Ofcial Research, Development, and Extension News
2
of the University of the Philippines Los Baos
Visit the UPLB RDE Portal at http://ovcre.uplb.edu.ph
Researchers receive
OVCRE Publication Grant
The participants of the fourth batch of the Scientic Paper Writing Workshop Series were from the various programs under the Institute of Plant Breeding
(IPB). The resource persons included Dr. Evelyn Mae Tecson-Mendoza, Dr. Dolores A. Ramirez, and Dr. Liwayway M. Engle. The Publication Grant
Program prioritizes graduates of the SPWWS and recipients of the Basic Research Program. (Photo by RC Ongkiko)
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for
Research and Extension (OVCRE)
begins its search for unpublished research
results which will benefit from the
OVCRE Publication Grant Program
(Pub Grant).
Fifteen journal articles authored by
UPLB researchers are now in various
stages of the Pub Grant Program.
Aimed at propelling UPLBs status as
a research university, the PubGrant
aims to increase UPLBs publications
UPLB and Go Negosyo partner to promote
entrepreneurship and innovations in
agriculture and agribusiness
The UPLB Center for Technology
Transfer and Entrepreneurship (CTTE),
in partnership with Go Negosyo, the
advocacy of the Philippine Center for
Entrepreneurship (PCE), organized
the Mentor Me Innovation Forum on
Agriculture (MMIFA) last 1 September
2016 at the D.L. Umali Hall, University
of the Philippines Los Baos. The
auditorium was at full capacity with
more than 800 guests composed of
entrepreneurs, researchers, government
representatives, farmer organizations and
cooperatives, youth organizations and
students from various schools.
The MMIFA was organized to reinforce
the entrepreneurial spirit of the Filipino
through the presentation of different
opportunities in the vast agriculture
sector. The event featured different
topics on agri-entrepreneurship and
agri-innovations in the forms of keynote
addresses, plenary fora and lectures,
and exhibits of UPLBs agricultural
technologies. Experts in the field
of agribusiness and successful agri-
entrepreneurs were tapped as resource
persons.
by Maria Rowena Beatriz Q. Inzon
by providing editorial and monetary
assistance to staff with quality but
unpublished research.
Funded by the Department of
Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural
Research, the program is open to all
faculty, REPS, and administrative
staff with unpublished research results
from completed projects; as well as
unpublished thesis and dissertations. The
PubGrant covers writing and editorial
services, journal matching service, and
Publication Fee Assistance.
by Daniel Dave J. Batayo
The DL Umali Hall was lled with more than 800 guests from different sectors. Agri-entrepreneurs and
businessmen were also there to discuss tips and insights. (Photo by LN Garcia)
Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez Jr.
welcomed the guests and gave the
opening remarks. He recognized the need
to bridge the gap between academe and
industry to drive sustainable agriculture
and entrepreneurship in the country.
Go Negosyo founder and recently-
appointed presidential consultant on
entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion
challenged and encouraged the youth
Vol.2 No.
This 2017, four Web of Science (WoS)-
indexed journals are accepting papers
from UPLB authors. The Philippine
Agricultural Scientist (PAS), Philippine
Journal of Crop Science (PJCS),
Journal of Environmental Science and
Management (JESAM), and the Journal
of ISSAAS have been asked to refer page
charges through the PubGrant upon
acceptance of the articles.
The OVCRE is continuously accepting
papers. More information on the grant is
available from the UPLB RDE Portal at
http://ovcre.uplb.edu.ph/pubgrant.
to have a positive attitude towards
agriculture during his opening message.
The keynote address, delivered by the
Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines
Effie Ben Matityau, highlighted various
programs of the Israeli Embassy that
are geared toward helping Filipino
entrepreneurs.
PAGE 4
May - December 2016
OVCRE launches
new website
by Lawrence N. Garcia
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for
Research and Extension (OVCRE)
launched its new and improved RDE
Portal last 8 August 2016.
The websites main feature is its
responsive design which adapts to the
device being used by the visitor. Because
of this, visitors can now easily browse
the RDE Portal on their tablets and
mobile phones. It also features a gallery
of photos and videos from various RDE
events as well as a modern interface for
quick and easy navigation between pages.
The new RDE Portal, designed and
developed in-house by the Information
Management and Technology Utilization
Section (IMTUS) of OVCRE, gives
visitors more written and visual content
with fewer clicks.
The websites content has also been
expanded and now includes timeless
feature stories to compliment the news
articles regularly posted to the website.
Apart from the new design, the security
features of the new RDE Portal have
also been improved to safeguard all
information and prevent the risk of
hacking.
After the successful launch of the new
RDE Portal, IMTUS, through the
OVCRE Information Officers Network,
is on the drawing board to collaborate
in improving the websites of OVCRE-
supervised units such as BIOTECH, the
Office of Initiative for Culture and the
Arts (OICA), the Center for Technology
Transfer and Entrepreneurship (CTTE),
and the UPLB Gender Center.
UPLB to hold
national summit
on agricultural
structural
transformation
by Maria Rowena Beatriz Q. Inzon
The call to achieve rapid agricultural
development has never been more
urgent. For the University of the
Philippines Los Baos (UPLB), the
structural transformation of Philippine
agriculture is the way forward to address
the lingering problems of poverty, food
insecurity, and non-inclusive growth.
Broadly, agricultural transformation
means enhancing farm and primary
productivity; transforming farms into
viable agribusiness operations; and
promoting farm, product, and market
diversification.
Through an Administrative Order,
the Office of the Chancellor created a
committee composed of UPLB experts
PAGE 3
2 RDE Chronicle
UPLB celebrates gender pride
by Sairah Mae R. Saipudin
Students, faculty, and staff come together during the Pride March. (Photo by SR Saipudin)
The University of the Philippine Los
Baos (UPLB) once again took part
in the joyous celebration of pride and
gender expression during the Southern
Tagalog Pride March last 20 October
2016 inside the campus of UPLB.
The march was spearheaded by student
advocacy group UPLB Babaylan in
partnership with the UPLB Gender
Center and several college student
councils. This years gathering was a
show of courage amidst discrimination.
Three CVM students receive 2016 Merck
Animal Health Veterinary
Student Scholarship
by Junelle L. Paller
From left to right: Ros Jezreel Dumaraos, Maria Patricia Gungon and Anna Angelica Manalo
(Photo by FP Micosa)
Three students from the College of
Veterinary Medicine, namely, Ros Jezreel
Dumaraos, Maria Patricia Gungon,
and Anna Angelica Manalo, have been
named as beneficiaries of the 2016
Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student
Scholarship Program (VSSP).
Merck Animal Health, and its partner,
the American Veterinary Medical
Foundation (AVMF), annually grants
scholarships (US$ 5000) to 34 exemplary
second and third year veterinary
students from all over the world who are
pursuing careers in either large animal or
companion animal medicine.
It also signified UPLBs openness to the
mainstreaming of gender issues.
Additionally, UPLB Gender Center
and the UPLB College of Development
Communication Student Council
held a forum on Sexual Orientation,
Gender Identity and Expression, Sexual
Harassment and Gender Sensitivity
last October 17 with speakers from the
National Youth Commission, and the
UPLB Gender Centers Office of Anti-
Sexual Harassment.
Based on the website of AVMF, both
Merck and AVMF recognize the value
of investing in the education of future
veterinarians who will impact and benefit
the lives of animals and people they will
encounter.
The Merck Animal Health VSSP
provides an avenue for the foundation
to help offset the financial burdens of
veterinary medicine students.
Those interested in the program can
check the AVMF website (http://www.
avmf.org/programs/merck-animal-
health/) for details on the 2017-2018
program.
BIOTECH obtains two
registered trademarks
by Pamela Raye M. Tadeo
On 19 May 2016, the National Institute
of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
(BIOTECH) was granted certificates of
registration for the trademarks of two
of its products the PECM (Protein
Enriched Copra Meal) and PWS
(Probiotics for Swine and Poultry). The
certification was given by the Intellectual
Property Office of the Philippines
(IPOPHIL).
The trademarks have been used by the
Institute for almost two years now. These
were used to identify feed products being
manufactured at the Feeds and Specialty
Products Laboratory spearheaded by
University Researcher IV Dr. Laura J.
Pham of the Biotechnology for Food,
Feeds, and Specialty Products Program at
BIOTECH.
Protein Enriched Copra Meal
The PECM is a feed mix with high
digestibility and nutrient quality which
can be used as a source of quality protein
that can partially substitute imported
soybean meal in swine and poultry feeds.
The product can substitute up to 30%
of the crude protein contribution of
soybean meal in the commercial swine
diet. Higher values of substitution (60%
and 80% of crude protein contribution)
UPLB advocates use of
Gender Fair Language
by Joanne Rose Belle O. Vale
Last 13 September 2016 the Office of
the Chancellor issued a memorandum
reiterating the order of the Civil Service
Commission for all government offices to
use of non-sexist language in all official
documents, communications and other
issuances.
A series of orientations on Gender
Fair Language was then organized by
the UPLB Gender Center as part of
its efforts to continuously mainstream
gender and gender issues in the
university.
The series aimed to orient UPLB staff on
the importance of non-sexist language
to promote gender sensitivity. Likewise,
it aimed to teach UPLB staff how to
properly use non-sexist language in all
communications and issuances of the
University.
can also be applied to the broilers
standard feed.
Probiotics for Swine and Poultry
The PWS is a live microbial feed
supplement developed to solve
production and environmental problems
in the livestock industry. These probiotic
products improve sustainability and
increase growth performance in swine
and poultry, eliminating the need for
antibiotic use. It is also safe for the
environment.
Product Trademarks
The PECM logo is that of a green
and yellow shield bearing dark brown
shadows of a chicken, a chick, and a
pig. Underneath the figures are the
red letters PECM with the Protein
Enriched Copra Meal spelled right
below it. Meanwhile, the PWS logo
shows the white shadow of a chicken
and red shadow of a pig enclosed
in a circle. In between these figures
is the trade name in yellow: PWS
Probiotics for Swine and Poultry. The
UPLB Center for Technology Transfer
and Entrepreneurship (CTTE) under
the Office of the Vice Chancellor for
Research and Extension facilitated the
registration of the two trademarks.
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for
Research and Extension (OVCRE) led by
Vice Chancellor Rex B. Demafelis took
advantage of the first seminar held last
6 October 2016 at the OVCRE Annex
Building in UPLB, College, Laguna.
In his inspirational message, Vice
Chancellor Demafelis emphasized the
importance of the event and encouraged
the staff to be gender sensitive. Atty.
Kristine Jazz Tamayo and Ms. Marcy
Ledesma from Rainbow Rights
Philippines facilitated the event attended
by the OVCRE staff.
The seminar-orientation started with a
human bingo activity. The participants
were each given a sheet of paper with
a corresponding trait or description
PAGE 3

UPLB surveys Laguna farmers for
future technical assistance
by Marlyn M. Beltran, Ailene M. Florece, and Myrna S. Galang
The UPLB Office of the Vice Chancellor
for Research and Extension (OVCRE),
together with the UPLB College of
Agriculture (CA), consulted with eleven
farmer leaders of different barangays of
Calauan, Laguna on 28 October 2016.
The consultation was the latest in a
series of assessment activities conducted
since 2015 to identify the technical and
extension service needs of the different
municipalities in Laguna.
Aside from visiting Calauan, the group
also interviewed farmers in Calamba City
and Lumban, Laguna.
Calauan, which is a 15-minute
drive from UPLB, is a second class
municipality with about 74% of its land
area devoted to agriculture. The town is
famous for its pineapple which is also
the towns featured OTOP (One-Town,
One-Product).
Calamba City, meanwhile, has lands
devoted to vegetable production.
Calambeo farmers usually grow
eggplant, ampalaya, tomato, petchay,
upo, patola and others which are brought
to Metro Manila.
Lumban, around 34 kilometers from the
university, is famous for its embroidery
crafts and traditional textiles such as pia
cloth. But only a few are aware that some
areas of the town produce vegetables
such as squash, ampalaya, cucumber, and
watermelon for commercial markets.
In coordination with the local
government officials, extension staff
from OVCRE and CA interviewed the
farmers and officials regarding their main
concerns in agriculture and the type of
technical and advisory services they want
to receive.
Results of the structured survey and
one-on-one interview with local
government officials indicated that the
primary requests of the municipality
were technical assistance on waste
management, livelihood programs, and
Aerial spraying discussed at UPLB
The University of the Philippines Manila
Health Policy Hub and the University
of the Philippines Los Baos organized
the 2nd Academic Health Policy Forum
on Aerial Spraying last 3 August 2016
at the ICOPED Auditorum, College of
Economics and Management, UPLB.
Vice Chancellor Rex B. Demafelis
read the welcome remarks of UPLB
Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr.
who commended the idea of the two
constituent units coming together to
form a unified and official position on
aerial spraying.
Meanwhile, UP Manila Chancellor
Carmencita D. Padilla emphasized that
PAGE 5
Top Photo: OVCRE staff interview farmer leaders to understand their concerns in agriculture and what
services they would like receive. Bottom Photo: Dr. Susan May F. Calumpang, Assistant to the Vice
Chancellor for Research and Extension, asks the grower about his pesticide usage for ampalaya.
(Photos by MS Galang and MM Beltran)
programs for the youth, elderly, and
women.
The group also learned of the farmers
need for technical and advisory services,
specifically on pest management and
use of suitable production systems for
lowland rice, corn, pineapple, rambutan,
banana, and other tropical fruits.
The farmer leaders requested for
a far more aggressive information
dissemination and public awareness
campaign on suitable technologies for
higher and better quality harvest.
With agriculture as one of its banner
programs, UPLB is strengthening its
public service not only by providing
by Regina Mae C. Ongkiko
Representatives from various sectors such as the academe, government, and industry attend the 2nd
Academic Health Policy Forum on Aerial Spraying. (Photo by LN Garcia)
May - December 2016
technical advice on agriculture and
related disciplines to various clients and
groups who visit the university, but also
by engaging into collaborative work with
the neighbouring communities through
the local government units.
The support and commitment of local
government officials and the target
clients are however needed to make
such extension projects successful and
sustainable.
This 2017, the UPLB team shall
continue its close coordination with
the LGU for the conduct of a series of
seminars or techno-demo specific to the
needs mentioned by the farmer leaders.
3
PAGE 2
UPLB advocates...
on each block. The aim was to find a
person who corresponds to a particular
description and fill all the blocks with
signatures. In this activity, it was evident
that descriptions related to the lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transexual (LGBT)
movement were the hardest to fill in.
Atty. Tamayo processed the activity
results and then gave a brief discussion
on sexual orientation gender identity
and expression (SOGIE). Gender
fair language was discussed next as it
refers to the Civil Service Commission
Memorandum Circular No. 12 Series of
2005. Atty. Tamayo also provided a guide
on how to use non-sexist language in
transgender coverage and reporting.
The seminar was followed by another
activity held on 18 October 2016 for
BIOTECH staff as requested by its
Director Dr. Rosario T. Monsalud.
Finally, another seminar was organized
for the staff of the offices of the
vice chancellors and their respective
supervised units last 14 November 2016.
Representatives from the Office of
the Vice Chancellor for Community
Affairs (OVCCA), Office of the Vice
Chancellor for Academic Affairs
(OVCAA), Office of the Vice Chancellor
for Administration (OVCA) and Office
of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and
Development (OVCPD) attended the
event at the Multipurpose Hall of the
Graduate School.
The UPLB Gender Center will
continue its advocacy and campaign
activities in 2017 with the hope of fully
mainstreaming gender issues in the
University.
PAGE 1
UPLB to hold national
summit...
from various disciplines to formulate
an action-oriented national program
for agriculture. The committee has
already conducted several workshops and
drafted a discussion paper on agricultural
transformation.
The discussion paper emphasized
that transformation must be within
the context of pro-poor and pro-
environment growth. The paper outlined
several strategies to UPLBs action plan
in achieving national food security and
broad-based sustainable growth.
Realizing the urgency to transform the
countrys current agricultural state,
UPLB is now collaborating with key
players and stakeholders in a bid to chart
a program for agricultural development.
A National Agriculture Summit is being
proposed with the objective of coming
up with a detailed united agricultural
agenda which can be presented to the
Duterte Administration.
Set for this year, the Summit will
bring together the public and private
sectors involved in the development
of Philippine agriculture. UPLBs
strategies for agricultural transformation
will be presented for consultation and
validation.
4 RDE Chronicle

BIOTECH joins international conference

on biofertilizers and biopesticides
by Mervin John C. de Roma

The National Institute of Molecular policy, and institutional settings for

Biology and Biotechnology, or
BIOTECH, represented by Deputy
Director Dr. Marilyn B. Brown
and University Researcher Dr. Lilia
M. Fernando, took part in the
first International Conference on
Biofertilizers and Biopesticides (ICBB)
held 23-26 August 2016 in Taichung,
Peoples Republic of China. The event
was organized by the Asian Productivity
Organization (APO).
scaling up/commercialization of B&B;
managing risks in applications of B&B in
agriculture; and successful cases of B&B
production and commercialization.
In their paper entitled Development
and Usage of Biofertilizers and
Biopesticides in the Philippines, Drs.
Brown and Fernando acknowledged the
meager consumer demand and use of
biopesticides in the Philippines.

The four-day conference sought to According to Dr. Brown, the problem

provide a platform for leaders from
different sectors in the region to present
and discuss the latest scientific advances
in biofertilizers and biopesticides (B&B)
in agriculture as well as to formulate
recommendations for the development
of appropriate policy and regulatory
environments. Participants included
experts from the USA, Republic of
Korea, Japan, India, and the Peoples
Republic of China; APO member
economies, and local observers composed
of government representatives, private
sector, farmers organizations, NGOs,
and academe, among others.
Among the various themes discussed in
the conference included non-chemical
plant nutrition and pest management in
agriculture; R&D, production, and field-
level application of B&B; regulatory,
lies in part with the regulatory and
administrative policies constraining
the registration of B&B products and
the absence of well-defined linkages
between the local government units and The advantages of biofertilizers and biopesticides were discussed during the four-day International
Conference on Biofertilizers and Biopesticides in China. Leaders from different sectors and countries
farmers.
In the Philippines, support to
the development of a product or
technology ends with the product
development. It is up to the researcher
to seek grants in order to conduct
further research, extension activities
and seminars to increase the public
awareness on the availability, advantages
and disadvantages of the use of the
product, Dr. Brown explained.
What this means is that most products
tend to be manufactured in research
institutions like BIOTECH, which in
were able to share trends and experiences. (Photo courtesy of MB Brown)
most cases lack the capacity for mass
production. Due to this reason, B&B in
general are not readily available in the
market unlike synthetic pesticides.
Dr. Brown also emphasized that
commercialization is a facet that
needs to be addressed after product
development. She recommends that
research institutions should be enabled
to establish factories or mixing plants
so that biopesticides will be readily
available for farmers, researchers, and
continuous development. In addition,
training and extension work must be
conducted in various parts of the
country so that pesticide users are
well-informed of the advantages of
using B & B, she said.
BIOTECH is currently implementing
RDE projects which aim to enhance
existing B&B inoculants, develop
new but superior ones and promote
improved and superior B&B
technologies to increase crop yield and
reduce the chemical fertilizer use of
farmers.

PAGE 1
UPLB and Go Negosyo...
The succeeding plenary talks were given
by esteemed guests from the government:
Department of Trade and Industry
Secretary Ramon Lopez discussed
business opportunities in the agriculture
sector.

Meanwhile, Senator Cynthia Villar

shared her expertise on championing
the agriculture sector. Sen.Villar also
highlighted the role of institutions like
UPLB in achieving inclusive growth.

The first forum tackled Cultivating

Agribusiness Growth through
Innovation and featured Josephine
Costales of Costales Nature Farms,
Winston Uy of Universal Leaf
Philippines, Inc., Joseph Calata of Calata
Corporation, Rosalind Wee of W Group
of Companies, Henry Lim Bon Liong
of Sterling Paper Group of Companies,
Desiree Duran of Duran Farms, and Rey
Lapid of R. Lapids Chicharon.
The second forum delved into the success
stories of the panelists composed of Paco
Magsaysay of Carmens Best, Brian Belen
of Ato Belens Farm, Sherill Quintana of
Oryspa Spa Solutions, Arsenio Barcelona
of Harbest Agribusiness Corporation,
and Cathy Turvill of Nurture Wellness
Village. The panelists also shared their
insights on innovative approaches for
sustainable agribusiness.
The last forum featured experts and
representatives from the academe,
private sector, and government agencies
who discussed the importance of their
respective roles in achieving economic
development through business and
contributing to inclusive growth.
The panelists included Department
of Agriculture Asec. for Agribusiness
Leandro Gazmin, Jerry Montejo of
CARD SME Bank Inc., Jovito Rey
Gonzales of Department of Science
and Technology (DOST)-Technology
Application and Promotion Institute,
Melvin Carlos of DOST-Philippine
Council for Agriculture, Aquatic
and Natural Resources Research and
Development, Dr. Isagani Padolina
of Pascual Pharma Corp., and Aristeo Top Photo: UPLB also prepared an exhibit to present the different products of the university.
Portugal of the Food and Agriculture Bottom Photo: Sen. Cynthia Villar emphasizes the role of UPLB in agriculture and sustainability.
Organization. (Photos by LN Garcia)
 May - December 2016 5
UPLB exhibits urban agriculture technologies
by Lawrence N. Garcia

Manila Bulletins Agriculture Magazine efficient production methods for home

partnered with the University of the
Philippines Los Baos (UPLB), through
the Office of the Vice Chancellor for
Research and Extension, in holding two
of the three Urban Agriculture Trade
Show and Exhibit events held on 27-28
February and 17-18 September 2016 at
TriNoma in Quezon City and Market!
Market! in Taguig City, respectively.
With the goal of making agriculture
more accessible to those living in the
cities, the Urban Agriculture Trade
Show and Exhibit featured products
and lectures from UPLB and other
agencies and organizations including
the Department of Agriculture and the
Philippine Orchid Society.
During the Market! Market! event,
UPLB showcased Vertical and Rooftop
Gardening by turning its exhibit
space into an edible vertical garden to
demonstrate how agriculture can be done
in urban areas. The vertical garden set-up
used the Dutch Bucket and the Wick
hydroponic systems as space-saving and
vegetables.
Moreover, experts from UPLB delivered
lectures on various topics: Prof. Primitivo
Jose A. Santos from the Institute of Plant
Breeding demonstrated Simple Nutrient
Addition Program Hydroponics and
Prof. Olivia C. Emata of the Animal
and Dairy Sciences Cluster talked about
cheese-making. Ms. Elena C. Ros of the
Crop Science Cluster discussed Rooftop
and Vertical Gardening while Dr. Susan
May F. Calumpang, Scientist I from
the National Crop Protection Center
and Assistant to the Vice Chancellor
for Research and Extension, lectured on
pesticide residue reduction in food.
Additionally, various UPLB inventions
and technologies were also showcased.
These include several bio-fertilizers
developed by BIOTECH, as well as
seeds and seedlings of varieties of fruits
and vegetables which have been bred
and developed at the Institute of Plant Top Photo: Prof. Primitivo Jose A. Santos of IPB discusses SNAP Hydroponics and demonstrated
Breeding, UPLB. how to set up a do-it-yourself system. Bottom Photo: Dr. Susan May F. Calumpang talks on reducing
pesticide residue in fruits and vegetables during food preparation. (Photos by LN Garcia)

PAGE 3

Aerial spraying UPLB scientists feted by nations highest S&T body

by Lawrence N. Garcia
discussed...
aerial spraying is not a new issue. She
also encouraged the participants to
explore areas of possible collaboration to
help boost the banana industry.

Speakers from the academe, industry, and

the government zeroed in on different
points related to the issue at hand.

Capt. Samson S. Villaver of the

AirTrac Agricultural Corp and Sumifru
Philippines Corporation discussed the
banana industry and how it is being
affected by the black sigatoka disease.
The disease can be managed by aerial
spraying of fungicide. Capt. Villaver also
mentioned the industrys current efforts
to ensure that aerial spraying is both safe
and effective.

Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for

Research and Extension Dr. Susan
May F. Calumpang who is also from
the National Crop Protection Center
talked about international regulatory
protocols and systems currently in place
in developed countries.
On the other hand, Dr. Allan R.
Dionisio from the National Poison
Management and Control Center at the
Philippine General Hospital reiterated
the importance of preventive measures
for the health and safety of individuals
and communities especially those living
near the banana plantations.
The participants engaged in intellectual
discussions, with both sides sharing
valuable insights. One of the main topics
was about the meaning of safety in
terms of aerial spraying. The need for
additional research was also mentioned.
As such, the body agreed on pursuing
collaborative research among the
government, the academe, and the
industry.
Dr. Virgina C. Cuevas from the Institute of Biological Sciences was conferred the rank and title of Academician. (Photo by LN Garcia)
Scientists and researchers from the
University of the Philippines Los Baos
were lauded during the 38th Annual
Scientific Meeting of the National
Academy of Science and Technology
(NAST) held at the Manila Hotel in
Ermita, Manila on 13-14 July 2016.
Dr. Virginia C. Cuevas, Professor
Emeritus from the Institute of Biological
Sciences, was conferred by NAST with
the rank and title of Academician for her
significant contributions as a scientist,
educator, and mentor in the field of
mycology and environmental biology.
Her various research projects on cellulose
and lignin degrading fungi led to the
wide use of Trichoderma harzianum
as activator for rapid composting
technologies.
Dr. Cuevas also developed the
Trichoderma Microbial Inoculant, a
biofertilizer that also acts as a biocontrol
agent against fungal diseases in crops.
This technology helped cabbage farmers
in Benguet, Mountain Province save
millions due to its effectiveness against
the clubroot disease.
Dr. Tonette P. Laude, Associate Dean
of the College of Agriculture, was given
the 2016 Outstanding Young Scientist
Award for her work in plant breeding,
specifically her work on identifying
superior populations of white corn with
high-quality protein. IPB Var 6 (NSIC
CN 2008-244), the most preferred
variety for white corn grits, is part of her
research. Dr. Laude was also recognized
for her work to prevent the genetic
erosion of corn landraces in the country
through recurrent selection procedures
and the development of biotic and
abiotic stress-resistant hybrid corn
varieties.
UP Scientist and former UPLB
Chancellor Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz
received the NAST Environmental
Science Award for his contributions
to the development, as well as the
implementation, of the watershed
approach to land use planning and
natural resources management.
Dr. Cruz also led the formulation of
development master plans for key
watershed areas in the country. The
National Conservation Farming Village
(CFV) program, also led by Dr. Cruz,
has helped upland communities set up
sustainable and resilient upland farming
systems.
Finally, Dr. Jomar F. Rabajante from
the Institute of Mathematical Sciences
and Physics received the 2nd Prize
for the 2016 NAST Talent Search
for Young Scientists for his research
entitled Equilibrium switching and
mathematical properties of nonlinear
interaction networks with concurrent
antagonism and self-stimulation.
6 RDE Chronicle

UPLB RDE Data Analytics

by Czarlina E. Magnata and Regina Mae C. Ongkiko

Number of Research Projects Implemented by College/Unit

(November 2014 to October 2016)

LEGEND:

CA: College of Agriculture

CAS: College of Arts and Sciences
CDC: College of Development
Communication
CEAT: College of Engineering and
Agro-industrial Technology
CEM: College of Economics and
Management
NUMBER

CFNR: College of Forestry and

Natural Resources
CHE: College of Human Ecology
CPAf: College of Public Affairs and
Development
CVM: College of Veterinary Medicine
SESAM:School of Environmental Science
and Management
MNH: Museum of Natural History
BIOTECH: National Institute of Molecular
Biology and Biotechnology
PAHINUNGOD: Ugnayan ng Pahinungod
GENDER: UPLB Gender Center

UNIT

Articles/Books Published/Papers Presented

(November 2014 to December 2016)

Articles/Books Published/Papers Presented TOTAL

Articles published in refereed journals
ISI-indexed 274
International refereed 113
Local refereed 103
Book/Book Chapter/Section 87
Papers presented in conferences
International conferences 176
Local conferences 611

International Publication Awardees TOTAL

Articles 128
Books/Book chapters 11

Research and Extension Digital Media Reach For the past two years, the Ofce
of the Vice Chancellor for Research
(November 2014 to December 2016) and Extension has invested in
increasing its digital media reach so
that R and E information would be
Facebook Reach more accessible.
Portal Unique Users
1,374,303 105,121
Social media analytics has increased
greatly because of the added
features such as Triva Tuesday and
The number of unique people who
have seen any content associated Technology of the Week.
with OVCREs ocial Facebook Page
The UPLB RDE Portal has been
redesigned to be mobile friendly, in
Twitter Impressions Abstract Downloads order to keep up with the changes
brought around by technology.

5,264,144 236,489 New issues of journals were also

uploaded in the UPLB Journals
The number of unique Twitter streams
Online website.
the content has been delivered to by
the OVCREs ocial Twitter account

Map prepared by the Ofce of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development
Museum of Natural History discovers several new species
Left: Anaplecta anncajanoae Lucaas, n. sp.: (A) habitus; (B) hind wing; (C) proleg; (D) tarsal claw; (E) male genitalia and subgenital plate; (F) male supra-anal plate; (G) female subgenital plate. (Acronyms:
L1, L2, L3: Left phallomere sclerites; L2d: L2 dorsal; L2v: L2 ventral; L2vm: L2 ventromedial; R2, R3: Right phallomere sclerites) (Photo courtesy of The Philippine Entomologist)
Center: Lanceacheyla lipina Corpuz-Raros & Naredo (A. dorsum of body; B. Pedipalp); Scale bar: 100 micrometers (Photo courtesy of The Philippine Entomologist)
Right: Ceropupa adams sp. n. (holotype): 2. habitus, dorsal view; 3. habitus, lateral view; 4. head, frontal view; 5. thorax and abdomen, dorsal view. (Photo courtesy of Halteres)
Several new species of fauna have
been recently described and named by
researchers and curators of the UPLB
Museum of Natural History. This
has been a result of years of exploring
various localities in the country, and
more interestingly, the old collections in
natural history museums.
A species of cockroach has been
described while sifting through the
decades-old specimens at the UPLB
Museum of Natural History Entomology
Collection. MNH research associate
Cristian Lucaas named the species
Anaplecta anncajanoae, after the late
MNH Botanical Herbarium technician,
Ms. Mary Ann O. Cajano.
The discovery extends the Pan-tropical
distribution of the genus to Southeast
by James DV Alvarez and Florante A. Cruz
Asia. It is only one of the three new
possible species that was studied from the
museum collections.
The two other possible new species which
are yet to be described were collected
by renowned entomologists Dr. Clare
Baltazar and Dr. Leopoldo B. Uichanco.
The discovery further underscores the
importance of natural history collections
in the Philippines as museum researchers
are discovering many more novel species
from old collections than they do by
surveying forests and other habitats. The
research has been published in the latest
issue of The Philippine Entomologist Vol
30. No. 1.
Another new species of minute
derbid planthopper has been recently
May - December 2016
Special Economic Zones
to rise in UPLB
by Babylyn C. Dela Cruz
Two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are
being developed by the University of the
Philippines Los Baos (UPLB) pursuant
to its Memorandum of Agreement with
the Philippine Economic Zone Authority
(PEZA) inked last 04 March 2016 by
both parties.
The UPLB Agro-Industrial (AIP) and
Information Technology (ITP) Parks,
spanning 60.85 and 9.15 hectares
respectively, will effectively tap resource
generation opportunities to support and
sustain UPLBs academic, research, and
extension programs. It would become a
venue for exposing faculty, researchers,
and students to production and business
technologies to enhance academic life
and increase the research capability of the
University.
The AIP will focus on attracting investors
and prospective companies which are
interested to commercialize UPLB-
developed technologies. The AIP will also
establish a technology business incubator
which will nurture start-ups and spin-
off companies. The AIP will also be
open to locators which will offer related
technologies.
On the other hand, the ITP will be able
discovered by MNH curator Dr. Sheryl
A. Yap together with Thierry Burgoin
of the Paris-based Museum National
de Histoire Naturelle, Institut de
Systematique, Evolution, Biodiversity.
They named the species as Ceropupa
adams after its type locality in Mt. Pao,
Adams, Ilocos Norte.
According to the authors, this is only
the second species of the genus and
represents also a new country record for
the Philippines. Cerupopa was previously
known only from Vietnam. According to
Yap, C. adams was found thriving under
the leaves of the palm Pinanga urosperma
and was collected using an aspirator.
Upon meticulous review of the
specimens collected from caves in
7
to accommodate the IT sector such as
business process outsourcing companies.
UPLB ensures that the development
and management of the property will
be consistent with its Land Use Plan.
With locators already expressing interest
in leasing parts of the property, the
development of the zones could create
financial gains and establish the optimal
use of UPLBs assets.
The UPLB SEZ committee, chaired
by Vice Chancellor Rex B. Demafelis
and co-chaired by College of
Agriculture Dean Enrico P. Supangco,
is continuously working to lay down
strategies to accomplish its mandates and
to address potential issues, questions and
concerns in developing the property.
It was acknowledged, however, that
the development of UPLB SEZs will
require adequate resources in terms
of staff, facilities, and budget in order
for its operationalization to come into
fruition. The goal of establishing a
fully operational UPLB SEZ involves
a challenging task that requires a
considerable time for preparation and
support from the UPLB administration.
Biak-na-Bato National Park in 2003,
Professor Emeritus Leonila Corpuz-Raros
and research associate Jeremy Carlo
B. Naredo described a new species of
cheyletid mite. They named the species
Lanceacheyla filipina as tribute to the
Filipina woman.
According to their paper published in the
Philippine Entomologist, L. filipina is
the second species known for the genus
Lanceacheyla and the first species of this
genus from a cave habitat.
The Museums quest to discover the
richness of Philippine biodiversity
continues as it explores more localities
and unique habitats from mountains to
caves in large and small, isolated islands.
8 RDE Chronicle

ACROSS 3. scientic study of fungi

Relax with this crossword puzzle! 7. includes naturally occurring 4. preparations containing
by Jose Elmo H. Azores substances and/or microorganisms that microorganisms that help plants uptake
control pests of nutrients

8. (C6H10O5)n 5. existing, happening, or operating in

the air
9. dried coconut kernels from which oil
is obtained 6. to issue the work of (an author)

10. large biomolecules that are required
for the structure, function, and regulation
of the bodys tissues and organs
13. the business of agricultural
production
11. ridges that separate waters owing
to dierent rivers, basins, or seas
12. a recognizable sign, or expression
which identies products or services of a
particular source from those of others

15. parades, events, and festivals
celebrating LGBT culture
16. live microorganisms which when
administered in adequate amounts,
confer a health benet on the host
14. _________ landscaping is the use of
food-producing plants in the residential
landscape.
Answers to Crossword Puzzle
(October 2015 - March 2016 issue)

17. Embroidery Capital of the

Philippines ACROSS DOWN
1. evolution 2. livelihood
4. PEZA 3. outstanding
5. light 6. epicenter
DOWN 7. cooperative 8. harassment
10. virus 9. Pahinungod
1. Black Sigatoka is also known as black 11. thuringiensis 11. Transfer
leaf _____. 12. eco 12. epiphytes
13. rennet 14. calamity
2. also functions as an advisory body 16. autotroph 15. alga
on policies concerning science and 17. hunger
18. vaccine
technology in the country

Geeky Comics
by Ozzy Boy S. Nicopior

The RDE Chronicle

Ofcial Research, Development, and Extension News
of the University of the Philippines Los Baos

managing editor writers / photographers / contributors

Jose Elmo H. Azores
Maria Rowena Beatriz Q. Inzon
Daniel Dave J. Batayo
The RDE Chronicle is published semi-annually by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for
Research and Extension (OVCRE), University of the Philippines Los Baos (UPLB). It contains news and updates
layout Marilyn M. Beltran on the various RDE endeavours of the university.
Regina Mae C. Ongkiko Babylyn C. Dela Cruz
Mervin John C. de Roma Contributions related to research and extension from UPLB faculty and staff are welcome. Please send articles,
production/ circulation Ailene M. Florece
artwork, digital photographs, and literary pieces via email: ovcre.uplb@up.edu.ph. Comments on the published
Jose Elmo H. Azores content can also be sent through the same email address. Requests for use of content for publication should be
Myrna S. Galang addressed to the Editors.
Alex C. Genil
Reynaldo T. Magsino Lawrence N. Garcia
Michael B. Biguelme Maria Rowena Beatriz Q. Inzon For inquiries, please contact us at: Information Management and Technology Utilization Section
OVCRE, 3F UPLB Main Library, UPLB, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
Czarlina May E. Magnata
Tel. No. (63) 49 536-2354 , Local VOIP: 1515, Email: ovcre.uplb@up.edu.ph.
editorial consultant Fernando P. Micosa
Florante A. Cruz Ozzy Boy S. Nicopior
Regina Mae C. Ongkiko
advisers
Junelle L. Paller
Vice Chancellor Rex B. Demafelis
Assistant to the Vice Chancellor Sairah Mae R. Saipudin
Susan May F. Calumpang Pamela Raye M. Tadeo
Joanne Rose Belle O. Vale