THE URGENT NEED to find alternative fuel sources for the country led experts from the academe, research institutions, and government agencies to hold workshop at the University of the Philippines Los Baños last June 29 to come up with a comprehensive national R&D program on biofuels.
 

Dr. Fabian Dayrit is recognized for his outstanding scientific researches in the field of chemistry, spectroscopy and environmental science which in various ways, have contributed in the growth of science and science education in the country.

His research in natural products has led to a better understanding of bioactives and the identification of a new compound from indigenous plants particularly lagundi. He has explored the use of nuclear magnetic resonance for chemical analysis as well as structural analysis of polysaccharides, espcially carrageenan from Philippine seaweeds.

He has developed a methodology using Gas Chromatography coupled with high resolution Mass Spectrometry for low-level analysis of various compounds, including 3-MCPD in soy sauce and drugs in urine, that show our capabilities in doing world-class chemical analysis.

His scientific and academic works have resulted in various publications in ISI-listed and non-ISI-listed journals, thus raising the bar of Philippine research standards in chemistry, spectroscopy, and environmental science.
 

Carrageenan, one of the country's top dollar-earning marine products might drift against doubts following apparent adverse report of an American scientist. This development overshadows Department of Science and Technology-supported carrageenan research and development projects and threatens culture, production, and marketing aspects of the multimillion-dollar Philippine seaweed industry.

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.