Dr. Jaime Montoya was cited for his pioneering efforts in developing the country’s health research system by setting up the Regional Health Research Development Consortia; supporting the development of diagnostics kits for life- threatening diseases such as leptospirosis and dengue through genomic and molecular technology; and working for the creation of the Association of South East Asian Nations’ Network for Drugs, Diagnostics and Vaccines Innovation (ASEAN-NDI).

Dr. Windell Rivera, associate professor of microbiology of the University of the Philippines, won the Eusebio Y. Garcia Recognition Award for Molecular Biology and Molecular Pathology by the National Research Council of the Philippines. 

Dr. Edsel Maurice T. Salvaña, director of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-National Institutes of Health of the
University of the Philippines Manila, shared that genuine interest can entice a young mind to embrace biotechnology as an auspicious career
path to take.

GROWING HEALTH and environment conscious consumers stimulate interest in natural and organic products. Their preferences are shifting toward safe and organically grown foods. The premium price of organic products is also attracting producers.