About Us

The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), formerly known as the National Institutes of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, was established on December 20, 1979 by the UP Board of Regents as a research and development institution based at UP Los Baños. Letter of Instruction No. 1005 from then president Ferdinand E. Marcos on March 1980 instructed the National Treasury to release P10 million out of the Energy Special Fund for the institute. BIOTECH originally served as an integrating mechanism to mobilize the various departments and disciplines in engineering, chemistry and applied microbiology for research, training, and extension.

BIOTECH serves as the national research and development (R&D) organization specializing in agricultural, environmental, food and feeds, and health biotechnology. The institute capitalizes on the use of the country's diverse collection of microorganisms, rich natural resources and agro-industrial waste and by-products to develop and advance alternative technologies and products towards improved agro-industrial productivity.

VISION

BIOTECH envisions to be a premier biotechnology research institution developing and commercializing globally-competitive and environment-friendly products, processes, and services from the country’s diverse resources, that resolve societal problems on agriculture, food, health, and environment.

MISSION

As such, BIOTECH is committed to contribute in enhancing the quality of life of the Filipino through the growth and development of biotech industries. Biotechnology will be exploited as an enabling technology for the country’s agro-industrialization and people empowerment.

MANDATE

BIOTECH will develop globally-competitive and environment-friendly biotechnology-based products, processes and services from diverse resources in order to fulfill its mission and attain the vision it has formulated.

GOALS

1. To contribute to increased productivity and global competitiveness of commodities through the creation of high-value products, processes and services;
2. To lead in the use, protection and conservation of biodiversity;
3. To be at the forefront in waste management research through biotechnology;
4. To develop a nationally recognized information and education center on biotechnology;
5. To fast track commercialization and transfer of biotechnologies through models, mechanisms and policy instruments; and,
6. To efficiently and effectively manage BIOTECH as a research, development, service, and extension (RDE) organization.

BIOTECH Staff

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Research and Extension

Agriculture and Forest Biotechnology

Agriculture and Forestry Biotechnology Program is the country's incubator of agribiotechnology researches on biofertilizers, microbial biodiversity for reforestation and agricultural waste treatment. BIOTECH, with full support from the University, leads in the active promotion, demonstration and commercialization of biofertilizers towards food security and contribute in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission.

Biofertilizers & Plant Materials
BioFix, BioGreen, Biogroe, BioN, BioQuick, Brown Magic, Cocogroe, Mycovam, Mycogroe, Nitroplus, VAM Root Inoculant

Virus-free Abaca and banana, Orchids, and Aloe vera

Biotechnology Program for Food, Feeds and Specialty Products

Biotechnology Program for Food, Feeds and Specialty Products discovers and upgrades technologies to produce high value foods, feeds, additives, specialty products, and develops efficient detection kits to ensure quality and safety. The program explores sources, properties and application of functional foods (e.g., nutraceuticals, probiotics from GRAS Lactic Acid Bacteria and yeast). Nutraceuticals are the functional foods such as omega-3, 6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids from structured lipids like coconut and local seed oil. The institute also intensifies improvement, application and commercialization of existing DNA-based detection kits and industrial enzymes.

Bioinformatics and Drug Discovery Program

Bioinformatics and Drug Discovery Program applies modern and conventional scientific techniques to discover pharmaceutically-important compounds produced from local isolates and to develop plant cell culture systems as a source of high-value secondary metabolites (drugs). The program uses bioinformatics, computational software, and tissue culture technology for the identification and mass production of identified novel compounds. Continuing efforts are exerted to promote and commercialize BioVac-HS and BioVac-FC, the vaccines against Pasteurella multocida which causes fatal hemorrhagic septicemia and fowl cholera, respectively.

Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology

Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology revives its bioethanol research projects in search for cost-effective and renewable fuel sources and help lessen the impact of oil price increases. The program focuses on the discovery and development of robust microorganisms to improve biofuel production. It also develops biological binders or biosurfactant,biopolymers,and heat-resistant enzymes,for wastes degradation and bioremediation. Likewise,the program extends analytical services and technical assistance on environment and waste management.

Communication and Technology Utilization

Communication and Technology Utilization Program packages BIOTECH information and facilitates its proactive exchange among the scientists-researchers and the Institute clients. The program, likewise, embarks on various technology transfer and commercialization approaches. Among its services include biotechnology promotion, training and internship, product and technology marketing, database management and communication support services.

Administrative Support Unit

Administrative Support Unit provides enabling mechanisms and logistics support services BIOTECH Program and Service Laboratories.

BIOTECH conducts custom-designed contract research and training on biotechnology areas related to agriculture, food and feeds, health, environment and the industry.

Services

Aside from breakthrough discoveries, BIOTECH has income-generating service laboratories that provide technical information and support services to the institute's projects and other clients such as private individuals and companies, NGOs, regulatory agencies, research institutions, and students. BIOTECH consistently rate as one of the top generators of resources within UPLB mainly from income earned by its service laboratories.

It is the only government-owned and operated R&D Institute which offers complete facilities that include microbial depository, testing laboratory, and pilot-plant services.

Laboratories are accredited and recognized by Environmental Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR), Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD), Department of Health (DOH), and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

BIOTECH's laboratories serve as the venue for research and development activities of the university as well as for its partners and clients. They contribute significantly in the generation of additional funds to propel its RDE projects.