The Department of Agriculture–Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-Crop Biotechnology Center) at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) successfully conducted a hands-on training on basic molecular biology techniques for international students, focusing on Sustainable Crop Biotechnology, during the International Summer Short-Term Program (ISSP) 2025.

The four-day knowledge-sharing activity provided participants with practical experience and scientific insights into modern biotechnology applications for agriculture.

This year’s participants included graduate students from Maejo University, Thailand; National Chiayi University, Taiwan; University of Brawijaya, Indonesia; Visayas State University, and the Central Luzon State University, Philippines, who engaged in lectures and laboratory exercises designed to strengthen their research competencies in crop biotechnology.

The program featured lectures from experts in the field, including Dr. Reynante L. Ordonio, Senior SRS/Career Scientist I, on Modern Biotechnology: Basic Concepts and Current Applications; Dr. Arlen A. Dela Cruz, Supervising SRS, on Microbial Biotechnology: From Soil to Sustainable Agriculture; Ms. Ma. Johna C. Duque, SRS II, on PhilRice IMS Policy Orientation and General Laboratory Procedures, Equipment Use, and Safety Considerations; Mr. Reynaldo Diocton IV, Senior SRS, on Plant and Bacterial DNA Extraction and Isolation; Mr. Marlon C. Garcillano, SRS II, on Polymerase Chain Reaction: Principles and Applications; and Ms. Rebecca I. Santos, on Gel Electrophoresis Principles, Types, and Result Interpretation.

The program concluded with a session on CLSU Biotechnology and its Role in Research and Development by Dr. Jerwin R. Undan, Head of CLSU Biotechnology and Analytical Laboratory.
Hands-on sessions allowed participants to apply theoretical knowledge in practical exercises such as plant and bacterial DNA extraction, bacterial inoculation, cell lysis, DNA precipitation and purification, DNA quantification, PCR preparation and running, and gel electrophoresis. Laboratory facilitators Ms. Ma. Johna C. Duque, Mr. Jayvee A. Garcia, and Mr. Al Jun Omandan guided participants throughout the experiments.

As a national research hub, DA-CBC advances crop biotechnology to develop high-yielding, pest- and disease-resistant, climate-resilient, and nutrient-enriched crop varieties. Through knowledge-sharing activities like ISSP 2025, the Center continues to strengthen the Philippines’ scientific capacity, promote sustainable agriculture, and train the next generation of international researchers.