, and to collect enough data for correlating the tree-rings with environmental phenomena. Complemented enthusiastically by tree-ring scientists from India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, trees were investigated by the teams in their own native countries. Dr. Baguinon reported that Team Philippines was able to collect 40 tree species with distinct rings; of the 13 exotic trees, introduced or non-native, six had clear distinct rings. The team reported that the pine and teak ring patterns they have gotten showed evidence of synchrony with El Nio and La Nia events. Team Thailand was second by finding found 28 species, while Team Sri Lanka found 16 species with distinct rings. Collaborating with one another, these tree-ring laboratories in the world have been engaged in finding new indigenous tree species with distinct growth rings. Ultimately, this collective body of scientific work will lead to the understanding of the changes and dynamics of climate in Asian countries and help create the enabling environment which is important in monitoring the responses of tropical forests to changes due to climate and human-induced disturbances in the Asia-Pacific region.

University of the Philippines Los Baos Research, Development and Extension Digest

RESEARCH UPDATES
BACKGROUND PHOTO: commons.wikimedia.org

Protocols for tissue culture of Jatropha established

wing to a number of potential industrial uses, Jatropha curcas has become a much touted 'miracle' tree. Because of its oil which can be converted into biodiesel, Jatropha shows promise in alleviating the energy crisis, specially that plantation owners and developers are keen on the prospects of mass producing it for its oil. But for these future industry players to become ecient in their Jatropha production, they should always have a large number of planting materials of the same quality. Thus, tissue culture would be a very viable option for plantation owners. But tissue culture is not an easy, justdo-it process. "We must rst have the correct protocol for mass-propagating the high oil-yielding varieties of Jatropha which are adaptable to the Philippines," Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, professor at the Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, UPLB said during the presentation of the results of her UPLB Basic Research Programsupported project on "Tissue culture of Jatropha curcas" last February 22, 2011. Dr. Lapitan shared, that in tissue culture, it is important to determine 1) the sterilization schemes for the tissues to be cultured, 2) the tissue or explant best for culture, 3) the most appropriate medium for callus formation, shoot induction and rooting, and lastly, 4) the optimal incubation or culture conditions for growth and development of Jatropha in culture. These information, Dr. Lapitan professed, are vital for a successful tissue culture system, and thus formed the backbone of her research.

In her ndings, Dr. Lapitan reported that explants for tissue culture can be sourced out from selected and graded seeds, standing plants in the nursery, and mature plants in the eld. But before subjecting Jatropha seeds to tissue culture, these should be rst sterilized by immersing them in 5% calcium hypochlorite for 10 mins. For tissues from existing stocks, a combination of sterilants 2% Manzate for 30 mins and 5% calcium hypochlorite for 20 mins can be used. Dr. Lapitan also reported that tissues from seedlings, compared to those which came from adult or mature plants, are more responsive to tissue culture. But although callus readily form from all types of tissues (leaf, stem, and root), leaf tissues are more responsive to shoot formation. It was also found that the use of dierent Modied Murashige and Skoog media with varying concentrations and combinations of growth hormones is eective for the dierent developmental changes undergone by the cultured Jatropha tissues. Adjustments can also be made in the media: increasing the sucrose in the culture medium induces even more shoots to form, while by adding activated charcoal in the media, rooting can be enhanced. Lastly, Dr. Lapitan revealed that light is very important in Jatropha tissue culture and its absence in the laboratory can cause the browning of cultures. The protocols are still being rened, according to Dr. Lapitan, so that the plantlet's rooting is improved, thereby increasing its eld survival. (Florante A. Cruz and Rosario G. Gabatin)

MATURE JATROPHA PLANTS can be used or selected as sources of explants for tissue culture.

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL in the culture medium increases germination of the Jatropha seeds.

LEAF TISSUE is the most responsive explant for shoot formation followed by stem tissue.

GIBBERELLINS enhance and improve shoot growth: Shoots are big enough for rooting just after two weeks.
PHOTOS: courtesy of PGLAPITAN

Volume 3 Number 1 November 2010 - April 2011

PEOPLE AND PERSONALITY

PHOTO: FACRUZ

MARY ANN ONA-TORIO:

BY LINUS PLATA

When Superwoman seems to be an understatement

eann always falls into the Superwoman category.

During weekdays, she wakes up by 4 AM to make breakfast for her husband Leonilo and their third-grade son EJ. She is a typical Filipina housewife with no kasambahay and in-charge of household chores. During Saturday mornings she nds time to rest, exercise and bond with her family but in the afternoons, she goes to her local Christian church to practice for the next days worship. But mind you, she does not only lead the congregation's worship on Sundays, but also preaches the message. Busy as she is, this time-conscious mother and servant of God keeps a daily schedule and makes it a point to stick to it all the time. She says that she even has time to do the laundry despite her hectic days. Bulk of her weekdays is devoted to teaching general chemistry, biochemistry and graduate courses at the Institute of Chemistry at the University of the Philippines Los Baos. Even though she heads the General Chemistry and Chemical Education Division of the institute, she still perseveres in conducting research, extension, and consultation work. Dr. Mary Ann Ona-Torio, or Meann, 36, is a superwoman indeed. "Sometimes, I even ask myself how I can do all these...when sometimes I

only nd rest in folding our clothes," laughingly confesses Meann in Filipino. Born in Bauan, Batangas on August 15, 1974, Meann never expected to become a scientist. Like others, she used to hold the stereotype of Einstein and company: geniuses with bad hair. But a desire to become a teacher came when her undergraduate chemistry lab instructor connected chemistry principles to God. She got her fullment when she became a laboratory instructor right after she graduated in 1995 with a BS Food Technology degree. In 2000, Meann nished her masters degree in Biochemistry and became an assistant professor. Seven years later, she earned her doctorate in Biochemistry, minor in molecular biology and in the process, performed the rst protein engineering in the Philippines using mungbean. Her dissertation reaped several major awards such as the 2008 PCASTRD Outstanding Thesis and Dissertation Award in Advanced Science and Technology and the 2009 NAST Talent Search Award for Young Scientists, both in the eld of Biochemistry. And the humble Superwoman can only say, "I never wanted to be gloried nor

wanted to be in the limelight. That is why in college, I had a quiet life... In fact, I was just compelled to join these competitions... Of course, there is the part that when you lose in the game, it hurts. But it seemed that God told me, that until I joined these contests, I would not experience winning." The rst protein engineering In her dissertation, Meann used protein engineering, the process of developing useful proteins, to improve the nutritional and functional quality of mungbean, a common source of protein in the Philippines. Although rich in protein, mungbean's sequence of amino acids (the building blocks of protein) cannot provide enough nutrition. Mungbean lacks cysteine, an amino acid responsible for adding structural stability to protein, and contains low levels of the essential amino acid methionine. Meann was able to add cysteine and methionine residues to the mungbean protein without changing its physical properties. And by using E. coli, she was able to eciently reproduce the protein and easily isolate them. Although her study was considered a breakthrough, she says it will still

University of the Philippines Los Baos Research, Development and Extension Digest

PEOPLE AND PERSONALITY

PHOTO: FACRUZ

take 10 to 15 years to get approval for the mungbean to be consumed as a genetically-modied food. Opposition As though set in a teleserye, the Superwoman also faces antagonism in her endeavors. "Someone asked me a long time ago why I do genetic engineering when in fact I am a Christian. That we should be not playing god That we were meddling with Gods creation and at the same time, we were making a new creation..." But to Meann, despite frequent tossups with those who are not able to fully understand her work, "these things were revealed to me by the Lord to improve the quality of our lives... and to glorify Him through my life." During this interesting and ironical knot in the life of a spiritual person who did the (religiously unpopular?) rst protein engineering in the Philippines, Meann explains that she was just rediscovering things given by God, stressing that she never made a new mungbean nor changed it, but only improved it. Stands based on faith Despite her contributions to the scientic community, Meann does not compromise her faith. She anchors her beliefs on character and well-known scientic issues in the Bible. In terms of character, she believes she must be humble and submissive to authorities

DR. TORIO'S passion to help her fellowmen drives her chemistry research, where she hopes to get more useful things from the erstwhile ordinary.

even if it costs her to be unpopular. However, on scientic-cum faith issues, she takes rm stands. "I believe that my knowledge in science is ordained and given by God. That is my way of resolving science and faith. For example, Creation-wise, I really do not believe that I have descended from apes. Though, I believe in mutation (the change in DNA) because it really happens." But on human cloning, this she can only say: "It is unethical." Meann also recognizes that life here on earth is temporary. "For me, life is given by God. You can take medication to prolong your stay, but if it is your time to 'go home,' then it is your time to 'go home'." When asked if it concerns her that some people perceive her more as a person of science than of faith, she just hopes they will get to know who she really is. The real deal inside "Superwoman" Speaking on who she really is, Meann describes herself, apart from being a scientist and a child of God, as talkative, approachable, a totoong tao, and malambing. In her free time, she loves playing mind puzzles like Sudoku and word games.
TEACHING is rewarding for Dr. Torio, who believes that the scientific knowledge shared to students prepares them for their lives ahead.

But one game serves as her favorite: "Diner Dash" a strategy video game in which the player has to run a restaurant and serve its customers. This is no longer surprising since Meann loves to cook, especially adobo and steak. And the Superwoman enjoys singing. Besides singing the gospel, she belts out songs like "Can't Take My Eyes o You," and the ever-popular "I Will Survive." She seemed to have more than survived though; she has succeeded. The optimist in Meann makes her dream of coming up with a capsule which can supply all the nutrients required by humans and aim to become an accomplished and reknowned scientist someday. Going towards her dreams, Meann is now looking at compounds called bioactive peptides which may alleviate cholesterol levels and hypertension. Today, this servant of God nds her mission in inuencing her colleagues with a godly life, recognizing that there is a Supreme Being that she is serving through science. With all the things Meann has been doing, the word "busy" ts her to a T. Everyday, she rides into her crisscrossing worlds of motherhood, teaching, discovery and science, and faith and shepherding work with enthusiasm and love. Giving Dr. Mary Ann O. Torio a title of "Superwoman," when it she looks to have already done a lot, may be an understatement
Volume 3 Number 1 November 2010 - April 2011

PHOTO: FACRUZ

EXTENSION UPDATES
PHOTO: courtesy of TAB

MEMBERS OF THE TINIG NG AGRIKULTURA SA BARANGAY as well as Dr. Ma. Theresa H. Velasco, former chair of the College of Development Communication's Department of Development Broadcasting and Telecommunication are presented with a plaque by DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo and DOST-PCARRD Director Patricio S. Faylon during the National Symposium on Agriculture and Resources Research and Development last November 10, 2010.

UPLB participatory community-based radio program team cops 3rd place in Professional Media Awards

PLB bagged the third place in the broadcast category of the PCARRD Professional Media Awards (PPMA) given during the during the National Symposium on Agriculture and Resources Research and Development last November 10, 2010 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City. The award is given to media practitioners who render invaluable support in promoting science and technology in the countryside. The DZLB Tinig ng Agrikultura sa Barangay (TAB) Program Team, a multi-agency and interdisciplinary group of 11 UPLB research and extension sta members, and a veteran broadcaster of the University, was recognized for its relentless eorts for wider and faster dissemination of new and appropriate technologies in the areas of food, agriculture, biotechnology, engineering and other developmental concerns. The group was also cited for featuring science and technology as a vital tool for agricultural and rural development. The TAB team consists of program anchor Severino "Ka Binoy" Flores

of DZLB's Oras ng Maggagatas fame, Dr. Nenita L. de Castro of the Animal and Dairy Sciences Cluster, College of Agriculture (CA) and 10 new broadcasters, products of Radyo DZLB's multi-sectoral partnering workshops and participatory development program planning sessions in 2008. The other TAB members and cohosts include the CA's Simeona C. Seminiano and Myrna A. Tenorio (Agricultural Systems Cluster), Ruby G. dela Cruz (Crop Protection Cluster), Marilyn M. Beltran and Matilde V. Maunahan (Crop Science Cluster), Imelda M. Gesmundo (CA Extension Unit), Marife T. Ombico and Teodora M. de Villa (Food Science Cluster), the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology's Lerma L. Moran, and the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology's Balbino C. Geronimo. The team has been hosting the TAB program since December 6, 2008. Aired every Saturday at 6-7 AM via UPLBs Radyo DZLB 1116 kHz, Tinig ng Agrikultura sa Barangay was conceptualized in cooperation with

the Oce of the City Agriculturist, Calamba City and the local government unit of Barangay Burol, Calamba City, the initial focal area. The program is envisioned to help the people in the CALABARZON region appreciate life and business in agriculture, and entice them to use recent technological advances. It has a exible magazine format which includes segments such as Balitang Barangay and Agri Updates. The rst part focuses on community news, and agricultural and development projects initiated by local government units (LGUs). The second segment, on the other hand, features UPLB technologies and other recent advances in agriculture and related elds which are relevant and appropriate to farming communities, as well as success stories of agribusiness entrepreneurs. The TAB program provides communication support to UPLBs extension programs in cooperation with LGUs and local communities, with the end in view of promoting modern agriculture as a viable development enterprise. (Matilde V. Maunahan)

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University of the Philippines Los Baos Research, Development and Extension Digest

(Florante A. Cruz)

EXTENSION UPDATES
PHOTO: FACRUZ

Ugnayan ng Pahinungd Los Baos celebrates 17th year with reflections and direction-setting

DR. EMIL Q. JAVIER, former UP President and founder of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungd traces back the history of the volunteer program of the whole University.

ast March 15, 2011, the Ugnayan ng Pahinungd Los Baos celebrated its 17th founding anniversary by staging a symposium on "Public Service in an Institution of Learning: Roles and Directions for UPLB, Pahinungd and Volunteerism in UP as a National University" at the D.L. Umali Auditorium. More than 400 faculty, alumni, students and volunteers, old and young alike, came together to share and hear dierent perspectives on volunteerismthose coming from the administration, the organization and the volunteers themselvesin a bid to further underline the importance of volunteerism, a

value which, according to former UP President Emil Q. Javier prepares the UP constituent whether he or she is a student, sta or alumni for an exemplary way of living through seless service and proves contrary to a muchpublicized comment that "UP has not lost its soul." The Ugnayan ng Pahinungd in UPLB is one of two remaining autonomous volunteer programs in the university system. For its 17th year anniversary week celebration, Pahinungd held lm-showings, round-table discussions among its partners, an open house and launched its Pahinungod Portfolio a special report of its significant accomplishments for the past five years. (Florante A. Cruz)
PHOTOS: FACRUZ

DR. J. Prospero De Vera, UP VicePresident for Public Affairs affirms the new UP administration's commitment to public service as mandated by the UP Charter.

CHANCELLOR LUIS REY I. VELASCO shares the university's plan to elevate the program into a center in order to mainstream volunteerism in every office.

Ms. Sarif Artificio, former Gurong Pahinungd in Mindoro and now faculty member, ends her reflection by inspiriting the audience to help serve the people.

PAHINUNGD DIRECTOR Dr. Rowena DT. Baconguis and Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension Dr. Enrico P. Supangco hands a plaque of appreciation to Vice-President De Vera.
Volume 3 Number 1 November 2010 - April 2011

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EXTENSION UPDATES
PHOTO: courtesy of CFNR-TREES

TREES trains Pasig green police

he City of Pasig tapped the services of the Training Center for Tropical Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability (TREES), College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR), UPLB to train their "green police" on proper care and maintenance of trees. These "police" are volunteers who monitor Pasig residents and rms if they comply with the local environmental and sanitation laws. The 1st Comprehensive Tree Management Course was conducted on October 11-15, 2010 at the Youth Training Center, Rainforest Park, Barangay Maybunga, Pasig City. The City maintains an eight-hectare rainforest park used for sports, leisure and educational activities. Some trees in the park have been planted about two meters away from each other while others are intimately planted. Also,

there are trees that have decay, infected with pests, while some are not in good condition due to insucient nutrients caused by cementing their root calluses. The ve-day training course combined hands-on exercises with the lectures on the following topics: tree site selection, disease and pest recognition, pruning and grooming, tree surgery and fertilization techniques. Prof. Juancho B. Balatibat, Dr. Loretto U. dela Cruz, Dr. Ernesto P. Militante and Dr. Jose O. Sargento were the CFNR experts tapped as resource persons. Twenty-six participants attended the training. Majority of them were volunteer green policemen while the rest were sta of the engineering department of the City oce. During the last day of the training, a courtesy call with the City Mayor of Pasig, Hon. Robert "Bobby" Eusebio was organized where he named the trainees as "tree doctors." Mayor

DR. JOSE O. SARGENTO (rightmost) supervises the course participants during their hands-on exercises on proper balling and transporting of a tree.

Eusebio also committed to a long term agreement with CFNR to be able to maintain the greenery of the City. A second batch of the training course is in the pipeline. CENRO Raquel Austria-Naciongayo envisions all the sta of the City Environment and Natural Resources Oce to be trained and become experts in tree care and maintenance. (Felisa L. Malabayabas and Cora A.Calimag)

Agri journalists urged to write more on envi issues

artylist Congressman Angelo B. Palmones pressed on extensionists and journalists the need to discuss and write more on current issues which aect the environment in his keynote talk during the symposium on "The Role of Agricultural Journalists in Advancing Environmental Conservation and Development" last March 31, 2011 at SEARCA. Cong. Palmones, who now represents the science sector in congress through the Agham Partylist, said that agricultural journalists should write and talk about the environment so that "we can change the mindsets of people on certain issues on the environment." "Seldom do people talk about environmental issues and for as long as the media is not taking up issues such as the total logging ban, comprehensive land use planning and reproductive

health... people will lack knowledge on the environment, and the environment will go on to be damaged," Palmones explained. Forester Federico Ocampo, Regional Technical Director for Forestry at the DENR-IVA, presented a status on CALABARZON's environment before Palmones' keynote and revealed that the region's various resources are fast degrading because of rapid urbanization, population growth and the lack of employment and income of people. But according to Palmones, the big culprit of our environmental woes is the "unsustainable management" by the government. "As long as the government does not understand the environment, we will keep on destroying it," Palmones declared. He further encouraged the group to "develop a new army of writers" who would foster

PHOTO: FACRUZ

HON. ANGELO B. PALMONES exhorts agrijournalists to make their news more palatable, competitive and interesting to broadcast media.

responsible reporting and actively write on technological advancements and the immense potential of having a business or career in agriculture. The symposium was held by the Philippine Agricultural Journalists-CALABARZON chapter, which most of its members are communicators from UPLB, in celebration of its 5th anniversary. (Florante A. Cruz)

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University of the Philippines Los Baos Research, Development and Extension Digest

EXTENSION UPDATES

In an in-depth discussion on pressing environmental and socio-economic issues faced by various stakeholders of the Laguna Lake Basin, three people experts in their own respective fields, that is research, administration and community organizing, respectively share their views and perspectives on what course of action should be taken to save the Laguna Lake. The forum was brought to the public by the School of Environmental Science and Management, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the UPLB Environmental Science Society last March 22, 2011 at the UPLB Operations Room in celebration of the United Nations International Year of the Forests.
PHOTOS: FACRUZ

The LAKEHEAD Forum

BY FLORANTE CRUZ

DR. RYOHEI KADA, Professor Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Japan (RIHN)

MR. JOSE K. CARIO, Chief Community Development Division, Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA)

MR. FRANCISCO DIAZ Chairman Laguna Lake Consultative Council (LLCC)

Dr. Ryohei Kada, who leads an international group of scientists with a broad spectrum of expertise among and between its member-researchers, showed the headway their group in assessing the status of the Laguna Lake basin. Working closely with researchers from UPLB, UP Manila, Japanese universities, LLDA and partners from the local government units and citizens' organizations in ve sites around the Laguna Lake basin, their group has conducted several activities looking into the following issues: deterioration of water and soil quality due to human activity; lower household and farm income, poor food security and health problems encountered by communities near the lake; evolving land use of the communities due to urbanization; the potential of payment system for ecosystem services; and mapping of all other inputs through geographic information systems. According to Dr. Kada, even early during this stage, the project has shown that agricultural and industrial pollution, with interplay of various socio-economic factors, has been the main cause of Laguna Lake's continuing deterioration.

Mr. Jose Carino shared that the Laguna Lake, as an important resource, should be properly stewarded. It is in this context that the LLDA has revisited its mandates and reassessed its capabilities in order to become a better and stronger management organization specially that there are external developments such as climate change and increasing environmental pressures. The masterplan which the LLDA has pursued was put in place in 1995 and a lot of changes have already occurred since then. Thus, LLDA is now crafting a new masterplan for the Laguna Lake for the period of 2012-2020. The masterplan, onced approved by President Benigno S. Aquino III, is envisioned to preserve and improve the integrity of the lake resource and usher "equitable development" among the stakeholders. Although it is still being worked on by the LLDA through consultation, the "spirit" of the new masterplan includes a number of salient points such as strengthening the LLDA's regulatory powers, more public/ private participation in nancing developmental programs, climate change preparedness and disaster-risk reduction.

Mr. Francisco Diaz, a sherman all his life and a staunch advocate and defender of the people earning their daily keep from the lake, sounded the Laguna Lake Consultative Council's call for those involved in the eorts to bring Laguna Lake back to life to include and consider the various people's organizations' voice when formulating plans and policies which would aect the sherfolk. The LLCC is calling for more participation of stakeholders during the consultation, formulation and execution of the government's plan for the lake. One of the things that planners should look into, according to Mr. Diaz, is the people's allegation that the Napindan Hydraulic Control Structure built in 1986 to prevent the backow of saline and polluted water from the Pasig River into the lake is actually the culprit to blame why the lake's water has further deteriorated into what it is today. Mr. Diaz proposed that to rehabilitate the lake, three things should be pursued: clean the lake of pollution and increase the lake's depth, identify and develop sh sanctuaries, and reforest the watershed areas around the basin.
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FEATURED TECHNOLOGY
wHEN COOKED, the sweet potato's flesh even becomes more purple, much better than yam or ube's, and has a smooth consistency. THE PHILIPPINE PURPLE-FLESHED SwEET POTATO developed by Dr. Antionio G. Lalusin of the Crop Science Cluster is still undergoing field trials before final release into the market. The variety promises a better future for sweet potato farmers, processors and consumers.
PHOTOS: FACRUZ

Holy Kamote: A Nutritional Wonder

BY MAE ANN F. BULANG

Sweet potato as a life saver Sweet potato is one of the most prolic carbohydrate-producing crops in the botanical sphere. It demands less inputs and water compared to rice, corn and cassavathe three leading staple crops in the Philippines but outproduces them in terms of nutrients. Sweet potato produce high yields even in short periods and adapts very well to various agroclimates and thus becomes essential during hard times such as war and food shortage. In the Philippines, although it has lower value when compared to other crops, it is an important food for lowincome families and those living under the poverty threshold. Kamote versus Rice Most Filipinos consume sweet potato boiled or in the form of sweet potato fritter snack. Beyond that, there is no other popular recipe for this undervalued crop. But if we compare sweet potato to the Filipino staple food, results show that the seemingly lowly kamote fairs signicantly better than rice in terms of nutritional content.

hat crop has two worlds? One world equates it to hard times, while the other acknowledges it as one of the best staple foodthe answer is sweet potato, locally called kamote. Filipinos, especially the younger generation, have low regard for the consumption of this undervalued root crop. Its inclusion in the language even reinforce the Filipino's general idea of its "alleged" low importance. The term nangangamote has come to mean as always unking or failing in something. On the other end of the spectrum, scientists and nutritionists hail sweet potatoes to high heavens. In fact, a study conducted by the Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Research Institute in Indonesia claims that if consumption of sweet potato increased to 60kg/capita/year, their country's rice importation can be signicantly reduced. Just recently, the Philippine Department of Agriculture, with

experts from the University of the Philippines Los Baos (UPLB) and the Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center in Visayas State University started promoting sweet potato, together with cassava and saba, as alternative for rice in order to reduce the country's importation of rice. Historical origins Sweet potato (Ipomea batata) originated from Central America. It is a dicotyledonous plant which belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It is a very distant relative of potato but suprisingly, it is closely related to the morning glory. Christopher Columbus brought sweet potato to Europe after his voyage from the New World in 1492. Two centuries later, the Spanish introduced it to Africa, the Philippines and other Asian countries. Nowadays, several countries eat sweet potato as their staple, among them are Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda.

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University of the Philippines Los Baos Research, Development and Extension Digest

FEATURED TECHNOLOGY
Nutritional analysis has shown that rice has no vitamins A, B-6, C, D, K, and riboavin, nutrients which are present in sweet potato. Compared to rice, sweet potato has 50 times more potassium; 30% more omega-3 and 6; 20 times more calcium; 7 times more folate; 5 times more ber; and 11 times more calories per cup. It also contains amino acids like alanine, aspartate, glutamate, tyrosine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and valine. With all these reasons proving the nutritional superiority of kamote over rice, it is not such a bad package, right? But given the general perception about sweet potato, clearly, Filipino consumers are losing so much by not maximizing its nutritional potentials. Kaleidoscopic world of sweet potato Sweet potato roots come in various shades and colorsfrom white, cream, yellow, golden orange to purple. In the Philippines, the purple-eshed sweet potato is considered a rarity. The more common ones are the cream to yelloweshed and those which are reddish to purple are colored on the skin and not so much on the esh. Consumers often choose food based on appearance but the color's role in food does not actually just end in its aesthetic appeal. The yellow tint of sweet potatoes can be attributed to beta-carotene while the purple tint is due to anthocyanins. Dr. Antonio Lalusin, a faculty and researcher at of the College of Agriculture-Crop Science Cluster here at UPLB, felt that a purple-eshed variety would give Filipinos more reason to plant and eat sweet potato. In his PhD studies at the University of Tsukuba, Japan Dr. Lalusin was able to isolate a gene called IbMADS10 which is responsible for the coloration of the Japanese purple-esh sweet potato variety. "When we characterized the isolated gene, we found out that it was responsible for the color, the anthocyanin. This was exciting because we were the rst to isolate a MADS box gene responsible for the purple color in sweet potato," he added. Anthocyanin, a pigment responsible for the purple coloration of fruits and vegetables, have anti-inammatory and antioxidant properties which protect the body from free-radicals. When he came home, he started again the conventional breeding of sweet potato in UPLB. He cross-pollinated two varieties of sweet potato, NSIC 31 (also called Mega Bureau) and Haponita 2. The result was unprecedented. "Unlike the Inubi sweet potato variety common in Tarlac which only has tinges of purple color, the one we developed is fully purple even if is uncooked," he revealed. Dr. Lalusin is now conducting eld trials for this still unnamed purple-esh sweet potato variety. According to him, the purple sweet potato variety is better than the widely planted Inubi variety since it yields signicantly higher and has eld resistance to the sweet potato feathery mottle virus. Making sweet potato sweeter This new addition to the kaleidoscopic world of sweet potatoes in the Philippines, which is expected to be released by 2012, opens up a window of opportunity not just for farmers but also for food processors and consumers. Here in the Philippines sweet potato is regarded as 'poor man's food' but in Japan and Korea there are diverse products derived from sweet potato. Purple varieties can be used as a substitute for yam in ice cream or other food which may use articial purple coloring. "Since experts now nd that sweet potato is high in antioxidants which ght o cancer, the value of sweet potato in the Philippines may increase," Dr. Lalusin shared. Dr. Lalusin pointed out that the future of the sweet potato industry is bright because the Philippines can already export sweet potato, especially the purple Japanese varieties, to Japan and Korea. With new varieties being developed and new demand created, the future of sweet potato farmers and consumers will denitely become sweeter specially as that public appreciation for this undervalued crop in the Philippines is expected to go upward.
THE PURPLE FLESHED VARIETy is a result of conventional breeding of purpleskinned but whitefleshed Mega Bureau (NSIC 31, developed by CA-IPB in 2005) and Haponita 2 (a Japanese purple-fleshed variety) sweet potato. The cross produced large roots with purple skin and flesh.

PHOTO: courtesy of AGLALUSIN

Volume 3 Number 1 November 2010 - April 2011

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TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION UPDATES

UPLB's newest patented invention is an effective triple-action microbial agent

he Intellectual Property Philippines granted a Letters Patent to another UPLB invention entitled "Microbial Inoculant for Use as Biofertilizer, Crop Growth Promoter and Biological Control Agent." This invention, developed by Dr. Virginia C. Cuevas and Dr. Alfredo M. Sinohin of the Institute of Biological Sciences, makes use of three strains of Trichoderma, a fungus known worldwide for its high antagonistic properties against fungal pathogens as well as an inoculant. According to the inventors, the inoculant is prepared by sterilizing powdered rice bran and inoculating it with fungal spores thereafter. The inoculated rice bran is incubated and later dried to produce the resulting microbial inoculant. The inoculant is an eective biofertilizer for cereals (rice and corn) and vegetables (eggplant, celery, pechay, cabbage, pepper, multiplier onion and tomato, etc.) whether these are direct-seeded or initially planted in seedbeds. As a biofertilizer, it can make nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium and zinc more available to crops. It can increase the crop's yield even if the use of mineral fertilizer is reduced by 50%. As a growth promoter, it enhances seed germination and crop growth. The microbial inoculant is also a good biological agent against soil fungal pathogens and thus eectively reduces

or even eliminates the use of chemicalbased fungicides. In experiments, pechay and tomato treated with inoculant had higher seed germination rates compared to those treated with a well-known fungicide. When used in combination with lime and compost, the microbial inoculant can also eectively control club root

disease of cabbage and Chinese pechay. With its eective triple-action as a biofertilizer, crop growth promoter and biological agent, the microbial inoculant technology has been adopted by two private companies, namely TRIBIO Technologies, Inc. and BIOSPARK Corporation, for commercialization. (Elias B. Abao, Jr.)

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University of the Philippines Los Baos Research, Development and Extension Digest

TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION UPDATES

Vegetable production venture using hydroponics technology to rise in STP

new incubatee is set to fully enter the stage of the UPLB Science and Technology Park this 2011this time, a commercial production module of lettuce and other vegetables using the SNAP hydroponics technology. Registered with the Department of Trade and Industry as Bagong Sibol Farms, the incubatee-enterprise is owned by Mr. Carlos S. Brosas of Los Baos, Laguna. Mr. Brosas' love for vegetables and gardening got him to start on hydroponics as a hobby. His earlier hydroponics trials were quite unsuccessful, but after being trained by Dr. Primitivo Jose A. Santos on SNAP, his hobby made a turn-around so quick, his open garage suddenly lacked space for production. "Because of this, Mr. Brosas approached the university for business assistance and later leased 1,000 square meters of land in the UPLB Science and Technology Park (STP) for the enterprise's operations," Mr. Elias B. Abao, Jr. of the UPLB Center for Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship (CTTE) shared. The STP, an oce operating under the CTTE umbrella, provides working

PHOTOS:FACRUZ and courtesy of PJASANTOS

spaces and other forms of assistance to enterprises in order to promote the use technologies, particularly UPLB's. Bagong Sibol is currently constructing its vegetable farm which includes facilities such as tunnel-type greenhouses, a nursery, holding areas for packing and weighing, and a sta house. Aside from producing assorted varieties of lettuce, Bagong Sibol will also be rearing Bok Choi, Arugula, Cilantro and other herbs for the salad and greens market. (Florante A. Cruz)

SNAP or Simple Nutrient Addition Program is a soil-less form of vegetable production using a low-cost hydroponics system. It is developed by Dr. Primitivo Jose A. Santos of the Crop Physiology Laboratory of the College of Agriculture - Crop Science Cluster. SNAP for the backyard is simple to set-up, maintain and operate. It needs no electricity and about 90% of the supplies needed to set-up the system comes from recycled materials. SNAP can also be used for commercial scale production of lettuce and other vegetables. An excellent return of investment can be realized as early as during the first year of operation.

Volume 3 Number 1 November 2010 - April 2011

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TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION UPDATES

PHOTO: ISPIONG,JR. PHOTO: PLCOMENDADOR PHOTO: PLCOMENDADOR

UPLB CTTE staff completes one-year international leadership training on economic development
UPLB Center for Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship sta Ms. Perrose L. Comendador recently nished her one-year training in Germany under the International Leadership Training on Regional Economic Development (RED) Expert 2009 Programme of the Deutsche Gesselschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit. With 23 other delegates from the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam, Ms. Comendador was able to learn and practice the concepts of local and regional development with focus on strategies, tools, and projects which can be adapted to specic conditions in Southeast Asia. The topics she has gained experience and knowledge on were on small and medium enteprises promotion, tools and instruments in RED, start-up promotion and technology business incubators, innovation and technology transfer. Upon her return to the UPLB CTTE for duty, Ms. Comendador will start on a project to further strengthen the operation of the UPLB Technology Business Incubator. She will also conceptualize and spearhead, as part of the technology transfer project required by her training grant, a technology innovation competition in UPLB. (Florante A. Cruz)

Science park incubatee PhilHybrid Corporation wins 1st place award at 2010 Filipinnovation TBI contest
PhilHybrid Incorporated, a company of the UPLB Technology Business Incubator, bagged the rst Filipinnovation Award for the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Start-up Enterprise of the Year during the TBI Marketplace held at Hotel InterContinental Manila last November 26, 2010. The award is given by the DOST Filipinnovation Program to a start-up company for exemplary performance in terms of technological content and market viability, as well as potential socio-economic impact. Dr. Erlinda P. Rillo, company president who was later joined by PhilHybrid's owner Mr. Bernardo J.B. Mitra, Jr., received P50,000 P cash in prize, a trophy and gift packs. PhilHybrid is the Philippine's biggest private corporation engaged in the production and marketing of true-to-type, embryocultured Makapuno seedlings. O'Mark Enterprises, a UPLB TBI company owned and managed by former BIOTECH Director Dr. Teresita M. Espino, also gave recognition for the UPLB TBI by grabbing a consolation prize in the agriculture category. O'Mark produces virgin coconut oil (VCO) and VCObased soaps and aromatheraphy oil. (Perrose L. Comendador)

InWEnt Capability Building Intl prepares future regional trainors on technology business incubation
A "Training-of-Trainors" Workshop was organized by InWEnt Capability Building International last November 7-12, 2010 in Cebu City to prepare a select group of experts in the Philippines in training and advising others in the eld of Technology Business Incubation (TBI). Ms. Perrose L. Comendador, sta of the UPLB CTTE was among the participants of workshop, which included 18 other nationalities from Indonesia and the Philippines who were sponsored by InWEnt and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The workshop covered topics on training techniques, awareness raising and stakeholder development, feasibility study, business plan and their assessment, implementation and operations of a TBI, marketing and marketing tools, and the use of the Global Campus 21 platform as a tool for capacity building. TBI is a tool to nurture and provide entrepreneurs basic support services and resources to help them grow and survive during the start-up period. The TBI program in the Philippines was started in 2007 by PCASTRDDOST (now PCIEERD) and InWEnt. (Florante A. Cruz and Perrose L. Comendador)

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University of the Philippines Los Baos Research, Development and Extension Digest

PHOTO NEWS
BY FLORANTE A. CRUZ

Program Leader and agribusiness Prof. Faustino Q. Arrienda II (rightmost) presides over the pre-ExeCom meeting among UPLB and DOST-PCARRD personnel involved with the AFNR program last January 19, 2011 at the OVCRE.
PHOTO: courtesy of AGLALUSIN

University of the Philippines President Alfredo E. Pascual (center, in black jacket) met UPLB officials led by Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco last January 20, 2011. President Pascual, 20th among the line of UP Presidents, is an accomplished finance professional who has served UP as Alumni Regent.

About 50 extension staff of Pangasinan State University (PSU) dropped by the OVCRE last October 8, 2010 and were treated to a video presentation on the university's current research and extension programs. PSU's tour of UPLB facilities and programs was part of its university extensionists capability enhancement program and training-workshops.

Dr. Antonio G. Lalusin of the College of Agriculture - Crop Science Cluster stands beside an abaca-crafted kiosk featuring a poster paper on his research on high-yielding and bunchy-top virus resistant abaca cultivars. The kiosk and poster paper won respective first place honors during the Technology Competition of the 2010 National Biotechnology Week held at the SM MOA from November 22 to 28, 2010.
PHOTO: courtesy of ADSC-CA

Engr. Danilo P. Manayaga (standing, center), President and CEO of Secura International, shares his insights on the potential of Philippine natural products and ingredients during a simple discussion held last February 28, 2011 at the OVCRE.

Exy Karla Maranan, a BS Agribusiness studententrepreneur, processes a special cream cheese product at the Cheese Laboratory of the Animal and Dairy Sciences Cluster as part of the PCARRD-funded AFNR program to develop technopreneurship among faculty and students.

Volume 3 Number 1 November 2010 - April 2011

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PHOTO NEWS
BY FLORANTE A. CRUZ
Dr. Enrico P. Supangco, ViceChancellor for Research and Extension (center), leads the staff of the Office of the ViceChancellor for Research and Extension in its parade during the 92nd UPLB Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming. Among him are (L-R): Renato Apolinario Jr., Roland Lapastora, Ruth Almario, Nole Umali, Rosario Gabatin, Lydia Lapastora, Betty Reyes, Arnel Ballesfin and Alex Genil.

The Ugnayan ng Pahinungod management, staff and volunteers ham it up before the start of the traditional parade at the D.L. Umali Freedom Park during the 92nd UPLB Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming on October 9, 2010.

UPLB alumni flocked to the newly constructed E.B. Copeland Centennial Gymnasium during the 92nd UPLB Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming festivities. The Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension, in coordination with various units such as the CA, BIOTECH, CEAT-ChemEng and CAS-IMSP held an exhibit on October 8 and 9, 2010 to showcase the different technologies and products produced by the university.

Official Research, Development and Extension Newsletter of the University of the Philippines Los Baos

The RDE Digest

managing editor/ layout
Florante A. Cruz

is published semi-annually by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE), University of the Philippines Los Baos (UPLB). It is released every April and October each year, in time for the UPLB Commencement Exercises and UPLB Loyalty Day, respectively. 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. Contributions related to research and extension from UPLB faculty and staff are welcome. Please 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 should be addressed to the Editors. For inquiries, please contact us at: Information Management and Technology Utilization Section OVCRE Building, Kanluran cor. Lanzones Roads, UPLB, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines Tel. No. (63) 49 536-5326 , VOIP: 1520, Email: ovcre@uplb.edu.ph.

The RDE Digest

regular writers/ editors

Florante A. Cruz Rosario G. Gabatin

contributors
Elias B. Abao, Jr. Mae Ann F. Bulang Cora A. Calimag Perrose L. Comendador Matilde V. Maunahan Felisa L. Malabayabas Linus Plata

production/ circulation
Evelyn E. Bite Renato E. Apolinario, Jr. Alex C. Genil

adviser
Enrico P. Supangco

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University of the Philippines Los Baos Research, Development and Extension Digest