Philippines Honors Most Inspiring Biotech Entrepreneurs

Filipino scientists and entrepreneurs venturing in different areas of biotechnology business enterprise were honored as the Most Inspiring Biotech Entrepreneurs by the Hybridigm Consulting, Inc., a biotechnology consulting firm, in partnership with Go Negosyo, an advocacy group of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE). The honorees were recognized during the Opening Ceremonies of the recently-concluded 4^th Philippine Biotechnology Venture Summit to promote biotechnology enterprises that have excellently transcended the laboratory to market phase of biotech product development and became pioneers in the industry.

The awardees were Dr. Samuel Bernal of Globetek Pro Health, for advanced integrative molecular and biotherapies; Dr. Gisela Concepcion of Biomart Asia, for 'Biogenins', a class of phytochemicals for skin and health care products; Rolando dela Cruz of RCC Amazing Touch, who developed an organic cream from extracts of cashew nuts and other native herbs to treat Basal Cell Carcinoma; Vicenta Mendoza Escobar of Sol y Viento Research Center, uses herbal formulations from 'Noni' (apatot), graviola (guyabano), mangosteen, and other native herbs for health and wellness; Dr. Saturnina Halos of Arnichem Corporation, pioneered the development and utilization of biofertilizers; Dean Lao Jr. of Chemrez Technologies, operates the Philippines' first continuous-process biodiesel plant; Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell of VMV Skin Research Center, promotes the "coconut lifestyle" in the wellness industry; Robert So of Ecosystems Technologies Inc., for his pioneering use of biotechnology in biological wastewater treatment process; and Dr. Rainier Villanueva of Rainiers Research and Development, the first Filipino herbal manufacturing facility in the United States that offers cosmoceutical, nutraceutical, and home care products.

The Palawan Center for Appropriate Rural Technology (PCART), a non-profit, non-government organization from northern Palawan, was recognized as the Most Inspiring Biotechnology Community Venture for its Palawan Bio-Farm Enterprises which is engaged in the production and processing of various herbs for the herbal industry. 

For details contact Ms. Sonny Tababa, Network Administrator of SEARCA-Biotechnology Information Center at spt@agri.searca