1ST GENOMICS FACILITY IN MINDANAO TAKES OFF
The facility is established to bolster research capacity and output in Mindanao and make services and trainings available and accessible to the region.
THE first and one of its kind genomics facility in Mindanao, the Philippine Genome Center Mindanao Satellite Facility (PGC MSF) was formally launched to the public last October 28, 2019 at the College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin), Tugbok District, Davao City.
An expansion of the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) in UP Diliman, Quezon City, PGC MSF was established to bolster research capacity and output in Mindanao and make services and trainings available and accessible to the region.
The ribbon-cutting and marker-unveiling ceremonies of the inauguration for the facility was done in the presence of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena, PGC Executive Director Cynthia Saloma, and UP MindanChancellor Larry Digal, and PGC MSF Program Director Lyre Anni Murao.
Dr. Murao said the new facility will operate in collaboration with the headquarter facility to help researchers and students in Mindanao conduct omics research and application.
“This is a bold and exciting move that will bolster research capacity and output in Mindanao and more importantly, make omics research accessible to the Mindanaoans,” she said.
PGC in UP Diliman has been at the forefront of omics research in the Philippines, with very promising projects already implemented such as the “Lab-in-a-Mug” Project, a portable diagnostic device for infectious diseases.
Genetic markers associated with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer are also being explored through various projects.
In agriculture, genome sequencing of several crops such as coconut, saba, coffee, sugarcane, abaca, and pili has been initiated to aid molecular fingerprinting and breeding. With the establishment of the Satellite Facility, Mindanao can soon have a taste of various flavors of omics research work.
“The rich flora and fauna of Mindanao is an enviable resource for omics analysis to improve agricultural production, impact human and animal health as well as maintain and sustain biodiversity in the regions,” Dr. Saloma said.
The facility will be transferred eventually together with other research projects in the university in the future Research, Development and Extension (RDE) Building in UP Mindanao worth P80 million granted by UP System.
The customized diagnostics and laboratory services that will be soon offered to the public include sample preparation, spectrophotometry, fluorometry, polymerase chain reaction, electrophoresis, flow cytometry; and bioinformatics services such as custom analysis. However, they are now currently being utilized by PGC MSF researchers in running samples from some of the ongoing research collaborations of PGC MSF. The facility is also open for equipment rental of the mentioned state-of-the art equipment. For pricing details, the public may contact PGC MSF via social media.
“Researchers and authorities will no longer have to send their DNA samples for testing to Manila, for instance. Students and researchers need not travel far to have trainings or exposure to research laboratories,” Dr. Murao said.
Also, part of the inauguration ceremonies of PGC MSF was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding of the Mindanao Genomics Consortium attended by presidents, chancellors and representative from different state universities and colleges (SUCs), higher education institutions (HEIs), private and public sectors, agencies, and industries interested and engaged in genetic research.
Some members of MGC present during the signing were Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc., Brokenshire College, Compostela Valley State College, Mindanao State University General Santos, Mindanao State University Iligan, Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi, Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care, Samahang Magmamangga ng Davao Region, Inc. and Western Mindanao State University.
Currently, there are around 40 members of the consortium who have committed to actively participate in PGC MSF activities to conceptualize and produce various omics researches that will benefit Mindanao.
The recent establishment of PGC MSF was through a seed funding worth P40 million equipment from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD). /