Philippine NAST Awards Biotech Plant Breeders

The Philippines' National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) recently culminated its 31^st Annual Scientific Meeting with the conferment of new academicians and recognition of outstanding young scientists. Dr. Eufemio Rasco, Jr., a plant breeder and professor from the University of the Philippines Mindanao, was conferred as one of the new academicians of NAST for his pioneering contributions in breeding tropical white potato and his vast contribution in agribiotechnology education in the country. As a professor, Dr. Rasco spearheaded the development of a general education course on biotechnology, the first in the country, that is now adopted by four universities. Dr. Rasco's collaborative research work with the private sector on biotech corn hybrids also led to the commercial approval and expansion of biotech corn market in the country. In addition, his book entitled, "The Unfolding Gene Revolution", published by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study, was last year's NAST Outstanding Book.

On the other hand, a young breeder from the University of the Philippines Los Banos UPLB was also honored by NAST as one of the 2009 Outstanding Young Scientists (OYS) of the year. Dr. Antonio Lalusin was recognized for his significant work in abaca, sweet potato and cassava breeding . He has successfully blended modern biotechnology techniques with conventional plant breeding strategies using molecular marker assisted selection in screening and was able to develop high yielding and pest resistant varieties. NAST is a prestigious S&T award-giving and advisory body that annually provides recognition to scientific and technological achievements in the country.

For more biotechnology updates in the Philippines, visit SEARCA BIC website at http://www.bic.searca.org/ or e-mail bic@agri.searca.org.