UPLB, KOICA, IRRI, and Key Institutions Forge Partnership to Establish Agri-Genomics Facilities, Boosting National Competitiveness

The agricultural sector in the Philippines is ready for a transformative leap forward with the official establishment of the University of the Philippines Los Baños Agricultural Genomics Research Center (UPLB AGRC). The momentous occasion unfolded during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held at the esteemed International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Philippines.

Under the ambitious USD 14.97 million, six-year project spearheaded by the Korean government through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the UPLB AGRC aims to serve as a sign of innovation and excellence in agricultural genomics research and education. With the guidance of the Project Steering Committee, the center will be meticulously constructed and equipped to facilitate cutting-edge research and development in the field.

The project, titled “Capacity-Building for Higher Education and the Establishment of Agricultural Genomics Research Center at the University of the Philippines Los Baños,” underscores a commitment to fostering collaboration among UPLB, Korean institutions, and IRRI. By offering training, exchange programs, and capacity-building initiatives, the project seeks to empower scientists and scholars to harness the potential of genomics science for agricultural advancement.

A key aspect of the collaboration involves providing Filipino graduate students with unparalleled opportunities for academic and research pursuits. Through partnerships with Korean universities and IRRI, aspiring scholars can pursue doctoral degrees and engage in groundbreaking research activities. The project has already seen significant progress, with several students embarking on their academic journeys and numerous others poised to join their ranks in the upcoming academic year.

The MoU signing ceremony witnessed the participation of esteemed dignitaries and representatives from various governmental and academic institutions. Their collective endorsement of the project notes its significance in shaping the future of agricultural research and education in the Philippines.

As the UPLB AGRC takes its initial steps towards execution, plans for an international conference scheduled for August 2024 at the IRRI Headquarters signal a commitment to fostering global dialogue and collaboration in the field of agricultural genomics. With visionary leadership and steadfast determination, the Philippines is poised to emerge as a frontrunner in agricultural innovation and sustainability on the world stage.

In his remarks during the ceremony, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho emphasized the pivotal role of the AGRC in driving scientific innovation and nurturing future generations of agricultural professionals. Similarly, KOICA Country Director Eunsub Kim and IRRI Interim Director Ajay Kohli expressed their enthusiasm for the project's potential to revolutionize agricultural research and development in the Philippines.

The establishment of the UPLB AGRC marks a significant moment in the journey towards harnessing the transformative power of genomics science for the betterment of agriculture, food security, and sustainable development in the Philippines and beyond.