With the growing importance of agricultural biotechnology (ABT) in addressing emerging challenges in food security and agricultural sustainability, experts from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), implement the “Linang At Yaman ng Kaalaman sa AGbioteknolohiya (LAYAG) Project: Empowering Youth and Educators through Agricultural Biotechnology” to further strengthen public awareness and understanding of the field. The project also aims to engage students, educators, and other key stakeholders through training and knowledge-sharing initiatives across the country.
Known as the “Project LAYAG,” this scaled-up initiative is being led by Dr. Reniel S. Pamplona of the Institute of Crop Science (ICrops), College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS), UPLB and funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
The project has successfully implemented the “Gilas Biotek Program” at Southern Luzon State University and Bicol University, where it engaged more than 200 students and 30 mentors and trainers through workshops, basic molecular biotechnology laboratory training, and introductory bioinformatics activities to enhance stakeholders’ knowledge and competencies while addressing misinformation and misconceptions about ABT.
Project LAYAG strengthened research and education through training impact assessments, publication of research outputs, and the development of a proposed General Education course in Agricultural Biotechnology.
To further promote public understanding of biotechnology, exhibits and forums were also organized during the National Biotechnology Week (NBW) 2025 celebration, in collaboration with DOST-PCAARRD, reaching more than 250 student participants. These efforts were complemented by three quarterly webinar series featuring technical experts who discussed specialized ABT topics, including the current trends and applications in ABT.
The project also broadened its reach through national conferences and academic and professional engagements, garnering several awards in agricultural biotechnology, extension, and science communication. It was recognized as the Outstanding Extension Project (basic category) during the 2025 UPLB-ICrops anniversary celebration. The Team was also awarded 1st Place Best Poster for their poster titled, “Harnessing Webinars as Platform for Capacity Building and Public Engagement in Agricultural Biotechnology” at the 52nd Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PSBMB) Annual Scientific Convention. Dr. Pamplona, was also awarded 1st Place Outstanding Extension Practitioner at the 2025 National Extension Conference, recognized for the Project LAYAG’s initiatives.
During a project review, Dr. Pamplona shared that the project is set to continue the Gilas Biotek Program in Regions I, II, III, IV-B, and the National Capital Region, and the quarterly webinar series tackling advancements in ABT, conduct cross-learning activities with the higher education institutions, state universities and colleges, and research institutions, and participate in this year’s NBW celebration.
Through these promotional and capacity-building initiatives, Project LAYAG hopes to strengthen biotechnology awareness and literacy among key stakeholders to foster appreciation and informed adoption of biotechnology innovations in the country.
Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management, and Support Services (ARMSS) of DOST-PCAARRD, lauded the team for bringing the field of agricultural biotechnology closer to educators and the youth. Meanwhile, Crops Research Division (CRD) Director Leilani D. Pelegrina commended the initiative for its extensive engagement with institutions nationwide, earning recognition from various academic organizations.
Dr. Pelegrina spearheaded the review, along with CRD Program Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) Section Head Kristine Joy P. de Guzman, and CRD Biotech Focal Alissa Carol M. Ibarra.