LOS BAÑOS, Philippines (13-14 August 2024) - The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) came together at IRRI Headquarters to present progressive developments of researchers in the "Application of Genomics and Bioinformatics to Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Natural Resources."
The 3rd KOICA-UPLB-IRRI International Conference, co-organized with the Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—Southern Luzon Chapter (PSBMB-SLC), highlighted the latest advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and other omics technologies and their contributions to modern agriculture, aquaculture, and the use of natural resources.
“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Korea Philippines diplomatic ties and the 30th anniversary of KOICA's presence in the Philippines, it is inspiring to be able to strengthen our support for the country's efforts toward food security and sustainable development,” said KOICA Philippines Country Director Eunsub Kim.
The conference gathered leading international experts in the field, including Philippine National Scientist Dr. Carmencita Padila. Plenary talks also featured presenters on the promising application of genomic and bioinformatic technologies in other areas of science, like plant breeding and livestock immunization.
Featured cutting-edge research projects, innovative approaches, and findings by KOICA PhD scholars highlighted the rise in studies in this field and reinforced significant implications for enhancing the current realm of agriculture, aquaculture, and the sustainable utilization of natural resources.
"Today is the culmination of your collective efforts for this conference, but it also marks the start of important conversations, discoveries, and partnerships that advance innovative applications for genomics, bioinformatics, and omics technologies toward solving complex agriculture, aquaculture, and natural resource challenges," said Dr. Yvonne Pinto, IRRI Director General.
The event also witnessed the launch of the Korea-Philippine OMICs Partnership Network (KPOP-Net), a network of Philippine-based and Korean-based educational institutions that seek to implement specific programs of academic, research, and extension cooperation, education exchange, and research collaboration to promote OMICs in the country and the region.
"As we move forward, I envision even closer ties between our institutions. I believe that together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes that will benefit not only our countries but also the global community. Let us continue to build on our shared vision, striving for excellence in education, research, and innovation," said Handong Global University (HGU) President Dosoung Choi, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the ties between HGU, IRRI, UPLB, and the rest of the members of the KPOP-Net.
Key members of the UPLB Agricultural Genomics Research Center (AGRC) Project reported significant updates on the first phase of the implementation. So far, the collaboration has resulted in the training of 70 UPLB faculty members in IRRI and South Korea, the successful conduct of two international conferences in South Korea, and the facilitation of eight seminars with prominent scientists. At the same time, more than 100 interns have joined the training program, successfully engaging the youth in agriculture.
“As Chancellor of UPLB, I cannot overemphasize how thankful we are for this six-year capacity-building project which aims to improve agricultural competitiveness by enhancing science and technology adaptation in the agricultural sector, particularly in advancing omics in agriculture, aquaculture, and natural resources,” said Dr. Jose V. Camacho, UPLB Chancellor.
Chancellor Camacho also mentioned that 10 UPLB faculty and research staff are undergoing training programs in various Korean universities under the partnership. In IRRI, six training sessions on the use of modern genomics equipment have been conducted. These capacity training sessions are also widely disseminated to other educational institutions, particularly the Central Luzon State University and Bicol University.
Moreover, the project has collaborated with various industry partners, namely Samsung Electronics, Fit Corea Trading Philippines Inc. (KAMICO Philippines), CropLife Philippines Inc., Philippine Seeds Industry Association, GoEden, Syngenta Philippines Inc., and RainPhil Inc.
The hybrid event aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange on an international level, providing a platform for participants to explore how genomics and bioinformatics can address pressing challenges in food security and environmental sustainability.