DOST-PCAARRD approves 5-M grant for SU research
Left to right: Dr. Aye Mee F. Bartocillo (SU Biology), Victor P. Alcantara (DOST-PCAARRD IDD), Dr. Robert S. Guino-o II (SU Biology), Leovil N. Paclibar (DOST-PCAARRD IDD), and Dr. Nadia P. Abesamis (SU Biology), pose for a quick photo during the DOST-PCAARRD visit in December 2023.
The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), through its Institution Development Division (IDD), has awarded Silliman University (SU), through the SU Biology Department, a research grant amounting to five million pesos (PHP 5,000,000.00).
The grant is titled, “Enhancement of the Silliman University Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory,” and provides funds for the department to acquire laboratory equipment that will aid in establishing a genomic center that focuses on wildlife conservation in Negros Oriental and industry-standard laboratory fixtures that will support a conducive environment for learners and researchers.
Dr. Nadia Palomar-Abesamis, SU Biology Department faculty member and the research project leader said, in a separate email correspondence, that the upgrade of facility and equipment will create a conducive space for learning, training, and research.
“It will enhance the capability of the SU Biology department to conduct more advanced research using genomics for the conservation of endemic wildlife. Specifically, the impacts of this project will include (1) further molecular-based research for biodiversity conservation in the region, (2) more globally competitive students, faculty, and researchers with molecular biology skills, and (3) promotion of molecular research in the province of Negros Oriental,” she added.
It can be recalled that in December 2023, Victor P. Alcantara and Engr. Leovil N. Paclibar who represented PCAARRD IDD visited the SU Biology Department and its laboratory for an ocular visit.
SU Biology hosts the meeting with DOST-PCAARRD representatives at the Biology Department Conference Room.
Palomar-Abesamis said this visit was an ocular inspection by the DOST-IDD personnel of the current molecular biology laboratory at the SU Bio Department.
“This is a necessary step done by DOST in the review of the proposed project from the department,” she emphasized.
The approval comes after a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed by DOST-PCAARRD. As of writing, SU is in the process of reviewing the terms of the agreement.
