DOST: Private sector key in biotech R&D

Izah Morales INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines -- Partnership with private sectors will answer the commercialization problems in research and development (R&D) institutions, the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) said. Universities and institutions should partner with private sector to help commercialize technology that will benefit the people, DoST Secretary Estrella Alabastro at the opening of the National Biotechnology Week. Research and development in biotechnology, for one, has yet to attract more investments from private sector, Alabastro said. Senator Edgardo Angara agreed, as he pointed out the lack of incentives for investors to pour resources in biotechnology research and development. “Biotech will not be successful if support system is not in place,” Angara added. In 2002, Angara said the Philippine government only spent 0.15 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) to research and development, while other Asian countries like Singapore invested 2.1 percent in 2006 and South Korea pouring $ 4.4B from 2000 to 2007 to R&D. Angara suggested that an independent biotechnology center of excellence should be established in the country. Meanwhile, Dr. Saturnina Halos, chair of the Biotechnology Advisory Team of the Department of Agriculture, said scientists should focus research and development on products and services targeting the public. “Kung gusto talaga nila magproduce ng [If they want to produce a] marketable product, they should really study the market,” said Halos. Alabastro said scientists should be open to collaboration, as they also keep their eyes open to the needs of end-users. One of the highlights of the National Biotechnology Week is the launch of 17 biotechnology products from the University of the Philippines Los Banos, UP Diliman, Philippine Coconut Authority, Central Luzon State University, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Philippine Carabao Center and DOST. Currently, biofertilizers, ethanol-production-inducing bacteria, micronutrient enhancement products are just some of the products being developed by these institutions.